SCEPTICISM IN KIWI MEDIA
Lions know it’ll be tough after iffy tour opener
Wellington — If the British and Irish Lions were under any illusions about how difficult their tour of New Zealand would be, a scratchy performance in their opener removed them. Warren Gatland selected a strong side to face the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, an invitational side made up of semiprofessionals who were supposed to present the easiest opposition of the 10-match tour. The Barbarians, though, put them under pressure, refused to buckle in the set piece, where the Lions are expected to have an advantage, showed more enterprise and were only beaten 13-7. Local pundits tore into the Lions on Sunday, labelling them "pathetic" and "incompetent" and suggesting if the All Blacks had been playing, the margin of victory would have been closer to 100 points. Gatland has already said that all 41 members of the squad will get a chance to play in the opening three games, but on Saturday, several players failed to make the most of their opportunity, notably Ireland flyhalf Johnny Se...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.