Page 55 - All Blacks v Lions - First Test

Beauden Barrett was the 2016 World Rugby Player of the Year
PREVIEW
more rounded approach, but one
built on solid foundations nonetheless. An all-powerful scrum and lineout approach has been taken to advantage, while the consequences of the rush defence have taken their toll of some
of the more attacking players in the New Zealand game.
Overcoming the defensive style will be a key test for the All Blacks. However, if the All Blacks are to win, it’s also essential that they get on top of the big Lions pack. Heading that pack are props Mako Vunipola and Tadhg Furlong, who’ve both taken their chances on tour. Meanwhile, if there has been an impressive mover on the tour, it’s hooker Jamie George, England’s second-string during the Six Nations this year.
George Kruis has caused many problems, while Alun Wyn Jones has demonstrated why he’s regarded as such a key component. And then they have Maro Itoje on the bench too.
The Lions’ loose forwards have been surrounded by injury concerns at times, particularly over tour Captain Sam Warburton. He has impressed when playing, but it was the Irish combination
“I think we’re going to have to take ourselves to a place that individually we’ve not been before.”
of Sean O’Brien and Peter O’Mahony that stood out against the Maori
All Blacks and are certainly deserving of their starting places. O’Brien is hugely respected by the All Blacks and was a favourite with New Zealand crowds
during Rugby World Cup 2011 for his outstanding contribution to Ireland’s win over Australia.
Taulupe Faletau rounds out the pack at No 8 and is likely to feature in an absorbing contest for the upper hand with All Blacks Captain Kieran Read.
The challenge for the Lions was laid down by the man behind the side’s defensive system, Andy Farrell. “I think we’re going to have to take ourselves to a place that individually we’ve not been before,” he said during the week.
That is exactly what the All Blacks will want to ensure. They’re con dent they have the scrum and lineout to compete with the Lions at set pieces. In Brodie Retallick and Samuel Whitelock, they have two of the most experienced and best-performed locks in the world game.
In the front row, the absence of Dane Coles due to concussion issues has reduced the experience on call, but Codie Taylor is not new to the team
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 55