NATAL, the South African Currie Cup champions and Super 12 semi-finalists a few weeks ago, went into their match against the Lions at King's Park on Saturday with high expectation and the promise from their coach, Ian Mclntosh, that they would give the Lions a "hell of a match".

Granted that Natal were short four of their current Springboks panellists (though still with five Springboks in their side), they never looked like delivering on that promise or realising their long-cherished ambition of beating the Lions - a feat the province has never attained.

The Lions not alone won but did so by 28 points, and did not concede a try in attaining the win. The margin equalled the record by which the 1974 Lions beat Natal; the 42 points scored was a record total against Natal.

The man who led that 1974 Lions side, Willie John McBride, was present on Saturday and nobody was more impressed by the Lions performance. "It was a very impressive performance and has come at just the right time, the week before the first Test," he said. "The Lions controlled that match, and the way they did it will not have gone unnoticed by the Springboks."

Almost from the outset the Lions exercised control up front and never relinquished it. They put Natal under pressure in all areas of the field, sealed off the fringes of the set pieces, were infinitely more accomplished in the rucks and mauls and never allowed Natal to get over the advantage line. It was the best performance of the tour to date by the Lions and, as McBride said, has come at an opportune time.

Unfortunately the win came at a heavy price. Seven minutes into the game scrum-half Robert Howley injured a shoulder and six minutes later had to leave the field. After the match it was confirmed that Howley will not take any further part in the tour because of a dislocated left shoulder.

That was really the only downside to the occasion. "Robert Howley is a great loss to us as he is a world class player," said Lions manager Fran Cotton. "But it will not deflect us one inch from our Test ambitions," he added.

McIntosh handed out a warning to the Springboks when he said: "The Lions tight five forwards out-played us and the Springboks would do well to take note If they do not match the Lions in this department, they are in for a long hard series.

"I was very impressed by the way the Lions played," McIntosh said. "This was a totally different performance from that given against Northern Transvaal a week previously. We just could not get the possession we wanted and their back row closed down our half backs."

The Lions applied the pressure in every area and built a solid foundation with a 16-9 interval lead. With Neil Jenkins in superb kicking form, they decorated their performance with two late tries, both splendidly taken.

Ireland's two representatives in the pack, hooker Keith Wood and number eight Eric Miller, most certainly laid down strong claims for inclusion in the Test side. Wood was at his vibrant best, but did throw the odd wayward ball into the lineout. Miller was excellent both in attack and in defence.

Indeed, the Lions defence through the field was first class, a point underlined by McIntosh. In every respect the back row of Lawrence Dallaglio, Miller and Richard Hill was a most effective unit and they are now firm favourites to play in the first Test.

Matt Dawson, who replaced Howley, was a good link to the back line and Gregor Townsend copper-fastened his Test place at outside-half. Scott Gibbs in the centre probably did likewise.

After the Lions held firm against Natal's opening flurry Jenkins kicked the first of his six penalty goals, before Natal full back Gavin Lawless gave his side she lead with two kicks.

Referee Johan Meuwesen, like so many of his fellow South African referees, yet again was very slack in his application of what is illegal in the rucks and the home players staying on their feet. He penalised the Lions 10 times in the first half and three of those awards were very hard to fathom. He awarded the Lions just three, but the count in the second half was more even and the Lions' superiority was very more pronounced in that period, when the Lions scored two tries and were never under any serious pressure.

The first half produced just one try and Wood was a central figure in its creation. After Townsend levelled the scores with a dropped goal in the 24th minute, following a great run by Miller, the try came in the 27th minute. Wood gained possession and put a fine chip through the Natal defence. He was almost decapitated by a head-high tackle from prop Andrew-Henri Le Roux as he kicked the ball. Townsend was up in pursuit and the ball rebounded off a defender and Townsend got the try. Jenkins converted and the Lions led 13-6. Lawless and Jenkins then exchanged penalties to leave the Lions 16-9 up at the break.

Two penalties from Jenkins early in the second half saw she Lions 22-9 in front and in total control. A penalty from Lawless in the 54th minute was all Natal could manage in the second period. Jenkins' unerring accuracy saw the Lions stretch their advantage to 28-12, and then the tourists finished in style as Mike Catt, a replacement for Allan Bateman, and Dallaglio scored tries. Jenkins converted both to bring his personal tally to 24 points.

"I was very pleased with the display, and in many respects the most satisfying aspect was the discipline the Lions showed in every respect," said coach Ian McGeechan. "We have a lot of players right now who are playing very well and that is a very good position to be in as we approach the selection of the team for the first Test"

And McGeechan's assessment of the performances of Miller and

Wood: "Both played really well and Eric yet again underlined his ability and potential."