The Sunday Telegraph - Sport

Lions man marking

- By Gavin Mairs

8

Mako Vunipola Prop His relentless work-rate and ability to carry and retain possession even when isolated gave the Lions the edge.

6

Ken Owens Replacemen­t His scrummagin­g presence bolstered the scrum in the final quarter as the Lions set-piece turned the screw.

6

Stuart Hogg Full-back Bright start, claiming two kick-offs confidentl­y, but lasted just 20 minutes before being forced off with a cut to head.

8

Jamie George Hooker A dynamic performanc­e from the England man in the loose, and line-out functioned well apart from one over-throw.

7

Jack McGrath Replacemen­t One wonders how Gatland will be able to pick his Test front row. The Ireland prop made a crucial impact from the bench.

7

George North Wing Spearheade­d a number of Lions’ attacks from close to the breakdown, using his strength to good effect.

7

Tadhg Furlong Prop Carried strongly. The Lions scrum was not always dominant but they were up against the likely All Black front five.

7

Dan Cole Replacemen­t Brought experience and valuable scrummagin­g prowess just when the Lions needed it most.

6

Jonathan Davies Centre Another early casualty after a collision. It was a shame as he looked to be forming a potent midfield partnershi­p with Te’o.

7

Alun Wyn Jones Lock If Sam Warburton is not available then the Wales lock should be Lions captain. Was a towering presence once again.

7

Maro Itoje Replacemen­t His line speed has been one of the standout features so far, and he made some monstrous hits to deny the Crusaders.

7

Ben Te’o Centre Backed up his standout display against the Barbarians with a mix of power and quick feet, but errors crept into his game.

8

George Kruis Lock Caught offside early on but is another who appears to be a Test certainty with this superb line-out display.

7

CJ Stander Replacemen­t The strength of the Lions bench may be critical to their hopes of winning the series, and Stander is a perfect impact player.

8

Liam Williams Wing A much more composed and intelligen­t display. Attacking menace in kick-chase and rock solid under high ball.

8

Peter O’Mahony Flanker Made an important line-out steal early in the first half and was a powerful threat going forward.

7

Jonathan Sexton Replacemen­t The Ireland fly-half adapted impressive­ly to playing at centre and gave the Lions another play-maker in the midfield.

8

Owen Farrell Fly-half A commanding performanc­e save for one missed penalty. Otherwise kicked beautifull­y, particular­ly out of hand.

7

Sean O’Brien Flanker His lack of game time eventually caught up with the flanker, but his speed and power brought a new dimension to the side.

7

Anthony Watson Replacemen­t Came on at full-back and gave Warren Gatland much food for thought with his thrilling counter-attacking game.

9

Conor Murray Scrum-half Has one of the best kicking games, and his mastery gave Lions control and field position. Nailed down for Test place.

7

Taulupe Faletau No 8 The Wales man again flourished on the big stage. Pace, power and footballin­g prowess makes him vital to the Lions’ quest.

Best for Lions

Online For instant reports and analysis from all the tour matches. Go to: telegraph.co.uk/sport Plus Read Brian Moore in tomorrow’s Daily Telegraph

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