1997 British Lions tour to South Africa

Test series

The British Lions won the first test at Newlands 25–16 with Neil Jenkins kicking five penalties, and Matt Dawson and Alan Tait scoring tries. Despite scoring three tries in the second test at Durban, the Springboks failed to land any penalties or conversions, while the Lions Neil Jenkins once again kicked five penalties to level the scores at 15–15 before a Jerry Guscott drop goal for an 18–15 lead for the Lions. The Lions then held off a ferocious South African fightback, with Lawrence Dallaglio putting in a try-saving tackle, and won the match 18–15 to take the series. The third test at Ellis Park was won by South Africa, 35–16.

The tour was a triumph for the British Lions management of Fran Cotton (manager), Ian McGeechan (head coach), Jim Telfer (assistant coach) and the captain Martin Johnson. It was the last time the Lions won a test series until their tour of Australia in 2013.

Lions squad

The original 35-man squad was:

Matches

:Scores and results list British Lions' points tally first.

First Test

Bennett 44' m Tait 79' m Honiball (1/1) 50'

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Second Test

Montgomery Joubert

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Third Test

Montgomery Snyman Rossouw Honiball

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References

References

1. (1997). "Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997–98". Headline Book Publishing.