Lions players ready to avenge Test defeat
Ireland's Tommy Bowe is keen to make up for the defeats suffered by the Lions at the hands of South Africa. Photo: Getty Images
Friday November 27 2009
Tommy Bowe insists Ireland's Lions contingent are desperate to avenge the agonising Test series defeat by South Africa.
Grand Slam winners Ireland conclude their autumn campaign with an eagerly-anticipated showdown against the world and Tri-Nations champions at Croke Park on Saturday. Billed as 'battle of the hemispheres', the contest has been given an extra dimension by events this summer which saw 10 Irishmen capped by the Lions.
South Africa edged an epic series 2-1 and Bowe said: "I really enjoyed the summer with the Lions. It's a rare opportunity to get as a player," said the Ospreys winger. There's a big feeling of loss after leaving behind the Test series - there's huge disappointment there. This is a chance for us to get our own back so it's up to us to put in a big performance."
He added: "The match has been billed as the best of the northern against the best of the southern hemisphere and has been built up over the last couple of weeks.
"For us to finish our season unbeaten will be huge. I've no doubt South Africa are very worried about this Test.
"The Australians and a lot of the southern hemisphere teams coming here said that we are the team they want to play against."
Press Association
