The All Blacks are just one win away from denying the British and Irish Lions another Test series triumph in New Zealand, downing them 30-15 in an absorbing opening Test at Eden Park.
Enjoying all the early running and possession, the All Blacks on Saturday looked likely to pull away from the tourists, who struggled to assert their trademark dominance at the set-piece or create opportunities through five-eighth Owen Farrell.
But first-half injuries to Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty turned the match on its head, as an emboldened Lions – against the script – threw the ball around willingly and bagged a stunning length-of-the-field try through Sean O’Brien.
Their upper hand continued into the second stanza, with the Lions just 13-8 down, until the match swung again via Rieko Ioane’s clinical double.
Rhys Webb then bagged a last-second Lions consolation.
It was far from a vintage All Blacks performance, with few of the flicks and tricks that drove them to last week’s 78-0 thrashing of Samoa.
Instead, the world champions simply delivered at the right moments.
Hooker Codie Taylor emulated incumbent No.2 Dane Coles by collecting a pass off his bootlaces to score the side’s first five-pointer, before freshly introduced props Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina helped create Ioane’s first by monstering their counterparts at an attacking second-half scrum.
Ioane, in his first Test start, then capitalised on a Liam Williams dropped ball to streak away and place the match beyond the Lions’ reach.
They’ll need to find a second attacking gear – and quickly – to turn the three-Test series around next week in Wellington.
The All Blacks will be confident of doing the business again in the Kiwi capital, despite the potential absences of Smith and Crotty.
Skipper Kieran Read was superb in his first game back for almost two months, while Beauden Barrett rarely erred and Ioane finished with aplomb.
Taylor, Joe Moody and Owen Franks were also impressive.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I am going to defend Gatland here. I believe he started Itoje on the bench as am impact player to - a) to try and neutralise known bench strengths of the AB's b) as cover at 6 Itoje, I personally think has huge potential to be really good but that potential has yet to be crystallised ...I also think coaches need to decide whether he is a specialist lock who can play No 6 or vica-versa. In the meantime I feel that Gatland preferred Itoje, even though an 80 min player, coming on against tiring forwards where he suspected he might had a greater impact than against the fresh AB 2nd row, ie one who could make a difference. Gats will probably start Itoje in Wellington, but that makes the bench a light imo of players who can make a difference. Gatland's mistake in selection I though was AWJ who I think struggled a bit. On your point regarding the merits of 2nd rowers, while I might be bias, but I think that Sam Whitelock is the premium lineout forward in world rugby at the moment but Retallick the more complete lock the rest follow. As a pairing, when did you last see them outplayed in their core or wider roles?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
...and was chosen in the NZ 7's straight from AGS's when 17 years of age
WOTIF
Guest
I don't think its about being in form, it's more a tactical insertion. Lions put a lot of pressure with kicking deep and kicking high, Dagg and Ioane offer both safety under the high ball and also able to clear if needed, also help releave pressure on Ben Smith in the back field. Though, can I just say...all the Lions need to do is either start Sexton or Biggar at 10, keep Te'o on the whole game. Te'o was the difference in that score line, once he came off the game opened up. Te'o shut down the mid-field space and made it hard for the ABs to implement all their attacking options.
Jumbo
Guest
I'd say stick to the system, don't let the pressure get to you. Wuuuusaaaa
Shane D
Roar Rookie
They both went to AGS Jigbon. Rieko was in the same form as my nephew 2010-2014.
Jigbon
Guest
My mail is they went to school in Brisbane not the digby the other two.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
The bloke needs diapers more than a bib to collect what he spouts.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Damian McKenzie has been called into the squad as cover for Smith.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Fairly certain that Auckland Grammar School is in fact in Auckland NZ Jigbon.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks riddler. Good first up win but a couple of injuries to deal with. We have depth to cover but "1st Choice is first choice". Biggest concern is for Ben Smith - third concussion this year. Last night in the half hour he played he made a few mistakes which were very unlike Ben Smith. Maybe he was not right.. Just hope he comes right for the sake of his future and family first, rugby second. Have several options to cover but off course Ben Smith is one of a kind Crotty will be missed for his smarts, but plenty of midfield cover. Jack Goodhue already in injury backup squad and if needed, there will be Charlie Ngatai and Fekitoa
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I doubt Julian Savea will be playing in 2nd test. He is selected to play for Hurricanes v BIL on Tuesday. I think wing position is now for Reiko Ioane's to lose
WEST
Roar Guru
Crotty's been diagnosed with a hamstring strain and won't play in next Saturday's second Test in Wellington - with Anton Lienert-Brown likely to replace him. Crotty's also unlikely for the third Test. Jack Goodhue could get an opportunity out of this injury. Unclear for fullback Ben Smith, who went off in the 26th minute after failing a concussion test - forcing Beauden Barrett back to fullback and reserve Aaron Cruden in at first-five. B Smith will go through the relevant protocols this week. Damian McKenzie has been brought into the All Blacks squad to cover for Ben Smith. One player I would love to see get a piece of the Lions in Black is Ngani Laumape, he has a chance to prove himself with the Hurricanes on Tuesday.
Pinetree
Guest
Just to clarify, I have no problem with your opinions. They are not outrageous and fairly common opinions. It is the certainty that you project that got me, saying that Cruden has zero chance of starting 10 if Barrett is available, which only injury in training would stop him playing next week. Should be a another great game next week!
canadiankiwi
Guest
Pinetree Yes I certainly did think that B. Smith would be moved to 13 after Conrad's retirement and clearly I was wrong. I thought at the time that Ben would be too old and slow to start at fullback by the time 2019 RWC arrived at age 34 and that center would have given him the best opportunity to make the RWC in Japan. I may still end up being right on the second cal as 2017 has been a very difficult season for Ben so far, unfortunately.
rebel
Guest
Maybe he's thinking of Digby.
woodart
Guest
good comment, sonny and teo playing league in the middle of a game of rugby.
Pinetree
Guest
Canadiankiwi - Apart from the reasons that have been given to you about BB shifting to FB to counter the Lions kicking game, what makes you so sure BB is clearly a better 10 than Cruden? If you look at the Ireland game last year in Chicago, and the SR games for the Canes vs the Saders/Chiefs, you can see that BB actually struggles to play a 10 role when on the back foot from his forwards being dominated. BB is the best front foot 10 in the world, but down the pecking order when caught on the back foot. Cruden knows how to play the 10 role IMO far better if he needs to find the corners with kicking and make tough decisions on organisation of passing to a forward or backs when his pack is struggling. Cruden will be a big loss at the end of the year, but I think you underestimate his abilities. I seem to remember that in 2015, if I am not mistaken, you wrote multiple posts saying something along the lines of "mark my words, when Conrad Smith retires, Hansen will play Ben Smith in the 13" If it is the same poster, gotta say your track record for your certainties is not a flash one. Being so sure can leave one to look like they don't know as much as they think.
WEST
Roar Guru
The Lions face the Canes first Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Otere Black, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Shields (c), Callum Gibbins, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Mark Abbott, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, James Blackwell, Reed Prinsep, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Wes Goosen, Cory Jane. Another tough contest
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
No what you stated was there was basically absolutely no chance Cruden would start at 10 ... all I'm saying is that given the injuries and if Smith doesn't recover there most certainly a chance of Barrett reverting to fullback and Cruden starting ... it may not happen - they may bring in Mackenzie into the starting line up - but I'd wager that given they decided on what they considered their best back three to combat the lions kicking game they're unlikely to go away from that plan with series still live ... which means either Barrett or MacKenzie at fullback with the wingers staying the same
Mike Julz
Guest
Yup or Ioane on the bench to cover wing and centre. Seems right. Backline should be something like this- Smith, Barret, Savea, SBW, Liernett-Brown, Naholo, Dagg. TJ,Cruden and Ioane on bench.