Lions need to kick-start their tour if they hope to win tactical battle | Paul Rees


Successful sides in New Zealand have displayed the necessity of strong tactical kicking from the fly-half and the Lions would do well to take note

This tour was 34 seconds old when Bryn Gatland grubber-kicked into the British & Irish Lions 22. It was dealt with but as an attacking ploy it highlighted a difference between the sides.

The Lions, at least when Johnny Sexton was at fly-half, looked to keep the ball in hand, either employing big ball-carriers to get over the gain-line or using loops and changes of direction to create space, but Gatland, in the manner of a New Zealand No10, varied his options more.

Related: Lions hit right note off the field but show worrying lack of rhythm on it

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