The Lions must improve against the Maori All Blacks if they are to reassure their loyal fans that the best is indeed yet to come on this tour.
The pressure valve is slowly turning on the British and Irish Lions as their fifth match on tour sees some surprising selections for what promises to be a stern test.
The Maori All Blacks don’t get to play all that often so they will cherish the occasion in Rotorua. But put aside the ‘sentiment’ because Saturday is all about the Lions – for so many reasons.
The Lions haven’t impressed in any of their warm-up games. They certainly haven’t played a brand of rugby that suggests they’d win the Test Series. Plus, the crucial and maybe even series-deciding First Test against the All Blacks is little over a week away.
Kinks in the British and Irish Lions phase play
Originally, some of the criticism felt harsh on Warren Gatland and his side. But with four matches under their belt, and a total of just 63-points on the board, there are indeed some causes for concern.
The biggest concern, for me at least, is the predictable style of rugby that the Lions are playing so far. First phase – run it ‘up the guts’ with the forwards. Second phase – cycle through the passes using the backline. Repeat the process thereafter. The occasional line break is a positive sign, but the backs need to run onto the ball if they are any chance of seriously challenging the All Blacks midfield.
The backline, arguably the area of most importance for the Lions, isn’t working well in the area of setup and execution. And now, four games into the tour, Gatland is yet to really field his best possible starting XV.
Perhaps with 43 players on tour; the seemingly obvious plan of rotation wasn’t going to be avoided.
Injuries are another area of concern – and a total of four semi-serious concussions so far.
Lions Must Improve Against The Maori
For Saturday night against the Maori All Blacks in Rotorua; the British and Irish Lions selectors were clearly wary of Sam Warburton’s condition and have kept the Lions captain from starting. Peter O’Mahony (see below) named in his place.
?"To be captain is hugely special…"@peterom6 reacts to being named captain ?https://t.co/4uwHrhAQPN #LionsNZ2017 #AllForOne #MABvBIL pic.twitter.com/loI8c0RtKM
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 15, 2017
Johnny Sexton and Leigh Halfpenny provide solid experience in the backline for this match. Both are terrific goal kickers, and after Owen Farrell missed what would have been the match-winner against the Highlanders, Gatland will be slightly more comfortable knowing he has a second option on the park to start with.
A performance far above what has been seen so far on tour is crucial for the Lions.
Winning is a must – losing will be a disaster!
Kick off is at 7.35pm at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday June 17.
“Main photo credit”
