ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Monday Jul 13, 2020

Sexton's half-time speech helped turn the tide in that epic third Test

While it wasn’t a winning tour to New Zealand for the British and Irish Lions in 2017 – the triumphant 1971 trip remains the last time the tourists secured a series victory – it was certainly one for the history books.

ADVERTISEMENT

Almost as memorable have been the Lions documentaries, which first started in 1997 during the successful tour of South Africa. These have given fans and onlookers some of the most iconic behind the scenes footage from past tours, and the 2017 version is just as insightful.

Off the back of winning a dramatic second Test – in which Sonny Bill Williams was sent off for New Zealand – the Lions went into the final Test with a chance to snatch the series win. Trailing 12-6 at the half-time break after tries from Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett, the visitors were still firmly in the match, but with work to do.

Cue a forceful and motivating changing room speech from Jonny Sexton.

Sexton is known to be an inspiring force during the half-time break, most notably giving Leinster the “Liverpool 2005” talk which led his side to Heineken Cup glory in 2011 after trailing Northampton 25-6 at half-time.

The Ireland fly-half doesn’t mince his words and is able to command the room with ease. There’s a lot to be said about players standing up and saying the right things, and while Sexton was not the only figure doing the talking, his speech seemed to do the trick.

Whether thanks to the speech or the circumstances of such a tense Test match, the tide appeared to turn almost from the restart, as the Lions slotted a mammoth penalty courtesy of Elliot Daly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another penalty from Owen Farrell levelled the scores before the England out-half and opposite number Beauden Barrett exchanged kicks in the final quarter to conclude a dramatic encounter.

Comments




Related Articles

  • 177 WEEKS AGO

    'They don't know what's going to happen tomorrow,...

  • 190 WEEKS AGO

    How do you perform when blind in one eye?...

  • 210 WEEKS AGO

    Ed Jackson: The quadriplegic with Everest...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Five of the best tries from the Investec Champions Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

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

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Danny care binned for high tackle on Courtney Lawes

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Debate rages on after Maro Itoje sent to bin for high shot

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban following elbow attack

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Danny care binned for high tackle on Courtney Lawes

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Wild start at Twickenham as Quins pull off another wonder-try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face France in thrilling encounter

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal stuns fans

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he gets too close to the action

View All

Funnies

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Nick David unexpectedly shows up to semi final in full kit

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The worst camera angle in rugby history

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit's real reason for NFL move exposed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    George Ford falls victim to the kickers curse

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

View All

Amateur

  • 69 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 93 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 93 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 93 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Nick David unexpectedly shows up to semi final in full kit

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Billy Vunipola releases statement following arrest

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Beauden Barrett last minute grubber sends fans into meltdown

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Elliot Daly moves fan to tears with incredible post match gesture

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Statement: Owen Farrell to join World XV

View All