Crusaders sink to first 2017 defeat
After an underwhelming first week in New Zealand, which included a limp performance against the Provincial Barbarians and a shock late loss to Blues, Lions came back strongly against the Super Rugby leaders. With a massively improved performance, they inflicted a first defeat of the season upon the Crusaders.
The match started brightly for the Lions, with a Jonathan Davies pass going to Crusader hands close to the try-line, with George North hearing in support. Owen Farrell built a steady 9-3 lead by half-time, punishing any indiscipline from the hosts, who were not able to get into the game due to a dominant Lions set-piece. Afterwards, Farrell missed a penalty to ease nerves, but was able to convert one late on that put the game beyond the South Islanders. The 12-3 score was reflective of a Lions performance brimming with promise, but with plenty of issues to resolve.
It wasn’t a perfect performance – in attack they were far from clinical (Howley seeming to be the weakest link of the coaches), discipline wasn’t immaculate, and they occasionally left themselves over-exposed to line-breaks through the middle – but it was exactly what was required to build momentum and to take confidence going forward. And finally some key players started to come to the fore, rather than playing themselves out of a test spot; very welcome signs for Warren Gatland.
Wins for England, Ireland and Scotland
England’s tour to Argentina started in magnificent fashion. A late Denny Solomona try snatched a 38-34 win in a to-and-fro match. Both sides scored four tries, most of which were works of art; the first step on Eddie Jones’ current mission to add threat in attack that can compete with New Zealand. George Ford was the star, maturely guiding a youthful team through a tough test.
Gregor Townsend’s debut as Scotland coach seemed to allay any fears that Vern Cotter had been relieved of his duties too soon. They showed plenty of dazzle in attack in Singapore, where they beat Italy 34-13. Tim Visser was on the end of a remarkable team try in the first half, where Scotland built a steady lead. Italy got a foothold in the game late on, but never fully threatened.
Ireland went to New Jersey to play USA, where they turned on the style to outscore their opponents 55-19. Keith Earls grabbed a brace and there were also tries for debutants Jacob Stockdale and James Ryan.
There were a number of other internationals going on at the weekend, kicking off in Australia, where the hosts beat Fiji 37-14. South Africa confounded expectations with a big 37-14 win over France. Canada were downed 13-0 by Georgia, whilst Japan beat Romania 33-21.
Chiefs overcome Canes
In the only Super Rugby game of the weekend, Chiefs and Hurricanes scored two converted tries apiece, with Chiefs adding a penalty to that to win 17-14.
Hero of the week
In such a loose, tight and entertaining game, an inexperienced England could have been forgiven for losing when Juan Martin Hernandez scored a late three-pointer to take the lead. He didn’t set the world alight on his debut, with a few errors, but Denny Solomona’s late try showed his finishing class and ensured England victory in Argentina.
Villain of the week
Naysayers and doom-mongers. Many people (public, columnists and pundits alike) didn’t seem to understand the intricacies of a Lions tour when they had a poor first week in New Zealand. Now, I know that one half-decent result doesn’t mean they will beat the All Blacks, but a slippery opening didn’t mean the tour should have been written off as a waste of time either. Just enjoy the ebbs and flows of the tour, the good and the bad. After all, it only comes around once every four years.
Try of the week
There were many splendid tries to choose from, particularly the England v Argentina and Scotland v Italy games. Joaquín Tuculet’s effort for Argentina deserves an honourable mention, but my choice goes to Tim Visser’s score for Scotland. Orchestrated by Finn Russell, who played two beautiful chips in behind in quick succession, the second of which Visser latched onto and dotted down. Check it out in the highlights.
Discussion points
– Will Farrell and Sexton work?
– Which players are becoming vital to the gameplan to beat the All Blacks?
– How did you rate your team’s performance on tour?
– Which debutants stood out?
By Joe Large
Ross Ford’s second try in the Scotland match was a cracker too.
Agreed, Scotland’s fourth try was absolutely superb. I’m sure this will come across as partisan, but I’d give Russell ‘Hero of the Week’ for his great play, even if it didn’t always go to plan and he missed a couple of kicks he should’ve gotten. One thing that I did find noteworthy is that Scotland were less efficient with possession than during the 6N, but it was still great to watch.
Yep that double chip on was pure class and was just the sort of play i was hoping to see with the Lions midweek side *sigh*
Sexton and Farrell wont work end of.
I dont see its up for discussion do we not have any inside centres?
Why do people want to make the same mistake as 2005
Is was of a similiar opinion regarding Farrell and sexton. But I thought they gelled nicely against the crusaders.
I think Sexton and Farrell would work, but I think Farrell with T’eo and Daly would work better. I think with that combination more chances would be created and we might actually get an attack going. The attacking threat of Howler’s set plays need to be overturned on the pitch by the players as they are outdated and one dimensional.
James Ryan scored with his first touch in international rugby, despite having never played a professional game before (he’s in the Leinster squad but uncapped), surely that’s some kind of first?
Unlikely Gatland will play Sexton with Farrell.
Despite bringing his best form for over a month, It’s Likely that Sexton will bench though. But if Lions go 12+ points in first test then the option is there to go with a second playmaker. This has served England well but you would think Gatland is looking at Henshaw or T’eo with J Davies to execute his gameplan.
E Jones would pick Sexton and Faz.
He’s not been mentioned much but I reckon O’Mahoney was pivotal to that victory.
Just like Robshaw for England he gets through an absolute tonne of work and does the basics brilliantly. The kind of flanker that glues a side together. Plus he adds another dimension in the lineout.
My back row for the tests would be 6.POM 7. SOB 8. Faletau with Stander on the bench
Spot on there Pablito. Also provides a very good extra lineout option. I still think AWJ was pretty poor, but he will get a start as will Warbs if fit.
And there in lies the problem. If Warbs, AWJ, North and Williams are fit they will most likely start even if there are players in better form on the tour. If Hogg doesn’t recover then I suspect Halfpenny will also start, when it should be Watson.
I also thought Watson did a cracking job coming on early and playing 15. Hope Eddie was watching!!
Ford and the Englnad back row stood out for me for England. I thought the balance of Wilson, Curry and Hughes was just right. Once Curry has bulked up a bit he is going to be a hell of a player. I actually though the weakest player in the pack was Hartley. Driven back too easily on his carries and offered little apart from his darts.
The midfield combo worked ok, but I think one big ball carrier would pull in more defenders and open up space. Devoto would be a good option at 12 but would be harsh on Lozowski who played well and made a good break which led to Yarde’s try.
Didn’t see all of the Scotland game but what I did see looked good. Taylor seemed to be involved in everything and played well from 15, providing a good link in backs play to keep attacks alive.
Didn’t see any of the other games so can’t comment except to say well done to all.
Taylor was certainly busy joining the attacking line time and again but got caught out of position a couple of times all in all a decent performance from him. Russell was excellent and along with Ford made Biggars selection look more and more out of place
Yeah Russell and Ford were both in better form before selection, are still in better form, and will probably always be in better form than Biggar. Unfortunately neither of them are Welsh and can both get a backline moving.