The game was tough, with the Lions getting an early lead with tries from Karl Dixon, Fran King, Chris Stephenson and Peter Caddy (one converted by Fran King). The Rhino’s were resolute in defence and their new structures started to pay off as they held the English at bay. The second half ended with the Lions leading 18 to fill against a resurgent Rhino Squad.
The Lions once again scored early in the second half, quickly taking their score to 30 against nil with tries by Iain Davies and Fran King (who converted both tries), when the Rhino’s managed to put Rudolf Prinsloo over for a converted try (Jean Coetzer). This was quickly followed up by another try from Jean-di Oosthuizen, to bring the score to 30 to 10 for the Lions.
The match was a hard-fought victory for the Lions, and you can see the difference in the Rhino Squad as they are benefitting from a continued program to develop and promote the coaching staff to international league levels.
Man of the match: South Africa: Jean Coetzer (the captain)
Man of the Match: England: Scott Glassel
Scoring:
First Half
6 min Karl Dixon (EL) 0-4
22 min Fran King (EL) 0-8
32 min Chris Stephenson (EL) 0-12
Fran King converted 0-14
40 min Peter Caddy (EL) 0-18
Second Half
8 min Iain Davies (EL) 0-22
Fran King (EL) 0-24
12 min Fran King (EL) 0-28
Fran King (EL) 0-30
28 min Rudolf Prinsloo (SARL) 4-30
Jean Coetzer 6-30
36 min Jean-di Oosthuizen 10-30