Relief for Lions as Barbarians provide stern opening test
The British and Irish Lions escaped with a 13-7 victory from their opening match of the tour to New Zealand as the Provincial Barbarians proved unexpectedly testing opponents.
Warren Gatland’s side had been expected to record a comfortable victory over the Barbarians – a team consisting mostly of semi-professional players, with a smattering of Super Rugby experience.
However, the Lions – who only arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday – struggled throughout and went in at half-time trailing 7-3.
An Anthony Watson try after the interval spared the Lions’ blushes, but Gatland will know time is of the essence when it comes to finding form on a tour that sees the matches come thick and fast.
A tough battle against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians but the Lions come through to win their opening match#LionsNZ2017 #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/vfAgKjQOrt
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 3, 2017
Much of the early action took place in the Lions half as the tourists struggled to get their hands on the ball, before Jonathan Sexton fired wide with his first chance to get points on the board after 10 minutes.
The Irish fly-half atoned for that miss by sending over a second attempt seven minutes later, although the Lions’ preference to go for goal was proving unpopular with a home crowd, who made their feelings clear.
The Barbarians then gave Gatland’s men a scare when Luteru Laulala broke clear and offloaded to Kaveinga Finau, only for Taulupe Faletau to haul the centre to the ground with a tremendous try-saving tackle.
But the Barbarians did score the opening try of the match after 23 minutes, with Sam Anderson-Heather powering over before Bryn Gatland – son of Lions coach Warren – added the extras.
Stuart Hogg’s poor pass to Watson squandered a promising chance for the Lions just short of the half-hour mark, before the Scotland full-back was himself held up on the line after linking well with Ben Te’o.
A frustrating first half for the Lions ended with Jonathan Joseph being prevented from grounding the ball, sending the Barbarians in at the break with a surprise advantage.
Greig Laidlaw assumed kicking duties as Sexton received treatment shortly after the interval and brought the Lions within a point, before the number 10 made way for Owen Farrell as one of a raft of second-half changes.
The breakthrough finally arrived via Watson in the 52nd minute – the England wing side-stepped and spun his way through a couple of tackles to touch down.
Farrell, who was heavily involved in the build-up to Watson’s score, added the conversion, but found the left-hand upright with a subsequent penalty as the Lions continued to toil.
The Barbarians were unable to add to their first-half try, but forthcoming matches against the Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders look daunting for the Lions after making hard work of their opener.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments