MONDAY, 12.00NOON:
THE British Lions beat Currie Cup titleholders and Super 12 quarterfinalists Natal Sharks 42-12 in their match on Saturday in Durban. Natal wouldn’t have had a chance if not for the numerous penalty opportunities presented by the Lions, although Lions’ Neil Jenkins got to kick in six penalties as well.
It was a bad match for Lions scrumhalf Rob Howley, who had to fly home with a dislocated shoulder joint after the game. Lions manager Fran Cotton tried to be optimistic, but couldn’t hide his disappointment at the injury. “It’s a blow, a bad one, but we’ve always said that the squad ethic will win us the series against the Boks and that hasn’t changed,” Cotton said.
Sharks coach Ian McIntosh blamed the loss on the absence of Springboks from the side — the Boks have been pulled out in preparation for the first Test against the Lions this Saturday. “If we are going to have provincial games on these tours, they must be a true test for the teams involved. Pulling out the international players and robbing teams of their strength just plays into the Lions’ hands by boosting their confidence and helping to play them into form,” McIntosh said.
Natal: Four penalites by Gavin Lawless
British Lions: Tries by Gregor Townsend, Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio; three conversions and six penalties by Neil Jenkins.