Rugby
DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017: Lions snag a win
So often in sport, we miss out on the showdown scenario of our dreams: the heavyweight boxing fight ends in the first round, or the 100m Olympic final is won at a canter. But the drama and glory of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017 has created the perfect finish to this breathless encounter as British & Irish Lions and New Zealand head to Auckland tied 1-1 in the series.
Some 50,000 rugby fans have bagged the golden ticket for this Saturday, the opportunity to watch two of the game’s best and most-loved sides slug it out for 80 more minutes of compelling rugby… and they will be joined by millions more across the globe glued to their television sets.
You certainly couldn’t take your eyes off the second Test and there was drama at every turn with the Lions and the All Blacks exchanging points until Saracens and England outside-half Owen Farrell settled the contest with a penalty three minutes from time. Nerves of steel are needed in those situations, and the ice coursing through Farrell’s veins stood him in good stead to win the match and set up the decider.
Before Farrell’s final kick there were more twists and turns in the match than anyone could have imagined. Sonny Bill Williams became the first All Black to be sent off in a Test match for 50 years for an illegal shoulder charge on Anthony Watson, Mako Vunipola made a visit to the sin bin and Sean O’Brien was subsequently cited and cleared for a challenge on Waisake Naholo. Williams will miss the clash in Auckland.
After Williams was dismissed, the Lions did what many commentators believe is the minimum effort required to beat New Zealand – score more tries than they do.
When England won in Wellington in 2003, it was all from the boot of Jonny Wilkinson. This time round, however, it was New Zealand who failed to get over the try line grabbing all their 21 points from Beauden Barrett kicks.
In contrast the Lions scored two brilliant tries in the second half: Taulupe Faletau somehow squeezing over in the corner and Conor Murray dummying his way through the New Zealand defence in the 69th minute to set up the grandstand finish where Farrell provided the last word for the Lions.
The Lions looked in trouble when they fell 18-9 down in the second half – after turning around 9-9 at the interval - but the tourists never gave up hope and stayed within striking range, which proved vital when they staged their comeback.
After the match, the humility of All Blacks’ captain Kieran Read summed up what’s great about this side with the way he took defeat on the chin, proving what an epic encounter we have in store at Eden Park to settle the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017.
Off the field, the news was just as good as the rugby on it. The game was sent into shock-mode just hours before the kick off when it was confirmed that the Lion King himself, Ian McGeechan, had collapsed and been taken to hospital.
The rugby world held its breath until McGeechan’s daughter – Heather – declared the great man to “fine” after succumbing “to just a bug”. All at DHL would like to wish Geech a speedy recovery and hope to see him in Auckland for the third Test.
Surely next Saturday can’t provide as much drama, excitement and edge-of-your-seat rugby…. But then you never know with this epic DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017.
The view from the coaches
Steve Hansen (New Zealand): “We didn't help ourselves by losing a player. Whilst I am proud of our players for playing like that with 14 men, the Lions deserve the win.”
Warren Gatland (Lions): “Even without the red card we were the better team. It's great to tie the series up and we go to Auckland next week with a series to play for.
“We need to fix the soft penalties and look at being more accurate in our kicking game."
The team line-ups and scorers
New Zealand (21) : I Dagg; W Naholo, A Lienert-Brown, S B Williams, R Ioane; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt).
Replacements: N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden, N Laumape.
New Zealand:
Pens: Barrett 7
British and Irish Lions (15): L Williams (Wales); A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), O Farrell (England), E Daly (England); J Sexton (Ireland), C Murray (Ireland); M Vunipola (England), J George (England), T Furlong (Ireland), M Itoje (England), A W Jones (Wales), S Warburton (Wales, capt), S O'Brien (Ireland), T Faletau (Wales).
Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler (England), C Lawes (England), CJ Stander (Ireland), R Webb (Wales), B Te'o (England), J Nowell (England).
Lions
Tries: Faletau, Murray Con: Farrell, Pens: Farrell (4)
Remaining fixture
8:35 a.m. (UK and Ireland time)
Saturday 8 July – New Zealand (Auckland)
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