Woodward caught out by Lions draw

British & Irish Lions head coach Clive Woodward admitted tonight “We didn’t expect a draw” after

Argentina held his side 25-25 in Cardiff.

Jonny Wilkinson booted his seventh kick from seven attempts eight minutes into injury time to snatch the Lions a draw at the Millennium Stadium.

The England fly-half was the shining light for a Lions side which lacked cohesion and chemistry and looked every bit a scratch side pulled together after just four training sessions.

Woodward said: “We didn’t expect to draw, we were hopeful to win the game but the biggest thing was to get through the game without any injuries.

“It was a difficult game tonight. It was the first time the Lions have played a game like this before going on tour. I am just delighted no-one is injured and we can go on and prepare for the Bay of Plenty game.

“We have to move on and not over-react either way. It was a good start, we drew the game.”

Argentina exploited an error-strewn opening from the Lions to race 13-0 ahead after just 15 minutes as Jose Nunez Piossek burst over for a try in the corner.

The Pumas then held on as fly-half Federico Todeschini enjoyed a perfect evening with the boot.

Ollie Smith scampered over for the Lions but Todeschini’s 20-point haul had seemed enough to keep the Lions caged before Wilkinson snatched the draw at the death.

“Jonny did well. He, like all the other players, found it difficult with the new combinations. The way he played and kicked speaks for itself,” said Woodward.

“Michael Owen captained superbly, he made right calls at end. Under pressure he captained the team well.