Maro Itoje hot off the press and a must for British & Irish Lions Test | Paul Rees


Itoje has proved a vital element in the Lions’ ‘pressing game’ and is key to trying to frustrate Beauden Barrett, so should start in the first Test against All Blacks

The British & Irish Lions sealed victory against the Maori All Blacks with a try that was spawned by their relentless defence which resembles the pressing game favoured by many of the top football clubs.

Damian McKenzie – the Maori fly-half who is one of the most threatening runners in Super Rugby, where he operates mostly as a full‑back – received the ball in his 22 and was quickly closed down by the second-rows George Kruis and Maro Itoje 12 minutes into the second half, even though he was standing deep.

Related: Lions and Maro Itoje too strong for Maori All Blacks on niggly night

Related: Kieran Read adds colour to Richie McCaw’s All Black masterpiece

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