The British and Irish Lions suffered a 22-16 defeat to the Auckland Blues after conceding a late try to replacement out-half Ihaia West.
Here, we examine five key lessons from the Lions’ game against Auckland.
The young English lock is the real deal. He showed just how good he is with a masterclass at the lineouts against a pretty good Blues pack. He also added considerable power in the scrums and at the breakdown, giving the tourists an abrasive edge that was so absent against the Provincial Barbarians. When the chips were down he got more involved with some important carries. Itoje should be the first name on the team sheet for the tests – now Gatland has to find 14 more.
Maro Itoje.
After the meek performance in the scrums against the Baabaas this was a much better performance all round. The Lions showed a real power game at scrum time and also drove effectively from the lineout, which saw CJ Stander go over for a try. They will still be keeping some tricks in the bag but these are potent weapons in the Lions arsenal. They will have to use them to their optimum. Now if Rory Best can just get his lineout throws right?
The Lions celebrate CJ Stander’s try.
The Lions were all at sea in the first match where they were expected to make the running against a low rated opponent. But against the Blues they were allowed to revert to type with the Super Rugby team making the game and the Lions living off their mistakes – and it almost worked. I’m not sure what Assistant Coach Rob Howley was on about when he said the Lions were going to unleash rugby “chaos”. Try that and they will get smashed. A tight forward based game might just work. It’s the only shot these Lions have.
Augustine Pulu of the Blues.
This is a massive setback for the Lions. Just two games in and already their unbeaten record is gone. Warren Gatland’s biggest job now is making this disparate group of players want it – because the Blues clearly wanted it more on Wednesday. But the real question is do these Lions have it in them. They are already asked to give everything for club and country. Do they have anything left for this third team – an abstract occasional concept known as the Lions? How can Gatland make them passionate about the jersey?
Warren Gatland.
In the sublime match defining moment of the match key All Blacks stepped up to make the big plays to get their team home. A superb offload from Steven Luatua was matched by a second superb offload from Sonny Bill Williams leaving the jet shoes of Ihaia West to evade Johnny Sexton and cross the line for a superb try. That is what New Zealand rugby is all about, having the skill, speed and composure to execute in the pressure moments. A little taster of what the All Blacks will dish out – and then some.
Ihaia West.
