Warren Gatland’s men embraced the weather, played what was in front of them and dominated the breakdown to turn the tables on New ZealandThe turning point was not so much the sending-off of Sonny Bill Williams but the yellow card Mako Vunipola received 15 minutes into the second half, when New Zealand had taken control. The Lions had struggled with a man advantage, failing to take the initiative, but when it was 14 versus 14 they started playing like the All Blacks, scenting weakness and moving in for the kill. Related: Mako Vunipola’s let off allows Lions to edge past ferocious All Blacks | Andy Bull Related: New Zealand 21-24 British & Irish Lions: second Test player ratings Continue reading...
The indiscipline of Warren Gatland’s team nearly cost them victory despite Sonny Bill Williams’ sending-off, New Zealand’s first red card at homeLong after the final whistle had gone, the cry rang out around Westpac Stadium and across Wellington: “Lions! Lions! Lions!” The sound must have carried all the way across the Cook Strait. It is probably still echoing around the South Island now. The Lions are not used to beating the All Blacks. No one is. They had not lost at home since 2009, here in this city since 2003, or to this team since 1993. Until now.It started, like so many good stories, on a dark and stormy night, the kind that beats you back inside as soon you...
Warren Gatland’s selection for the second Test gives the Lions balance, the ability to get the ball wider, quicker – plus it’s another kicking optionBrave? Yes. Desperate? Absolutely not. It has been said Warren Gatland is a man with nothing to lose, that he’s rolling the dice by picking Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell together. Make no mistake, Gatland has heaps to lose. Fail to win and the series is gone, so clearly a lot of thought has gone into this decision.I think it’s an exciting selection. Before the tour started and as the warmup matches got going, I thought Sexton and Farrell would play together and Gatland has probably looked at the first Test, realised where the Lions were...
From the breakdown to kicking, through Waisake Naholo v Elliot Daly and Beauden Barrett v Johnny Sexton, plus New Zealand’s Wellington formSam Warburton and Maro Itoje will give the Lions not only greater ball-winning capacity at the breakdown, more opportunity to slow down New Zealand’s ball and will put the scrum-half Aaron Smith under pressure. So far this tour, the Lions have looked to fracture their opponents’ supply line by rushing up in defence in midfield but the All Blacks neutralised that ploy in the first Test by playing through nine rather than 10 and creating space around the ruck. The Lions will need to generate quick ball and Alun Wyn Jones and Tadhg Furlong must clear out All Blacks...
Warren Gatland’s side must look within if they are to keep the series alive and a fast start in the second Test could heap pressure on the All BlacksWhen the British & Irish Lions set out a month ago this was the weekend they knew would define their tour. Could they be ahead in the series or at least in contention going into the final Test? The unpalatable third option – 2-0 down with one to play – was always lurking in the shrubbery but the 2017 squad, from day one, have refused to entertain the possibility.It has been the same all around New Zealand as the Lions have set about earning respect in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Rotorua, Hamilton and,...