O’ Gara Steers Lions to Victory over Auckland
5th July 2005 By Munster Rugby
Ronan O’ Gara guided the Lions to victory in their midweek clash against Auckland this morning, kicking the match winning penalty in the 75th minute in their 17-13 win in Eden Park today
2005 Lions Tour Tuesday, July 5 2005
Auckland 13 Lions 17 Eden Park
Scorers:
Auckland: Try: Isa Nacewa; Con: Brent Ward; Pens: Ward 2 Lions: Try: Martyn Williams; Pens: Charlie Hodgson, Ronan O’Gara 3
Restoring some pride in the touring side, Ronan O’ Gara guided the Lions to victory in their midweek clash against Auckland this morning, kicking the match winning penalty in the 75th minute in their 17-13 win in Eden Park.
O Gara came off the bench after 21 minutes to replace an injured Charlie Hodgson who had earlier opened the Lions scoring with a penalty. O Gara kicked his first penalty of the game after 27 minutes, and added another after 36 minutes. Welsh flanker Martyn Williams stormed over for a try in the right corner just before half time to give the Lions a 14-3 lead at the break.
After the restart, Auckland s Brent Ward picked up his second penalty after 53 minutes, and converted Isa Nacewa s 62nd minute try to reduce the deficit to just one point. Ward saw a 70th minute penalty strike the right post before O Gara sealed the victory for the visitors, slotting over a penalty in the 75th minute.
All six Irish players named on the 22 were involved in the win with four Irish players starting the game, with Geordan Murphy, Denis Hickie and Gordon D Arcy taking full part, with Munster prop John Hayes replaced after 60 minutes by Bath s Matt Stevens. Shane Horgan came off the bench to replace Will Greenwood at outside centre after 51 minutes.
Having previously beaten Taranaki, Wellington, Southland and Manawatu on tour, Ian McGeechan s midweek team maintained their 100% record.
AUCKLAND: Brent Ward; Isa Nacewa, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko; Tasesa Lavea, Steve Devine; Saimone Taumoepeau, Semisi Telefoni, John Afoa, Brad Mika, Bryce Williams, Justin Collins (Captain), Daniel Braid, Angus MacDonald. Replacements used: Jerome Kaino for Mika (46 mins), Chris Heard for Taumoepeau (64), Kurtis Haiu for MacDonald (68), Gavin Williams for Nacewa (71), Isaia Toe’ava for Atiga, John Fonokalafi for Telefoni (both 77). Not used: Taniela Moa.
BRITISH & IRISH LIONS:
(15) Geordan Murphy (Leicester/Ireland), (14) Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks/England), (13) Will Greenwood (NEC Harlequins/England), (12) Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster/Ireland), (11) Denis Hickie (Leinster/Ireland), (10) Charlie Hodgson (Sale Sharks/England), (9) Matt Dawson (Wasps/England), (1) Graham Rowntree (Leicester/England), (2) Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow/Scotland) (Captain), (3) John Hayes (Munster/Ireland), (4) Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), (5) Ben Kay (Leicester/England), (6) Jason White (Sale Sharks/Scotland), (7) Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), (8) Michael Owen (Newport-Gwent Dragons/Wales) Replacements used: Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Ireland) for Hodgson (21 mins), Shane Horgan (Leinster/Ireland) for Greenwood (51), Martin Corry (Leicester/England) for White (55), Matt Stevens (Bath/England) for Hayes (59). Not used: Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks/England), Brent Cockbain (The Ospreys/Wales), Chris Cusiter (The Borders/Scotland).
Attendance: 47,500
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)