The 2017 British and Irish Lions tour continues this evening as they travel south to Dunedin for an outing against the Highlanders. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage with kick off scheduled for 5:35pm (AEST) from Forsyth Barr Stadium.
After a superb victory over the leading Super Rugby side, the Crusaders, last Saturday night, the Lions will be looking to continue their momentum.
As the demands of the short turnaround show, a very different starting side has been named here by coach Warren Gatland, which provides a further opportunity for those selected to impress the coaching staff ahead of the Tests selection.
One criticism of the Lions tour to date has been their inability to find the try line. The tourists have scored just two from three outings thus far on tour and we can be sure the Lions will want to see an improvement on this front. Conditions will be perfect under the roof this evening.
Of particular interest will be the performance of the Lions’ backline, one area which does not look settled from the centres onwards. Robbie Henshaw and Jonathan Joseph will be looking for a big performance tonight to stake their claims while the Lions’ back three will be switched on to take their opportunities when they present themselves.
While it would appear Owen Farrell, Jonathan Sexton and Connor Murray would be the frontrunners for the run on Test side in a few weeks, it is a grand opportunity for Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb to push into contention for the match-day 23 with a controlled and secure performance tonight.
The Lions will fancy their chances up front this evening with an experienced pack named and most eyes will be trained on the form of tour captain Sam Warburton and his performance this evening with the Test matches around the corner.
While the Highlanders are missing some of their bigger names due to Test commitments, most notably Smith and Smith (Aaron and Ben), they have still managed to name a few representative stars with Lima Sopoaga and Waisake Naholo leading the charge. Centre Malakai Fekitoa will have a point to prove after missing selection in the All Blacks squad.
The Highlanders certainly possess some strike power among their backs and a poorly executed defensive pattern and kicking game could prove troublesome for the Lions tonight.
Up front, it does look on paper that the home side are well up against it faced with such seasoned opposition, but time and time again they have defied the critics and stood up to be counted. This is a whole other level though, but they will have familiarity on their side against a fresh Lions line up.
Prediction
While the Highlanders’ backs look lethal, I cannot look past the strength of the Lions up front and expect they will control the game and for long periods and, as a result, the scoreboard.
Lions by 12.
Join us from 5.35pm (AEST) as I cover all the action live and feel free to utilise the comments section below with your observations on the match below.
Zero Gain
Guest
Congratulations young Highlanders. For the Lions I don't think the score really matters. It's another tough hit out in preparation of the Test matches. What touring Test sides get this level of preparation? Gatland has a plan and I think it is coming together well.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
how can you say 'crush' at set piece....did I not see the Landers crush them in a scrum...? as for B) - they may have depth but is the quality good as the ABs...? then you go on an say A) was dispelled and so was B)....what are you???
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ha ha, yes difficult to spot, thought it was more likely to come from the Lions this series...you just never know...
Londoner
Guest
I Know.....am amazed Lions outsourced a team on tries, but were worse off the kicking tee. Worryingly, the Lions, did not take enough chances, early on could have had a try, and still look a bit slow though phases. Still they are looking a lot better than a week ago, so this bodes well for the weekend. I think they beat the Maori, just......
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks digger for the blog. Regretfully was unable to watch the game due to travelling ... so had to catch up reading your blog. Sounds like a thrilling game ... Congratulations Highlander, Muzzo and all 'Lander supporters... join the Blues... the company's just fine ... :) Commiserations BIL fans.. don't be too disheartened, but please continue to spend up big... the NZ economy needs it...
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I think it was TJ Perenara. In case you didn't realise my comment was ironic :P
Jacko
Guest
Is that why Arron Smith has twice pointed out rules to him...Once against the Brumbies Fionn and once against the Reds. I generally like Gardner but he does tune out every now and then...Generally pretty good and seemed happy to admit his error when he had it pointed out
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Do you think a Sexton-Farrell combo still the most likely for the Tests, Nick?
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Well it will be based on the Crusaders game so I'm expecting a lot of Kiwi feedback! :D
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Henshaw closer than JJ I think TF... but I still think they'll select Teo for the Maori.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Thug, cheers for posting!
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Jemain!
Cantab
Guest
My two concerns as AB fan were: A) Lions would crush us at the set piece B) Lions had more international quality depth to cover injuries. The crusaders dispelled concern A and the Highlanders have dispelled concer B.
Misha
Guest
Two destroyed Lions scrums in two games - not looking good- esp by a second string Highlanders pack...
ads2600
Guest
That's a very strong Maori side alright! Good luck boys, & good luck & congrats to the Neph, Tman! Hope you get more then a cameo appearance.
WEST
Roar Guru
The Maori ABs will give the All Blacks a good run for their money, they've some real talent in their this year. The Lions will need to prepare for this team as if they were playing the All Blacks. The Maori ABs need to prepare for the game of their lives.... Or just do the opposite of the Crusaders should be enough. Backs: Damian McKenzie, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Declan O'Donnell, James Lowe, Matt Proctor, Rob Thompson, Charlie Ngatai, Tim Bateman, Otere Black, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. Forwards: Akira Ioane, Liam Messam, Kara Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Reed Prinsep, Tom Franklin, Leighton Price, Joe Wheeler, Chris Eves, Kane Hames, Mike Kainga, Ben May, Marcel Renata, Ash Dixon (capt), Hika Elliot.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Rolling maul and the word "beauty" on the same page???? Holds a cross at JO and chants in latin. Tis the Devil !
Highlander
Guest
Joseph took his try really well, no doubt - but over the 80, esp the first 40, would have to think Henshaw/Teo is looking a better option come test time. Shall be unable to type very shortly.......
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Great to read your blog Diggercane and much appreciated. :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
G'day HighLander, after THAT victory am surprised that you are sober enough to read and type. LoL. Enjoyed the game and congratulations to your team. As for Feks and J.Joseph, both of them had their moments with the opposition dragging behind their heels. I would have given it a draw but there ya go! M.Fekitoa started like his pants were on fire, almost got a yellow and put in a really good game. I felt Joseph came into the match and put in a damn good effort. His try was built on positioning and speed plus.