1997 British Lions tour to South Africa

The 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa was the first after the end of apartheid in that country, and the first professional tour. South Africa were world champions, having won the World Cup, but were in decline at the time. Nevertheless the Lions were underdogs, but convincingly won the first test 25-16 thanks to Matt Dawson's try. Despite scoring three tries in the second test, the Springboks suffered from some woeful goal kicking and failed to land any goals, whilst for the Lions Neil Jenkins scored 5 penalties and Jerry Guscott dropped a goal to win the match 18-15 and take the series. The third test proved a match too far for the squad and they lost 35-16.

Related Topics:
1997 - British Lions - South Africa - Apartheid - South Africa - World Cup - Matt Dawson - Neil Jenkins - Jerry Guscott

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The Lions squad was captained by Martin Johnson, managed by Fran Cotton, and coached by Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer.

Related Topics:
Martin Johnson - Fran Cotton - Ian McGeechan - Jim Telfer

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