The selection of both Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton signal positive intent from the Lions head coach and we can expect a more assertive approach in WellingtonThis has already proved an eventful British & Irish Lions tour in all kinds of ways but the most gripping 80 minutes may still be to come. If Warren Gatland’s team-sheet for the second Test carries no guarantee of success there is at least a genuine can-do feel about it. Gatland has clearly promised himself that, whatever transpires, he will give this series a real go.And, glory be, the 2017 Lions are going for it on Saturday. By pairing Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell at 10 and 12 they have sent the plainest of...
Outwitted rather than overpowered, the Lions now need to increase the intensity and work on other facets of their game if they are to stage a memorable fightback in the Test series Related: Gatland's claims about dangerous All Blacks play are desperate, says Hansen Related: Lions’ margin for error is spent and All Blacks will only get better | Nick Evans Continue reading...
The Lions must be smarter and more physical in the second Test but the All Blacks will be ready for whatever Warren Gatland throws at themThe biggest problem for the British & Irish Lions is that the All Blacks are only going to get better in Wellington. They will know what is coming – Warren Gatland is going to throw the kitchen sink at them because the Lions must be more physical. I know Graham Rowntree well and he will be cracking the whip this week but New Zealand were not at their best on Saturday. They made uncharacteristic mistakes and they will improve.But it is not just that the Lions could not handle New Zealand’s physicality. The big thing...
New Zealand coach remains respectful of dogged opponents but the truth remains that Warren Gatland’s Lions fell far short of requirements in AucklandIt’s an immutable truth that anyone who says “I don’t mean to brag” is about to do exactly that, just as the words “with the greatest respect” will surely be followed by anything but. Late on Saturday night Steve Hansen managed to use both, back-to-back, in his post-match press conference at Eden Park. Hansen was asked about his pack. He gave a good answer, spoke about how well they had played, and how their work was the foundation of everything his team had done. Then he paused, thought, and added: “You don’t become the No1 side for as...
The All Blacks proved themselves masters of the unexpected during their 30-15 victory, dominating possession and reducing the Lions to counterattacksWhen it comes to the All Blacks, what you see is not always what you get. The Lions had used their pressing game to telling effect against the Crusaders and the Maori, forcing them to play behind the gainline and making offloads hazardous, but by narrowing the point of attack and playing through their scrum-half rather than their outside-half New Zealand were able to recycle ball quickly and dictate the pace of the game.Analysts play a major role in the preparation of teams, but trying to figure out New Zealand involves journeys up dead ends. The All Blacks are like...