O’Connell: ‘We went to sleep’
6 Jun 2009
Lions skipper Paul O’Connell was pleased to get another win under the belt, but was disappointed with his team’s overall performance.
The Lions ran out to a 20-0 lead in the first half, but a yellow card for Man of the Match Stephen Ferris let the hosts back in the match, and in the end the tourists just managed to scrape home by two points.
‘We started very well,’ said O’Connell. ‘We played some very good stuff early on and we went to sleep a bit, and the Cheetahs came back very strong. They’re an excellent team at the breakdown and forced a lot of turnovers.
‘Poor discipline let them back into it and they scored some good tries as well.’
The win maintains the Lions’ perfect start to the 2009 tour, but the big Ireland lock was far from happy with the way his troops performed on the day.
‘I’m happy to win, but a bit disappointed with the performance after the way we played in the first 20 minutes. But a win is a win and we’ll move on.’
Ferris, who scored a wonderful try after just 10 minutes, admitted that his yellow card nearly undid the side’s efforts in the first quarter of the game.
‘It was great to get the boys off to a good start,’ said Ferris. ‘But we took the foot of the pedal after 20 minutes and the yellow card cost the team a lot of hard work, and I tried to do as much as I could when I got back onto the pitch.’
The powerful Irish loose forward also reflected on the spirit within the touring party.
‘The team spirit here is fantastic. All the guys down here [on the sidelines] are on their feet when the boys are putting in good performances. There’s a great spirit within the team and hopefully we’ll keep this winning streak going and keep building towards the crucial Tests.’
3 Comments
6 Jun 2009, 17:29 pm
“We went to sleep”
Well, that’s what happens when you receive a knock out blow. I cant believe the Cheetahs didnt nick this one. Those missed penalties, and that drop. If only Morne Steyn was with the Cheetahs today. However, as it stands, they did alot to restore pride in SA rugby after the Lions were slaughtered. B&I Lions, far from convincing. The Cheetahs are after all the cellar dwellers of the S14.
6 Jun 2009, 17:53 pm
Kak, the Cheetahs didn’t kick their goals.
6 Jun 2009, 19:38 pm
Make Brussouw a Bok please!
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