Lions need a little faith

OPINION: The British and Irish Lions’ best chance of tipping up the All Blacks could be intimidating them.

Heading into the first test, much was made of the suffocating defence and forwardorientated tactics of coach Warren Gatland.

While it worked well against the likes of the Crusaders, Chiefs and NZ Maori, the All Blacks masterfully broke them down.

Where the Lions relied on errors and domination up front against under strength Super Rugby sides, it was a different story on the test stage.

The All Blacks pack proved they were more than just attacking cogs, but also capable of matching the Lions in power and technique.

Mauls, scrums, rucks; they all failed to produce the forward momentum and penalties the Lions had been looking for.

On defence, they were so fixated on getting their defensive line set they gave the All Blacks a free-ride at the breakdown.

Often it only took one All Black blowing out the ruck to protect the ball from the one or

two Lions who bothered to contest it.

That gifted quick ball to the All Blacks and played right into their hands.

The only part of the game where the Lions appeared to be able to match it with the All Blacks was on counter-attack.

Given some space, Liam Williams, Anthony Watson and Jonathan Davies were simply superb.

But they play in team with a gameplan which minimises their involvement.

There has even been talk of Williams being dropped for the second test due to a defensive lapse late in the game for Rieko Ioane’s second try. Ludicrous.

The Lions have the players to beat the All Blacks. But they must focus on attack and they must contest the breakdown.

With two tests left, there is time to make adjustments.

Bringing in mobile forwards like Rory Best, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander and breakdown turnover specialist Justin Tipuric would provide a pack that can match the All Blacks around the park.

Conor Murray’s kicking has been first class. But he needs to start testing the All Blacks around the fringes of the ruck. Otherwise it could be time to call on Rhys Webb.

It is unlikely the Lions will make such a drastic change, but it would make for one hell of a spectacle.