The British and Irish Lions have ended their tour of South Africa on a high after claiming a 28-9 win in the third Test at Ellis Park.
A dominant display from the Lions saw them score three tries through Shane Williams (2) and Ugo Monye, while a strong effort from the defence so them concede no tries.
The Lions came storming out and great handwork saw them confidently play the ball around the pitch. But their real big test came at the first scrum of the match and it was the Lions front row who showed their power to win the penalty. Stephen Jones converted to give his side the lead.
A poor clearance from Shane Williams put the Lions under-pressure and Jamie Heaslip then gave away the penalty for going into the ruck off his feet. Morne Steyn kicked a simple penalty to make the scores 3-3.
The Lions though were rewarded for their early endeavour when Heaslip picked up a loose ball and made the break. The Ireland international had Williams on his right and gave the ball to the winger to score the try. The conversion attempt was missed as the ball fell off the kicking tee before Jones could strike the ball.
In both the first two Test matches the Lions had plenty of try-scoring chances and were guilty of not taking them at key moments, but it was a different story today as they scored a sensational second try.
Simon Shaw won turn-over ball in his own half and Mike Phillips quickly worked the ball to the left where there was plenty of space.
Riki Flutey sprinted clear and dinked the ball over the South African defence before chasing it and gathering in the ball. He then spectacularly flicked the ball back to Williams to run in and grab his second try. Jones this time did add to the conversion to give his side a 15-3 lead.
Shaw was shown a yellow card before the break when he fell on top of Fourie du Preez with his knees when the scrum-half was collecting a loose ball.
The Springboks finished the first-half on a high and Steyn kicked a second penalty reduce the deficit to 15-6.
South Africa enjoyed more of the possession at the start of the second-half, but they were unable to breach the Lions try-line. Instead it was the Lions who increased their lead with a breakaway try from Monye.
Zane Kirchner attempted to float a pass to Wynand Olivier, but Monye stuck out a hand and managed to gather the ball in and sprinted the length of the pitch to score under the posts. The successful conversion from Jones gave the Lions a 13 point lead.
Steyn kicked a penalty for the world champions, but Jones was consistent with the boot and kicked to more penalties.
Odwa Ndungane thought he had got the Springboks their first try when he dived into the right-hand corner, but the video referee decided the winger just had his foot in touch.
In the end it was a deserved victory for the Lions and it left fans with the feeling of what could have been had they managed to hold for the draw in the second Test last week.
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