Top 10: Lions highlights

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Skysports.com looks back at the top-10 highlights from the British and Irish Lions tour.

The British and Irish Lions served up a host of great moments during their 10-match tour to South Africa, despite the series going against them.

After narrow defeats in the opening two Tests, the Lions avoided the whitewash when they cut loose in Johannesburg.

And the army of Lions fans - plus the millions of supporters back in Britain and Ireland - will have a number of memories to last a lifetime.

So skysports.com'sTony Curtis looks back at 10 highlights from the tour...

The Lions fans

A sea of red swarmed all over South Africa, with the four home unions pulling together as one. And they certain made their mark on their hosts. Two bars in Port Elizabeth were drunk dry by the thirsty tourists, while Durban airport suffered the same fate. Despite problems over the ticket pricing policy of the South Africans, the Lions fans made the most of the occasion, with the chant of "Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnsssssssss! Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnsssssssss!" being heard at every ground. Like the players, they did the traditions of the Lions proud.

O'Driscoll and Roberts

The combination of the mercurial Irishman and the Welsh battering ram proved to be a match made in heaven. From the moment they lined up together for the first time against the Golden Lions in the second tour game, the duo seemed to have a telepathic understanding. Together they tormented the South Africans, with Roberts providing the hard graft to O'Driscoll's class. Roberts rightly collected the player of the series award, but he owes a large slice of thanks to his partner O'Driscoll. Arguably one of the best centre pairings the Lions have ever seen and a pleasure to watch.

Shane Williams' second try in the third Test

Backs coach Rob Howley will return home with his reputation enhanced as the Lions ran in some wonderful tries - and outscored the hosts 7-5 in the Tests. It is difficult to single out one in particular, with Tommy Bowe, Tom Croft and Ugo Monye all crossing for memorable scores, but Williams' second in Johannesburg was a peach. The Lions stole the ball at the breakdown 10m inside their own half, with quick ball finding Riki Flutey out on the opposite flank. The England centre chipped the ball over the on-rushing Odwa Ndungane and with Zane Kirchner charging in to cover, Flutey was able to get his hands to the bouncing ball first and flick it back inside to Williams for the Welsh wing to score.

Vickery v The Beast II: Redemption

Former England captain Phil Vickery came in for a large slice of criticism following his first-half mauling by The Beast in Durban. Vickery, who had impressed during the warm-up games, endured a torrid 45 minutes as decision after decision went against him at the scrum. It can't have helped his pride to see Adam Jones enter the fray and treat the much-heralded Tendai Mtawarira like a front-row novice. However, with Jones' tour ended by injury, Vickery was called upon again for the final Test - and how the Wasps man responded to the challenge. The first scrum on eight minutes saw the Beast and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle pop up as Vickery, Matthew Rees and Andrew Sheridan got the shove on, with referee Stuart Dickinson awarding the Lions the penalty. The relief on Vickery's face was clear to see.

Graham Rowntree

The former Lions, England and Leicester prop was like a breath of fresh air to the press conference. Funny, open and honest, Rowntree didn't dodge anything. Having amused journalists with, "Any questions? I am all ears" the Lions scrum coach shouldered responsibility when the pack faltered and refused to gloat when things went his way. After the first Test, when some questioned the way Mtawarira went into the scrum, Rowntree chose to focus at his side's own failings. On the side of the pitch during the games, Rowntree looked like he was itching to get out there - although his grimace after one hit from DeWet Barry in the game against the Southern Kings seemed to indicate perhaps he was happier on the sidelines!

Shaun Edwards' little jig

Straight out of David Pleat's book of celebratory jigs, Edwards simply couldn't contain his delight when Ugo Monye broke away to score in the third Test. The try effectively put the game beyond the Boks - and Edwards was swept away in the moment as he bounded down the touchline. It was a game when Edwards struggled to keep the emotions in check, as he also got carried away when Odwa Ndungane had his late try chalked off and again at the final whistle. But after a performance like that, who could blame him!

Donncha O'Callaghan's caring side

There is no doubt that being handed the Lions captaincy - albeit for the midweek side - meant a lot to the Irishman. However one mascot was given a unique insight into O'Callaghan's motivational skills. Having led the boy out on the pitch and called his players into a pre-match huddle, O'Callaghan decided to let the mascot join in. What the lad made of the team talk remains to be seen, however you suspect he has learnt one or two new colourful phrases.

O'Driscoll can't walk on water

There is a common belief in Ireland that there's nothing Brian O'Driscoll can't do, including walking on water. However that myth was exposed on the tour after a trip to the bathroom at the British High Commissioner's house in Johannesburg almost ended in disaster. The Irishman mistook the swimming pool covering for a piece of lawn - and two steps in, found himself sinking!

Peter de Villiers' rant

The Springboks coach did little to cover himself in glory during the series, with his off-hand remarks to the press and passionate defence of Schalk Burger leaving a bitter taste in the mouth. However his rant when questioned whether he was the weak link in the South Africa side was comedy gold. "I am a God-given talent. I am the best ever that I can be, so what you think don't bother me. I know what I am so I don't give a damn." And with lyrics like that, there is no wonder he has been dubbed as P-Divvy!

The second Test in Pretoria

The Lions may have lost - and in the cruellest of circumstances having played so well - but this game will live long in the memory as one of the greatest games ever. From the drama of Schalk Burger's skulduggery, to some thrilling Lions attacking play, to a roaring Boks comeback, to all the injuries, to a late leveller for the tourists, to the winner for Morne Steyn... the game had it all. It was difficult not to get drawn into the whole occasion - and then to be left completely deflated afterwards. What the game also showed was that all the ELVs that the Southern Hemisphere unions had banged on about as being crucial to saving the game were not needed - and that the maul remains a vital part of attacking play.

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