Sunday Mirror

TRYUMPH

GAT’S GOT IT ALL TO DO NOW O’Brien scores one of the greatest tries in history... but tourists are battered by ruthless All Blacks

- BY ALEX SPINK at Eden Park

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 We were not that far away.y. We know we have to win next week and we are lookingng forward to it.”

Hansen vowed wed to take nothingng for granted, saying: “The job isn’t done. It’s s a threematch series.

“Winning one gives an advantage. But if we don’t prepare properly, we’ll come second.”

 ??  ?? FRUSTRATIO­N: Dagg stops Daly from scoring for Lions POETRY IN MOTION
FRUSTRATIO­N: Dagg stops Daly from scoring for Lions POETRY IN MOTION

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