News
O'Connell proud of his troops
July 04 2009
British and Irish Lions skipper Paul O'Connell praised his side for digging deep after a tough week to win the third Test against South Africa.
The tourists made sure they didn't suffer a first ever series sweep against the Springboks with an impressive 28-9 victory at Ellis Park.
Shane Williams scored a brace of tries in the opening half before Ugo Monye's intercept score in the second half gave the Lions some breathing space.
O'Connell admitted the squad were determined to finish off the tour on a high after suffering heart-breaking defeats in the opening two Tests.
"It's a very proud moment," the Irish lock told Sky Sports.
"We were just determined to dig as deep as we could. I think we did that.
"It's been a tough week, mentally, for everyone. We really dug deep and some guys produced some serious form and some great scores.
"They are very conscious of the whole Lions ethos and really wanted to do it proud all tour.
"Anyone works well with their backs to the wall and I don't think we've ever had our backs against the wall as much as we have this week.
"The first Test we could have won, the second we should have won... we were eager that kind of memory wouldn't be upset by a poor performance today, knowing we were beaten and throwing in the towel."
Despite finishing on the wrong end of a 2-1 series result the Lions ended up scoring more tries than their opponents - managing seven to the Springboks' tally of five.
O'Connell refused to accept that the visitors had been the better team over the duration of the three matches, though, instead looking to the future and how the result may be a positive for northern hemisphere rugby.
"The team that wins is the better team," he added.
"You do what you have to do to win.
"Sure people have patted us on the backs for our performances, but for some of these guys here this is a first win in the southern hemisphere and that's important for all home nations going into World Cups and future tours.
"It's a big moment for all of us and a big moment for the Lions."
