ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021

First loss for the Lions on tour as they go down to strong SA 'A' side

The British and Irish Lions have lost 17-13 to a very strong South Africa ‘A’ side in a fiery contest in Cape Town.

ADVERTISEMENT

Early pressure saw the South African side, made up mostly of experienced Springboks and Rugby World Cup winners, claim all the momentum and score first thanks to a Sbu Nkosi try down the left wing.

Cheslin Kolbe then fed captain Lukhanyo Am for after a dazzling piece of play, allowing the home side to go into the half with a 17-3 lead, despite losing two players to the sin bin after immense pressure from the visitors.

Faf de Klerk went off for a no-arms tackle then minutes later Marco van Staden also left the field after repeated infringements.

The Lions came back strong with a try to Wyn Jones and two penalties from Owen Farrell, but narrowly missed out on a few moments that could have gone their way, namely with Louis Rees-Zammit in the corner.

Veteran Morne Steyn, the hero from the 2009 series, missed late opportunities from the tee and with a drop goal, but South Africa ‘A’ had done enough to hold on despite the Lions pressure.

“I’m proud of the team, we now know where we are at, and we can analyse where we need to improve,” home captain Am said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We are happy with the performance and excited to be back in the mix. There is lots to build on. It was a tough outing, we certainly took some knocks and bruises.”

Lions coach Warren Gatland spoke of positivity despite the result.

“I’m proud of the boys coming back from 17-3 down. These Test matches are going to be a real arm wrestle and that’s what it was this evening, that’s as close to a Test match as you’re going to get,” said Gatland.

The Lions next face the Stormers before commencing the official three-Test series.

Scorers:

South Africa ‘A’ 17 (17) – Tries: Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am. Conversions: Morne Steyn (2). Penalty goal: Steyn.

ADVERTISEMENT

British & Irish Lions 13 (3) – Try: Wyn Jones. Conversion Owen Farrell. Penalty goals: Owen Farrell (2).

 

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 11 HOURS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 DAY AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    BREAKING: Owen Farrell to step away from England duties entirely

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Community mourning loss of 29-year-old rugby player Melita Williams

View All