MONDAY, 11.00AM:
THE British Lions began their South African tour in style with a 39-11 win over Eastern Province XV in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, but not without a fight. The Lions played hard and fast rugby, with skilful tries in the first half four, but then EP fought back to an 11-10 lead and pinned them there for a while.
Several Springboks in the EP side kept the team’s efforts going, but a sudden wave of tries and conversions in the last half put the visitors well in the lead. Fullback Neil Jenkins made his mark with four conversions and two penalties. Eastern Province never got back on their feet, and the Lions scored a decisive win.
British Lions: 39
Tries by Guscott (2), Weir, Underwood and Greenwood. Conversions by Jenkins (4). Penalties by Jenkins (2).
Eastern Province: 11