Nearly a dream Argentina s Contepomi basks in unique Lions win

DUBLIN - Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi knew just how special and potentially unique Fridays victory over the British and Irish Lions was, having gone agonisingly close as a player two decades ago.

Contepomi was captain when the sides last met before the Lions 2005 tour of New Zealand, when the Pumas were a Johnny Wilkinson stoppage time penalty away from a first ever victory in the fixture.

That game ended in a 25-25 draw, and Fridays contest was just Argentinas second shot at the Lions in almost a century.

Their first six meetings were played during tours of Argentina when the Lions did not limit their itinerary to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. Contepomi said they could not be sure when they would get the opportunity again.

Its kind of a one-off. Its an invitation game and the last time, it was 20 years ago, and we were just there and we couldnt beat them, Contepomi told a press conference.

Coming here 20 years later I think its incredible. We dont know if well ever again be invited or not to play and definitely for everyone whos been involved this week it will be memorable.

It is special. I know how special it is for an Irish, a Scottish, a Welsh or an English player to be a Lion, and for us to play against the best of the best in these islands, its nearly a dream.

The former Argentina flyhalf, who knows British and Irish rugby well, having spent six seasons with Leinster and worked as a doctor during his time in Ireland, said he expected Australia to face a far more ferocious set of Lions next month.

We took a bit of an opportunity because I know theyll be much better in one months time when they