/ 5 June 1997

Dirty play mars Lions victory

THURSDAY, 11.00AM:

THE British Lions beat Mpumalanga 64-14 in Witbank on Wednesday, but the victory was marred by an ugly incident which left Scots lock Doddie Weir badly injured.

Weir was raked by Mpumalanga lock Marius Bosman, and sustained heavy bruising and bad injuries to his knees. Lions coach Ian McGeechan wanted to cite Bosman after the game, but the game regulations won’t allow for it.

South African Rugby Football Association media officer Alex Broun said a player cannot be cited after a referee has already penalised him. However, Mpumalanga manager Gert Grobler said disciplinary steps will be taken if necessary, after the management re-watches the television recording of the incident.

In all other respects, the Lions had a good day. Captain Tim Rodber said: “You can’t argue with the score — 10 tries to two.”

British Lions: Tries by Rob Wainwright (3), Tony Underwood (2), Ieuan Evans (2), Matt Dawson, Neil Jenkins, Nick Beal. Seven conversions by Jenkins.

Mpumalanga: Tries by Piet Joubert. Conversions by Rynhardt van As (2).