THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

Last Five Lions’ First Tests

1997 South Africa 16 Lions 25 (Cape Town, June 21) MIRROR columnist Matt Dawson won it for the Lions after fooling the Springbok defence for the decisive try. The tourists were outmuscled by the Boks, but in Neil Jenkins they had a goalkicker who did not miss. Led by Martin Johnson (left), Lions won the series 2-1.

2001 Australia 13 Lions 29

(Brisbane, June 13)

A TEAM supposedly close to mutiny played the Gabba house down, Jason Robinson marking his Lions Test debut by crossing inside three minutes. But Brian O’Driscoll trumped that with a brilliant solo score through the Aussie midfield, supposedly their strongest point. Alas Graham Henry’s squad lost the series 2-1.

2005 New Zealand 21 Lions 3

(Christchurch, June 25)

NOTHING good to say about this game from a Lions perspective. Captain Brian O’Driscoll (left) appeared to be spear-tackled out of the series before Richard Hill ruptured his knee. Lions lost 3-0.

2009 South Africa 26 Lions 21

(Durban, June 20)

IAN McGEECHAN’S Lions recovered from trailing 26-7 after half-time to almost win. Tom Croft crossed in either half and Mike Phillips added a third with five minutes remaining. But the Boks held on and a week later closed out the series, before the Lions pulled one back.

2013 Australia 21 Lions 23

(Brisbane, June 22)

THE Lions won the series opener for the first time since their last visit to Australia 12 years before. George North (left) scored a barnstorming try and Alex Cuthbert added a second. The Wallabies’ Kurtley Beale slipped while attempting to win the game with the final kick. Lions won their first series for 16 years.