The Lions roared back from their defeat in midweek to the Blues by beating New Zealand’s in form team the Crusaders, 12-3 at AMI Stadium.
For all of the Lions’ endeavours in the first half to produce a performance based on discipline and accuracy, they only went in with a 9-3 lead at the break, courtesy of three Owen Farrell penalties. They’re best opportunity to score a five pointer coming through Jonathan Davies, only to spill the greasy ball on a dewy night in Christchurch.
Owen Farrell kicks one of his four penalties(Courtesy of Official Lions Rugby Facebook page)
The set piece in the opening 40 worked particularly well, with George Kruis winning five line outs, as well as three scrum penalties against a forward pack arguably the best in New Zealand, which will be pleasing to see for both Warren Gatland and the forwards coaches.
A cagey second half of no points was finally broken in the 70th minute with a fourth Farrell penalty. Chances were created in the half, but a combination of impatience from the Lions in attack and resolute Crusaders defending saw none of the opportunities converted. Tries will come for the Lions if they show more calmness in the attacking half. Defensively the Lions were superb throughout nullifying the attacking threat the Crusaders are renowned for.
The only concern for Gatland and co will be number of head injuries that are mounting up with Jonathan Davies and Stuart Hogg exiting the action early in the first half, joining Dan Biggar on the sidelines for the time being. With the protocols in place, Gatland will be hoping all three aforementioned players will be able to play a part in either of the next two tour games.
The Lions will need more in attack heading to the test series in order to be competitive against the All Blacks and the two games coming up will allow them to improve on that. But, for now the win is what they needed to get back on track, and the win is what they got.
Lions congratulate one another after getting the tour back on track in Christchurch
(Courtesy of Official Lions Rugby Facebook page)
The Lions now move on to Dunedin on Tuesday to play the Highlanders under the glass roof in the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
