Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GAT’S GOT LOT TO DO
THE British and Irish Lions have given themselves a mountain to climb – due to their own indiscipline.
Warren Gatland’s side were well beaten by the World champion All Blacks, despite scoring what may be the Try of the Century.
Elliot Daly, who confessed to being at fault for the first of the Kiwis’ three tries, said:
“We lacked discipline and they were very clinical in what they did. We had to be
up for it all the time and expecting everything. But, for that try, I probably fell asleep a little bit.”
More than 20,000 Lions fans descended on Eden Park in the hope of seeing the tourists repeat their historic 1971 series win over the Kiwis.
What they witnessed was a masterclass from the back-to-back World Champions – and a Lions performance that veered from dream try to nightmare finish.
Daly added: “We gave away too many penalties and turnovers, whereas they had three chances and took them.”
The manner of victory was particularly sweet for New Zealand after hearing the Lions talk up their forward power.
Coach Steve Hansen said: “I always find it amusing when people tell us they are going to beat us up in the tight five.
“You don’t become the No.1 side in the world without having a quality tight five. We can play down-and-dirty rugby too, if we have to.”
The Lions, who at least finished on a positive note with Rhys Webb’s late try, insist the series is still alive and kicking.
“We 100 per cent believe we can turn it around,” said Daly. “We were not that far away. We know we have to win next week and we are looking forward to it.”
Hansen vowed to take nothing for granted, saying: “The job isn’t done. It’s a threematch series.
“Winning one gives an advantage.
But if we don’t prepare properly, we’ll come second.”