AUCKLAND, 6 July 2005 — The British and Irish Lions squeezed to a 17-13 victory over Auckland in their final midweek game yesterday to clear a little of the gloom hovering over the touring side ahead of Saturday’s final Test.
After Saturday’s record 48-18 series-losing defeat the Lions were desperate to avoid a third successive reverse to Auckland, winners in 1983 and 1993, but had to hang on to achieve it and secure the tour’s unbeaten midweek record.
The Lions were leading by a point and hanging on desperately but after home fullback Brent ward hit the post with a penalty that would have given Auckland the lead, replacement Lions flyhalf Ronan O’Gara was more accurate with his effort three minutes from time to secure the win.
Auckland could still have nicked it in the final minute but replacement fullback Isaia Toe’ava dropped a simple pass with a man outside him.
It was a mistake that summed up much of the game, which was punctuated with basic errors from both sides, while Auckland’s terrible lineout hampered their hopes of securing a record seventh victory over the Lions.
Lions flyhalf Charlie Hodgson, who has been one of the few form backs of the tour but still unable to gain a place in the test squad, opened the scoring with a penalty in the fourth minute but then had to leave the field in the 20th after being knocked out in a tackle.
O’Gara came on in his place and slotted two further penalties while winger Mark Cueto’s surging run from broken field set up a try for flanker Martyn Williams in the corner to give his side a 14-3 lead at the break.
Auckland, who spurned two good early penalty opportunities to go for the try, had only a Ward three-pointer to show for their efforts, although prop John Afoa was close to a try only for the video official to rule that Matt Dawson and Williams had forced their arms underneath the ball. England lock Ben Kay also cost his side a certain three points and possible seven when he was involved in a scuffle with Sam Tuitupou, which resulted in the penalty in front of the posts being reversed and Kay sporting an instant black eye and being replaced by Brent Cockbain.
Despite the open nature of the second half there was little scoring and Ward’s second penalty just after the break was followed with a well-worked Auckland try to Isa Nacewa after he finished off several phases. Ward converted to bring it to 14-13 with 18 minutes remaining and Auckland attacked with new vigor.
