1955 South Africa

The Lions touring team of 1955 set unprecedented standards in dismantling the aura of the seemingly invincible Springboks and endearing themselves to the hosts at the same time.

The tour was lead by Irish Lock Robin Thompson and the policy of the tour appeared to be to run the ball at every opportunity rather than to take on the mighty Springbok pack.

The first test was a remarkable game with the Lions triumphing by 23-22 after a missed last minute conversion by South African Jack van der Schyff that would have snatched the win.

The second and third tests were more solid affairs with the Boks running out 25-9 winners in the second and the Lions clinching a tight third test 9-6.

With the Boks facing their first series loss for more than 50 years they threw everything at the Lions and ultimately scored victory by 22-8, but the Lions had already done enough to ensure their place in history.