Bowe Hoping For Another Crack At The ‘Boks
While his mind may be currently focused on a long overdue holiday, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe is already relishing the possibility of playing against South Africa at Croke Park in November.
Tommy Bowe was one of the real success stories of the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa, scoring four tries in six games and starting all three Test matches against the Springboks.
Having tasted victory in the final Test in Johannesburg on Saturday, the Monaghan man was delighted to end the tour on a winning note and the World champions’ November 28 visit to Croke Park to face Grand Slam champions Ireland is already whetting his appetite.
“It was hard work out there but I enjoyed it. Coming up with a victory put smiles on everyone’s faces and means we can go home with our heads held high,” he said.
“I think we proved there is not quite as big a gulf (between the Hemispheres) as they think down here.
“I hope to be involved with Ireland when South Africa come up in November and I think we can give them a run for their money.”
It has been quite a season for the 25-year-old, who ran in a vital try in the Grand Slam decider against Wales in March to help clinch Ireland’s first championship clean sweep in 61 years and then earned selection for the British & Irish Lions.
Bowe started with a bang on tour in South Africa, scoring four tries in the build-up to the Test series, and became one of the automatic picks for the three Tests.
Not only that, he became one of only five players to start each game against the Springboks.
“Thinking back 12 months I never dreamed I would be in the Lions squad, never mind playing in three Tests.
“The craic in the changing room after the game was right up there with winning the Grand Slam with Ireland,” said Bowe, who was part of an all-Irish back-three for the second Test and played at outside centre for the third.
“Winning in Johannesburg was a great way to finish what has been a very long season. Now I’m looking forward to reflecting on the year sitting in a deck chair soaking up the sun!”
He added: “Of course losing the series is a huge disappointment, but we are looking at the tour as a success off the pitch.
“I’ve got friends for life from this tour and it’s the best craic I’ve ever been a part of on a rugby tour.
“The coaches and management set the tone and the atmosphere, but it was down to the players to do the bonding and the team spirit was tremendous.”