Lions beat Crusaders 12-3 in 3rd tour match

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: The British and Irish Lions produced an impressive defensive performance to beat the Crusaders 12-3 on Saturday, ending the Christchurch-based team’s unbeaten record this season and putting the Lions’ New Zealand tour back on track after a midweek loss to the Blues.

Flyhalf Owen Farrell kicked three first half penalties to one by Richie Mo’unga for the Crusaders, and the Lions then added another for the only points of the second half in a huge confidence boost a fortnight out from the first test against New Zealand.

After leaking four tries in their first two matches — one in a 13-7 win over the Provincial Barbarians and three in a 22-6 loss to the Auckland-based Blues — the Lions found the defensive resilience which will be crucial against the All Blacks.

While the Lions did not score a try to add to the two in their first two games, their attacking game improved immeasurably, gaining pace, accuracy and urgency.

The Lions dominated possession, held it for long periods and advanced the ball through the outstanding ball-carrying of players such as prop Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Peter O’Mahony and the replacement C.J. Stander.

England’s Farrell, who started at flyhalf but moved to inside center after an injury to Jonathan Davies, brought sharpness to the attack at first receiver, distributing the ball well and picking out runners such as Davies, Ben Te’o, Anthony Watson and Liam Williams.

Williams and replacement Watson — a tryscorer in the opening tour match — brought a long-range attacking threat when the game opened up in the second half.