Sunday, August 1, 2010

“We was robbed” is a familiar cry of the defeated.

But it is one that British and Irish Lion Ugo Monye is sticking to after his side’s defeat in South Africa.  

Thanks to a fantastic Morne Steyn penalty in the dying seconds at Loftus Versfeld the Springboks snatched the second Test and the series.

But for wonder winger Monye, who scored a breakaway try in the third Test, which the Lions won to make it a respectable 2-1 scoreline, the Lions still have plenty to roar about as he believes they were the better side.

“I firmly believe we were robbed,” Monye, who is currently in the UAE, told 7DAYS. “In sport you can always talk about ‘what ifs’ and near misses but we were the better side over the three Tests. “We were gutted to have lost it (the series).

“The South Africans said for years that the 1997 Lions stole that series (which they won 2-1) but that’s exactly how we feel now.”

Whether you agree with the Englishman or not, anyone who watched one of the greatest series in living memory will appreciate Monye isn’t simply being a bitter loser.

The Lions looked every inch world-beaters as they scored five tries and matched the world champions bit hit for big hit in all three clashes. And for Monye the result would have been very different had the Lions started the series the way they finished.

In the first Test in Durban the  Lions found themselves being mauled at 26-7 down. But from then on they gave John Smit and Co. one hell of a battle - coming back to narrowly lose that match 26-21. They went down by just three points in the second and then stormed to a 28-9 victory in the third and last match. And Monye said: “I think we paid them too much respect in that first half (of the first Test).

“From that point we played with ball in hand, improved and learned and from then on - we deserved to win.”

What was not in doubt however, was the character of the side and the tough challenge the Springboks put them through. And in spite of the bumps and bruises Monye wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The winger added: “It was very physical. Both sides played hard and with our blitz defence it made for a tough time. And not just in the Test matches but also in the provincial games. It was hard but it was enjoyable to play in. That’s the sort of rugby you want to play.

“I have never played in as tough and physical matches as those.”

The tour also  highlighted how prominent a part the Lions play in the rugby calender. Four years ago Sir Clive Woodward brought with him his management consultancy approach with emphasis on flip charts over fun.

But under Lions legend Ian McGeechan (left) the old ethos on combining top-class rugby with proper touring returned. And Monye feels that helped the Lions to gel quickly.

“To be named in the squad and play in the Test team is the biggest honour in my career so far, he said.

“Speaking to the boys who were on the 2005 tour they said they far preferred this trip. All our needs were catered for and the small things like sharing rooms helped created a genuine team bond.

“I have made friends for life in guys like Donncha O’Callaghan and Stephen Jones and I cannot wait to kick lumps out fo them in the Heineken Cup and Six Nations!”