Drawn game assured the Lions' place in history books

It seems unlikely somehow that we'll see a Lions team with this composition on the 2005 tour.

Of the 15 that took the field on May 27, 1950, for the first test at Carisbrook, only Ivor Preece represented the red rose of England - and he was dropped for the second test.

This was the tour that cemented the Lions' place in history, until recently - a running team who placed a high price on the aesthetics of rugby.

It's why South African tours were almost viewed as world championship battles, but Lions tours were savoured more.

The 1950 Lions were looked upon with particular fondness. Jack Kyle was a Belfast first five-eighth who was an elusive runner.

With Kyle at first five it was no surprise the Lions took to running the pill, especially when they had Ken Jones, a Welshman, on the wing. Jones was a semifinalist in the 100m at the 1948 London Olympics.

Kyle crossed the white line on this sparkling day, beating four men en route.

The Lions were on top but JD Robins, the Welsh prop and kicker, was failing to take advantage of the numerous penalties Eric Tindall was dishing out.

Taranaki centre Roy Roper also scored a fine individual try before Jones pounced on a rare Bob Scott mistake.

He made up for it with a penalty that closed the gap on the Lions, but with seven minutes left the Lions were on top 9-6 and didn't look like relinquishing their lead.

From a five-yard scrum though, captain Ron Elvidge ran the blind and scored in the corner, giving Scott the chance to win it from out wide. It was probably justice done when he missed.

Dunedin, 1950

All Blacks 9
Lions 9

- HERALD ON SUNDAY