Lions slow out of the blocks

Lions Tour 2009 - 30/05/09
Royals XV 25, British and Irish Lions 35

How does the song go? In the jungle... the mighty jungle... the lion sleeps tonight. The Lions of course cannot be found in the jungle, but in the high altitude of Rustenburg they most certainly need a wake-up call. On a day the Lions returned to action in South Africa for the first time in twelve years, a Royal’s XV almost spoiled the visitor’s welcome party as the Lions for the most part lacked the spirit that normally comes with wearing the prestigious red jersey.

A victory nonetheless in the tour’s opener, the Lions will take at least some positives out of the game as many made their Lions debuts getting some early tour jitters out of their systems.

Keith Earls, not recognised on the international scene but still a tricky customer for Munster week in week out, did finally find his usual illusive feet in a match where his hands seemed just as slippery. Dropped high balls on the calmest of South African days proves even the best of Britain and Ireland can let the nerves of big-stage rugby get to them.

Lee Byrne, the Lion of the match by a long way, came through the game as the only man to leave a mark on the tour thus far. Solid under the high ball, composed under pressure, and producing a game turning try to boot, it seems you would rather be an Osprey than a Lion if you are wishing to make an impression this summer.

Tommy Bowe and replacement Alun Wyn Jones the other Ospreys to make the score-sheet, and a last minute score from Munster fly half Ronan O’Gara finished off a 37-25 victory that begins his Lions 2009 tally with 22 points.

It is easy to criticise and let your high expectations get in the way of a level-headed reality. A slow start admittedly but in retrospect a win will do to kick start the tour. O’Connell summed up the game well as an amalgamation of individual mistakes, and in continuing the clever but clichéd journalistic analogies, The Lions must hunt in a pack if they are to kill off a Springbok.

The back-row were non-existent for the best part of eighty minutes, Blair was irritably slow in feeding Rog the ball, and O’Connell, although over criticised by one Stuart Barnes, I feel needs to broaden his shoulders, stick out his chest and lead with his hands at his side rather than on his head.

In summary, a first victory for McGeechan’s 2009 Lions, yes, but far from the finished article if we are truly honest.