Facing the Lions in Auckland was the daunting task of a team who hadn’t lost at home since 2009, 46 test matches.
The All Blacks are the best rugby team on the planet and for a team who had only been together for four weeks, the task was even more difficult.
The Lions nearly had a perfect start when Elliot Daly went for the corner, only to be held up by Israel Dagg. After constant Lions pressure, it was the home side who opened the scoring after Cody Taylor made a superb pick up to go into the corner. Sean O’Brien replied for the Lions after Liam Williams created the opportunity. The Lions trailed 13-8 at half time.
Again the Lions started the second half brightly but failed to convert their chances. Two tries from Reiko Ioane finished the game off but it was the Lions who finished the strongest with Rhys Webb crossing to make the final score 30-15 to New Zealand.
The Lions created good chances but failed to take them and the forwards didn’t assert themselves into the game as much as usual.
Plenty to work on for the next test, but for now, let’s look at how to players rated.
Mako Vunipola - 5
Scrum wasn’t as solid as usual and made little impact elsewhere.
Jamie George - 6
Solid lineout throwing and a few good carries.
Tadhg Furlong - 5
Similar game to Vunipola, unusually quiet.
Alun Wyn Jones - 6
Didn’t really justify his selection ahead of Itoje but got his job done.
George Kruis - 6
Needed to show more if he wants to keep his test place.
Peter O'Mahony - 6
Good in the lineout and went some way to disrupting New Zealand ball.
Sean O'Brien - 7
Scored the opening try for the Lions and was a nuisance all game long.
Taulupe Faletau - 5
Needs to carry more and get involved in the breakdown.
Conor Murray - 7
Excellent box kicking and helped establish a good attacking platform.
Owen Farrell - 6
He did nothing to end the debate over himself and Sexton.
Elliot Daly - 7
Made a few good breaks and disrupted Ben Smith in the air. However, was torn apart by Ioane for his second try.
Ben Te'o - 7
Great defensive effort and did well to shut down Sonny Bill Williams.
Jonathan Davies - 7
Did well to create something out of nothing a few times and should continue to start for all the tests.
Anthony Watson - 6
Made a superb catch to stop a New Zealand try in the first half but rarely featured in the second half.
Liam Williams - 8
By far the Lions best player. Made good breaks and was solid in defence.
Subs
Rhys Webb did well to score with the final play and Itoje did good work at the lineout. No one else stood out.