You’d have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for Rory Best today, especially when you see the anguish of defeat on his face in this picture.
Back in 2001, the Brumbies almost beat the Lions before a late Austin Healy try saved the day. Twelve years later a bench-clearing move by Gatland narrowed the gap but the Canberra team hung on to a deserved win, 14-12, earlier today.
It was a bad night for Rory Best, who not only had a wonky night with his lineout throws, but he was captain for the game before being replaced.
And if anyone wondered if defeats in these non-Test matches mattered or not, the look on the Ulster man’s face here says it all.
Chin up Rory and roll on Brisbane.
Lions coverage on JOE brought to you in association with Kellogg’s, official cereal & snack provider to the IRFU.
