Tag Archives: #lionstournz

After the Lions gave up a late 14-point lead to draw 31-31 with the Hurricanes, there are a number of questions surrounding Warren Gatand’s side. From key men not playing well to other talented players seemingly unfancied by the selectors, there are issues that have to be resolved. And with the second Test fast approaching, the Lions don’t have a …

For a week-day fixture sandwiched between two Tests, there was a lot on the line at Westpac Stadium. Could Courtney Lawes and CJ Stander push for Test positions? Would Julian Savea vent his All Black non-selection rage on the Lions backs? Would Jordie Barrett and Ngani Laumape show enough poise for them to enter the Test starting line-up? Here are …

One lucky Lions supporter was the recipient of some good old fashioned Kiwi hospitality – from the mum of an All Black star. Sandra Wihongi met the Lions supporter at her local rugby club and discovered that he was planning to park up and sleep the night in his van. She decided that that just wouldn’t do. Mrs. Wihongi called …

The Lions gave a lot of razzle dazzle but couldn’t stop the All Black wave of physical domination to maintain their imposing winning streak at Eden Park. So which players stood out above the rest? 15 Liam Williams 8 Fairly quiet until scintillating 50 metres break out launched classic Lions counter-attacking try. Fizzing after that and looked a threat every …

Firstly, it needs to be noted that I am obviously biased on this topic. I’ve always been an All Blacks fan and so it goes without saying that I always back them to win regardless of whom they’re playing. One hundred percent certainty is a luxury not many sports fans have when it comes to backing their team, but as …

Lions tour manager John Spencer became the target of a drunken New Zealand fan’s verbal abuse and physical intimidation in an Auckland restaurant on Thursday. Spencer, who represented the Lions as a player in the victorious 1971 tour, was dining with his family and friend at Depot, which is a popular inner city eatery when the incident occurred. Spencer, who …

Legendary All Black no. 8 Zinzan Brooke has predicted that the first test at Eden Park will be a tight, tension-filled game and that the team that emerges victorious will go on to take the series. In an article for AllBlacks.com, Zinzan Brooke urges the Lions to seize the moment as it will be “the closest they’ll get to the …

It’s felt like a lifetime of waiting but the Lions and the All Blacks will finally do battle this Saturday. Since landing down under certain players have firmly put themselves straight into that starting team for the first test. However, up until the selection, most fans could only guess who would be playing in what position.  The left wing, the back row and George …

On Wednesday morning, the Lions kicked off their final tour match before their first test against the All Blacks this Saturday. Speaking before the game, Lions coach Warren Gatland stated that, despite the fact that few of the players involved will feature in Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks, a win was all that mattered against the Chiefs. “A win is …

Sir Clive Woodward is ‘quietly confident’ that the Lions will be ‘smiling’ following Saturday’s first test against the All Blacks at Eden Park. Woodward says that an All Blacks loss could signal that his perceived ‘sea change’ occurring in international rugby toward Northern Hemisphere dominance is complete. Woodward, who is flying to New Zealand to take up commentary duties, says …

As Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland’s sniping ramps up tension before the first Test, a cheeky All Blacks fan has provided a bit of light-hearted relief by auctioning off a ‘rare’ Lions try online. The ‘try for sale’, which was listed in the ‘antiques and collectibles’ category of the Trade Me auction site, took aim at the conservative so-called ‘Warrenball’ …

The All Blacks’ first game of the season is traditionally one when the players shake off the rust and is usually characterised by unforced errors and misfiring combinations. Not at Eden Park. Not in 2017. So which players booked their places for the first test against the Lions in the 78-0 thrashing of Samoa? 15 Ben Smith 8.5 It gets …

The British and Irish Lions back three for the first Test has caused much debate recently. Defending the wings will be key in preventing the All Blacks from making ground. Whoever is chosen will have the luxury of keeping the likes of Waisake Naholo and Julian Savea in check. As the last man in defence, the fullback will need to …

After two defeats already in the 2017 Tour, the Lions are under pressure to get back on track, with the first Test match in Auckland fast approaching. A powerful Lions first team will take on an electric New Zealand Maori selection in Rotorua on Saturday. So which player match ups will see sparks fly in New Zealand’s famous volcanic region? …

A scrappy match in Otago served the British and Irish Lions with their second loss of the 2017 tour of New Zealand against a stubborn Highlanders side on Tuesday.  Under the ‘glasshouse’ roof of the Forsyth-Barr Stadium, the men in red looked promising in parts, only to crumble when put under pressure, particularly at the breakdown. And there are now …

The Lions’ hopes of victory in Dunedin were thwarted by the cool head of Southern legend Marty Banks, who kicked a clutch penalty to eke out a nail-biting 23-22 win. In a dynamic, free-flowing game, which players stood out above the rest to move into Test consideration? _______ Lions 15. Jared Payne 6 Excellent cover tackle to stop Naholo early …

Tommy Seymour ran over a well worked individual try for The Lions against The Highlanders to put Warren Gatland’s selection ahead at a crucial stage of the game this morning.  Right at the beginning of the second half, the Scot was on hand to intercept an oppopsiotion cross-field kick. With possession secured, there was no stopping the lightning fast winger …

The Lions clash with the Highlanders in the indoor Forsyth Barr stadium will be a fast-paced, high octane affair. With the Highlanders threatening to run the Lions off their feet, which head-to-head match ups will be key to the contest? Jonathan Joseph vs Malakai Fekitoa Jonathan Joseph had better have his side-step finely tuned. Malakai Fekitoa is, according to reports, …