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When Warren Gatland announced his starting line-up for the first test, I was quite surprised by two or three of the inclusions. I didn’t see Elliot Daly starting and I thought Liam Williams would just edge selection ahead of Stuart Hogg.
Gatland has long been a fan of Taulupe Faletau, so to see him not even make the bench was interesting. The Springboks must have felt confident going into the first test after the A team’s performance, and subsequent victory against the Lions.
The phrase ‘a game of two halves’ describes this encounter perfectly. The first half was not a good one for the Lions. The Springboks brought the physicality that we have long associated with them.
It was a game of two halves as the Lions came from behind to beat South Africa 22-17
Warren Gatland must make changes in next week's Test to survive next week's frenzy
Liam Williams who was unlucky not to start should come in for Stuart Hogg in the next Test
They overpowered the Lions at the breakdown using fewer numbers. The Lions back row of Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry and Jack Conan were anonymous. Curry carried hard but made a couple of error’s which included a late hit on Springbok scrum-half, Faf de Klerk which led to a penalty.
Maro Itoje was superb in the ruck. He won possession twice in quick succession. The second was a timely steal. The South Africans had powered their way up the field until the lock got his hands on the ball and put an end to their efforts.
But Gatland’s men seemed flat and gave away seven penalties in the first half. Both sides are blessed with talented kickers. The Lions kept giving the Springboks fly-half Handre Pollard shots at goal, and he continued to stretch their lead.
I had Dan Biggar down as my starting 10. He had a penalty kick in the first-half but didn’t seem to be his normal commanding self and his game management
