1:10pm Thursday 25th June 2009
By John Boyman
TOM Croft’s father has spoken about the pride he felt at watching his son become the first Lions forward to score two tries against South Africa.
The flanker, who was born in Basingstoke and grew up in Kingsclere, crossed the line once in either half as the tourists suffered a 26-21 defeat in Durban last weekend.
His parents watched the match on television at home in north Hampshire and his father, Richard, was delighted to see his son performing at the highest level.
“It was a very proud day for us,” he said. “To score two tries in one match for the Lions is a great achievement, especially against South Africa. It’s even better that he is only the second player to do it, and the first forward.
“When Tom got his try in the first half it was a cause for celebration for us even though the Lions were losing. It was a great feeling.
“It was unbelievable when he got the second and we were hoping for a hat-trick, but it was not to be.”
Richard, who is a geography teacher at Queen Mary’s College, spoke to his son after the game.
“Although he was very pleased with his tries he was disappointed that the Lions had lost the first test,” the star’s father said. “He followed on from what he said on the television, that he would swap his tries for the win.
“He is very aware that playing for the Lions is the pinnacle of many rugby players’ careers. He is only 23 and is getting a huge amount out of it so hopefully it will help him in the future.”
Croft will be hoping to retain his place in the starting line-up for the second test, which will take place in Pretoria on Saturday (kick-off 3pm BST).
“We never talk about selection but obviously I hope he is involved on Saturday,” his father said. “I expect some tinkering but hope that Tom did enough to merit selection again.”
Croft was not involved in Tuesday’s 13-13 draw with the Emerging Springboks but Ugo Monye, a former pupil at Lord Wandsworth College, did feature, coming on as a replacement for the final 15 minutes.
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