As the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa has come to an end with the usual discussions about refereeing, as well as a famous last minute penalty, weve had a request for some footage from a match in 1993 that featured much of the same.
The 93 Lions were the last of the amateur era. Led by Gavin Hastings, they were coached by Ian McGeechan, who upon taking the reigns became the first man to coach the Lions twice.
The makeup of the squad was entirely different to what weve seen this year, as it was dominated by English players, with no less than 17 of the 30 players on tour, the most ever.
The first Test took place in Christchurch, ending in a narrow 20-18 win for the All Blacks who scored a controversial try within two minutes of kick off as Frank Bunce dived over after collecting a Grant Fox high kick.
The Lions came back strongly and played some good rugby in the second half, as Hastings and Fox exchanged penalties. The Lions led 18-17 with little time left, before Australian referee Brian Kinsey awarded a hotly disputed penalty.
Fox coolly slotted the kick, snatching the win away from the Lions, causing anger amongst Lions fans and coaching staff.
The All Blacks went on to win the series 2-1, and well show you footage from the other two matches if youre interested.
In his report after the tour, Lions coach Ian McGeechan highlighted the differences between the approaches of the northern and southern hemispheres.
He said that the north plays a more static game, which is in contrast to the souths dynamism and continuity. Its now sixteen years later, and the debate continues.
Look out for some superb play by Jerry Guscott, as well as a great run and big hit by Inga The Winger Tuigamala.
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Va’aiga Tuigamala Try – Barbarians vs New Zealand 1993
Time:
08:08
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