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Lions Player Ratings: The tourists finally show their claws

Warren Gatland's charges got their tour back on track with a 12-3 win over the Crusaders on Satur...



Lions Player Ratings: The tour...
Rugby

Lions Player Ratings: The tourists finally show their claws

Warren Gatland's charges got their tour back on track with a 12-3 win over the Crusaders on Saturday.

Owen Farrell kicked all the points for the Lions as they prepare to head to Dunedin to face the Highlanders.

Here's how we rated the Lions after their win in Christchurch.

Stuart Hogg - 5

Much improved display compared to his first appearance on tour. Unlucky to go off injured after an accidental elbow from Murray.

George North - 7

A slow start but grew into the match as it progressed. Defensively alert to stop numerous Crusaders' attacks in the second half.

Jonathan Davies - 6

Struggled to get involved in the game and knocked-on with the line at his mercy after good build-up play in the first half. Went off early with a head-knock.

Ben Te'o - 8

Solid if not spectacular. Did exactly what he was brought into the squad to do. Broke the gain-line multiple times.

Lions' Ben Te'o. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Liam Williams - 5

Nervy display especially when chasing box-kicks after his last outing. Pointless playing him given that Murray and Webb expect kick-chasers regularly unless he changes his technique in the air.

Owen Farrell - 9

Commanding display from the off. Kicked flawlessly. His "missed" kick should have gone to the TMO. Adapted well to positional switch. 

Lions' Owen Farrell kicks a penalty. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Conor Murray - 7

Tackled and box-kicked superbly. Some sloppy passing in the first half cost his team position and possession but was flawless in the second half.  

Mako Vunipola - 7

Brilliant in defence, winning an early turnover to set the tone for the rest of the game. Industrious around the park and played his part in a solid scrum.

Jamie George - 8

Energetic display throughout and flawless in the line-out. Linked effortlessly with Kruis as the visitors dominated the set-piece. 

Tadgh Furlong - 7

Anchored the scrum expertly against a strong front-five. Got about in defence as well. 

Alun Wyn Jones (c) - 7

Led the team by example. Played his way back into contention for a test start. 

George Kruis - 8

Superb display from the off. Commanding presence in the line-out and got about in the loose.

Peter O'Mahony - 7

Put huge pressure on the Crusaders' line-out as the Lions choked their opposition of possession. Linked up well with the rest of the back-row unit.

Sean O'Brien - 7

Announced his presence on tour with a typically physical display. Won some vital turnovers. Had emptied the tank by the time he was replaced.

Lions' Sean O'Brien. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Taulupe Faletau - 7

Another athletic display as he picked up from where he left off. Dynamic in the loose and solid in defence. 

Bench - 9

The replacements gave the tourists the edge they needed to keep the pressure on the home side. 

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