Plan to be top pack picked apart by All Blacks coach
STEVE HANSEN took a swipe at the Lions’ bid to become the world’s best forward pack after the All Blacks’ muscular first Test victory.
New Zealand strangled the tourists at the scrum and lineout, demolishing the tourists’ plans to dominate the tight exchanges.
Assistant coach Steve Borthwick had challenged the Lions to become the best forward pack on the planet to stand a chance against the world champion All Blacks.
And boss Warren Gatland wanted the Lions to “suffocate” New Zealand.
But in the end their men were comprehensively bested in the physicality stakes.
“I always find it amusing when people tell us they are going to beat us up in the tight five,” said the All Blacks coach.
“We can play down-anddirty rugby too if we have to. And I mean down-and-dirty in the most respectful way.
“I thought our tight-five were very, very good. If the tight five do the job, everyone else can play.
“Tonight’s Test was always going to be won in the tight five. We won that battle, but that doesn’t guarantee that will happen next week.”
Gatland admitted his side has to toughen up.
“We need to be much more physical next week for the All Blacks. That was disappointing,” he said.
“The All Blacks sacked our mauls very well. We need to negate that. And there was one scrum that’s caught us as well.
“There’s several areas where we need to be better at the set-piece.
“The All Blacks tight five were very good, but we need to be tough on ourselves and honest in our performance.”
Asked if the Lions can still force a close series, Gatland replied: “Absolutely. I thought we created some great chances, played some lovely rugby and scored some nice tries.
“And the All Blacks haven’t exactly played champagne rugby and thrown the ball all over the place.”