This game was considered the unofficial fourth test due to the talent on display in the Maori squad. They boasted the likes of former Super Rugby Player of the Year Damian McKenzie and Nehe Milner-Skudder. The Lions selected a team that wouldn’t look out of place come 24th June in the first test. Peter O’Mahony captained the side with Sam Warburton on the bench.
The Lions selected a team that wouldn’t look out of place come 24th June in the first test. Peter O’Mahony captained the side with Sam Warburton on the bench.
Leigh Halfpenny’s early penalties were cancelled out by Liam Messam’s try following a mistake by George North. However, after exchanging penalties with McKenzie, Halfpenny gave the Lions a 10-12 lead at halftime. The second half started well with an early penalty and following a scrum infringement, a penalty try for the Lions. Maro Itoje scored his first Lions try with a short pick and go to finish the game off and the Lions ran out 10-32 winners.
Yet another superb defensive performance from the Lions but in the attack there are still many questions to be answered. With that, let’s look at how the Lions rated in an impressive victory.
Mako Vunipola - 7
Part of a dominant Lions scrum with strong carrying.
Jamie George - 7
Good lineout throwing and, like Vunipola, helped the dominance of the scrum.
Tadhg Furlong - 6
Strong scrummaging but made little impact elsewhere.
Maro Itoje - 8
A very well rounded performance topped off with a try. Looks certain for a test spot.
George Kruis - 6
Solid but not a standout performance.
Peter O'Mahony - 7
Called the lineouts excellently and could find himself in a test jersey next weekend.
Sean O'Brien - 6
Good carrying and caused trouble at the breakdown.
Taulupe Faletau - 6
Not as destructive as usual but probably has the eight shirt for the first test.
Conor Murray - 7
No errors which is key for beating the All Blacks. Best scrum-half on the tour.
Johnny Sexton - 7
Good decision making and with Farrell’s injury will have the 10 shirt against the All Blacks.
George North - 5
A big error for the try and much like his other performances, he had no significant impact.
Ben Te'o - 7
The surprise package from the tour. Great carrying and brings the physical edge to the backline.
Jonathan Davis - 6
One fantastic break but not really involved elsewhere.
Anthony Watson - 6
Needed to show more in the attack in order to nail down a test place.
Leigh Halfpenny - 8
As always, great goalkicking. Also good under the high ball and solid in defence.
Subs
Iain Henderson carried well but no one else, in particular, stood out. The Lions need impact players if they want to win the series