[The Phantom]

I've been a bit slack over the last week with this, so I'll just give my thoughts on the last two games:

1st Test: The Lions lost it in the first half. Phil Vickery got absolutely murdered in the scrum, and I'm not sure why McGeechan kept him on so long. Those 5-10mins he gave him in the second half could have cost us the match.

Ugo Monye has been a revelation on this, and his ability to finish was the main reason he was in the test side. However he couldn't finish anything off. Twice he could have scored, and both times he was denied. I'd still have him in the side for the 2nd Test, because at least he was getting in those positions to score tries. That can't be said for the alternative options (Luke Fitzgerald & Shane Williams).

Despite the negatives of the first half, there were quite a lot of positives in the second half. If the Lions had have come back and won the match, it probably would have gone down as one of the greatest comebacks in rugby history. They played a disciplined game and worked well with the ball. Hopefully they can start off as they finished for the second test.

I wouldn't make too many changes for the second test. Simon Shaw should come in for Alun Wyn-Jones in the second row. The front row should be the one that finished the game (Jones, Rees, Jenkins), and Wallace should drop out and be replaced by Martyn Williams at 7. The backs should stay the same, but if Byrne is not 100% then Kearney should start.

Emerging Springbok vs. Lions: Not a pretty game to watch, but that was probably due to the adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately most of the players on show were unable to stake a claim for a test spot. James Hook played well when he came on, that should ensure him a place on the bench for the 2nd test. He offers something different from O'Gara and Stephen Jones - especially when we're chasing the game.

Nathan Hines would be another possibility for the bench due to his big physical presence. However it seems he's been cited after a dangerous tackle, so his tour may be over.

Due to the possession and territory, I think the Lions more than deserved to win the match, however as has been a theme on this tour, they weren't able to convert possession into points. A disappointing way for the mid-week team to sign off on.

[The Phantom]

2nd Test: It was a brutal and very physical match, which we should have won. I really enjoyed the game, and it was one of the best test matches this year. Schalk Burgers eye gouging of Luke Fitzgerald was an absolute disgrace. He should have been sent off. The 8 week ban he receives is ridiculous since the minimum ban for an offence like this is supposedly 12 weeks.

The way the Lions played during the first half, was exactly what was needed. The only down point was the ease that JP Pietersen scored South Africa's first try. Our pack was immense, in particular the front row of Jones, Jenkins and Rees. Thankfully there was no repeat of the disastrous of the first test. We even won a few penalties at the scrum!

The heavy physical game took it's toll on our lads towards the end of the game. At the end it was just a case of having 15 men on the field, the positions were irrelevant. Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, and Brian O'Driscoll are all out of the 3rd test, and there are also doubts about Jamie Roberts and Tommy Bowe. All of whom have been influential players for the Lions during this tour.

The 3rd test is now a nothing game. The Lions will only be playing for pride, but with so many injuries, the Lions will not be at full strength, and the Springbok will be odds on favourites for a series whitewash. Such a sad way to finish off a tour.

[The Phantom]

Well, the test series and the tour is now over, and the Lions lost the the series 2-1. However South Africa vs. The Lions was one of the best test series' i've watched in the last few years. There was so much intensity and physicality - it obviously meant so much to both teams.

I'm pleased the Lions signed off with a victory. It was deserved - the Lions had played the better rugby for most of the series and had out scored the Springbok on points throughout the 3 test matches. But unfortunately could only win one of those matches.

Ugo Monye & Phil Vickery both put to bed their awful first test performances and proved that they were worthy of their test selections. Shane Williams also proved why he was voted IRB Player of the Year with his two tries. Mike Phillips & Stephen Jones to me proved that they are the best half back combination in the World. They have controlled the World Champions for 2 and a half games now - and the Springbok new it.

Overall it's been a good tour, which would have been made even better had the Lions have won one more test match. For me quite a few players played well throughout the tour, however the player of the tour for me is Jamie Roberts. He seemed to come of age during this tour, and considering he's only been a professional for 2 years now, he made the Springbok midfield look ordinary. This boy has got a bright future ahead of him, and there's no doubt he can become a world class centre over the next few years.

Anyway, that's the end of my Lions tour analysis. If anyone's been reading thank you! Hope you've enjoyed my thoughts on the tour. Now bring on the Wallabies in 2013!!