By Paul
June 6 2005

Ronan O'Gara started his first game for the British and Irish Lions on saturday against The Bay of plenty, and although he could only kick 2 out of 6, he was dangerous in attack, setting up all but one of the Lions tries Lions Victory Comes at Dallaglio’s cost
British and Irish Lions 34-20 Bay of Plenty

The British and Irish Lions surrendered a 17-0 lead after 9 minutes to allow Bay of plenty to pull back to 17-17 just before half-time. However, further tries from Tom Shanklin and Gordon D’Arcy ensured that the Lions would remain unbeaten.
However Clive Woodward will be disappointed that Lawrence Dallaglio has been ruled out of the tour, due to breaking his ankle in the first half. Woodward, who many thought would have Dallaglio in the test side, has called up Simon Easterby, in his place. Meanwhile, Lions Captain Brian O’Driscoll, was showing some of the form which ensures him his place in the test side, making a scintillating break, which led to him been stopped just short of the line. England and Wasps full back Josh Lewsey was also looking dangerous, scoring a brace of tries in the first 10 minutes. Fly-half, Ronan O’Gara had a decent game, setting up nearly every try scored. However O’Gara’s disappointing display with the boot, putting only 2 out of 6 kicks over, will discourage Woodward from starting him ahead of Wilkinson or Jones.


The team for the match against Taranaki has been named:

Lions team: Geordan Murphy; Shane Horgan, Will Greenwood, Ollie Smith, Denis Hickie; Charlie Hodgson, Chris Cusiter; Graham Rowntree, Andy Titterrell, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, Danny Grewcock, Martin Corry (captain), Lewis Moody, Michael Owen.
Replacements: Shane Byrne, Gethin Jenkins, Ben Kay, Martyn Williams, Gareth Cooper, Jonny Wilkinson, Gavin Henson.