Old Lions roar in Bermuda

Veteran Scotland hooker Colin Deans, relieved of his coaching duties in last week's shake-up at Northampton, took his frustrations out on the Springboks by leading the Classic Lions to a dramatic 22-17 extra time victory in the World Rugby Classic final.

The 'vets' from both sides, age limit 33 and over, graced Bermuda's new $150m national sports centre with high quality rugby and huge commitment which belied their advancing years.

The Springboks, defending champions and favourites after edging the New Zealanders 14-10 in a rugged semi-final, never quite got into their stride after an expansive opening surge by the Lions in which they had a try disallowed in the first minute and then set up an opening score for Northampton winger Harvey Thorneycroft which Ashley Blair converted from the touchline.

The Lions forwards, also boasting such Wales warhorses as Ricky Evans, Jeremy Pugh and Rowland Phillips dominated the rest of the half but were undone by an interception try from South African skipper Heldegard Muller, who snatched an ambitious Lions pass in his own 22 and exchanged passes with Andre Pawson before going under the posts. Eric Herbert converted to make it 7-7, a flattering interval score for the champions, who had been subdued by the Lions' passion and smart possession rugby.

The Lions response was to fly out of the blocks again and they were rewarded within four minutes when former Scotland winger Derek Stark outpaced the defence to kick ahead and touch down. Finally, the South Africans lifted their game but just when it seemed the Lions' magnificent defence would keep them out Muller squeezed over in the corner with seconds left of normal time to tie it up at 12-12.

Five minutes each way extra time would settle it and the Lions would not be denied with Phillips going over from a scrum 20 metres out and former England winger Nigel Heslop charged down a loose kick to put the Lions two scores clear. Tinus Linee grabbed a consolation try at the death but even the South Africans admitted they deserved to come second on the night.

'You wouldn't see a better game anywhere, magic stuff,' said Lions manager Allan Martin.

Yes, the old boys can certainly still play.