Clinical Kiwis tame Lions

The first test. All of that build up. All of the excitement. The thrills of the opening fifty minutes or so. The outcome? A deflating and frustrating 30-15 loss for the Lions.

New Zealand were at their clinical and skilful best. Surprisingly, they didn’t create as many chances as the visitors, but taught a valuable lesson in how to finish off opportunities that come your way. They played with fire and outmuscled the tourists – nullifying the supposed strengths of the Lions. For Warren Gatland’s side and his planned box of tricks for the test series, the main surprises were an attacking flair not seen until now, a struggle in the set piece and the breakdown, and a series of substitutions that seemed premeditated and took the pace out of the game.

Starting in blistering fashion, the Lions almost went over through Elliot Daly within minutes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t finished off – a fixture of this tour, and one which is yet to rectify itself. Both sides were going at it hammer and tong. Typically, it was the hosts who got the breakthrough with a quick-thinking Codie Taylor try, Beauden Barrett knocking over the conversion and a penalty. Owen Farrell got his side on the board, but Barrett cancelled that three-pointer out immediately. The Lions were being outmuscled and out-thought, but were holding firm in defence and the excellent Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams were looking threatening. With the half coming to an end, Williams kick-started a move in his own 22 that resulted in one of the greatest Lions tries, finished by Sean O’Brien. The score was 13-8 at the interval and here was hope. Even more so when they went incredibly close early in the second half, but again threw the opportunity away. As they do, New Zealand made them pay, extending the lead to 30-8 without batting an eyelid. Rieko Ioane grabbed a ruthless brace and Barrett slotted another seven points from the boot. The Lions bench was emptied, and whilst individually they did OK, they struggled to get into the pace of the game and gel. Rhys Webb sniped for a late consolation; something to cling onto next week, but meaningless as the Kiwis cruised to victory.

As Warren Gatland pointed out: everything is fixable. More to the point is whether it can be fixed within a week. Defensive lapses and lack of aggression could be rectified with the inclusion of Courtney Lawes, whilst somebody with a finishers instinct could put these opportunities away. The All Blacks will be creating far more than they did at the weekend though, which means that Lions will need to sort all of this out and some, otherwise the series will have slipped away without them noticing.

Scotland suffer comedown, Ireland and Wales clean sweeps

The impressive start to Gregor Townsend’s reign as Scotland coach was tempered with defeat to Fiji. Coming off the back of a famous victory in Australia, the tourists were expected to make it three from three, but they were unable to live with an inspired Fiji. The Scots outscored their hosts three tries to two, but giving away far too many kickable penalties cost them dear, alongside magnificent scores from Peceli Yato and Henry Seniloli.

Japan put in an improved performance against Ireland, but ultimately remain way behind their World Cup group counterparts after a 35-13 loss. Wales had to bounce back through two Steff Evans tries to see off Samoa 19-17. South Africa sealed a series whitewash against France with a 35-12 victory, whilst Australia survived a scare against Italy, who perhaps should have won, instead losing 40-27 after two late tries. Argentina were 45-29 victors against Georgia.

Hero of the week

For Fiji to beat a tier 1 nation is a feat in itself. To beat a Scottish side riding high after beating Australia on tour the week before is most certainly one of their biggest results outside of a World Cup.

Villain of the week

I hate to sound like I’m complaining about the result; I am not, because New Zealand definitely deserved to win. Also, if there was an obvious contender, I wouldn’t be choosing this. However, I really don’t know how New Zealand get away with so many forward passes, amongst other infringements. Most of the time, decisions are right (which I thought all of the decision that went against the Lions were), and when they’re wrong, it tends to level out over a game. With the All Blacks, I’m not convinced that that is the case.

Try of the week

It may have been the only time that the Lions managed to finish an opportunity whilst the game was still alive, but my what a try! One of the greats. Initiated by Liam Williams from his own 22, scything through and involving some neat interchange between Elliot Daly and Jonathan Davies, before Sean O’Brien crashed over to ensure the Lions were still in it at the break.

Discussion points

• What do the Lions need to do differently next week?
• What do they need to keep the same?
• Which players need to be replaced? By whom?
• Who stood out for your team on their summer tour?

By Joe Large