Lions win crucial Maori clash

The British and Irish Lions warmed up for their first fixture against New Zealand with an emphatic 32-10 victory or the Maori All Blacks. Whilst the game was full of Lions dominance in many facets, which will be playing of New Zealand’s minds, there will be one main worry for the coaches, players and fans: it could, and should, have been won by a lot more. If the tourists continue to butcher that many opportunities through poor execution and poor support play, they won’t have a hope.

The Lions were enjoying the – excuse the pun – Lion’s share of possession and territory throughout, but found themselves in a tight game at the interval. They found themselves struggling to pull away after a George North error led to a try from Liam Messam for the Maori. However, Leigh Halfpenny’s impeccable boot had ensured that they went in 15-10 to the good. After that, it was all one way traffic. The pack were dominant in the set piece and the loose, whilst the kicking game was on point; the perfect template to beat the All Blacks? After a yellow card to the hosts, the scrum ground out a penalty try to give plenty of breathing room. Halfpenny then kicked another three-pointer and Maro Itoje crashed over to put the icing on a fine display.

With a number of players putting their hand up, it will be hard to dislodge any of the forwards. The inside backs also looked very nice, with Ben Te’o making a fool of all the people (myself included) who questioned his presence on the tour. The only selection worry we have is that no wingers have really had an opportunity to get their hands on the ball, and therefore none have stood out. A problem with the attack? Probably. On the other hand, they only have a limited number of chances to stake a claim, so why aren’t they looking for more work? Overall, the Lions seem to be in as sturdy a position as may have been realistically expected at this stage. Now, to implement that game-plan against the world champions. And learn how to finish a try in the next seven days.

100% for home nations

All of the home nations produced a result to smile about this weekend. Scotland will be sporting the biggest grin, as they finally got over the line against Australia in another classic encounter between the two. Israel Folau scored a delightful first half brace, but his side went in trailing as Finn Russell and Duncan Taylor also crossed, with both being converted and Greig Tonks scoring a penalty. The Wallabies took a 19-17 lead after the break through Will Genia and, for all the money, looked like they would pull clear. A wonderful team try, finished by Hamish Watson, put Scotland in dreamland though, as they ran out 24-19 winners.

England’s second string side wrapped up an impressive 2-0 series whitewash in Argentina. It was tit-fer-tat throughout, with moments of attacking prowess undone by sloppy defence (particularly from Marland Yarde). Finally, a Will Collier try, followed by a smart George Ford drop goal eased the nerves, as the red rose held on 35-25.

Wales beat Tonga 24-6 in their first tour match, which was notable for sturdy defence, with the disappointment of not putting as many points on as they perhaps would have expected to. Ireland put Japan away 50-22, an impressive first half giving way to a more unstructured second.

New Zealand scored a host of good tries, after Samoa’s initial resistance, to warm up for next week with a 78-0 victory. France succumbed to South Africa for a second time in as many weeks, this time 37-15. Italy were downed by Fiji 22-19, Romania beat Canada 25-9 and Georgia got a North America clean sweep as they beat USA 21-17.

Hero of the week

Who knew that Mike Brown could pass? Two assists. In one match. I had to re-watch them, just to make sure I wasn’t confusing home with some eager-to-impress debutant who happened to be bald and angry.

Villain of the week

I know a lot has already been made of it, but the players Warren Gatland summoned to join the touring party just should not be there (with the exception of Finn Russell). I understand the idea of bolstering the squad in order to give frontline players enough rest, however all players should be there because they deserve it, not because they can get there more quickly. Why not plan ahead instead of devalue the journey?

Try of the week

I was tempted to go with the penalty try for the Lions. Tadhg Furlong was obviously very pleased with it, so the forwards must have done something good. Unfortunately, I am a back though……… So, as an AFL fan as well, I was incredibly impressed by Israel Folau’s aerial ability in taking Bernard Foley’s kick. His season in that sport a few years back paid off entirely in that moment.

Discussion points

– What does your team for the first test look like?
– How did you think NZ looked against Samoa?
– With the depleted squads of the home nations winning every match on tour so far, can we finally say that the gap has been closed?
– What are your thoughts on the call-ups?
– Predictions for the series?