2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa
The British and Irish Lions Tour 2009, the British and Irish Lions, a selection of the best rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales from May to July 2009 in South Africa. The Lions denied a three encounters comprehensive international game series against the South African Springboks and eight games against various national teams. The last tour led the Lions to New Zealand in 2005. In South Africa, they were the last time in 1997 as a guest; then they won the series 2-1. 2009 was the Springboks win the first two matches, then the Lions could decide the final game of its own.
As coach of the Lions, the Scotsman Ian McGeechan was determined, who has been in office three times. As captain of the team, the Irishman Paul O'Connell was nominated.
Schedule
Between 30 May and 4 July following games were held:
Internationals
First international match
2nd International Match
3rd International Match
Squad
The Lions squad was announced on April 21. It originally included 14 Irish, 13 Welsh, eight English and two Scots. Tomás O'Leary already fell in advance of the tour because of an ankle fracture from and was replaced by Mike Blair. Tom Shanklin could not travel too, as he incurred a shoulder injury. In addition, Alan Quinlan, who has been banned for unsportsmanlike conduct in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Leinster for twelve weeks was missing. He was replaced by Tom Croft. Jerry Flannery also had to be replaced, he injured his elbow. For him, Ross Ford was re-nominated. Leigh Halfpenny could not initially take the tour, he traveled to the game against the Cheetahs in South Africa. For him, James Hook came into the squad. Halfpenny was injured a few days after his arrival in South Africa again and had to leave. After a few minor injuries, the Irishman Gordon D' Arcy was recorded prior to the game against the Golden Lions in the squad. Stephen Ferris had to leave after a tear in the knee on June 9. He was replaced by the Welsh captain Ryan Jones, but had to leave after a medical examination after one day. Euan Murray was injured in the game against the Southern Kings at the ankle and had to leave the tour early. For him, John Hayes was re-nominated. After the first Test against South Africa, the Englishman Tim Payne has been included in the squad, as Andrew Sheridan was only partially operational due to persistent back problems.
Behind team ( backs)
Forward ( forwards)