British Lions made great breaks against the Maoris but do not look on the same level as clinical All Blacks


JONATHAN DAVIES and Ben Te’o made great breaks against the Maoris but the Lions’ support play must improve and be clinical against the All Blacks in the first Test.

I watched New Zealand’s attack cut Samoa wide open but Warren Gatland’s men don’t look on the same level.

Jonathan Davies made breaks against the Maori All Blacks but the Lions failed to convert
Jonathan Davies made breaks against the Maoris but the Lions failed to convert
Getty Images

Since the tour started, the Lions have struggled to score tries and I still think we need a spark in the backline because we won’t get many chances come Test time.


Latest updates from the British Lions’ tour to New Zealand


I don’t think the ABs will be fearful of what our backline has shown so far.

In fact, I can’t think of a move we’ve produced from a scrum or line-out to ask questions.

Scoring tries can be worked on in training but it has to be instinctive too.

I’ll never forget how good Shaun Edwards was in supporting play.

Jason Robinson is a SunSport columnist for the Lions tour to New Zealand
Jason Robinson is a SunSport columnist for the Lions’ tour to New Zealand
Ben Teo is another player who broke the gainline for the Lions on Saturday
Ben Te’o is another player who broke the gainline for the Lions on Saturday
Getty Images

He’d start an attack on one side of the field and keep running forwards.

I’ve seen so many videos where Shaun will then pop up and score the try.

Chris Ashton is the same. He’s like a goalscorer in football, he’s a winger who sniffs out tries.

It’s down to anticipation, work-rate and a hunger to get involved and shoo-in Lions wingers George North and Anthony Watson need to get in better positions to support the ball carrier.

You watch the All Blacks and they bust a gut and it’s not just one them – it’s two or three at a time. They make it look so easy.

George North needs to find a way to get on the end of chances
Welsh winger George North needs to find a way to get on the end of chances
Getty Images
Jason Robinson believes Owen Farrell will come back into the team after injury
Jason Robinson believes Owen Farrell will come back into the team after injury
Getty Images

It was a pleasing win against the Maori but now we’re entering the business end of the tour.

I think there will only be two changes from yesterday’s team for the first Test with Owen Farrell back to replace Johnny Sexton and Jonathan Joseph to edge out Davies.

But it’s what the Lions do on Saturday that counts and whoever is selected must deliver.

Warren Gatland gets Lions ready for Maori All Blacks rugby match

Leave a comment