LIONS 'CHEATS' FURY

Bunch of whingers!!!!! Very easy for Gatland et al to come out now and 'feel sorry' for Bakkies.

Lions assistant coach Warren Gatland said the tourists did not believe Botha should have been cited.

"We didn't have an issue with Bakkies Botha, it was a very tough decision on him," Gatland told a news conference on Friday.

"Adam Jones did not have an issue with the clean-out and neither did the Lions management.

By Bengy.. Posted July 3 2009 at 4:08 PM.

Look what SB did is inexcusable, but aside of that. The game was a physical encounter where many lions players thought that if they followed the example of Martin Johnson and Co of 1997 they will be able to overpower the Boks. Now it is very simple, they all got hidings because they came looking for it. Bakkies clearing of Jones was within the law and this will be proved on Thursday.

We dont have the best coach but dont cry foul on Jacques Fourie's try. It was clearly a try. I remember 2007 WC Final when all Poms said that they scored when the video reply shows that his foot was in touch. Funny how you all just see the footage for what it is when you want to.

Get over it. It was a hard and physical match and the Lions came of second best. Ask any player internationally who they think is the toughest oppenents they have played against and they all will say the Boks.

Let's just say well done and play the game. Maybe the if run the ball you will expose our weakness - Adrian Jacobs in the midfield. Dont go climbing over mountains you cant move.

By SA RUGBY Supporter.. Posted July 1 2009 at 1:40 PM.

Wish everyone would lay off the excuses and realise we witnessed 2 great close encounters of Rugby.Both games were nail biting and you can see how much both sides wanted to win.
Have never seen Loftus filled with so much red shirts, was good to see all the fans enjoying South Africa.

By Brendan.. Posted July 1 2009 at 10:35 AM.

i see myself as the average sarugby-fan (boerewors & brandy). I and most of my ilk agree that Burger should be banned. No place for gouging, biting and kicking in rugby. But please, to label us saffers as the only one's doing this?! Remember O'quinlan not to long ago?
The Lions knew they had to match us physically and could not - when they had the likes of Martin Johnson, Dallalio, etc. they were able to but 50 against us. Accept that this springbok side is better than what you have to offer at the moment.

By piet.. Posted June 30 2009 at 7:50 AM.

Stein.
How can you equate a punch in the nuts with eye gouging. its this point that most lions supporters are annoyed about. All games have an element of rough play. not all games have eye gouging and not all countries think that its just a bit of rough play. most would say that ,if the desired effect of gouging is achieved ,the result can not only lead to ending a players career, it leads to blindness. no game is worth it, no player should do it, no country should condone it.

By David .. Posted June 29 2009 at 8:11 PM.

To Greg.
The only thing England is good at is inventing sport and teaching the rest of the world how to beat you. To SAM PETERS you ignorant "%*£! Please do yourself and the rest of the world a favour and watch the game again. Then comment on your pussycats punching a Bok player in the nuts,O'Driscal taking out a player with a straight arm and the fact that it was number 20 from SA who touched the line not Jacques Fourie (as anyone with normal or even poor vision could see from the replays) Then send me you adress or email so that I can send you the picture of the world cup final where the English player touched the line with his foot and was clearly out.
P.S 2-0!!!!!!!!

By Stian.. Posted June 29 2009 at 12:45 AM.

He was def in touch! all i have to say!

By kernow.. Posted June 29 2009 at 12:18 AM.

It seems everyone agrees. No more British Isles and Ireland Lions rugby. It's not worth it. We don't even get along with ourselves on these islands, so how do you expect us to react when we go abroad.

By David.. Posted June 28 2009 at 10:06 PM.

I have never read so many childish comments on any sports forum. There were, however, some sensible comments.

The game itself was a cliffhanger and it was a pity that the Lions did not win, or at least draw, the second Test, if only to ensure a third Test decider.

As for Burger, his offence was created in the first minute of the game and for such an offence a red card should have been applied. As for the injuries to Lions players gloating about hospitalising opponents is not acceptable in any sport.
The turning point in the match came when four key players were injured and had to be replaced. This lead to uncontested scrums but, even then, the Lions could have held out. However, the enforced replacements for O'Driscoll and then Roberts affected the structure of the back line. First, Fitzgerald was moved inside to centre to replace O'Driscoll, where he created the hole for Obama's try by rushing up and not keeping the line. That is alright for a winger, but not for a centre
.......contd.

By Iain.. Posted June 28 2009 at 10:00 PM.

Kathryn:

Your words just once again reaffirms your cowardness and level of mentality!When you can't accept that the BOKS won you start throwing politics into a RUGBY match!Just shows how ignorant you are! If you watched the match the lions played just as dirty BUT you don't seem to admit to that!? A bit irrational on your part i think!Crime ridden= just like the UK (but thats not broadcasted all over the world) MPs who bathe in tax payers money BUT thats not broadcasted=knife crime that again too is swept under the carpet as well as the hooligans and yobs at footy matches (moscow,turkey,etc)but the UK footy or rugby fans ARE all angelic!! Not once was there violence associated in south africa regarding footy or rugby matches!! SO DON'T start bad mouthing south africa when you're grappling at straws!I wonder why millions of brits go every year to south africa and buy property there then?talk about violence whats happening in Spain now to the brit tourists? Hmmm...i wonder why the british was voted (several ocassions)as the most arrogant and worst tourists? WHY don't you ask yourself that...go do some research!
SOUNDS HYPOCRITICAL to throw politics in here... i guess when you know the lions LOST and the dream is OVER you start playing dirty!!!! I guess JEALOUSY makes you nasty!There were foul play on BOTH sides!I must probably remind you AGAIN that we (SPRINGBOKS)ARE THE RUGBY WORLD CHAMPIONS (again)

By tatum saffa.. Posted June 28 2009 at 9:56 PM.

It seems whenever you lose a rugby match against any other team the whinging and wailing starts pointing fingers at the opposing team who must be cheats, bullies,cowards and everything under the sun!! Shows what sore losers you are!Now the controversial "disallowed try in world cup 2007 creeps in too!How pathetic can you people be? The refs, video ref, linesmen,ball pressure and all were too blame BUT yourselves?!! WHY aren't you lot the ref or video ref on the field then? OH...you're not!!so give it a rest!! There was dirty play from BOTH sides and as a bok supporter i agree wrt Schalk was way out of line as well as Bakkies! BUT the lions were NO ANGELS either with high tackles and hitting in the nether regions???BUT NONE OF YOU MENTIONS THAT??? YOUR stupidity and arrogance seemed to have clouded your judgements and have lead you all on the bad mouthing bandwagon! Chasing an IMPOSSIBLE DREAM!The BEST team won ie THE WORLD RUGBY CHAMPIONS = THE SPRINGBOKS...go lick your wounds and try again next time

By tatum.. Posted June 28 2009 at 9:06 PM.

Who will ever forget the world cup 2003 when england played against samoa and at one stage played with 16 men ,no complaints about that,hmmm!! it looks like it all has to go englands way or nothing.
Burger was out of line and will probably get at least a 3 month ban,I accept that,O'driscols high tackle with a swinging arm is acceptable then,he lost that fight,stop moaning and take the loss.

By bryan saffa.. Posted June 28 2009 at 8:18 PM.

You poms are something else. Your media always hype you up before any game. You then believe all the hype and then when reality sets in and you lose, you whinge like spoiled brats. Why not accept you are not up to scratch. Yes Burger was wrong. The Lions weren't exactly clean either. Some very dodgy tackling. O'Driscal knocked himself and a springbok out through his own stupidity. So my dear pommies get over the fact that you lost fair and square. The boks would have won even if Burger had got a red card. Finally Andy Murray is a Scotsman!!!!! So, if by some miracle he wins Wimbledon he would be the first Scot to have won!!!!! Oh! sorry he is now claimed as a Brit!! Desperate Pommy's!!!

By Lilian.. Posted June 28 2009 at 7:25 PM.

I am south african and yes Burger was wrong but what about Sheridan punching players in the nuts ?? when you point a finger remember three are pointing back....the Lions were just as dirty and why was O'Driscal not sent off for his shoulder charges....leran to tackle with your arms !!!

By Greg.. Posted June 28 2009 at 7:47 PM.

After hearing the comments from the south African bench, i would have no reservation in bringing our boys home and refuse to play the dirty cheats again until they acknowledge the gravity of what they have done. What the player did was terrible but what the management did by condoning the act is inexcusable. Aren't you sick of every victory that you enjoy is mar ed by some kind of controversy or typical act of uncontrollable violence

By David .. Posted June 28 2009 at 7:38 PM.

Given it is a full contact sport, Schalk behaved like a buffoon, putting the game into disrepute. He is a pro and should behave as such. Unfortunately SA always do this and are let go quite easily. Bottom line other teams should make them pay for this, get in bruisers, knock them out and the rest will fall into place.

By Albert.. Posted June 28 2009 at 7:13 PM.

rugby is a mans game and all the players where outstanding. the game is over we lost and the springboks won. lets aplaud all players for a great game

By paul hemmings.. Posted June 28 2009 at 6:55 PM.

A whole string of 'you lost get over it's.

Clearly a nation that glories in its foul play thinks it can do no wrong and everyone will just forget about it.

And out tourist fans down there have to put up with the world most crime ridden and dangerous country.

Sorry, no, many will come home now, and many more will not travel ever again including for your precious soccer world cup in 2010.

Good luck playing with yourselves in future, get over it.

Oh and wait for the 'sportsmen' of South Africa's reception in the Autumn in the UK, thinking it will be long ranks of applause. Think again, it will be more like the successful English cricket team got in Australia for the bodyline series. If you can only win by such tactics you won't be welcome, get over it.

By the way I have been with fans of different nationalities at many rugby matches before during and after the game with no problem. Only with a bunch of drunk arrogant Saffer Boers at a match at Cardiff was there ever any problem, enough said.

By Kathryn.. Posted June 28 2009 at 5:53 PM.

Once again we see that only southern hemisphere supporters are the sole arbiters of facts. Your arrogance is truly in keeping in the style in which you play. Its great to read you defend the indefensible, not surprising from a country with a track record in doing so.

By David .. Posted June 28 2009 at 5:41 PM.

Last week the lions cheated and lost, this week they lost again and they are moaning like a lot of kids,if they won you would not hear anything about the gouging but only how great they are, I do not agree with dirty play at all, but let this not cloud the game, please enjoy the last game.

By Springbok.. Posted June 28 2009 at 5:27 PM.

Nick Harries post was full of inaccuracies which does lend to these discussions becoming very one sided. His first inaccurate statement was
1) That video examination did show that Fourie's foot went into touch (it did not). I would like to see that "video". It certainly was not on Sky. Provide a link to it.
2)Subsequent examination of Cueto's diallowed try showed that his heel was not grounded and the foot was not in touch(incorrect again). You must have a "special" subscription with Sky that no one else has.

Lets stick to the facts.

3 tries to 1
Schalk should have been red carded - gave the Lions an additional 3 points in the second half as well.
Springboks missed 2 penalty kicks
No 17 Andrew Sherdan - punched a Springbok in the privates but got away with it.

At the end of the day it was a test match of note. A game Lions should of had, but let go at in the last 20 minutes. The Springboks did the same last week but got away with it. Rugby is a 80 minute game. Congrats to all the players for giving us such a great game.

By Greg.. Posted June 28 2009 at 5:11 PM.

Judging buy the comments made by most of the southern hemisphere supporters, it escapes me why we play them at sport at all. The last two lions tours have been spoilt by ugly cowardly acts, which have been defended by management and supporters alike. Not to mention the disrespect you show anyone who dares to disagree with your interpretation of the rules of a game ,we invented.

By David .. Posted June 28 2009 at 4:09 PM.

Why was not that critical camera position shown? Did the SA TV people erase it? No way should the video ref have awarded the try: he should have been, at the very least, honest, and said that the critcal camera shot was not made available to him. It stinks. Ask the NZ team who lost the world cup to SA how their tummies are.

By Dave.. Posted June 28 2009 at 3:25 PM.

Dickinson is so anti northern hemisphere it stinks. He should not be allowed to referee any further matches. he is a disgrace. As for the linesman and referee of the actual game, if they do not know that gouging is an automatic red card then they should be removed from the international panel. If the southern hemisphere do not want to play fairly then stop all future tours. I will never go again to a match where those incompetant officials are participating.

By Royston.. Posted June 28 2009 at 2:59 PM.

The TMO has a difficult job but the reshowing and video examination did show that Fourie's foot went into touch as stated by the NZ touch official prior to the TMO being consulted. Subsequent examination of Cueto's diallowed try showed that his heel was not grounded and the foot was not in touch. These facts have been clearly shown on TV. Along with the inabilty of NZ touch official to advise the referee who did not see the gouging incident correctly also bring the game into direpute. In my view Stuart Dickinson is probably the most indecisive official in the game confirmed in the Tri Nations kick off match last year which was so violent even the South African spectators commented. Rugby is meant to be a test of physical strength and stamina officiated strongly, fairly and even handedly to ensure that the winner actually deserves the accolades. Saying that it is a game for men and accepting the thuggery that exists in the game is the prime cause for it continuing to receive adverse comment. The Boks have brilliant skills and commitment but have a tendency to unecessary violence supported and promoted by their coaches and spectators over the years, that is also a fact of their game. Given that they are probably the best and most skillful international side in todays game and their coaches job prospects depend on this continuing there is very little chance that there will be any change in attitude.

By Nick Harries.. Posted June 28 2009 at 2:28 PM.

Cheats is too harsh a word to use; Cowards fits the bill better! Lion's 'Cowards' Fury! Burger's gouging is nothing short of assault, I never want to see him play again! The Boks are great for off the ball incidents, credit where credit is due they are no. 1 'World Champions' at it!

Unfortunately it was just one of those days where the better team didn't have the rub of the green.
1. Gouging incident (should have been a straight red!)
2. Foot in Touch for the try (those with Sky Sports saw Barnesy highlight his right foot touching the sideline prior to putting the ball down)
3. Lions got called for crossing at the end of the first half Habana's 'lucky' try was identical as Croft was taken out!
4. Not a penalty at the end as O'Gara never took is eye off the ball and therefore was only a collision.

A bit like Liverpool-Wimbledon 1988 sometimes the better team don't get the result. South Africa will claim to be the better team overall only because of the scores in the matches those who have played the sport will know that the superior team were the Lions.

Lost all respect for the world champions, Rugby is a great sport but have no interest in watching thugs 'off the ball' stuff, that's cowardly.

To our Australian friends feeling the need to post, having been over to your country and witnessed many sporting events you have to be both the poorest losers and winners the world has ever seen. I was shocked to see how you disown your team when they lose!

By David.. Posted June 28 2009 at 2:08 PM.

the lions were comfortably leading until the props went off. and then o driscoll and roberts went off. not many sides could cope with those losses. the boks got lucky. the fact that they won the game was even down to o gara losing the head rather than their own play.

By noel.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:16 PM.

Lions - you went to SA pumped up by the media beign the superior side. you believed that you had to appear and the series would be handed over to you. the Bokke come from a proud nation and never overestimate themselves: learn from them and stop believing you media 'experts' that know very little.

By rob.. Posted June 28 2009 at 12:23 PM.

...oh and look at the emergency ward."
Your silliest comment yet Colin. A broken cheekbone, a gouged eye and a shoulder dislocated by a totally foul charge have nothing whatsoever with the Boks being stronger or a better side than the Lions. The two bannings should have neen accompamied by Schalker's dismissal by red card

By Keith Price.. Posted June 28 2009 at 11:50 AM.

It was a great game, shame it went to uncontested scrums.. Alot of the players inthe Lions team were put there by themselves.. ie Gethin Jenkins and O'driscoll both went high on Habana and cracked skulls the only one to get up was the pocket rocket..

Gouging there is no place for it and Schalk should do the time and will.. Bakkies well he may have been slightly late but O'Driscoll could have gone to the bin for not wrapping arms... Ask Butch James about that...

Spingboks were being told they were not ready and they wanted to put that to bed and did so... Sorry Lions but thats the way it goes.. Also all you Englishmen who are moaning there was only 2 englishmen in he team and they both played really well... And the lions will all hate each other come 6 nations time.!!!

It will be 3-0!!!

By Grant.. Posted June 28 2009 at 10:52 AM.

We lost because o'gara folds under pressure like a old deck chair, He was brushed aside with ease for the boks dubious try, then he made the stupid choice of a up and under in the centre of the pitch and gave the penalty away right in front of our posts for one of the best kickers in the game! the man cost us 10 points, hook should have been on the bench instead

By swift80.. Posted June 28 2009 at 10:23 AM.

PLEASE STOP WHINGEING!!!UP THE BOKKE!!!THEY ARE NOT CHEATS

By Thomas Barnes.. Posted June 28 2009 at 10:18 AM.

Come on you Springboks !!!!! A wins a win, if it were the other way you would still be Whining about it. They will be cited,but in the end it was a great game. Accept the loss !!! And look forward to the next test........

By Laughing.. Posted June 28 2009 at 9:53 AM.

The Boks were physically and mentally far superior to us..........and as for the comments by the australians on here, I am guessing you're not doing too well at sports at the moment!!

By Richard.. Posted June 28 2009 at 8:59 AM.

Rugby being a "man's sport" is no excuse for trying to blind someone. Since when was a cowardly attack on someone's vision "macho"?

As for "whinging poms", it's a myth. Every nation that loses whinges, sometimes with justification (and there are some very valid concerns with this particular game), sometimes not (you can't argue with 3 tries to 1).

Kiwi's whinge every four years at world cup (especially last time !!!), Aussies are terrible moaners when they lose and I don't think South African's are exactly a perfect example of the Corinthian spirit.

By Kevin.. Posted June 28 2009 at 8:03 AM.

Lets just look at the facts here guys, regardless of the score. Burger GOUGED, yes gouged Fitzgeralds eyes and was seen by tv camera and even the touch judge. It ranks up there with the worst offences you can commit in the game because of the potential consequences.

You expect Fitzgerald to stand there and say nothing when his career and eyesight could've been on the line????!!!! Stop the mud-slinging and focus on the fact that Burger should serve a ban. There's nothing wrong with a rough game of ruggers.... been malicious is something else.

By Alan.. Posted June 28 2009 at 7:28 AM.

This was a rugby game, and its a mans sport i think the lions need to figure that out instead of whinging like little girls.

By jason.. Posted June 28 2009 at 4:58 AM.

Dearest Tony,

With all due respect- there is nothing like a whinging POM!! last Ashes 5-0. This series 3-O. Oh BTW the boks will win 3-0 as well. For a population of 70-80m you suck at sport!! 1966 was a great year-LOL!!

Toodle loo, and good luck with the snooker & Murray!!

By Brett.. Posted June 28 2009 at 4:54 AM.

Brett

i no your an Aussie and ignorant but let me remind you English are poms... this was the British lions ( u do know the difference, please say u no the difference!!)

i would be offended but as your an Aussie and u lot r the world champs at wineging i wont. Im still basking in your wineging after 03 worls cup, some things last a life time and are truely PRICELESS.

TOODLE PIPS, OL BOY !!!

By tony.. Posted June 28 2009 at 4:12 AM.

Look at the scoreboard...
Look at the stats....
Look at the series...

...oh and look at the emergency ward.

Then see a game played by men vs boys!

By Colin.. Posted June 28 2009 at 4:02 AM.

Bit slack of all the lions players to come out and whine like that, not a good look. The lions came to beat up the springbok pack and lost and they seem unable to deal with it. Lots of needle through out game, sheridan was very sneaky and o driscoll was borderline over the top at times. burger should do the time.

By graham.. Posted June 28 2009 at 2:22 AM.

To save all this confusion should'nt the ref be wearing a Springboks jersey

By Andy B.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:45 AM.

Get over cheating?? Yeah right. Let the cheats get away with it. Great idea!

By Gandalf.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:28 AM.

Burger's act was indefencible, but, to lable the Boks as only being able to win by cheating goes a bit far. The complaints about Jacque's Fourie's try are ridiculous. There was no evidence whatsoever that the try had not been scroed. Had the Lions been in a similar position, and the try disallowed, I can only imagine the winging that would have resulted..... Get over it and focus instead on the real reason why the Lions lost.

By Mike.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:26 AM.

We lost because of a dozy Irish fly-half who shouldn't have even been on the bench in the first place, and a referee who bottled it by giving a yellow to the home side for a clear gouging, instead of the correct red card.

By Keith Price.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:08 AM.

Aussie official Dickinson was the same man who denied England winger Mark Cueto a try in the 2007 World Cup Final "
er...that was definiotely no try so you can't use that to back up your argument.

By Keith Price.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:05 AM.

Three tries to one. Get over it!!! Typical poms

By Brett.. Posted June 28 2009 at 12:36 AM.

Why is the Springboks have to cheat so blatently to win a game, were they that worried bout the lions that they didnt want a fair match??

By Simon.. Posted June 27 2009 at 11:47 PM.

CHEATERS CANT WIN WITHOUT RESULTING TO IT SPRINGBOKS THATS HOW THEY WIN BY CHEATING ALL THE TIME

By rob.. Posted June 27 2009 at 10:21 PM.

You lost....Fourie scored...get over it!

By Billy.. Posted June 27 2009 at 9:49 PM.