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 noteThis 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...
A slow start with a lack of intensity and a failure to take their chances meant the Lions were largely reliant on their bench for positives from the tour opener Related: Lions limp past NZ Provincial Barbarians thanks to Anthony Watson try Continue reading...
The last three British & Irish Lions sides in New Zealand struggled for tries but the current squad boasts more talent and a formidable roster of goal-kickersTwelve years in international rugby union is a sporting eternity. The last time the British & Irish Lions embarked on the ultimate tour of tours to New Zealand, Maro Itoje was a 10-year-old and Tony Blair had just won his third election. That whole expedition – Gavin Henson, Alastair Campbell, the ill-fated Power of Four anthem, the single rooms – seems like a distant relic from another age. Related: Gatland has flexibility and flair to shelve Warrenball and challenge New Zealand | Paul Rees Related: Warren Gatland out to make Lions players household names...