2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand

Rugby union team tour May 2020 March 2014 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand (sports tour) logo.jpg The logo of the 2005 Lions tour 23 May – 9 July ENG Clive Woodward IRE rugby union Brian O'DriscollWAL Gareth Thomas NZL 3–0 WAL Stephen Jones (14) Australia 2001 South Africa 2009 11 7 0 4 3 0 0 3 NZL 3 0 0 3 In 2005, the British & Irish Lions rugby union team toured New Zealand for the first time since 1993, playing seven matches against first and second division teams from the National Provincial Championship, one match against the New Zealand Maori team, and three test matches against New Zealand (the All Blacks). The Lions lost the test series 3–0, the first time in 22 years that they lost every test match on tour. The team was managed by former England and Lions player Bill Beaumont, coached by former England coach Sir Clive Woodward, and originally captained by Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll suffered a controversial tour-ending injury two minutes into the first test, and Wales captain Gareth Thomas took over as captain for the final four games of the tour. The poor test results of the 2005 Lions, despite having one of the most experienced playing squads and the largest management team of any Lions tour, led to criticism of Woodward, particularly his selection policy, and prompted commentators to question the future of the Lions.Davies Sean http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7461932.stm 2005 Lions History BBC News 20 June 2008 18 June 2013 This tour followed the Lions' 2001 tour to Australia and preceded the 2009 tour to South Africa. Schedule The Lions' campaign involved a warm-up match against Argentina (which was retroactively awarded test status by the International Rugby Board in March 2008) before the departure for New Zealand, three tests against the All Blacks, and several tour matches, where the quality of the opposition was expected to be high. This proved to be the case against New Zealand Maori and Auckland, and most of the other tour matches were close for at least the first half. But the match against Manawatu (the Lions' only opponent from the second division of New Zealand's domestic league, the National Provincial Championship) was a one-sided affair, the Lions winning by a score of 109–6. DateHome teamScoreAway teamVenueResult23 MayBritish & Irish Lions25–25ArgentinaMillennium Stadium, CardiffMatch detailsDraw4 JuneBay of Plenty20–34British & Irish LionsRotorua International Stadium, RotoruaMatch detailsWin8 JuneTaranaki14–36British & Irish LionsYarrow Stadium, New PlymouthMatch detailsWin11 JuneNew Zealand Maori19–13British & Irish LionsWaikato Stadium, HamiltonMatch detailsLoss15 JuneWellington6–23British & Irish LionsWellington Regional Stadium, WellingtonMatch detailsWin18 JuneOtago19–30British & Irish LionsCarisbrook, DunedinMatch detailsWin21 JuneSouthland16–26British & Irish LionsRugby Park Stadium, InvercargillMatch detailsWin25 JuneNew Zealand21–3British & Irish LionsLancaster Park, ChristchurchMatch detailsLoss28 JuneManawatu6–109British & Irish LionsArena Manawatu, Palmerston NorthMatch detailsWin2 JulyNew Zealand48–18British & Irish LionsWellington Regional Stadium, WellingtonMatch detailsLoss5 JulyAuckland13–17British & Irish LionsEden Park, AucklandMatch detailsWin9 JulyNew Zealand38–19British & Irish LionsEden Park, AucklandMatch detailsLoss Lions Squad The 44-man tour squad was announced on 11 April 2005, and included 20 players from England, 11 from Ireland, 10 from Wales and three from Scotland. Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll was named as captain. Among the English players selected were two who had retired from international rugby (Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio), and one who was returning from a long-term injury (Richard Hill).Wilkinson left out of Lions squad http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4425357.stm BBC Sport 11 April 2005 8 March 2023 Three players did not travel to New Zealand with the bulk of the touring party: Jason Robinson was excused from the first three tour matches to spend time with his pregnant wife; Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas were forced to delay their departures due to commitments to their French clubs.Robinson set to miss three games http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4576791.stm BBC Sport 26 May 2005 8 March 2023 Jones arrived in New Zealand on 31 May, before the Lions played their first tour match, while Robinson arrived on 7 June. For a time, it was doubtful whether Thomas would be able to contend for a spot in the first test, as he had not been released by his club, Toulouse. However, Toulouse lost in the Top 14 semi-finals, allowing Thomas to leave for New Zealand, also arriving on 7 June. Thomas later replaced O'Driscoll as tour captain after O'Driscoll suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first test. Michael Owen also briefly left the tour two weeks in to attend the birth of his second child.Owen given Lions paternity leave http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4443303.stm BBC Sport 14 April 2005 8 March 2023 Notes: Ages listed are as of the first tour match on 23 May. Bold denotes that the player was selected for a previous Lions squad. PlayerPositionDate of birth (age)National teamClub/provinceNational caps(Lions tests)NotesGordon BullochHookerSCOGlasgowShane Byrne rugby unionHookerIRELeinsterSteve Thompson rugby unionHookerENGNorthampton SaintsAndy TitterrellHookerENGSale SharksJohn Hayes rugby unionPropIREMunsterGethin JenkinsPropWALCardiff BluesGraham RowntreePropENGLeicester TigersAndrew SheridanPropENGSale SharksMatt Stevens rugby unionPropENGBathJulian WhitePropENGLeicester TigersDanny GrewcockLockENGBathBen KayLockENGLeicester TigersDonncha O'CallaghanLockIREMunsterPaul O'ConnellLockIREMunsterMalcolm O'KellyLockIRELeinsterNeil BackBack rowENGLeicester TigersMartin Corry rugby unionBack rowENGLeicester TigersLawrence DallaglioBack rowENGLondon WaspsRichard Hill rugby union, born 1973Back rowENGSaracensLewis MoodyBack rowENGLeicester TigersMichael Owen rugby unionBack rowWALNewport Gwent DragonsSimon Taylor rugby unionBack rowSCOEdinburghMartyn WilliamsBack rowWALCardiff BluesGareth CooperScrum-halfWALNewport Gwent DragonsChris CusiterScrum-halfSCOBorder ReiversMatt DawsonScrum-halfENGLondon WaspsDwayne PeelScrum-halfWALLlanelli ScarletsCharlie HodgsonFly-halfENGSale SharksStephen Jones rugby unionFly-halfWALClermont AuvergneRonan O'GaraFly-halfIREMunsterGordon D'ArcyCentreIRELeinsterWill GreenwoodCentreENGHarlequinsGavin HensonCentreWALOspreysBrian O'DriscollCentreIRELeinsterTom ShanklinCentreWALCardiff BluesOllie Smith rugby union, born 1982CentreENGLeicester TigersShane HorganWingIRELeinsterDenis HickieWingIRELeinsterJason Robinson rugbyWingENGSale SharksShane WilliamsWingWALOspreysIain BalshawFull-backENGLeeds TykesGeordan MurphyFull-backIRELeicester TigersJosh LewseyFull-backENGLondon WaspsGareth Thomas rugby, born 1974Full-backWALToulouse Additions to the squad Injured England players Jonny Wilkinson, Phil Vickery and Mike Tindall were pencilled in to be added to the squad, subject to them regaining fitness. Only Wilkinson subsequently did so and was called up on 8 May. Additional players were called up when players suffered injury (and in one case a ban) during the tour proper: Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons and England) – added 8 May Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks and England) – added 17 May for Iain BalshawRobert Kitson Lions call on Cueto after Balshaw blow https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/may/18/lions2005.rugbyunion1 The Guardian Guardian News & Media 18 May 2005 8 March 2023 Simon Shaw (Wasps and England) – added 2 June for Malcolm O'KellyRobert Kitson Shaw flies out after O'Kelly forced home https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/03/lions2005.rugbyunion2 The Guardian Guardian News & Media 3 June 2005 8 March 2023 Simon Easterby (Llanelli Scarlets and Ireland) – added 4 June for Lawrence DallaglioEddie Butler Eddie Butler (rugby union) Lions rocked by Dallaglio injury https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/05/rugbyunion.lions20055 The Guardian Guardian News & Media 5 June 2005 8 March 2023 Ryan Jones (Ospreys and Wales) – added 10 June for Simon TaylorRobert Kitson Jones called in as cover for troubled Taylor https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/11/lions2005.rugbyunion2 The Guardian Guardian News & Media 11 June 2005 8 March 2023 Brent Cockbain (Ospreys and Wales) – added 26 June for Danny Grewcock, who was banned for two months after biting Keven Mealamu during the first test.Cockbain replaces banned Grewcock http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4625189.stm BBC Sport 26 June 2005 8 March 2023 Jason White (Sale Sharks and Scotland) – added 27 June for Richard HillScotland's White gets Lions call http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4626665.stm BBC Sport 27 June 2005 8 March 2023 Management England coach Clive Woodward was first linked with the Lions' head-coaching job in December 2003, shortly after England's victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, when he was approached by Four Home Unions chairman Bill Beaumont.Woodward linked with Lions role http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3335363.stm BBC Sport 19 December 2003 7 March 2023 Woodward resigned as England coach on 3 September 2004,Woodward quits England http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3613610.stm BBC Sport 3 September 2004 7 March 2023 and appointed as Lions coach four days later following a meeting of the Lions committee.Woodward clear for Lions http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3633832.stm BBC Sport 7 September 2004 7 March 2023 He named a 25-strong coaching group in October 2004, including his successor as England coach, Andy Robinson, and three-time Lions head coach Ian McGeechan. Some of the coaches on the tour would be responsible for the team playing on weekends, including Robinson, Eddie O'Sullivan and Phil Larder, while others would take charge of the midweek team, including McGeechan, Gareth Jenkins and Mike Ford.Woodward reveals coaching squad http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/3910913.stm BBC Sport 21 October 2004 7 March 2023 Former government communications consultant Alastair Campbell was added to the tour party in December 2004.Campbell to be Lions consultant http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/4049297.stm BBC Sport 6 December 2004 7 March 2023 The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) initially requested that national team head coach Mike Ruddock be left out of the Lions coaching team to focus on the Wales job; however, in April 2005, Ruddock said he would be open to a position with the Lions if it had a "specific job description".Ruddock opens door for Lions role http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4434255.stm BBC Sport 11 April 2005 8 March 2023 Ruddock was offered an "observational role" on the tour, but ultimately rejected it in favour of joining the Wales under-21s at the 2005 Under 21 Rugby World Championship, and the Lions role was given to his assistant Scott Johnson.Wales coach Johnson set for Lions http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4574111.stm BBC Sport 23 May 2005 8 March 2023 Name Role Home country Clive Woodward Head coachwww.lions-tour.com The 2005 British & Irish Lions Management Team http://www.lions-tour.com/the_lions/the_management_2005.asp 23 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110607011451/http://www.lions-tour.com/the_lions/the_management_2005.asp 7 June 2011 dead ENG England Bill Beaumont Tour manager ENG England Eddie O'Sullivan Assistant coach IRE rugby union Ireland Ian McGeechan Assistant coach SCO Scotland Gareth Jenkins Assistant coach WAL Wales Andy Robinson Assistant coach ENG England Louise Ramsay Team manager ENG England Phil Larder Defensive coach ENG England Mike Ford Defensive coach ENG England Dave Alred Kicking coach ENG England Dave Reddin Fitness coach ENG England Craig White Fitness coach ENG England David McHugh Specialist advisor (referee) IRE rugby union Ireland Tony Biscombe Video analyst ENG England Gavin Scott Video analyst SCO Scotland James Robson Head doctor SCO Scotland Gary O'Driscoll DoctorOpenshaw family GP who tended to Lions – News – North and East Manchester Advertiser http://www.nemadvertiser.co.uk/news/s/502389_openshaw_family_gp_who_tended_to_lions https://archive.today/20120905212758/http://www.nemadvertiser.co.uk/news/s/502389_openshaw_family_gp_who_tended_to_lions 5 September 2012 live 23 March 2009 IRE rugby union Ireland Phil Pask PhysiotherapistWitty Pask and Buckingham – Northampton based Physiotherapists for Individuals, World Class Sport and Industry http://www.wpbphysio.co.uk/courses.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090228080532/http://www.wpbphysio.co.uk/courses.html 28 February 2009 live 23 March 2009 ENG England Stuart Barton Physio/masseurStuart Barton Physiotherapy http://stuartbartonphysiotherapy.com/ https://web.archive.org/web/20100715071957/http://www.stuartbartonphysiotherapy.com/ 15 July 2010 live 23 March 2009 SCO Scotland Bob Stewart Physio/masseur SCO Scotland Richard Wegrzyk Masseur ENG England John Feehan Chief executive IRE rugby union Ireland Richard Smith Legal supportMicrosoft Word – Richard Smith QC – FINAL – July 08 – Formatted judy http://www.guildhallchambers.co.uk/uploads/docs/section20/RichardSmithQC.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090326224239/http://www.guildhallchambers.co.uk/uploads/docs/section20/RichardSmithQC.pdf 26 March 2009 dead 23 March 2009 ENG England Louisa Cheetham Media officer USA United States Alastair Campbell Press relationsAlastair Campbell http://www.alastaircampbell.org/home.php https://web.archive.org/web/20090418025922/http://www.alastaircampbell.org/home.php 18 April 2009 dead 23 March 2009 ENG England Dave Campbell Chef ENG England Dave Tennison Kit technician ENG England Matches The Lions' tour schedule was announced in February 2004, and included 10 matches: three tests and seven tour matches. The tour was scheduled to begin with a match against Bay of Plenty on 4 June 2005, with the test series beginning three weeks later.Lions schedule announced http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/3480805.stm BBC Sport 11 February 2004 7 March 2023 The tour did not originally include a match against National Provincial Championship winners Auckland, but in September 2004 a match was added between the second and third tests.Lions add Auckland game http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/3633472.stm BBC Sport 7 September 2004 7 March 2023 Another fixture against Argentina was added two weeks later, to be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 23 May 2005.Lions face Pumas in Cardiff http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/3682318.stm BBC Sport 23 September 2004 7 March 2023 Argentina The Lions played Argentina in a warm-up test match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 23 May. The Pumas were without 25 players who may have made their first-choice team due to club commitments and the Lions rested many of their top players to field a second-string line-up. Tour captain Brian O'Driscoll was rested, so Wales vice-captain Michael Owen took his place. The Lions looked disjointed, turning the ball over 15 times in open play. Their pack was outplayed; the Pumas shoved them off their own scrum three times. The Lions also conceded five penalties for holding on to the ball while grounded, usually because their support failed to arrive in time. In the meantime, the Pumas played a match that was almost universally called "inspired" by rugby media worldwide. The Pumas led 19–16 at half-time, and could easily have been ahead by more. The main plus for the Lions was the performance of Jonny Wilkinson, making his first appearance against international opposition since the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final; Wilkinson set up the Lions' first try, converted it and kicked six penalties. His last penalty saved the Lions from defeat, salvaging a 25–25 draw in the eighth minute of stoppage time. The match was granted full test status by the IRB in 2006.Jones Stephen English Tom Cain Nick Barnes David 2013 Behind the Lions: Playing Rugby for the British & Irish Lions 1st https://books.google.com/books?id=-7e8BQAAQBAJ&q=The+match+was+granted+full+test+status+by+the+IRB+in+2006+argentina+lions&pg=PT107 3 July 2017 9780857905291 23 May 2005 20:00 BST British & Irish Lions 25–25 ARG Report Smith Wilkinson Wilkinson (6) Núñez Piossek Todeschini Todeschini (6) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff 61,569 Stuart Dickinson (Australia) FB 15IRE rugby union Geordan MurphyRW 14IRE rugby union Denis HickieOC 13ENG Ollie SmithIC 12IRE rugby union Gordon D'ArcyLW 11WAL Shane WilliamsFH 10ENG Jonny WilkinsonSH 9 WAL Gareth CooperN8 8 WAL Michael Owen (c)OF 7 ENG Lewis MoodyBF 6 ENG Martin CorryRL 5 ENG Danny GrewcockLL 4 IRE rugby union Donncha O'CallaghanTP 3 IRE rugby union John HayesHK 2 IRE rugby union Shane ByrneLP 1 ENG Graham RowntreeReplacements:HK 16ENG Steve ThompsonPR 17ENG Julian WhiteLK 18ENG Ben KayN8 19ENG Lawrence DallaglioSH 20SCO Chris CusiterFH 21IRE rugby union Ronan O'GaraWG 22IRE rugby union Shane HorganCoach:ENG Sir Clive Woodward350px FB 15Bernardo StortoniRW 14José María Núñez PiossekOC 13Lisandro ArbizuIC 12Felipe Contepomi (c)LW 11Francisco LeonelliFH 10Federico TodeschiniSH 9 Nicolás Fernández MirandaN8 8 Juan Manuel LeguizamónOF 7 Martín SchustermanBF 6 Federico GenoudRL 5 Mariano SambucettiLL 4 Pablo BouzaTP 3 Mauricio ReggiardoHK 2 Mario LedesmaLP 1 Federico MéndezReplacements:HK 16Eusebio GuiñazúPR 17Lucio de ChazalLK 18Manuel CarizzaFL 19Santiago SanzFH 20Marcelo BoschWG 21Lucas BorgesWG 22Lucio López FlemingCoach:ARG Marcelo Loffreda Bay of Plenty Steamers The first tour match was against the Bay of Plenty Steamers on 4 June in Rotorua. The Lions started the match strongly, with Josh Lewsey scoring a try after two minutes and then a second four minutes later. The Lions were up 17–0 after 11 minutes, but the Steamers recovered for a 17–17 half-time score. The Lions controlled the second half and won 34–20. A significant injury was the fractured ankle suffered by experienced back-rower Lawrence Dallaglio, who had to withdraw from the tour. 4 June 2005 19:10 NZST Bay of Plenty Steamers 20–34 British & Irish Lions Report WilliamsBourke Williams (2) Williams (2) Lewsey (2)ShanklinD'ArcyPeelCueto O'Gara (2) Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua 33,000http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/593.php?section=report&fixid=58558 The British & Irish Lions : Match centre 28 June 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110607034749/http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/593.php?section=report&fixid=58558 7 June 2011 Paul Honiss (New Zealand) Taranaki Taranaki hosted the Lions at New Plymouth on 8 June. The first half was closely fought in more ways than one, as the Lions' Danny Grewcock and Taranaki's Paul Tito came to blows. The Amber-and-Blacks had a 7–6 lead at half-time, but soon after the break Martin Corry scored a try for the Lions. Shortly afterwards, Taranaki's Andrew Hore was sin-binned for holding the ball, and the Lions took control. Consensus man of the match Charlie Hodgson kicked two penalties during Hore's absence, and the Lions kept their momentum even after Hore returned. Shane Horgan added a try and Geordan Murphy two as the Lions won 36–14. 8 June 2005 Taranaki 14–36 British & Irish Lions Report MasoeWatt Young (2) CorryHorganMurphy (2) Hodgson (2) Hodgson (4) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth 22,000 Irish Lions Make Their Mark Against Taranaki Irish Rugby https://www.irishrugby.ie/2005/06/08/irish-lions-make-their-mark-against-taranaki 2026-10-24 www.irishrugby.ie New Zealand Maori thumb|The Lions forwards are held in a maul by the New Zealand Maori The match against the New Zealand Maori at Hamilton on 11 June promised to be the most competitive test lead-up, being billed by rugby media as virtually a fourth test. In the first half, the Maori had the better of possession and tackling, but the Lions had the better of the set-pieces, and the half ended 6–6. Just before the break, Lions prop Andrew Sheridan was sin-binned for punching Maori fly-half Luke McAlister. When the sin-bin period ended, Sheridan was replaced by Gethin Jenkins. A McAlister penalty shortly afterwards, a Leon MacDonald try (converted by McAlister) and then a second McAlister penalty gave the Maori a 19–6 lead. The last 15 minutes were the Lions' best period, rewarded by a Brian O'Driscoll try, which was converted by Stephen Jones. The Lions threatened strongly, but the Maori, inspired by their replacement fly-half Carlos Spencer and stalwart captain Jono Gibbes held on for a 19–13 win – their first ever over the Lions. 11 June 2005 New Zealand Maori 19–13 British & Irish Lions Report MacDonald McAlister Hill (2)McAlister (2) O'Driscoll S. Jones S. Jones (2) Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 26,500NZ Maori Serve Up First Lions' Defeat Irish Rugby https://www.irishrugby.ie/2005/06/11/nz-maori-serve-up-first-lions-defeat 2026-10-24 www.irishrugby.ie Wellington Lions After the loss to the Maori, the Lions went to Wellington to take on the city's NPC side, the Wellington Lions, on 15 June. The British & Irish Lions team was selected primarily from players in contention for the test team, including Jonny Wilkinson in his first tour match. The British & Irish Lions had most of the possession and scoring chances, but committed numerous unforced errors when points looked likely. Tries came from Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Thomas, both converted by Wilkinson, who also scored three penalties. The British & Irish Lions' 23–6 win, while seemingly showing their tour was back on track, left almost as many questions as answers. In post-match comments, O'Driscoll said, "The ball was like a bar of soap out there and both sides made a lot of unforced errors." Wellington Lions coach John Plumtree remarked, "The All Blacks would have put 50 or 60 points on us." 15 June 2005 Wellington Lions 6–23 British & Irish Lions Report Gopperth (2) JenkinsThomas Wilkinson (2) Wilkinson (3) Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington 34,000Lions Walloped In Wellington Irish Rugby https://www.irishrugby.ie/2005/07/02/lions-walloped-in-wellington 2026-10-24 www.irishrugby.ie Otago In their first appearance in the South Island, the Lions played Otago on 18 June at Carisbrook in Dunedin. The stadium is known to visiting teams as the "House of Pain", particularly for the Lions, who had lost games to the Otago side on four previous tours. Otago began strongly and the Lions were penalised four times in the first 11 minutes, Otago converting two. The Lions' stronger scrum play brought them back into the game, and the first half was closely fought, ending 13–13. The Lions clearly had the momentum, as Will Greenwood scored a try, converted by Charlie Hodgson, just before the break. Otago took a 16–13 lead shortly after half-time, but strong Lions scrum play led to a try from man of the match Ryan Jones, who put himself in contention for a test position. The try and Hodgson's conversion gave the Lions a solid, though far from insurmountable, lead. Otago rallied to 20–19 with a penalty, but the Lions pulled away soon afterwards. A Hodgson penalty and a try from Shane Williams converted by Hodgson took the final margin to 30–19. 18 June 2005 Otago 19–30 British & Irish Lions Report Lee Evans Evans (4) GreenwoodR. JonesS. Williams Hodgson (3) Hodgson (3) Carisbrook, Dunedin 38,000Morale-Boosting Otago Win For Lions Irish Rugby https://www.irishrugby.ie/2005/06/18/morale-boosting-otago-win-for-lions 2026-10-24 www.irishrugby.ie Southland Stags The Southland match at Invercargill on 21 June was the last before the first test. Lions coach Clive Woodward announced that no players in the night's line-up would play in the test. In the first 15 minutes, the Lions looked formidable as they took an early 10–0 lead over the Stags, keyed by a Gavin Henson try. However, they became disjointed and by half-time had turned over the ball 14 times and were considered lucky to be ahead 10–3 at the break. The first few minutes of the second half were even worse for the Lions, as Hale T-Pole scored a converted try. Woodward immediately substituted four players to settle down his team. T-Pole made an interception to save a Mark Cueto try, but the Lions kept the pressure on, and Henson scored his second try. The Lions then changed tactics, choosing to kick for territory more often, and were never truly threatened again, winning by 26–16. 21 June 2005 Southland Stags 16–26 British & Irish Lions Report T-Pole Apanui Apanui (3) Henson (2) O'Gara (2) O'Gara (4) Rugby Park, Invercargill 17,000Lions Sloppy In Southland Irish Rugby https://www.irishrugby.ie/2005/06/19/lions-sloppy-in-southland 2026-10-24 www.irishrugby.ie First test Less than two minutes into the first test, the Lions lost their captain Brian O'Driscoll to injury after a joint tackle by New Zealand captain Tana Umaga and hooker Keven Mealamu. At a ruck, they attempted to clear O'Driscoll by each lifting one of his legs before driving him into the ground. O'Driscoll twisted his body as he came down to avoid landing on his head, but that meant most of the force went through his shoulder, which was dislocated, ending his tour.Samuel Lovett New Zealand pair should have been punished for Brian O'Driscoll spear tackle, admits referee Joel Jutge https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/lionstour/lions-all-backs-brian-o-driscoll-spear-tackle-tana-umaga-keven-mealamu-referee-a7804591.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/lionstour/lions-all-backs-brian-o-driscoll-spear-tackle-tana-umaga-keven-mealamu-referee-a7804591.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent 23 June 2017 6 May 2021 Opinions differed on the incident; the Lions staff and many British and Irish commentators believed that it was an illegal spear tackle, and Lions coach Woodward reported the pair to the IRB's citing commissioner, William Venter. Venter decided, based on the video footage available, not to refer the matter to a disciplinary tribunal. New Zealand commentators largely took the view that the two All Blacks were just clearing out the ruck and had no intention to injure O'Driscoll. Referee Joël Jutge admitted in 2017 that he should have shown at least one red card to Umaga and Mealamu for the tackle. Eight minutes into the game, Dan Carter opened the scoring for the All Blacks with a penalty. Three minutes later, the Lions suffered a further blow when Paul O'Connell was sin-binned for a professional foul, and Carter kicked the penalty. Already a player short, the Lions then lost Richard Hill to injury. Ali Williams scored the first New Zealand try shortly after O'Connell returned, and the half ended with the Lions down 11–0. Carter kicked a penalty in the second half, followed by a converted try from Sitiveni Sivivatu to end the All Blacks' scoring, and Jonny Wilkinson kicked a penalty in the 56th minute to provide the Lions with their only points of the night. The 21–3 win was considered by almost every commentator to be even more one-sided than the score indicated. The Lions' sloppy set-piece play included ten losses of their own line-outs. It was announced after the match that, in addition to O'Driscoll, two more injured Lions were out for the rest of the tour – Hill from the incident during the match, and Tom Shanklin for inflammation from an existing knee injury. Danny Grewcock was also suspended for two months after he was cited for biting All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu. 25 June 2005 19:00 NZST NZL 21–3 British & Irish Lions Report SivivatuWilliams Carter Carter (3) Wilkinson Lancaster Park, Christchurch 37,200http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=2115 New Zealand All Blacks Player Profiles, Match Details and Statistics Stats.allblacks.com 18 June 2013 Joël Jutge (France) FB 15Leon MacDonaldRW 14Doug HowlettOC 13Tana Umaga (c)IC 12Aaron MaugerLW 11Sitiveni SivivatuFH 10Dan CarterSH 9 Justin MarshallN8 8 Rodney So'oialoOF 7 Richie McCawBF 6 Jerry CollinsRL 5 Ali WilliamsLL 4 Chris JackTP 3 Carl HaymanHK 2 Keven MealamuLP 1 Tony WoodcockReplacements:HK 16Derren WitcombePR 17Greg SomervilleFL 18Jono GibbesFL 19Sione LauakiSH 20Byron KelleherFB 21Mils MuliainaWG 22Rico GearCoach:NZL Graham Henry350px FB 15ENG Jason RobinsonRW 14ENG Josh LewseyOC 13IRE rugby union Brian O'Driscoll (c)IC 12ENG Jonny WilkinsonLW 11WAL Gareth ThomasFH 10WAL Stephen JonesSH 9 WAL Dwayne PeelN8 8 ENG Martin CorryOF 7 ENG Neil BackBF 6 ENG Richard HillRL 5 ENG Ben KayLL 4 IRE rugby union Paul O'ConnellTP 3 ENG Julian WhiteHK 2 IRE rugby union Shane ByrneLP 1 WAL Gethin JenkinsReplacements:HK 16ENG Steve ThompsonPR 17ENG Graham RowntreeLK 18ENG Danny GrewcockN8 19WAL Ryan JonesSH 20ENG Matt DawsonCE 21ENG Will GreenwoodWG 22IRE rugby union Shane HorganCoach:ENG Sir Clive Woodward Manawatu Turbos The Lions scored their first convincing tour victory in this game at Palmerston North against NPC second division side Manawatu Turbos, winning 109–6. They led 38–6 at half time and scored 71 unanswered points in the second. Welshman Shane Williams scored five tries to help the Lions post their all-time record score in New Zealand, surpassing their 64–5 victory over Marlborough/Nelson 46 years earlier. In addition to Williams' five, the Lions' tries were scored by Ronan O'Gara (2), Mark Cueto (2), Geordan Murphy, Charlie Hodgson, Jason Robinson, Martin Corry, Neil Back, Gareth Cooper, Gordon D'Arcy and Ollie Smith, with Manawatu restricted to two Jonathan Hargreaves penalties. Lock Donncha O'Callaghan and flanker Martyn Williams were substituted at half-time but had impressed enough to secure test selection for the following Saturday. Murphy also impressed at full-back, but it was Shane Williams, with elusive running and awareness, who most thrilled Lions supporters. 28 June 2005 Manawatu Turbos 6–109 British & Irish Lions Report Hargreaves (2) S. Williams (5)CorryMurphyRobinsonHodgsonSmithBackD'ArcyO'Gara (2)Cueto (2)Cooper Hodgson (7)O'Gara (5) Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North 13,000Lions Enjoy Manawatu Rout Irish Rugby https://www.irishrugby.ie/2005/06/28/lions-enjoy-manawatu-rout 2026-10-24 www.irishrugby.ie Second test From the high point against Manawatu, the Lions fell to a low in the second test at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington on 2 July, losing 48–18 and conceding the highest number of points against a New Zealand team in a test. Woodward selected a radically different test squad from the one that had been embarrassed in Christchurch a week earlier, replacing eleven players. Key to the Lions' hopes of staying in the series was Woodward's decision to add several of the Welsh team that won the Grand Slam in the 2005 Six Nations. The Lions started strongly, with captain Gareth Thomas scoring a try under the posts and Jonny Wilkinson converting two minutes in. A minute later, Wilkinson hit the post with a penalty attempt, but gathering the rebound the Lions were in a good attacking position when Paul O'Connell was penalised for diving over a ruck. The All Blacks settled down and then scored through two Dan Carter penalties before he set up their first try, racing 50 metres off a turnover before offloading to captain Tana Umaga to score near the posts. Although the rest of the half remained close, the All Blacks went into the break with a 21–13 lead. The second half turned into a showcase for New Zealand in general and Carter in particular. He scored two tries, converted three, kicked two penalties, and constantly kept the Lions on the back foot with his distribution. Flanker Richie McCaw powered his way over for a try after Carter missed a hat trick by a matter of inches.British rugby media were in virtually unanimous agreement that the Lions were greatly improved but that the All Blacks were simply too dominant. Carter's tally of 33 points broke the all-time record for points by an All Black against the Lions. 2 July 2005 19:00 NZST NZL 48–18 British & Irish Lions Report Carter (2)McCawSivivatuUmaga Carter (4) Carter (5) EasterbyThomas Wilkinson Wilkinson (2) Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington 39,800http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=2116 New Zealand All Blacks Player Profiles, Match Details and Statistics Stats.allblacks.com 18 June 2013 Andrew Cole (Australia) FB 15Mils MuliainaRW 14Rico GearOC 13Tana Umaga (c)IC 12Aaron MaugerLW 11Sitiveni SivivatuFH 10Dan CarterSH 9 Byron KelleherN8 8 Rodney So'oialoOF 7 Richie McCawBF 6 Jerry CollinsRL 5 Ali WilliamsLL 4 Chris JackTP 3 Greg SomervilleHK 2 Keven MealamuLP 1 Tony WoodcockReplacements:HK 16Derren WitcombePR 17Campbell JohnstoneFL 18Jono GibbesFL 19Sione LauakiSH 20Justin MarshallCE 21Ma'a NonuFB 22Leon MacDonaldCoach:NZL Graham Henry350px FB 15ENG Josh LewseyRW 14ENG Jason RobinsonOC 13WAL Gareth Thomas (c)IC 12WAL Gavin HensonLW 11WAL Shane WilliamsFH 10ENG Jonny WilkinsonSH 9 WAL Dwayne PeelN8 8 WAL Ryan JonesOF 7 ENG Lewis MoodyBF 6 IRE rugby union Simon EasterbyRL 5 IRE rugby union Donncha O'CallaghanLL 4 IRE rugby union Paul O'ConnellTP 3 ENG Julian WhiteHK 2 ENG Steve ThompsonLP 1 WAL Gethin JenkinsReplacements:HK 16IRE rugby union Shane ByrnePR 17ENG Graham RowntreeFL 18ENG Martin CorryFL 19WAL Martyn WilliamsSH 20ENG Matt DawsonFH 21WAL Stephen JonesWG 22IRE rugby union Shane HorganCoach:ENG Sir Clive Woodward Auckland thumb|Auckland v Lions Having lost the test series on the previous Saturday, the midweek Lions came to Eden Park with something to prove. The match was marked by the Lions' inability to find touch and Auckland's willingness to attack. Auckland gave up some guaranteed points from early penalties to take the Lions on in set piece play. Auckland tighthead prop John Afoa was denied a try after a tap and run saw him held up in goal. A series of handling errors throughout the first half let Auckland down and saw the Lions to a 14–3 lead at the half. The second half saw the Lions give away points to a stoic Auckland pack and the scoreline was narrowed to 14–13 Lions lead. A late Ronan O'Gara penalty saw the Lions extend to a four-point winning margin of 17–13. This victory completed a clean sweep of matches for the midweek Lions against host unions throughout New Zealand. 5 July 2005 Auckland 13–17 British & Irish Lions Report Nacewa Ward Ward (2) M. Williams HodgsonO'Gara (3) Eden Park, Auckland 45,000Midweekers provide measure of pride Lions Tour 2005 The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jul/06/lions2005.rugbyunion1 2026-10-24 www.theguardian.com Third test Following two early penalties by Stephen Jones, the Lions led 6–0 and things looked promising for them. All Black captain Tana Umaga was sin-binned for killing the ball, but even without their captain, the All Blacks managed to score two tries, by Conrad Smith and Ali Williams, both converted by Luke McAlister. The Lions were awarded two more penalties, which Stephen Jones kicked, but just before the break, Umaga scored a try to give the All Blacks a half-time lead of 24–12. Seven minutes into the second half Umaga scored another try. Soon after, scrum-half Byron Kelleher was replaced by Justin Marshall, who then played his final half-hour of All Black rugby. Another All Black try was thwarted when Jerry Collins was sin-binned for a late tackle. The All Blacks then spent several minutes defending as the Lions pushed towards the line from within ten meters, and after a long struggle Lewis Moody managed to score, making it 31–19. Both sides made errors that cost them tries. Sitiveni Sivivatu had two very close calls but it was Rico Gear who followed his own deep kick to toe the ball over the line and score a fine individual try. McAlister converted, giving him a 100 percent kicking rate, to make the full-time score 38–19. 9 July 2005 19:00 NZST NZL 38–19 British & Irish Lions Report GearSmithUmaga (2)Williams McAlister (5) McAlister Moody S. Jones S. Jones (4) Eden Park, Auckland 48,533http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/teamsheet.asp?MT_ID=2117 New Zealand All Blacks Player Profiles, Match Details and Statistics Stats.allblacks.com 18 June 2013 Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) FB 15Mils MuliainaRW 14Rico GearOC 13Conrad SmithIC 12Tana Umaga (c)LW 11Sitiveni SivivatuFH 10Luke McAlisterSH 9 Byron KelleherN8 8 Sione LauakiOF 7 Rodney So'oialoBF 6 Jerry CollinsRL 5 Ali WilliamsLL 4 Chris JackTP 3 Greg SomervilleHK 2 Keven MealamuLP 1 Tony WoodcockReplacements:HK 16Derren WitcombePR 17Campbell JohnstoneLK 18James RyanFL 19Marty HolahSH 20Justin MarshallFH 21Nick EvansWG 22Doug HowlettCoach:NZL Graham Henry350px FB 15IRE rugby union Geordan MurphyRW 14ENG Mark CuetoOC 13ENG Will GreenwoodIC 12WAL Gareth Thomas (c)LW 11ENG Josh LewseyFH 10WAL Stephen JonesSH 9 WAL Dwayne PeelN8 8 WAL Ryan JonesOF 7 ENG Lewis MoodyBF 6 IRE rugby union Simon EasterbyRL 5 IRE rugby union Paul O'ConnellLL 4 IRE rugby union Donncha O'CallaghanTP 3 ENG Julian WhiteHK 2 IRE rugby union Shane ByrneLP 1 WAL Gethin JenkinsReplacements:HK 16SCO Gordon BullochPR 17ENG Graham RowntreeFL 18ENG Martin CorryFL 19WAL Martyn WilliamsSH 20ENG Matt DawsonFH 21IRE rugby union Ronan O'GaraWG 22IRE rugby union Shane HorganCoach:ENG Sir Clive Woodward Lions anthem Sir Clive Woodward commissioned an anthem, The Power of Four, specially for the 2005 tour. Neil Myers composed the tune, and the piece was performed for the first time in public by Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins before the Lions' match against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium in 2005. It was played before all games on the tour, but was not used in the Lions tour to South Africa in 2009. References External links https://archive.today/20130620023050/http://www.espn.co.uk/lions-tour-2005/rugby/records/team/highest_total_red_cards_match.html?id=1766;team=8;type=series 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand at ESPN el Category:2005 rugby union tours 2005 2005 2005 2005 Category:2004–05 in British rugby union Category:2004–05 in Irish rugby union Category:2005 in New Zealand rugby union Category:2005 in Argentine rugby union