Wellington 6 Lions 23
A not particularly convincing performance by the Lions, in a contest
against a Wellington side bereft of seven of their best players.
The conditions were against expansive rugby but the Lions after a
sound beating against the Maoris, and fielding a much 'stronger' team,
were expected to do a great deal better than this.
There will be no easy games on this tour but SCW really needs now to
be turning out his Test selection in order for them to 'blend' in time
for the first confrontation with the All Blacks.
Gethin Jenkins indicates that he is more than likely to secure the
loose head position, while captain Brian O'Driscoll emerges as a
likely candidate for that rare embarrassing situation, where he may
not be an automatic choice.
The Lions' pack were competent in the scrum and line-out, with the
front row well able to cope with anything that NZ teams will be able
to field against them. Byrne continues to impress, two failed line-out
throws notwithstanding.
Mr Honiss was once again inconsistent with both sides, which must be
very confusing for *all* the players. He was particularly irritating
at one ruck when a Wellington player picked up the ball and he
instructed the Lions would-be tackler to "leave him"!! Fortunately, we
didn't see too much touch-judge interference.
It was a gutsy performance by the home team, against a star studded
Lions side. They were not in the least overawed and stuck to the task
until the final whistle, acquitting themselves with considerable
credit.
This is turning out to be a great series with prospects of more
'unpredictable' and exciting events to come. What won't effect the
fortunes of those games yet to unfold is rampant chauvinism and
xenophobia!! ;o)
Enjoy!!