Lions Player Ratings

by Brendan Cole

1. Andrew Sheridan – not much seen in the loose, one strong carry near the touchline aside, but the Lions loosehead did damage in the scrum at times. 6
2. Matthew Rees – superb tackle on Ndungane was the high point and Rees showed up well generally before Ford replaced him. Crooked throwing did not prove as costly as in the second Test. 6.5
3. Phil Vickery – Recovered to make a stand against ‘The Beast’ and shaded their keenly contested scrum battle. 6
4. Simon Shaw – Again, some superb tight forward play; breaking up mauls, chasing and irritating, and getting in that little block. Yellow card was for an unnecessary play but overall, showed himself to be a class act. Deserved this. 8
5. Paul O’Connell – Captain needed a big game and he got it. Somewhat plodding in the loose but the lineout, work-rate and turnovers were vital. 7.5
6. Joe Worsley – Tackled hard and did his best to limit the Boks midfield. 6
7. Martyn Williams – Important role for the Lions, adding little bursts of impetus at key junctures and making sure the Boks could never relax. 7.5
8. Jamie Heaslip – Outstanding display. Hit it up hard all day and finally showed that capacity to make the game turning play in the red jersey with his set up for Williams’ first try. 8.5
   
   
9. Mike Phillips – Tended to take on too much in the first half and gave up some turnovers. Lively and accurate for the most part though, and did well as an auxiliary centre too. 7
10. Stephen Jones – Performed the fulcrum role perfectly. Nothing flash, but Jones took the ball flat and made good decisions all day. 7.5
11. Shane Williams – Shaky start but that two try burst marked Williams class. Not much seen aside from that but who cares? 8
12. Riki Flutey – Slightly greedy at times but overall, a superb outing. Set up for Williams try showed his instinctive talent and big hits in the middle were also key. 8.5
13. Tommy Bowe – Stretched his legs at times but couldn’t quite connect to make the killer play. 6
14. Ugo Monye – Brilliant intercept try sealed the deal for the Lions. Like Williams, generally quiet but again, did exactly what was needed. 7.
15. Rob Kearney – Imperious start and his attitude and ability to shore up the back created a solid base for the Lions. Outjumped once or twice late on, and missed a key touch at the end of the first half. Overall, another excellent display. 8

Sub: Ross Ford: Did well when he came on, throwing accurately and looking for work in the pick and go area.6.5

Other subs not really on long enough to rate with the Lions in holding pattern mode once the majority came on. All filled the gaps well and John Hayes won a deserved Lions Test cap against one of the big three.