The Lions tonight had their colours well and truly lowered by the All Blacks in the first test match in Christchurch. On a freezing cold night where it both rained and hailed, the Lions were outclassed 21-3 by NZ. The Lions never looked to be in the match, and lost crucial possession at the lineout where NZ stole 10 of the Lions’ throw ins - unheard of at this level. The Lions seemed under pressure at scrum time, and were outclassed in every facet of play.
The Lions never had enough ball to compete properly, and what possession they did get they seemed to kick away aimlessly. NZ scored two well taken tries, the second a dashing affair finished off by Sivivatu, and with a week to the second test in Wellington there must be serious doubts about whether the Lions can turn this result around and compete with the All Blacks.
On the evidence of tonight’s match, and the general tour games, you would have to say the visitors are looking down the barrel of a 3-0 whitewash.