Rather too much emotional baggage tends to be carried on Lions tours by the supposedly dispassionate literary chroniclers of this most persistently stirring of all rugby adventures.
And, believe me, that includes World Cups.On my seven Lions tours, which have brought the decent return of nine victories, 12 defeats and three series wins, I can safely say I have never seen anything to compare with Saturday’s 41-16 trouncing of Australia.
1989 Australia (Lions won 2-1)
Citing commissioners and multiple camera angles were unthought of in those distant days when the Lions, having been badly beaten in the first Test, retorted by attempting to beat up the hosts in the second when Robert Jones trod on Nick Farr-Jones’ foot. Those Wallabies have never lost their indignation. They could equally have blamed David Campese for conceding the series-deciding try.
1993 New Zealand (Lions lost 2-1)
The strength of Sean Fitzpatrick’s All Blacks made the Lions’ levelling second-Test win – when Will Carling was dropped for Scott Gibbs – an inspiring achievement after they had been refereed out of the first. But the Kiwis have always been the best at putting right what has gone wrong.
1997 South Africa (Lions won 2-1)
The Springboks had a novice coach in Carel du Plessis and failed to kick their goals, while Neil Jenkins was landing everything for the Lions. Jeremy Guscott’s drop goal in the second Test secured the series and meant the 35-16 hammering they got in the third scarcely seemed to matter.
Article source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1627904/ballarat-loses-to-melton-in-victorian-rugby-union-second-division-b-grade-clash/?cs=12
Lions" magic night makes up for years of woe
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