Lions, Kiwis have a ‘date with destiny’
The British and Irish Lions got the result they so desperately needed in Wellington last week in a nerve-jangling but thrilling game. They just about deserved it and preventing the All Blacks from scoring a try was a feat in itself. But they will be under no illusions about the task they face today... beware the wounded All Blacks.
Despite having a one-man advantage for much of last week’s game, the Lions were never really on top and the All Blacks still looked to be the one more likely to win until the very final stages. After a while it was easy to forget the New Zealand side only had 14 men.
The Lions looked at their best passing the ball amongst the backs with some top class handling. However their indiscipline which saw them give away 13 penalties almost undid their good work. All of the All Blacks’ 21 points came as a result of these penalties and this will have to be cut out if Warren Gatland’s men are to have any chance of winning at Eden Park in Auckland today.
Tadgh Furlong, the Lions’ Irish prop told “There was a period in the second half which was really frustrating. We kept giving away penalty after penalty and putting ourselves under pressure. Another day with maybe better weather and a few of their kicks going over, it would have been a different scoreline.”
A victory over New Zealand is such a rarity that the Lions’ triumph was understandably greeted with great joy back home, more than 18,000km away. After all it was the first time in 49 Tests that the All Blacks had lost at home.
“Lions King of the Jungle” proclaimed the Daily Mirror, while The Guardian settled on “Lions Win Thriller”. Predictably, just about every newspaper had a variation on the “Lions Roar” theme.
The Telegraph called it an “incredible victory” with correspondent Paul Hayward commenting: “Through sheer willpower and persistence — and two fine tries — the Lions cracked the long tradition of All Black impregnability.”
The Lions know that last week’s result will prompt a massive reaction from the All Blacks. All week long they have been listening to grim warnings of a “backlash”. The All Blacks don’t take kindly to defeat.
Gatland recognised that his team had “poked the bear” and even warned his players not to rile their opponents too much with boastful talk. But he immediately ignored his own advice by remarking rather smugly that “we haven’t seen the expansive rugby the All Blacks are noted for.”
In what must be a reflection on his faith in the players, Gatland enjoyed the rare luxury of naming an unchanged squad for today’s Test, including the same bench. It is the first time this has happened on a Lions tour since 1993. Indeed, there have only been 18 different players that have started all three Tests. “We felt we should reward the players for the courage they showed [in Wellington],” Gatland explained.
With Sonny Bill Williams out of the frame, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been forced to make a few changes, but nothing too drastic. The most interesting selection is that of Jordie Barrett at full-back, the younger brother of fly-half Beauden Barrett who kicked all 21 points for his side last week. Jordie, who may take over the kicking duties from his brother, has been in good form for the Hurricanes as has Ngani Laumape who take over from Sonny Boy at centre. The recall of star winger Julian Savea should also provide important pace for the hosts.
Hansen indicated he was not entirely happy with the French officials in the last Test. “I will probably get into trouble for this but the referees needed help,” he said. However he admitted that “it is hell of a job because there’s so much happening.”
Eden Park, which has been used for rugby since 1913, has played an iconic role in All Blacks history and in 2011 became the first stadium to have hosted two World Rugby Cup Finals.
The stadium is regarded as a fortress by the All Blacks who have not lost there in 23 years since France edged them 23-20. The only time the Lions triumphed at Eden Park was back in 1959 with a 9-6 victory. They also managed a 14-14 draw in the final Test of the successful series in 1971.
Of course the Lions have already played twice at Eden Park in the current tour, losing both matches — 22-16 to the Auckland Blues and 30-15 in the First Test.
One of the main tasks of the Lions management this week has been to ensure their players are relaxed while remaining focused. Not everyone would call bungee jumping particularly relaxing but that was the choice of three of the squad — George Kruis, Taulupe Faletau and Jack Nowell — and they all appeared to relish it.
Many of the players settled for jetboating, which is scary enough for most people. And of course the “odd beer” has been allowed, but no serious drinking.
Assistant Lions coach Graham Rowntree commented: “It will be a white hot atmosphere on Saturday night. These guys have all played in big stadiums and on big occasions before and I am sure they will rise to the occasion.” One suspects Owen Farrell’s kicking could be a key factor for the Lions.
The Independent called today’s match “a date with destiny” and whatever the outcome it will certainly be one hell of a scrap and hopefully, another thriller.