Page 25 - All Blacks v Lions - First Test

STORY SO FAR
THE LIONS ROAR BACK
ROTORUA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM, ROTORUA; CROWD: 28,177
The match when the Lions truly stood up to be counted – seeing o a ercely competitive
Maori All Blacks with an experienced, controlled, Test-level performance. It was the hosts that took the lead, with Liam Messam pouncing on a Nehe Milner-Skudder grubber kick that had eluded the Lions defence. But, a er this, the Lions seemed to crank up the pressure and, a er eating away at the home side’s lead, started to build a lead of their own. The forward power
of a pack inspired by Peter O’Mahony, Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola turned the screw, giving Leigh Halfpenny ample opportunities with the boot. He kicked six penalties and converted Itoje’s try with seven points courtesy of a penalty try.
Maori All Blacks Try: Messam Con: McKenzie Pen: McKenzie
British & Irish Lions Tries: Penalty try, Itoje Con: Halfpenny Pens: Halfpenny 6
MAORI ALL BLACKS 10 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS 32
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 25