Description
An Introduction to 1971 British Isles Lions Shirt
1971 British Isles Lions Shirt. Our inspiration. The Ellis Rugby Rugby Shirt is inspired by the famous 1971 British Isles Lions team captained by John Dawes. And Coached by Carwyn James.
British Lions 1971 Tourists
The team of 1971 stands out above all other Lions teams. They went to New Zealand and shocked the All Blacks. And won the series. Their victory, by two Tests to one with one drawn was an incredible achievement.
Their first outing in New Zealand resulted in a 21-9 win over Otago 21-9. Then the 47-9, nine-try massacre of a highly-regarded Wellington. The week before the first Test came the brutal clash with Canterbury. Which the Lions won 14-3.
The All Blacks put the Lions under pressure for most of the First Test. But they still managed to win 9-3. McLauchlan charged down an All Black kick for a first-half try. And Barry John added two second-half penalties. The victory was built on the remarkable display of tactical kicking by Barry John.
In the Second Test. The All Blacks’ hit back, winning 22-12. The All Blacks scored five tries including two from Bob Burgess and a remarkable solo effort from Ian Kirkpatrick. In reply, the Lions scored two by Gerald Davies.
The greatest British Lions back-line
In the Third Test, the Lions played some exciting rugby. In the first 20 minutes at Wellington, their back division really performed. John Dawes and Mike Gibson at centre. And world-class wings Duckham and Gerald Davies. With the legendary JPR Williams at fullback. In addition, the Gareth Edwards, Barry John combination at half-back. The Lions led 13-0. Barry John dropped a goal in the third minute. Then two wonderful breaks by Edwards. The second led to tries by Gerald Davies and Barry John. Barry John also converted both tries. The All Blacks scored with a try by Laurie Mains. But the score ended 13-3.
Leading 2-1, the Lions went into the final Test in Auckland. But, the All Blacks were eight points up early in the game. But Barry John kicked a penalty. Plus Peter Dixon scored a try from a line-out. Barry John’s conversion made it 8-8 at half-time. He then kicked them into the lead after the break. But, the All Blacks levelled with a try from Tom Lister. Then came the incredible drop goal from JPR Williams, 45 metres out.
Laurie Mains landed an equalising penalty with eight minutes to go. But, it was still 14-14 at the final whistle. And the Lions had won the series.
