Sport | Rugby
Rugby greats in town to share experiences
Former South African player Andre Snyman and Lions star Greg Townsend to lock horns in Dubai event tonight.
- By Duane Fonseca, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:26 July 3, 2009
- Rugby stars Andre Snyman (left) and Gregor Townsend at the Nezesaussi Grill in Dubai’s Al Manzil Hotel. They are in town for an event in which they will talk about their career and times with their respective teams.
- Image Credit: Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
Dubai: Two former rugby greats - Andre Snyman, a one-time Springbok, and Greg Townsend, a former Lions star - lock horns at Zinc, Crowne Plaza, tonight, but the banter will be friendly as the pair will only share their experiences in the colours they once donned.
The pair, who faced each other when the two sides last met in 1997, also feel tonight's final Test with the British and Irish Lions three-Test South African tour, which they host, will be a cracker. The Lions returned triumphant from their 1997 jaunt, but the hosts have already clinched the 2009 series 2-0, courtesy of 26-21, 28-25 wins in the first and second Tests respectively.
And while Snyman feels his former side will go for the whitewash, Scotsman Townsend is confident the Lions will do all they can to return with their pride intact.
Snyman said: "Obviously being a South African I would like it to be 3-0, but I think there's a lot at stake. The Lions will not want to go home with a whitewash so they'll be looking to win at least one game, but I think it's going to be a very interesting game. The series is won by RSA, but there's a lot of pride to play for now. I think the Lions are definitely going to come out firing."
Despite fancying a 3-0 victory, Snyman feels South Africa were lucky in both games. "Before the series started I was a bit worried for RSA about their preparation, but the fact that the team had played together since the 2007 World Cup contributed to their success," he said.
"In the first Test, RSA came out firing but the Lions proved themselves by trying to get back into it, but then it wasn't enough. In the second I feel the Lions were unlucky not to win or walk away with a draw. I think that would have been a fair result for that game, but luck favoured the Springboks."
Speaking of his experience in a Lion shirt Townsend, who was also present at Nezesaussi Grill at the Manzil Hotel yesterday, added: "Twelve years ago they came very close, but we did the right things and won. The first match was difficult for the Lions, but the second was frustrating because we led all the way and then it looked like it was going to be a draw. I think we deserved at least a draw in the second because we played well, but this third one will be an absolute thriller as the Lions will be looking for that elusive win."
Tickets for the event cost Dh125 per person including food. Doors open at 4pm.
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