Warburton choice a nod to physicality
The decision to start British and Irish Lions tour captain Sam Warburton in Saturday’s crucial second Test is a reflection of coach Warren Gatland’s desire to attack the breakdown more and match the physicality of the All Blacks.
Warburton was not included in the starting side for last week’s 30-15 first Test loss at Eden Park, with Sean O’Brien preferred at openside flanker and Peter O’Mahony leading the side from the scrum blindside.
However, after being targeted in close by the All Blacks, the Lions saw their impressive defensive line speed out wide throttled and they lost the collisions, prompting Gatland to demand a greater physicality for Saturday’s match (kickoff 9.35am SA time).
Warburton’s elevation to the side means Gatland has gone for a dual openside partnership that complements each other.
O’Brien is the more aggressive with the ball in hand, while Warburton is a more defensive player and will undoubtedly be targeting the breakdown with the combative Maro Itoje, who has also been elevated from the bench to replace George Kruis.
“We need to get some pressure on the ball and that’s something that Sam is excellent at doing,” Gatland said on Thursday. “We are aware of how physical they are and we have to match that physicality.”
The match at Wellington Regional Stadium is crucial for the visitors, who must win it if they are to retain any hope of becoming just the second Lions side to achieve a series victory against the All Blacks.
While the world champions outmuscled the Lions last week, the visitors put them under sustained pressure for long periods and created numerous opportunities but were unable to finish them off, an issue that has bothered them throughout the tour.
While Gatland said the All Blacks deserved to win the first Test, he added that his side had let themselves down by failing to maintain possession.
“We did play some excellent rugby and when we kept the ball we stretched them and put them under pressure,” Gatland said.
“We just need to keep the ball for longer periods [and] … it’s just about taking those chances this week,” he said.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has stuck with a pack that was very impressive last week and beefed up the physicality of his midfield, with Anton Lienert-Brown elevated from the bench, for the injured Ryan Grotty, to join Sonny Bill Williams.