The British and Irish Lions have lost their second match on the 2017 tour, going down to the Highlanders in a thrilling match played in front of another full house by 23 points to 22.
This leaves them with a two win-two loss record after four matches.
Here is my ‘High Five’ from the Highlanders and Lions clash.
Lions lose momentum?
It was suggested the Lions needed to win tonight to maintain the momentum within the squad and build confidence heading into the big matches to come against the All Blacks.
Really?
These blokes are all professionals and no one wants to lose but it is hard for me to swallow that the guys who played against the Crusaders and didn’t play against the Highlanders would suddenly feel poorly.
Perhaps they will place themselves under more pressure, knowing they need to win and all that, but there is a clear difference to me now between the top 20 odd versus the rest in this Lions team. The top side has already shown they are a very different proposition and I doubt this loss will do any great damage.
However, the Maori clash next Saturday does shape as a pivotal match for coach Warren Gatland’s likely shadow Test side.
Kiwis learn quickly
The defensive pressure the Lions managed against the Crusaders worked a treat and a repeat was tried again this evening. The Highlanders showed they had been paying attention and managed to negate the Lions press with an exaggerated kicking game, searching for the space in behind the line and finding it often.
They placed themselves on the front foot through varying their attack in the face of the the Lions’ aggression. They pressured them on numerous occasions at the ruck – perhaps surprising their more seasoned opposition – with their pace and tenacity and certainly troubling the Lions from unstructured play.
I think the greatest lesson here for the Lions is that what may have worked one week, will not necessarily work the next week. The New Zealand sides will be very quick to pick up on any trends, whether on defence or attack, as the tour unfolds.
In fairness to the Lions, they certainly showed more variation with ball in hand and outscored the Highlanders. It was three tries to two and the Kiwi side certainly displayed more cohesion on attack this evening.
(AAP Image/SNPA, Adam Binns)
Awww, REF!
On paper, it was not hard to imagine the Highlanders being given a royal lesson up front this evening but the reality proved far from the case. They more than held their own, including earning a match-winning penalty against their international opposition which gave them the final one-point margin.
The common perception down in these parts is that the northern hemisphere sides are always strong at the set piece, the maul etc but is that the reality? Has the New Zealand game dramatically improved its scrummaging?
I suspect it has more to do with how the scrums are officiated. There have been a few northern hemisphere fans scratching their heads in bewilderment as whistle blowers from either side of the equator came up with some odd decisions.
There does seem to be a difference in the way the set piece is viewed by referees from either side of the world. This is of course frustrating for all involved. To me, it is another challenge for World Rugby to get control of and gain some level of consistency across the board.
Stand up you ‘rookies’
While most eyes were trained upon the Highlanders available All Blacks and how they would perform, it was the ‘lesser’ lights that really stood up and took their opportunity.
Jackson Hemopo and Dillon Hunt were two players to really shine, while Gareth Evans and Luke Whitelock were prominent throughout the match. Whitelock in particular had a staggering match on defence.
Liam Coltman reminded the All Black selectors he is still available at hooker while out wide, Richard Buckman further cemented his tag as the most ‘underrated’ player in the New Zealand game. His work rate and skill level are exceptional.
Waisake Naholo did his chances absolutely no harm with a strong all round game, always threatening with ball in hand but also strong in defence. His ruck work his excellent forcing a turnover at one point and safe under the high ball.
He has certainly done his chances no harm in being considered for a wing position come the Test series.
So, when do we fix the roof?
Mid June in New Zealand, playing at night, is generally not the most pleasant experience for all and sundry. However, there is no doubt the quality of the encounters we see time and time again from Dunedin.
Of course it may not be practical for every area or affordable, but surely we should all be moving to eventually see such facilities across the board here at home? It just seems such a no brainer.
So those are my talking points from last night’s Lions match. We witnessed the Highlanders add another chapter to their region’s rich history, a sixth win by an Otago-based side against the touring Lions.
We all impatiently wait to see what the next match in this intriguing series throws at us this coming Saturday.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Nick, appreciate your thoughts. Absolutely, they have really built a fantastic culture down South, massive belief. Lions mid week side will get better and if there is some consistency in selection, the Chiefs and Hurricanes games are very winnable I think.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Kelefua, much appreciated!
Digby
Roar Guru
Fair enough Wax, I can see your point to be fair.
Kane
Guest
Neutral, A high ranking Highlanders official once said he couldn't pass a concussion test any day of the week (after he was taken off against the Hurricanes) Obviously it isn't true as he passed one on Tuesday against the Lions but yes he certainly isn't known for his intellect
Waxhead
Guest
@ WQ - Lions didn't turn up the HLs match you say ahahahahaha. And then big decision on what team to pick for the Maori's game ?? How about one that wins :) All the Lions teams they've picked so far are about equal imo. It's a squad of roughly equal players with no X factor or game breakers.
Waxhead
Guest
We can agree to disagree on Marty Banks Digger. He'd make the Wallabies 15 just on his kicking alone - far better than anyone we've got. So is his general play - he's better than Foley or Cooper imo.
Misha
Guest
Yep - its common when people are talented but others try to take them down in some way because they are jealous. Fairly sad really...
Misha
Guest
Lost to the two worst Super Rugby sides so far!
Fionn
Guest
Leftfield, temperature is sort of irrelevant. The winds off of the Atlantic are super cold in Ireland, and it is always super humid and windy and wet. Also, Dublin is much warmer than west Ireland. A winter in Dublin, for example, is much worse than a Budapest winter, despite Budapest being much, much colder. Regardless, it sounds like both are relatively similarly chilly.
James in NZ
Guest
Just anecdotal. http://www.rugbydump.com/2008/06/548/all-blacks-defeat-ireland-in-freezing-conditions I remember Brian O'Driscoll citing this 2008 game in Welly as one of the coldest he's ever played in. Players breathing steam instantly turning to icicles. A good game to watch from the comfort of home.
leftfield
Roar Pro
Christian Cullen seems to be doing alright post rugby, so he is either not as silly as people seemed to thin or he has good luck.
leftfield
Roar Pro
I'm a sucker for facts : Dublin in January, daily mean: 6.9, average low 3.9 Christchurch in July daily mean 5.7, average low 0.7 All temps in C, data from wikipedia (so it must be true, right?!). There's not a lot in it but christchurch would appear slightly cooler.
Zero Gain
Guest
You of all people should know JMan, it's all about how you grow, what you learn, nothing as artificial as a 'score'.
Kiwi in Europe
Guest
Fekitoa went to the same high school as Jonah who also didn't possess a high intellect however Jonah didn't seem to have any problems being selected for the AB's.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
That story about Cullen being a little light in the brains department got its start when he first made it into the AB's. He was a kid & wouldn't say boo to goose. The older boys would rib him & he would stand there not knowing if they were serious or not so they decided he was thick!
Cuw
Guest
another dose on monsieur RAYNAL , this time for all blacks :) Samoa: 15 Ah See Tuala (Northampton Saints), 14 Albert Nikoro (West Scarborough), 13 Kieron Fonotia (Ospreys), 12 Alapati Leiua (Wasps), 11 Tim Nanai Williams (Chiefs), 10 Tusiata Pisi (Bristol), 9 Kahn Fotualii (Bath), 8 Faifili Levave (Mitsubishi), 7 Jack Lam, (Bristol), 6 Piula Faasalele (Toulouse), 5 Faatiga Lemalu (Saracens), 4 Chris Vui (Worcester Warriors), 3 Census Johnston (Toulouse), 2 Maatulimanu Leiataua (Bayonne), 1 Viliamu Afatia (Racing 92) Replacements: 16 Seilala Lam (Nevers), 17 Nephi Leatigaga, (Piacenza), 18 Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français), 19 Taiasina Tuifua (Lyon), 20 Alafoti Faosiliva (Worcester Warriors), 21 Auvasa Falealii (Nevers), 22 D'Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe), 23 Ken Pisi (Northampton Saints) Date: Friday, June 16 Venue: Eden Park, Auckland Kick-Off: 20:00 local (08:00 GMT) Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France) Assistant Referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia) TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)
Cuw
Guest
Wales: 15 Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues, 9 caps, 14 Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues, 46 caps), 13 Scott Williams (Scarlets, 46 caps), 12 Jamie Roberts (c) (Harlequins, 94 caps), 11 Steffan Evans (Scarlets, uncapped), 10 Sam Davies (Ospreys, 6 caps), 9 Gareth Davies (Scarlets, 24 caps), 8 Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues, 1 cap), 7 Thomas Young (Wasps, uncapped), 6 Aaron Shingler (Scarlets, 8 caps), 5 Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons, 5 caps), 4 Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues, uncapped), 3 Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps), 2 Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues, 3 caps), 1 Nicky Smith (Ospreys, 12 caps) Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias (Scarlets, uncapped), 17 Wyn Jones (Scarlets, uncapped), 18 Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues, uncapped), 19 Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues, 3 caps), 20 Ollie Griffiths (Newport Gwent Dragons, uncapped), 21 Aled Davies (Scarlets, uncapped), 22 Owen Williams (Gloucester, uncapped), 23 Cory Allen (Ospreys, 4 caps) Tonga: 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Nafi Tu’itavake, 13 Siale Piutau (c), 12 Vili Tahitu’a, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Valentino Mapapalangi, 7 Nili Latu, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Sitiveni Mafi, 4 Leva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Latu Talakai Replacements: 16 Suliasi Taufalele, 17 Sila Puafisi, 18 Phil Kite, 19 Sione Tau, 20 Mike Faleafa, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Kali Hala, 23 Kiti Taimani Date: Friday, June 16 Venue: Eden Park, Auckland Kick-Off: 17:30 local (05:30 GMT) Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand) Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Mike Fraser (New Zealand) TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Chook and Muzzo ... I have nothing to say ... . it's in the record books and I cannot/would not try to re-write history now would I... :) Of course the Blues were the first to beat the 2017 Lions ... and yes they scored 3 tries to one... but then again, I do not want to sound like I'm bragging over the result .............. well much anyhow!!!... :) I did not get to watch the Highlanders game live as I am presently overseas and did not have access to view the, but I have read Digger's excellent blog which gave me some idea of how the game was played what was going on (thanks Digger), even though I knew the result... I also have the game recorded at home.... (I tihink!!)
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
Another very nice summary Digger - have to be impressed by an under-strength Highlanders in that last 20'. Great fortitude and resolution, epitomised by Marty Banks. Lions midweek side unable to improve to the required level sadly.
Kelefua
Guest
Yep agree the BIL players should be up for every game as seasoned pros cream of the crop from 4nations. But it is important for momentum & general morale within the group that the midweek teams do well. Not to mention encouraging the feelgood factor for BIL fans in NZ to loadup in the bars to feed NZ coffers lol.. actually they do it regardless of results;) Very winnable game for the Lions but credit to the Landers pine riders for standing up to be counted in the absence of many stars. Really looking forward to the Maori game it should be a ripper! Thanks Digger always enjoy your articles.