Boks suffer surprise loss to Leicester

Published: 11:01AM Saturday November 07, 2009 Source: Reuters

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  • Boks suffer surprise loss to Leicester (Source: Getty Images)
    Lote Tuqiri playing for Leicester - Source: Getty Images

English Premiership champions Leicester pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday when they beat a South Africa 22-17 on a memorable night at Welford Road. 

The world champions, who arrived in Europe on the back of a series win over the British and Irish Lions and as Tri Nations holders, were without many of their established players but still fielded a strong side. 

Leicester too were below-strength with a dozen players on England duty or injured and trailed 8-0 early on after a Jongi Nokwe try. 

However, a superb counter-attacking try by Argentina wing Lucas Amorosino and 17 points from the boot of 20-year-old scrumhalf Ben Youngs had Leicester fans in rugby heaven and, despite two penalties by Ruan Pienaar, England's must successful club held on for one of their most famous victories. 

South Africa face France on November 14 before going on to play Italy and Ireland.

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