Tag Archives: sam warburton

As they fly out of New Zealand today after a truly memorable series, the British and Irish Lions’ official website has released stirring behind the scenes footage of last Saturday’s crucial third Test.  A 15-15 draw saw the Lions share the series and become the first touring side to draw a series since 1955. Saturday’s draw also saw New Zealand’s amazing …

As the dust settles after a titanic battle at Eden Park, leaving the series locked in a stalemate, we ask: which Lions and All Black players enhanced their reputations during the tough New Zealand tour? We take a look at the performances of the Test players on each side in the drawn series. ______ Lions Stock Rising: Jonathan Davies Deservedly …

The idea that rugby is a simple game is oft bandied about. While many willingly immerse themselves in the technical aspects of the scrum or the nuances of lineout calling, another school of thought has a more prosaic view. The winner of a rugby match is ultimately that team that brings a higher level of intensity. The team that force …

In the early hours of Thursday morning, Warren Gatland released his squad for the crucial second Test on Saturday. Gatland has selected his team with a blend of power and flair, which could cause problems for the All Blacks. However, on reflection, many Lions fans will be shocked by some of his decisions. Here we look at the three most …

With the back row a major talking point ahead of the Lions’ second Test against the All Blacks this weekend, should Justin Tipuric be getting more of a mention? The Ospreys openside has started three matches so far on the Lions tour, and come on as a replacement in two more, but was not selected by Warren Gatland for last …

After a pulsating first Test in which the All Blacks out-Warrenballed the Lions 30-15, will we see any changes in tactics employed by coaches Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen for the second Test in Wellington? Will Gatland drop his captain, Peter O’Mahony? How will the All Blacks approach the game tactically? Here are the five biggest questions which need answers …

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 …

With all selections on the table for Saturday, I’m sure the coaching team will have a headache of who should start in the back row for the first Test. Not all positions are nailed on. As with previous articles of who should start in midfield and in the back three, the back row will cause some debate. Talupe Faletau should start …

When it comes to both the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks, Graham Henry is better qualified than most to pass judgment. Having coached the 2001 Lions team to a hard-fought 2-1 series defeat in Australia, the former Wales coach would then go on to coach his native New Zealand from 2004 to 2011 (and masterminded that infamous …

The British and Irish Lions side to face the Chiefs on Tuesday was revealed overnight and in doing, it all but confirms who Lions boss Warren Gatland will turn to on Saturday against the All Blacks. Having called up six additional players to the Lions squad over the weekend, Gatland has included them all as replacements in the squad set to …

The countdown is well and truly on to the first Lions Test against the All Blacks, with the fixture now less than one week away. Warren Gatland’s team selections for the last two matches, on Saturday against the Maori All Blacks and the upcoming clash against the Chiefs, would suggest that the Text XV is close to being finalised. Injury …

Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony will become the latest player to captain the Lions in this weekend’s clash against the Maori All Blacks. With regular captain Sam Warburton on the bench and none of Alun Wyn Jones, Rory Best or Ken Owens starting either, the Munster flanker has been handed the armband for this Saturday’s fixture in Rotoura. Speaking to the media …

The business end of the British and Irish Lions tour is fast approaching and ahead of their clash with the Maori All Blacks on Saturday, it appears that Lions boss Warren Gatland has picked a side that could be close to the one planned for the first Test on June 24. The midweek loss to the Highlanders was suffered by …

The Lions fell to a brave Highlanders outfit today in Dunedin. Here, we take a look at three winners and three losers from the clash. Winners Kyle Sinckler What a showing from the Harlequins tighthead. The prop was effective at scrum-time and immense in the loose, punching holes in the opposition defence. His absence at the set-piece was telling in …

Sam Warburton had a fellow countryman to thank for his try today. The Lions went down to the Highlanders today on a scoreline of 23-22, despite enjoying a nine-point cushion in the second half. The tourists scored three tries in the game, but that was not enough to secure a victory as they were reeled in by the Super Rugby …

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 …

The British and Irish Lions have lost their second Test of the 2017 tour of New Zealand, this time falling to a 23-22 defeat to the Highlanders. Having led the home side 22-13 going into the final quarter, the Lions defence was tested and beaten all too often, forcing them to concede ground and penalties as they struggled to contain …

The British and Irish Lions will face the All Blacks in their first of three Tests in less than two weeks and the assumption is that head coach Warren Gatland will already have a reasonable idea about who is in the running to line out in red for that first clash in Eden Park. In the three games played so …