British and Irish Lions battle past Crusaders: LWOR player ratings

The British and Irish Lions handed the Crusaders their first defeat for over 10 months, with a 3-12 success in Christchurch.

The outstanding Owen Farrell kicked all 12 points in his first start for the British and Irish Lions on this tour. It was a welcome win for the Tourists after they had come in for some fierce criticism following the midweek loss to the Blues.

Toppling New Zealand’s number one franchise however will breed confidence in the camp, especially as certain Test combinations showed signs of clicking.

Sam Meade takes a rule to each player, to gain a Lions score out of 150 points. If you agree, share your comments and feedback below.

Mako Vunipola 8/10

The Saracen was equally impressive in both attack and defense. Made several strong carries and was a threat ball in hand whilst also being strong in defense.

Jamie George 7/10

Provided consistency from the lineout and the Saracen connection with George Kruis was a huge plus. Excellent in defence but will be disappointed with his ability ball in hand but looks in a shootout with Ken Owens to be starting hooker.

Tadhg Furlong 7/10

Scrummaged well and was keen to carry the ball. Perhaps didn’t make as many metres as he would have liked but a solid performance.

Alun Wyn Jones 7/10

Did little wrong but in the most competitive area of the squad needs to excel and reach levels of 2013 if he wants to be assured of the Test shirt. Perhaps could have carried more regularly.

George Kruis 7/10

Gave the British and Irish Lions a real foundation from the lineout and his connection with George was apparent. A ball carrier alongside being a lineout technician. Almost a certain Test starter.

Peter O’Mahony 7/10

An excellent lineout steal in the opening stages showed the strengths of the Munster man. A constant nuisance all over the park.

Sean O’Brien 7/10

Didn’t carry with either the consistency or success that he would have hoped but with a question over the ball carriers in the back row his Test spot still looks likely.

Taulupe Faletau 8/10

Proving that even before Billy Vunipola’s injury there were two world class number 8s in this British and Irish Lions squad. A linchpin of the defence and responsible for some vital turnovers. A couple of brilliant offloads broadcasted his footballing ability.

Conor Murray 8/10

After Rhys Webb’s impressive game against the Blues, Murray responded brilliantly. Looks to have strong understanding with Farrell and marshalls his forwards well. Excellent kicking game clear to see again.

Owen Farrell 8/10

Not a game he’ll remember for long but still of the British and Irish Lions standout players which says enough about the calibre of the man. Personifies reassurance, extremely reliable with the boot and has a great variation to his game.

Ben Te’o 7/10

Carried constantly and attacked the gainline well. Has an excellent step to go alongside his inevitable power and impressed for the second game on the tour. Pushing hard for the British and Irish Lions 12 shirt.

Jonathan Davies 5/10

Left the contest midway through the first-half for a HIA and was unable to return. Nevertheless showed glimpses of the form he has shown since the turn of the year. Looks a two way shootout for 13 jersey with Jonathan Joseph.

Liam Williams 7/10

Made far more of an impact than his underwhelming debut during the week. Consistently made metres on the wing although his handling and ability under the high ball must improve before the first Test.

George North 6/10

Starved of the ball for much of the game but remains a huge presence. Excellent in defence however still searching for consistent run of form that has eluded him for much of this season but remains a class act.

Stuart Hogg 4/10*

Unfortunately *clashed with Conor Murray’s elbow early in the game and suffered an injury to the eye which forced him off. Still has plenty to do to reassure the coaching team he is as reliable in defence as he is in attack.

British and Irish Lions Total: 103/150

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Replacements:

With both Davies and Hogg having to exit early, Jonny Sexton and Anthony Watson were given considerable chances to impress. Watson was superb and always keen to run from deep – his pace caused the defense endless problems. 8/10

Sexton is erasing the memory of the [poor] opening game but will play second fiddle to Farrell. 7/10

CJ Stander; when introduced, showed again just how powerful a ball carrier he is but knocked ball on at vital time. 8/10

Follow the British and Irish Lions tour, with match the ‘Out Roar 17’ updates, match reports and more player ratings over the 10 match tour schedule.

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