Diamond Davies, excellent Elliot... all the Lions rated as dust settles on tour
THE dust is finally settling on the conclusion to the Lions’ tour of New Zealand – with the first drawn Test series for the tourists since 1955 in South Africa.
But who are the players returning to these shores with their stock on the up and likewise who failed to rise to the occasion down under.
We take a look at the performances of head coach Warren Gatland’s original 41-strong squad...
LIAM WILLIAMS
Headed out on tour as a likely Test wing than full-back but made it into the No.15 jersey, though the Saracens-bound Welsh star was below his best in the series. He did though create one of the greatest tries in Lion history. 7/10
STUART HOGG
The 2016 & ‘17 Six Nations player of the year looked nailed on for the Tests, but he didn’t start the tour particularly well and his trip was ended with a facial injury when copping friendly fire from Conor Murray. 5/10
LEIGH HALFPENNY
How times have changed, as the 2013 Lions player of the series in Australia couldn’t force his way into the Test reckoning with his prolific long-range boot made redundant with the inclusion of Elliot Daly. 6/10
ANTHONY WATSON
A wonderfully-elusive runner who was a handful for the New Zealand defence in all three Tests after shining in the warm-up games. Exciting to watch. 8/10
JARED PAYNE
Hampered by injury and then migraine trouble, meaning he was never able to hit top gear. 6/10
ELLIOT DALY
Enhanced his reputation by breaking into the Test team and starting all three All Blacks clashes. Also kicked a brilliant penalty from distance in the decider. 8/10
GEORGE NORTH
Came back from Australia four years ago the poster boy of the Lions for THAT tackle on Israel Folau. Failed to make a mark and fell well below those blistering standards this time around. 5/10
JACK NOWELL
Started the tour slowly, but he had his moments as it progressed. On the bench for second and third Tests. 6/10
TOMMY SEYMOUR
The Scotland wing showed his tryscoring prowess as a midweek team regular but never got off to the best of starts this summer. 6/10
JONATHAN DAVIES
His selection for the third Test at the expense of Brian O’Driscoll caused controversy four years ago. No such debate this time around with the Scarlet having a magnificent tour in attack and defence. Won the Lions players’ player award, and impossible to disagree. 9/10
JONATHAN
JOSEPH
Some debate whether the England star would actually make the tour. Though the Bath man had some strong attacking moments, he was also exposed in defence and could not hit the heights he does with the Red Rose shirt on. 5/10
BEN TE’O
The powerful centre did a brilliant job on New Zealand dangerman Sonny Bill Williams in the first Test. Relished the big occasion, but then lost his place. 7/10
ROBBIE HENSHAW
Travelled to New Zealand with a growing reputation and high expectation of featuring in the Tests, but things did not materialise and then he picked up a tour-ending injury in the Hurricanes game. 5/10
OWEN FARRELL
Won the second Test and drew the third with his nerveless penalty kicking. Rock-solid temperament, although he was sometimes prone to making wrong decisions. 8/10
JONATHAN SEXTON
The Ireland fly-half worked well with Farrell at inside centre, and gave the Lions options with his gamemanagement skills. 7/10
DAN BIGGAR
Had to settle for a midweek team role, but the Wales No.10 never let his head drop and provided a strong presence throughout. 7/10
CONOR MURRAY
Relished his scrum-half battle with New Zealand’s Aaron Smith, and arguably shaded it across the Test series. Arguably now the world’s premier No.9 with his kicking game unrivalled on the planet. 8/10
RHYS WEBB
Quick and with an eye for a gap, he understudied Murray strongly and was an excellent squad player. 7/10
GREIG LAIDLAW
Never really got going, and while an important midweek performer, he did not stand out. 4/10
JOE MARLER
A mainstay of the midweek team, Marler consistently put in a shift as the Lions often had to dig deep. 7/10
JACK MCGRATH
Ireland’s young loosehead prop did not put a foot wrong, and looks to have a glittering Test future ahead of him. 7/10
MAKO VUNIPOLA
The former Pontypool schoolboy delivered some dominant displays in the tight and loose exchanges. All-action and aggression, he stepped up to the plate. 8/10
RORY BEST
The most-used player as midweek captain, the Ireland skipper was a motivational presence on and off the pitch, though some wonky lineout throwing continues to be a problem. 7/10
JAMIE GEORGE
Moved from England’s reserve hooker to Lions Test team starter. George’s career has leapt forward with his performances in New Zealand. 8/10
KEN OWENS
The Wales hooker found consistent
levels throughout the tour when was called upon. Commanded respect. 7/10
DAN COLE
Like Marler, did not show any outward sign of disappointment at missing out on the Tests, doing his job diligently and professionally. 7/10
KYLE SINCKLER
The young England forward was over-exuberant at times, yet he also offered a great deal around the field. A rich learning experience. 7/10
TADHG FURLONG
A scrummaging rock for the Lions, he performed with a maturity beyond his years. Already approaching world-class status. 8/10
MARO ITOJE
England’s 22-year-old lock went up another gear with the Lions. Relished the big occasions and taking on New Zealand’s revered forwards and his penchant for giving away a penalty or two can be overlooked this time. 9/10
ALUN WYN JONES
Has now played in nine successive Lions Tests, recovering from a shaky performance in the series opener to rediscover top form. 8/10
GEORGE KRUIS
Started the first Test, but had a poor game and then drifted out of the match-day 23 behind Itoje, Jones and Lawes. 5/10
COURTNEY LAWES
Bristled with pace, power and aggression, and richly deserved a place in the Test match-day 23 on two occasions. 7/10
IAIN HENDERSON
Arguably the player most unlucky not to feature in a Test. Terrific work-rate, superb ball-carrier and quality set-piece exponent. 8/10
PETER O’MAHONY
Captained the Lions in the first Test, but then made way for Warburton’s return in Wellington. Strong, solid tourist. 7/10
CJ STANDER
Had his moments, and was on the bench in Tests two and three. Solid, rather than spectacular. 7/10
SAM WARBURTON
The Welshman’s second tour as Lions skipper saw him lead from the front. Combined quality leadership off field with performances on it. 8/10
JAMES HASKELL
Played his part largely on the midweek stage. A character whose infectious enthusiasm was important. 6/10
SEAN O’BRIEN
A dynamic operator was arguably the glue of the Lions Test pack. Uncompromising and physical, he also scored an unforgettable first Test try before injury ended his third Test. 8/10
JUSTIN TIPURIC
Another Test squad hard luck story. Hardly missed a tackle all tour, delivering admirable consistency. Would loved to have seen him involved in the Test series in some shape or form. 7/10
TAULUPE FALETAU
Showcased his ability as a world-class No.8 against the New Zealand skipper Kieran Read. Just got on with his job, and he did it brilliantly, despite criticism early on from former New Zealand ace Zinzan Brooke. 8/10
ROSS MORIARTY
His tour ended early through injury, denying him the chance to stake a claim for Test recognition. 5/10