Good finish. Gives me some hope for the next two tests, but need to make some changes in the squad.
- I'd guess Kearney will start at fullback in the next one, but not sure about Byrne's injury situation. Kearney was a much better performer though, especially in the second time. (Although Byrne's time was cut very short.)
- Front row. Big issues in that starting front row. Jones was good when he came on in the second half. Would start him. Need to find away of combating that starting front row of South Africa, difficult as it may be.
- O'Gara must play. Stephen Jones offers nothing better in terms of attacking options, but in my opinion O'Gara is the better kicker of the two, both in play and in goalkicking. Take into account those two kickable penalties Jones missed and the match might have looked different.
- Monye...really don't know...seems like an ok player...but two bombed chances from him...
The centre pairing of the Lions is fantastic, Roberts and O'Driscoll complement each other so well its impossible not to wonder how brilliant they could be if they played together more often. Alas...
Phillips is a great scrumhalf.
Bowe looks sharp and dangerous on the wing, needs to get himself more involved, like when he came centre field in the second half hunting for some possession.
...And one last thing...this is the first time I've genuinely hated a South African team...normally I support them against New Zealand in the Tri-Nations, but there was some real low stuff there. 1. Habana (who I rate incredibly highly as a player) getting fiesty for no real reason - come on mate, you aren't going to hurt anyone on a rugby pitch in a straight fight so don't go looking.
2. Those subs towards the end...were the 'injuries' perhaps a bit of a piss poor excuse to just get Pienaar and Smit back on the field? Hmm... and 3. South African commentators...bastards...they announced that the game was 'over' as soon as the 'boks scored their last try and did nothing but talk up their own players all game.
