Lions fightback in vain

The Lions almost pulled off a remarkable comeback in the first Test in Durban, but South Africa's early dominance was enough to see them home.

The Springbok pack destroyed the Lions in the first half and with 34 minutes remaining they led by 19 points. But that was before a stirring fightback that saw tries for Tom Croft (his second of the match) and Mike Phillips that left the tourists a try away from glory with four minutes left.

South Africa held on to take a 1-0 lead in the series - but both sides will take heart from a thrilling game.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

Stephen Jones, Sunday Times: "We saw epic power rugby, gorgeous rugby (most played by men in red), controversy, and amazing last-yard defending. We had an epic finale and at last, something to do rugby proud. But the Lions would trade the whole lot in for the one thing this dramatic afternoon in Durban did not bring — a victory. They go to Pretoria next Saturday 1-0 down, in the certainty that while they can certainly improve, so can South Africa. But the Lions will arrive for the Vanishing Point Test with hope and courage."

Paul Ackford, Sunday Telegraph: "An extraordinary match. Quite the most topsy-turvy I have ever experienced. But the gruesome outcome for the Lions is that they are 1-0 down in a three-Test series with the lung-bursting Highveld beckoning. Still, given the way they contrived to get themselves back in a game where all seemed lost, anything is possible."

Paul Rees, the Observer: "Lions head coach Ian McGeechan now has it all to do. Never before have the Lions won Tests in Pretoria and Johannesburg on the same tour, something they need to do to win the series. The pity for the Lions was that South Africa looked vulnerable. Their midfield defence could not cope with O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts, they created little in attack with Habana only in danger of receiving a pass if he intercepted one, and their game lacked continuity, perhaps not surprising for a side who had not played for seven months."