O’BRIEN’S IN THE CLEAR
Lions ace can play decider
THE Lions breathed a sigh of relief after Sean O’Brien was cleared to play in the series decider against the All Blacks.
O’Brien, who played a key role in inflicting New Zealand’s first home defeat in eight years, saw yesterday’s citing complaint thrown out.
The Ireland flanker was reported for striking New Zealand wing Waisake Naholo during the second half in Wellington.
O’Brien denied the offence and the threeman disciplinary panel that banned Sonny Bill Williams hours earlier cleared him.
He said: “Firstly, I hope Waisake is OK. I would like to thank the panel for carefully considering the case and I am looking forward to rejoining the whole squad to prepare for the final Test.”
Head coach Warren Gatland added: “We would like to thank the panel for their professional and diligent approach.
“Sean is a tough but fair player and we are pleased that the panel dismissed the citing.”
The reprieve enables the Lions to continue with the set-up at Eden Park on Saturday with the in-form O’Brien operating in tandem with skipper Sam Warburton. Lions prop Mako Vunipola can also play in the third Test after escaping a citing for his illegal clearout on Beauden Barrett which earned him a yellow card.
All Blacks centre Williams is out after he was hit with a four-week suspension following his 24th-minute red card dished out by referee Jerome Garces.
Reckless
Williams became the first All Black to be sent off in 50 years for his shoulder-charge hit on Anthony Watson.
He said: “I’ve got in contact with Anthony and I’ve apologised to him. But I’m very disappointed that I was sent from the field and let my brothers down.
“They’ve come to the conclusion that it was reckless. It wasn’t intentional.”
With Ryan Crotty injured, New Zealand have drafted Malakai Fekitoa into their squad. The
Lions face a wounded New Zealand gunning for revenge after going try-less for the first time in 39 games.
Barrett, who had a mixed day with the boot, kicked 21 points and looked to have ended the series as a contest before tries from Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray hauled the Lions level.
But with three minutes remaining, Owen Farrell’s penalty squared the series.
Gatland said: “To go 1-1 with no one expecting that, and to show the character we did, means we go to Eden Park thinking, ‘Actually, if we put our best foot forward and play to our ability, we’re capable of winning this Test match and the series’.
“This is the best team in the world and, for two Test matches, they really haven’t stressed us.
“They have squeezed us, made us give away penalties and that has been to our downfall, but we haven’t seen the expansive rugby that the All Blacks are known for and creating havoc.”