The Lions' Roar of '74

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The Lions' Roar of '74
Review added by
David Beckett

Certificate: E
Running Time: 198
Retail Price: £14.67
Release Date: 25/05/2009
Content Type: TV Series

Synopsis:
In 1974 one of the strongest British and Irish Lions' squads of all time departed for what would prove one of the most controversial - and most historic - Rugby tours ever.

Now the story behind the Lions' tour of South Africa is told by the men who made history in the latest DVD release from Duke, the home of sport on DVD.

The Lions' Roar of '74 lets the legends reveal in their own words the truth behind the controversial and unforgettable Test series against the Springboks.

To make this the complete story of an historic moment in sport, this DVD includes the ESPN Classic feature At Home with the Invincibles, recorded in late 2007. In this intimate chat, never previously available on DVD, five of the legends recall this historic tour, revealing some deeply personal reflections.

The apartheid regime in South Africa made the decision by the Lions to tour controversial, condemned by politicians and activists. In this extraordinary programme, squad members, including legendary Captain Willie-John McBride, reveal their thoughts on the storm the Lions' tour created, and the marvellous Rugby they played.
There was further controversy on the pitch as violence marred the matches and McBride's infamous '99' call brought the full force of the Lions to bear on unruly opposition.

However, what the 1974 tour will always be remembered for is the
incredible performance of the British Lions, who demolished the
Springboks to take the team's first Test win in South Africa since 1938 and then the first series victory for almost 100 years. They left the southern hemisphere unbeaten, denied a clean sweep only by a single controversial decision in the dying moments of the fourth and final Test.

This film includes archive footage from each Test Match as well as rare film from behind-the-scenes, but it is the interviews with legendary names, including Gareth Edwards, J.P.R. Williams, J.J. Williams, Fran Cotton, Phil Bennett and more which makes The Lions' Roar of '74 such an important DVD. You'll discover how the squad coped with the controversy, pressure and undoubtedly strong Springboks by creating an unparalleled team spirit which would carry the Lions through adversity and on to victory.

There are also tributes from the Rugby heroes the 1974 Lions inspired, including Jeremy Guscott, Ieuan Evans and Clive Woodward, as well as defeated Springboks Captain Hanes Marais.

The Lions' Roar of '74 also includes footage from the Recall of '99, when the squad was reunited to mark the 25th anniversary of the historic tour, and visited Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff and London to celebrate.

You'll hear the fascinating, and often hilarious, recollections of Lions such as Mervyn Davies, Fergus Slattery, Mike Burton, Andy Ripley and 1974 coach Syd Millar.

Special Features:
- A Pride of Lions - The Lions' victorious trip to New Zealand in 1971