Lions overcome gallant Otago 30-19

The British and Irish Lions battled hard to overcome a gallant but outclassed Otago side 30-19 yesterday in Dunedin.

Wales winger Shane Williams was the highlight of the Lions backline scoring one of their three tries and setting up another for Ryan Jones while flyhalf Charlie Hodgson added 15 points with his boot. Vice-captain Will Greenwood scored the Lions' other try.

Otago flyhalf Nick Evans was the best player on either side, kicking 14 points and providing the attacking impetus for his team. Scrumhalf Danny Lee scored Otago's try.

The home side had won four of their previous six encounters against the Lions and were unlucky not to lead at the break after Greenwood scored a try on the stroke of half-time, converted by Hodgson to level the score at 13-13.

It is the fourth time in five games on tour the Lions have failed to establish a half-time lead and they did not take the lead for the first time until the 50th minute.

Only one week before the first test, Lions coach Clive Woodward must be concerned his side have failed to stamp their authority on a game from the beginning as they will not get the opportunity to play for just 40 minutes against New Zealand.

While Woodward said nothing was determined until he selected his test squad, few yesterday will have enhanced their credentials for inclusion.

Blindside flanker Simon Easterby and Jones combined well in defence and at the breakdown, though considering the pair were not original selections in the squad it would be hard for them to push Corry, Richard Hill or Michael Owen out of test reckoning.