Passive and outsmarted: Pressure’s on the Lions
Five days seems an age to wait for the second installment of this engrossing Lions test series but one thing we already know for certain is game two will bring significant changes in tactics and personnel.
With Ben Smith (concussion) and Ryan Crotty (hamstring) out, the All Blacks’ back-three and midfield come into focus. Midfield is not so much of a concern. Sonny Bill Williams, after his strong outing on Saturday, will line up inside the classy Anton Lienert-Brown. The real interest here comes with which way the All Blacks go on their bench. Rieko Ioane vindicated Steve Hansen’s decision to start him over Julian Savea with two tries at Eden Park from the left wing.
That leaves rookie Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue, Hurricanes second five-eighth Ngani Laumape and utility Jordie Barrett vying to cover midfield and the back three from the bench.
Smith’s loss is a major one. His third head knock in recent times raises real worries for his on-going availability, and Damian McKenzie’s callup suggests the All Blacks vicecaptain won’t be back anytime soon.
Tactically the All Blacks outsmarted the Lions. Peppering the blindside, running the cutter off Aaron Smith and taking the direct approach caught them napping.
The Lions’ largely passive approach to the breakdown did not work. They allowed the All Blacks their desired clean, quick ball by not contesting rucks and instead loading the fringes to push for defensive line speed. The relentless pace the All Blacks adopted was always going to prove too much. Personnel wise the Lions tight-five are under massive scrutiny. Coach Warren Gatland’s decision to bring Maro Itoje off the bench was widely criticised.
Tangible or otherwise, the reality is the Lions were well beaten in virtually every aspect. They had fewer clean breaks, metres made, turnovers won, rucks and carries.
They haven’t beaten the All Blacks since 1993, and Gatland has 12 straight defeats against his homeland; 10 with Wales, one each with Ireland and the Lions.
Where to now?