1980 South Africa

Lions skipper, Bill Beaumont came into the tour following a recapture of the Five Nations crown for the first time in 16 years and proceeded to lead the Lions on their whistlestop tour of South Africa in 1980.

An injury ravaged side were easily defeated in the first test despite some first class goal kicking by Tony Ward. The Lions made wholsale changes to the back line for the next test in Bloemfontein, but were again beaten by the power of the Springboks who claimed a 19-26 victory.

The Lions again made changes for the third test and were rewarded with some good running rugby, but yet again the Springboks against the run of pressure managed to get the points on the board and took victory and the series with a narrow 10-12 win.

With nothing to lose and playing for pride the Lions finally got the result they deserved with a win in the final test following second half tries from Andy Irvine and John O’Driscoll.