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July 25 down the years
Anti-apartheid protests end Boks game
Scrum.com
British & Irish Lions captain Ronnie Dawson and All Blacks captain Wilson Whineray lead out their teams before the start of the first Test at Dunedin, New Zealand, July 24, 1959
Ronnie Dawson's Lions, pictured ahead of the first Test, lose to Canterbury on the 1959 tour of New Zealand © Getty Images
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1981
The Springboks' match against Waikato, the first Saturday fixture of the tour, was the target for anti-apartheid protesters. Police eventually called the match off before kick-off after 25,000 spectators turn up at Hamilton's Rugby Park.

Protestors stormed the field to the anger of the fans massed to watch the game, with police eventually gaining control. Arrests were made before the game was called off amid rumours that light aircraft had been commandeered by protesters looking to add their weight to the demonstration.

2009
South Africa held off a spirited revival from the All Blacks to register a 28-19 win in their Tri-Nations showdown at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Tries from fly-half Ruan Pienaar and centre Jacque Fourie saw the Springboks home along with the kicking exploits of fullback Frans Steyn and replacement No.10 Morne Steyn. The All Blacks rallied after the break with a try from centre Conrad Smith and three penalties from the boot of fly-half Stephen Donald but they were unable to overhaul the hosts.

1959
Canterbury, who fielded ten past or future All Blacks, gave the best performance by a provincial side against Ronnie Dawson's team to down the Lions 20-14.

2008
Luke Gross, the most capped US Eagles player of all-time, decided to call time on his rugby career. The 38-year-old made his Test debut against Ireland in 1996 and went on to play 62 times for his country, as well as appearing for Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership.

1896
Irish wing Larry Bulger crossed for the first try hat-trick of the 1896 Lions tour, scoring against Port Elizabeth in a convincing seven-try, 26-3 win.

1903
Five Smith brothers turned out for Bush against Wairarapa at Greytown (NZ). Full-back George, centre Bill and forwards Gordon, Bob and Campbell are in a 0-16 losing side and never again play together.

1908
The Anglo-Welsh tourists are overwhelmed 29-0 in showery conditions in Auckland in the third and final Test of their series against the All Blacks. The rubber is lost 2-0 with the middle Test drawn.

1953
John Solomon's Wallabies record one of the best wins of their South African tour, as they see off the cream of Hennie Muller's Western Province in a 13-11 win at Newlands.

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