Lions v Free State highlights ('97)

On this day, 25-years-ago a John Bentley hattrick helps seal victory over Free State in a match marred by a horrific injury to Will Greenwood.

[@bwytacig]

One of the great midweek performances in Lions history

[@99037149]

Really enjoying these highlights from a great tour. What stands out from this one was just how good Eric Miller was. He must have only been about 20 on this tour but he looked absolutely outstanding.

[@powerbite92]

He was picked for the first test side but Martin Johnson and the English players chucked a fit and so he was dropped for Rodber and the official line was that he was out of the walk on side because of "the flu" - a great shame. He was on fire 🔥 at that point in the tour.

[@Zz-lm1no]

​​@@powerbite92 Incorrect....and I know that for a fact...he was genuinely unwell,his father was in the papers for bringing him over the counter flu medicine that was on the banned list to give him a chance of being fit.

[@powerbite92]

@@Zz-lm1no You know what your problem is? One. Alan Tait went through it all in his 2000 autobiography. I'll take his word fo it. Two. I saw - a fit and healthy - Eric Miller (and his Dad) and spoke to him/them in Wellington just a few days before the first test, and just before the test team was announced. he was not happy.

[@tvbant]

Great teamwork and support play. Even Shawsy linking up fluently. One of my heroes!

[@matthewomeara2005]

Great highlights from a great tour, any chance you could upload Btumbies vs lions 2001? can't find any highlights of that match anywhere thanks.

[@sockington1]

another commentator who needs to research hat-tricks