SA v Lions: B&I Lions player ratings
Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:10
Clash of the captains: Paul O''Connell and John Smit
The British and Irish Lions restored some real pride to their name on Saturday with a 28-9 victory over the Springboks in Johannesburg in the third and final test between John Smit and Paul O’Connell's men.
With all the pre-match chat put to one side, the two teams went to battle one last time this Saturday and, despite a number of changes on both sides, the physical battle was as brutal as everything which has gone before it in the two previous test encounters.
The Lions players flew out of the blocks once again and by half time had established a 15-6 lead - Rob Kearney, Riki Flutey and Shane Williams all proving themselves to be real thorns in the side of the Springboks.
Flutey, making his first test start for the famous red jersey, was particularly impressive with his fantastic handling skills and Williams, after such a frustrating few months, showed his class with a couple of strong finishes to secure his two first half tries.
In the forwards, Jamie Heaslip and captain Paul O'Connell stood out in the physical exchanges while Phil Vickery will feel he buried a few demons by standing up at scrum time.
Pete Murison rates all the British and Irish Lions players...
15 Rob Kearney:
The Irish fullback had an fantastic first half and once again showed his world-class ability under the high ball. Dangerous when joining the line and, all in all, another strong showing in Lions colours. 8/10
14 Ugo Monye:
Made the game safe for the Lions with his interception try in the second half. Not a lot of opportunities but pretty composed and reliable on his return to the side. 6/10
13 Tommy Bowe:
Shifted into the centre there were some who questioned whether Bowe would be able to cope - he most certainly could. A couple little lapses in the first half but
otherwise a flawless defensive performance from the Irish star - including two try-saving tackles. Direct and powerful in his running he always stretched the South African defensive line. 8/10
12 Riki Flutey:
Forced out of the game after 55 minutes due to injury but had enjoyed a terrific showing up till that point. Creative on attack, powerful on defence, Flutey showed an incredible touch to put Williams in for his second try. 9/10
11 Shane Williams:
The Welsh flyer showed his passion and determination with an all-out performance. On hand to finish off two vital tries in the first half, Williams made the most of his chance in Lions colours in 2009. 8/10
10 Stephen Jones:
The Welsh No.10 was rock solid on defence and so reliable for the Lions from the kicking tee. 7/10
9 Mike
Phillips:
A committed performance which saw him involved in far too many scuffles after the whistle, Phillips was solid for the Lions and showed great versatility in the second half by moving to inside centre. Strong in defence. 7/10
8 Jamie Heaslip
Without a doubt Heaslip's best performance in a Lions jumper. The Leinster eighth man carried the ball strongly and made a real impression at the breakdown and in the contact situations. 9/10
7 Martyn Williams:
Had an big battle on his hands with Brussow at the breakdown. A couple important turnovers and a high tackle count but will certainly not feel as though he had the beating of Brussow. 6/10
6 Joe Worsley:
So much of his work goes unnoticed but, on defence particularly, Worsley will be happy with his shift this weekend. The Wasps man offers good support on attack but is not a
dominating ball-carrying blindside. 7/10
5 Paul O'Connell (captain):
The Irish second row made a number of vital turnovers in the second half and put his body about for the entire 80 minutes. Looked far more a comfortable leader in Johannesburg and played his part in the secure work of the Lions tight five. 8/10
4 Simon Shaw:
A silly yellow card to concede. Even if it wasn't deliberate it was clumsy and reckless. Not as impressive as he was the week before in Pretoria but still a strong ball carrier and important cog in the revamped Lions lineup. 6/10
3 Phil Vickery:
A much improved performance at scrum time. By no means dominant but Vickery seems to at least have the matching of Tendai Mttawari this weekend. A workhorse around the park who leaves you in no doubt that he is committed to the cause. 7/10
2 Matthew
Rees:
Had to literally be pulled off the park by the Lions medical staff after 36 minutes but is seemed the right call. The Welshmen had worked solidly as part of the much-improved Lions front five. 6/10
1 Andrew Sheridan:
The English man mountain helped ensure the Lions had the perfect platform from which to attack. Usually a powerful ball carrier he didn’t enjoy much play with the ball in hand this weekend. 6/10
Replacements:
16 Ross Ford: (On for Rees on 36 minutes.)
The young Scottish hooker made his Lions debut and did not look out of his depth at all. Doing the basics well, Ford carried strongly a number of times as the Lions looked to shut the game down in the latter stages. 7/10
17 John Hayes: (On for Vickery on 58 minutes.)
Known as ‘the Bull’ Hayes seemed secure against .the Beast.' Refused to
take a backwards step during his first Lions test stint on the tour after arriving as a late replacement ahead of the Emerging Springboks game. Solid and secure - typical Hayes. 6/10
18 Alun-Wyn Jones: (On for Shaw 70 minutes.)
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Tom Croft: (On as a blood-bin replacement and then replaced Worsley on 65 minutes,)
The England flank made a brief appearance in the first half before coming on with 15 minutes left in the game. Not many chances with ball in hand but didn’t shirk his defensive duties. 6/10
21 Harry Ellis: (On for Flutey 55 minutes.)
The Leicester Tigers scrumhalf made the most of his opportunity in the second half. A general at the base, Ellis was quick and alert in helping to steer the Lions home. 6/10
22 James Hook:
Not enough time to be
rated.
What do you think? Do you agree with Pete? Let us know...