WARREN GATLAND’S brave Lions couldn’t prevent world champions New Zealand from snatching a 30-15 win in Auckland on Saturday.
But signs there were clear signs that the Lions could match the best after scoring one of the greatest tries in their history.
They have another two gruelling tests against the All Black to come but how did the players rate in their first match?
LIONS
Williams – Brilliant on the counter and set-up a wonder-try. But was also guilty of fluffing it under the high ball and gifting Ioane his second. 7
Watson – Growing into this tour and starting to look as dangerous as England and Bath fans know he can be. Needs a try and then he will be flying. 8
STAR MAN Davies – Excellent running game on the break and probably played the best game of his career. 9
Te’o – Stuck Sonny Bill Williams on his back with a monster hit to set the tone of the second half. Struggled to punch the holes we have seen he make so far on this tour. 7
Daly – Just such a classy player and was always an attacking threat. One slip in defence for the Taylor try showed how costly it is switching off against the best. 7
Farrell – Missed a kick he should have made and against the All Blacks he can’t do that. Beauden Barrett showed why he is still the main man. 6
Murray – Sprung a few sneaky attacks. Was always a marked man and probably didn’t get the rub of the green when it came to ref decisions. 6
Vunipola – Didn’t make the impact we are used to him showing. Should still get another crack against the All Blacks in Wellington to put that right. 6
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George - Took an early stinger to his shoulder, battled on and was solid at the line out and took the black wall on. 7
Furlong - Know what is needed against this pack now. Has to step it up next week as Kyle Sinckler is snapping at his heels. 6
Jones - All over the shop and surely he won't start the next Test with Maro Itoje so unlucky to miss out for him in Auckland. 4
Kruis - Bossed around by Whitelock and Retallick. Shows his game still has a way to go if he is to be considered in the world-class bracket. 6
O'Mahony (c) - A quiet one from him. Sam Warburton will be hoping he can get that shirt and captaincy back after this performance. 6
O'Brien - Just hits so many rucks and to get on the end of the try just shows what kind of an engine he has to get all over the park. 7
Faletau - Busy and tackled hard, but it's that lack of go-forward when compared to Billy Vunipola that he will always be judged on. 6
Subs Owens 5 McGrath 5 Sinckler 6 Itoje 6 Warburton 6 Webb 7 Sexton 5 Halfpenny 5
All Blacks B.Smith 6, Dagg 5, Cotty 6, Williams 7, Ioane 8, B.Barret 8, A.Smith 8; Moody 6, Taylor 7, Francis 7, Retallick 8, Whitelock 5, Kaino 6, Cane 8, Read 6.
Subs: Harris 7, Crockett 6, Faumina 6, S.Barrett 5, Savea 6, Perenara 7, Cruden 7, Linert-Brown 6.
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