Barbarians 7 – 13 Lions.

Crikey. Few could have predicted that underwhelming start.

Gatland looking less than amused

I’d warrant that there’ll be a fair few Lions’ interviews that will start “we don’t like making excuses but…”. It was almost like they’d stepped off the plane a few days ago. The jet lag probably didn’t help, the long no-play time and the wet conditions may very well have increased handling errors, but pondering these handicaps is like trying to find the silver lining to the Northland downpour; regardless of the excuses, you’ll still get drenched and blown away. And that’s exactly what happened in the 17th minute. A combination of Laulala and Finau exploited the lack of the Lions’ defensive cohesion and stormed through. Had it not been for the individual efforts of Hogg, and the superb solo try-saving tackle of Faletau, it would have been a certain try. This sums up the plight of the Lions – rusty and shoddy team cohesion that has to rely on individual heroism to see them through.

Backs

Stuart Hogg – 5
Not at his best. He had a frustrating game strewn with silly mistakes. He failed to play a simple final pass to put Watson in for a try and moments later couldn’t keep a badly placed ball in play. Stopped Laulala short of the line and was involved in a few slick back pieces.

Anthony Watson – 6
Decent game and did well to go over in the corner. Not his usual sharp self but his try saves the Lions from embarrassment.

Tommy Seymour – 6
The best Scotsman on the field in this writer’s opinion. Not too many mistakes, a shift in defence but needs to dig deep to keep the likes of North, Williams and Nowell out.

Jonathan Joseph – 5
Couldn’t slice through on his angled runs and was largely frustrated by a good Barbarian defence. Got over the try line but was held up.

Ben Te’o – 7
The standout back. Broke the gainline more than once and offloaded well. Warrenball working effectively.

Jonathan Sexton – 4
He struggled. He seemed off on accuracy. Missed the first penalty, and shortly after botched a clearance kick that led to the Barbarian try. Put a crossfield attempt straight out and squandered a good try-scoring opportunity with a wild pass in the Barbarian 22. He’ll be kicking himself (and missing) after that display. Just didn’t quite click sadly.

Greig Laidlaw – 5.5
Distributed the ball well and kicked from hand whilst knocking over a penalty. Predictable but fairly consistent.

Pack

Taulupe Faletau – 8
The highest rated Lion. Must have received a different memo. Started the game with fire, the big man carrying the ball well, and making a wonderful try saving tackle to deny Finau. That performance has cemented himself at 8. Your move, Stander.

Sam Warburton (c) – 5
A quiet game for the captain who seemed subdued and couldn’t get going. “It wasn’t perfect” he said…

Ross Moriarty – 6
Carried well at times but lost the ball twice at the breakdown to more wily opposition. He just about stood up to the occasion.

Iain Henderson – 4
Did not quite live up to expectation and made many unforced handling errors. At fault with Laidlaw for conceding the Barbarian try. Not a Lions’ debut to remember. Onwards and at them though, Iain.

Alun Wyn Jones – 5
Subdued and groggy like his captain, smashed by a great tackle and had the presence of mind to give an approving pat to Andrew Makalio for his efforts. He won’t be happy with his performance and will look to bounce back with both Lawes and Itoje eyeing up his jersey.

Kyle Sinckler – 7
I was impressed with his carries. Largely kept the scrum to Theresa May’s liking (strong and stable) and showed quick hands to almost put Jonathan Joseph in. Only drawback was when his enthusiasm got the better of him with a quick penalty whereupon he instantly conceded a penalty. Overall, impressive.

Rory Best – 5
Turned over a few and mopped up loose ball but would overall be disappointed with his performance.

Joe Marler – 5
Not all that much to say about Marler. Carried, cleared and trundled on.

Replacements

Owen Farrell – 6
Replaced Sexton 50’. An immediate improvement for the stricken Sexton, and four minutes after coming on created the play to put Watson in for the Lions’ only try. Missed a penalty which could have been crucial if the locals had decided to take the three points late in the game.

Rhys Webb – 6
Replaced Laidlaw 57’. Provided a little more unpredictability than Laidlaw. Gave away a penalty but popped up in a dangerous position to receive Tipuric’s offload.

Justin Tipuric – 6
Replaced Warburton 66’. A little more presence about him than his captain and claimed a high ball and offloaded well to almost put Webb in.

George Kruis – 5
Replaced Henderson 49’. A quiet game but did well to steal at the lineout.

Tadhg Furlong – 5
Replaced Sinckler 49’. Bloodied and battered by the end. Turned over to stop a late pack rumble.

Mako Vunipola – 6
Replaced Marler 49’. Seemed up for the game and did what had to be done to see out the closing stages. Burrowed through a dangerous late Barbarian maul to turn over.

Jamie George – 5
Replaced Best 49’. Overall, a quiet game with a few good carries and tackles.

Worthy mention

Bryn Gatland – 9
Superb performance from Gatland junior. Kicked accurately whilst he did not shirk from a few hard hitting tackles. Kept the Lions on their toes and put Sexton and Farrell to shame. With a slow start to Super Rugby life and only 22, I can’t help but feel this game has firmly placed him on the Northern Hemisphere radar. Start learning French or Welsh.

Last thoughts and collated ratings

Overall team rating – 5.5

Individual nation ratings

Scotland player rating – 5.50
England player rating – 5.66
Wales player rating- 5.83
Ireland player rating – 4.50

With an overall collated team rating of 5.5, this was a disappointing first test and one that we’ll soon forget. This game will be filed to the dusty annals of history as a recorded Win, nothing more and nothing less. Still, it’s early days and let’s hope the Lions respond well to this wake-up call. A win is a win, albeit by narrow margins and very nearly a shambles.

By Dave Beach