British & Irish Lions - Talking Geography

Looking over social media during the Hurricanes game a new term emerged before my eyes ‘geography six’. Now if this had arrived before then and somehow I had missed it then I do apologise for my tardiness. However regardless of the timing of the arrival, you know that something has caused a good deal of commotion if it’s give a nickname. Normally the word ‘gate’ springs on the end - either in jest or for a more serious reason - however in this case the name was more literal. 

When Warren Gatland called up six new members into the British & Irish Lions squad I made no secret of the fact that it didn’t sit well with me. My viewpoint at the time when the call-ups were made, and that remains, is that the British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a rugby players’ career. The best of the best are selected to represent them and over the years there have been many excellent internationals that haven’t had the honour of wearing the red jersey. Yet here we were in a situation where some individuals that weren’t in the original conversion for selection were called into the squad. While others, that narrowly missed out remained with national sides in various other parts of the world. 

Naming names at this point in time isn’t going to benefit anyone here however we are all well enough informed to understand the particulars of the situation that arrived. The perspective that I held on this remains, even with the prospective of limited game time those unlucky to miss out on selection should have been called in first. Yes, jet lag is a real part of flying across the world but surely other national coaches would have been more than happy to release players earlier to negate that factor. Summarising my opinion on that area, as I did at the time on social media, I believe that geography shouldn’t have ever been a factor in the decision making process to be called up into the British & Irish Lions squad. 

Following Tuesday’s mid-week game against the Hurricanes a new point arose - not just the name ‘geography six’ - it was the fact that they remained on the bench watching on despite the team on the park looking to be flagging energy wise. Stuart Farmer - the official statistician for the Six Nations, British & Irish Lions, Premiership, PRO12, ESPN Scrum and Leicester Tigers - highlighted that the last time that a front row trio were on the park for a full match was last November between USA and Tonga and since it’s happened just twice in the Japanese Top League! 

The post-match rationale was that the controversy surrounding the call-ups  had made the head coach decide to ‘try and get through the game with as many of the starting XV as we could’. Now following my earlier point about the selections you’d think that I’d be in agreement with this. However as the head coach had already made the earlier decision surely it was a double blow on the Lions to not put fresh legs on the field in order to win that mid-week game? Clearly my own first choice would have been to call-up the front runners amongst those that weren’t originally selected and to have unleashed them. But, when that wasn’t done then having players bench-warming wasn’t all that great for them or for the Lions squad as a whole when a statement-making victory may have provided a greater boost leading into the crucial second Test.  

Ultimately the Lions head coach has always made it clear that the Tests are what counts, they are the be all and end all and everything is done with them in mind.  However this part of the tour- the additional call-ups and everything surrounding them - just didn’t sit comfortably with me. Of course I’ve no idea how it was received inside the camp and ultimately it’s the opinions of the six individuals that matters most. 

The long and the short of this is that I don’t think that I’ll ever fully get my head around it without having been in New Zealand and been much closer to the camp. Instead it’s time to park this and move all of our focus to the second Test. There’s a series to level and plenty to discuss following the two squad announcements and the back drop that the opening Test has provided. 

British & Irish Lions - Calls made!

"We have continuously been strong at set piece and have been good defensively in the last two or three outings. But to beat the All Blacks you have to be courageous and play some rugby - you have to score tries and I think we have picked a team capable of doing that.”

Warren Gatland made his position very clear when he announced his squad at 8pm. That position is that form and that flair needed to be abundantly clear in those selected for the first Test... abundantly clear and not just potentially clear. Now, I don't know about you but I certainly gave a little nod at my computer when I read his selctions for the first time. I may not have agreed at all with the call-up decisions made but this time around I do agree with his selections.

The Lions head coach has always spoken about selecting on form and here he has done just that. As a collective Liam Williams, Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson have so much spark and firepower while maintaining excellent fundamentals for their respective positions. Without question they will give the All Blacks plenty to ponder on defensively and opportunities will be created to put the required points on the board from tries and not just from the tee. 

Elsewhere the front row unit is rock solid with oodles of dynamism of their own. The second-row, with the deserving captain Peter O’Mahony (another article to follow about him later), will drive the work rate and the back row unit has that balance that every trio in any side strives for.

One of the most exciting things about this match day 23 is the bench because when you take a look down the names on it then it’s the definition of impact. A great strength of New Zealand’s is their third quarter because it's when they step it up into a gear that most teams can’t live with. However with the Lions you’ve got individuals starting that have outrageous work rates and then others ready to be unleashed of the bench with all of the adrenaline that comes with the first Test and the knowledge that they hold as seasoned internationals. 

The call regarding Maro Itoje taking a place on the bench has generated a fair amount of discussion already. I can only assume that it's actualy based the ammunition that the Saracen can provide off the bench versus his counterpart. Without question England's lock will raise the intensity ten-fold when he arrives on the field while the Welshman will lay the foundations earlier on. 

Another individual named on the bench has yet to make his starting England debut however Kyle Sinckler's place is justified and merited. The Harlequin has embraced Lions life with maturity and seized every single opportunity afforded to him, exactly like Ben Te'o. As I've said before the forward hasn't made a secret of his admiration for the Lions and yet he's managed to channel that emotions. Sure adoration for the jersey and the history could have overwhelmed him but instead he has thrived. So far Ben Te'o has converted the potential that Eddie Jones saw in him into practice and now it's about him using all his sporting experience to clash head on with a face that's very familiar to him - Sonny Bill Williams. Can the Lions' centre go that extra step against the best in the world? We'll see. 

Of course there's the stable element that we've looked forward to for a while with regard to the half-backs. Thigh gate didn't prove to be as concerning as we'd expected it to be and thankfully they're set to combine on the greatest of stages. Conor Murray and Owen Farrell both must show world-class composure for the full 80 and particularly in the opening quarter. Sport rides on momentum and against the All Blacks at Eden Park a slow start with shaky game management would be a killer. New Zealand’s counter-attacking threat is so great that their respective kicking games must be outstanding. Once again that’s the blindingly obvious however it’s a fact of life when facing the back-to-back World Champions and is a fact that needs stating. 

In the hours leading up to Wednesday's announcement we were all pondering whether or not we would see names selected based on reputation and not form. After viewing the selections made we’re now all digesting an tremendously exciting and strong Lions team on paper. The task for the 23 selected is to transfer that potential from paper onto the field. 

Now is the time when it matters. There’s only one first Test, one chance to lay the marker down for this ‘impossible’ tour and the ‘impossible’ task of winning a Test series in New Zealand. There won’t be any second chances and this Lions squad have to nail every single fundamental element from moment one - discipline, the exceptional defence that we've seen already, a destructive set piece and clinical attacking prowess. Of course the small spanner in the works is that the best in world rugby will be doing their upmost to derail their every move. 

With the two sides selected this first Test will be as gargantuan as we’ve all build it up to be for months. Eden Park awaits. The place that is arguably the most impenetrable rugby fortress in the world and the 23 Lions selected have the opportunity to rock it to its coreand prevail. Martin Johnson knows exactly what’s required to be a successful Lion and his words are the perfect conclusion following this squad announcement. 

"People ask me what it takes to be a Lion and it's character. It [a Lions tour] can find you out… it can find you out as a player and as a person. 

"In a world when people talk about science, strategy and tactics none of that is worth anything unless you have a team. You've got to be inspired on this trip to be successful, you have to raise each other's level so that the team becomes bigger than the sum of the parts.”

British & Irish Lions: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ben Te'o, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Conor Murray, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Jamie George, 3 Tadhg Furlong,4 Alun Wyn Jones,5 George Kruis, 6 Peter O'Mahony (C), 7 Sean O'Brien, 8 Taulupe Faletau. Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Sam Warburton, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Jonathan Sexton, 23 Leigh Halfpenny

New Zealand: 15. Ben Smith, 14. Israel Dagg, 13. Ryan Crotty, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Beauden Barrett 9. Aaron Smith 1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor 3. Owen Franks 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Samuel Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Sam Cane 8. Kieran Read Replacements: 16. Nathan Harris 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Scott Barrett 20. Ardie Savea 21. TJ Perenara 22. Aaron Cruden  / Lima Sopoaga 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

British & Irish Lions - New Zealand's Squad

Let the team announcements begin! 

After all of the warm-up matches we are bang slap in the middle of Test week one and it's finally time to find out the composition of both match-day squads. Excited...? Yep, so am I!

As we've just see first it was the turn of Steve Hansen to name his side - rather bizarrely at 05.00am New Zealand time - however for us that it was nice and convenient so I'm not complaining one bit!

@BTSportRugby

As expected a few talking points arose from the announcement which I’ll go into now before diving into any further analysis. First and foremost Kieran Read is fit to start and captain the side like most believe that he would be. Ryan Crotty is also fit to partner a SBW who has found has straps in the centres while Rieko Ioane will make his first Test start having been preferred to Julian Savea. Elsewhere there’s no Dane Coles as clearly he’s still battling with concussion while the head coach will make a decision tomorrow between Aaron Cruden or Liam Sopoaga wearing the 22 jersey.

So what does this mean for the British & Irish Lions? Well let’s look at Kieran Read’s fitness first and in my book his presence is a good thing. Of course New Zealand would be weaker without him because he’s firmly established himself in the captaincy role following in the footsteps of Richie McCaw and he’s an extremely talented back row forward. Yet the Lions will want to face him because if they are going to win then they want to do so against the best the that New Zealand have to offer and not with a caveat of ‘oh well if Kieran Read was there the All Blacks would have won’. The captain is a handful and adds that wily, uniquely Kiwi presence to the breakdown but I personally want to see that on the field at Eden Park. This is about the best in the world facing off against each other over three Tests and one side prevailing at the end of it. A New Zealand without Kieran Read just wouldn’t be the same, just like a New Zealand without Richie McCaw wasn’t the same. 

Out wide Rieko Ioane’s first All Blacks start couldn’t have more pressure on it could it!? He’s a guy that’s 20 years of age who has just 19 Blues caps to his name and two Test appearances. However Steve Hansen has made the call and clearly backs the youngster to embrace the occasion. As I said on social media immediately after the squad announcement it will be up to the All Blacks’ leaders to help him do so. From a Lions perspective they have to try and get into the winger's head early and put him off course. My gut feel is that actually that won’t be easy to do and that we’ll see the young man thrive on his full Test debut however we’ll have to wait and see on that one. 

The centre partnership between Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty has the potential to start strongly again and grow throughout the three Tests. SBW is a Test match animal - I feel almost as if I’m insulting my and your intelligence by putting those words down on paper because it is so blindingly obvious however it must be said. Moments of magic and moments of outrageous skill that defy belief will be delivered by the inside centre this Test series and it’s up to the Lions’ stifling defence to limit them as best they can. 

While much of the All Blacks’ build-up has been focused on injuries and fitness races quietly behind the scenes the majority of their core members have been building in form and preparations have been ticking over. The Samoa Test highlighted a spot of rust but only 20 minutes of it because they found their straps. Clearly the British & Irish Lions will be a totally different prospect and shortly we will know exactly the cards that Warren Gatland will deal for Test One. 

The long and the short of New Zealand’s squad announcement is that the challenge will be as great as the Lions expected it to be. Personnel wise the All Blacks have 788 caps in their starting XV - an average of 54 per position - and those caps include multiple World Cup finals in four cases. If you add onto this the venue for Saturday’s Test - Eden Park - and the fact that the last time that New Zealand lost there was 1994 then the challenge is crystal clear. Impossible… no. Difficult… yes! 

New Zealand: 15. Ben Smith, 14. Israel Dagg, 13. Ryan Crotty, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Beauden Barrett 9. Aaron Smith 1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor 3. Owen Franks 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Samuel Whitelock 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Sam Cane 8. Kieran Read 

Replacements: 16. Nathan Harris 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Scott Barrett 20. Ardie Savea 21. TJ Perenara 22. Aaron Cruden  / Lima Sopoaga 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

British & Irish Lions - Chiefs and beyond

So it’s Test week and by the looks of this morning’s performance the full British & Irish Lions squad have hit their straps. Perfect timing… never in doubt right!?

Well perhaps there was a touch of doubt however when it came down to it the XV on the field and those that contributed off the bench showed that the mid-week side can deliver the result. At last we saw the superior experience of the Lions overpower a Super Rugby side in the way that we’d all hoped would happen off. Yes the Chiefs didn’t have their big guns out however you play what’s in front of you and the Lions did that very well indeed. 

While discipline was a touch shaky at times and the penalty count remained a touch high, the biggest positive was that we saw the Lions find their attacking stride and take most of the chances that they created. Obviously the All Blacks’ defence will be a different prospect entirely however seeing players thrive and play what’s in front of them will reinforce a go get’em attitude across the board. 

Momentum is a word that we’ve spoken about a lot already and for a group that is as tight as this Lions squad is today’s victory will mean a lot and help to push them further forward into this colossal Test week. Those that played will be boosted by their first victory of the tour and in turn will take that spring and energy back into training to push the group that are selected for Saturday's Test.

Warren Gatland and his team are likely to have their Test team inked in for Saturday’s game already yet the vivacious performances of the likes of Jack Nowell and Liam Williams will have made the management team turn their heads. The three tests against New Zealand will be attritional and after today the management know that they have individuals that can step into the fold and contribute significantly. As much as Jack Nowell has showed outstanding resilience to bounce back from such a tough start on tour I don’t think that Warren Gatland’s mind will be swayed away from George North. The Lions head coach knows the Northampton Saints’ winger so well and that long-standing relationship alongside North's potential I think will edge it. Whether that’s right or not is another question but as we’ve seen clearly on this tour already, and in the past, the head coach makes the calls and that’s that. 

In terms of attitude there’s another point that I want to make about the Lions’ and that is with regard to the approach that they all took to running out on the Tuesday before a Test Saturday. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Test places are likely to be mostly sewn up and yet every single player that faced any form of media this week spoke about their heartfelt desire to get out on the field and deliver. Individuals’ minds were not on Saturday, instead they were focused on the game. Now I can almost here you tutting at the screen and saying ‘well of course they would say that’ yet the proof was in the performance and today’s outing showed the players were not just toeing the party line, they meant it. On squad announcement day Andy Farrell made it very clear that one of the key success factors for a Lions tour is that players learn to be number two and this message has clearly got through.

So now all of our attentions turn to the first Test and the social media rumour mill is whirling with the words that Peter O’Mahony will captain the side. As far as Lions captains go then I personally believe that it would be an excellent call. This season he has been an exemplary leader for Munster in exceptionally difficult circumstances. On the field his work has been the mark of consistency but it was only truly highlighted to the masses when Ireland stopped England’s Grand Slam in Dublin. If he does lead the side out then I believe that he will do so with distinction and of course with the full blessing of tour captain Sam Warburton. 

The long and the short of today’s performance against the Chiefs was that it was a commanding and assured showcase from the British & Irish Lions. Defensively the squad were on song again, the set piece was rock solid and we finally saw more chances being taken rather than squandered. Now it’s time for everything to sky rocket up a thousand gears as the All Blacks await and the Lions prepare for a monster first Test at Eden Park. 

British & Irish Lions - Maori All Blacks

The ‘Unofficial Fourth Test’ is almost upon us and given the timing of the match and the results achieved thus far Saturday's game is a big 'un. While 'big 'un' may not be the most techincal or formal adjective in the world, it does sum up the importance match perfectly. 

Those selected on Saturday must deliver a performance and result that can build momentum into the crucial opening Test. Once the full time whistle is blown on Saturday the vast majority of the XV and bench playing will be rested for the first Test at Eden Park. Therefore their actions and emotion at full time will be the ones that carry on into Test preparations. Needless to say Tuesday's result against the Chiefs won’t be the one that provides the go-forward into the first Test it will be Saturday’s. Warren Gatland has already made it clear that he’s likely to bring in reinforcements for the Chiefs game and in a similar manner to 2013 that match will stand alone and be treated in isolation to the Test ahead. 

So what of Saturday's game? Where must the Lions focus their attentions? Well first and foremost the Lions' kicking game has to be first class. With the strength of the Maori All Blacks’ back-line and their counter punching ability loose kicks will be punished with tries. Yes, this is stating the bleeding obvious however it needs to be said because it will be such an important area of the game. Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton know how to run matches and must show the composure and nous required to prevail. The same should be said for Leigh Halfpenny and the back three pendulum - all three are experienced internationals and they must play like it. 

Equally the British & Irish Lions’ pack must dominate and also highlight the fruits of their experience. In that area the touring party could have a distinct advantage over the Maori All Blacks if they paint the right pictures to the referee and put their technique and power to sound use. The set piece has been a hotly discussed topic this week and ensuring that the Lions are clear about what Jaco Peyper expects and that they react to him during the game will be another fundamental element to the game. 

Two other areas will be vital. Surprise, surprise they’re no different to the ones that we were discussing before the Crusaders’ game. Discipline and being clinical in the red zone will be key factors. Any interpretation issues with regard to the Jaco Peyper’s views surrounding the breakdown as well as at the set piece must be nailed. Second, when the Lions are in the red zone they simply have to score. Ben Smith’s first half counter which ended with Beauden Barrett’s try is the type of sharpness that the Lions have to show - it cannot be reserved solely for the All Blacks. By hook or by crook those key moments in red zone must be converted into points, if not every time, eight or nine out of ten times. 

If we look beyond this game then New Zealand’s outing against Samoa reinforced the challenge that’s on the horizon. A small amount of All Black rust was evident early on however that quickly vanished. After Steve Hansen wasn’t backwards about coming forwards and upped the verbal jousting stakes considerably during his press conference;

“Do I expect them to do something different tomorrow night? Well he [Warren Gatland] keeps telling us he’s got something up his sleeve other than his arm, so we’ll wait and see, won’t we?

“I’ve always said that once you have a style as a coach you usually stick with it, so it’s going to be a big move if he changes. We’ll wait and see. I look forward to it.”

These are the words that you expect from the Kiwi head coach at this point and now it’s up to the Lions to respond. Warren Gatland may choose to have a little jibe back in a forthcoming press conference or he may just leave it and not give the comments any time of day. Either way it’s up to his side to silence Steve Hansen on the field on the 24th. The Maori All Blacks match can take a step towards doing that and then proof will be in the pudding at Eden Park in eight days time. 

In my book a successful day on Saturday would see certain individuals pressing on and as collective the Lions exerting themselves on a team that hasn’t been together for long. Partnerships and combinations must thrive; the Lions’ back row have to show that they’re a cohesive and destructive unit, the back three need to threaten constantly - including Leigh Halfpenny - and the set piece must be a rock solid platform and a source of power. 

The Maori All Blacks are filled with outstanding individuals and some that we’ll see a lot more of next season in the European competition with James Lowe joining Leinster and Tawera Kerr-Barlow on his way to La Rochelle. There’s no question that it’s a back-line that could make defences look stupid and the Lions must fire defensively without the vocal and physical presence of Owen Farrell on the field.  

I will start and finish this article in exactly the same place and that's by saying that this British & Irish Lions squad must put a performance on the park that makes a statement. It's close to a Test team and they must perform like one in order to take true momentum into next week. Will they? We'll have to wait and see. 

British & Irish Lions: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ben Te'o, 11 George North, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Jamie George, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Sean O'Brien, 8 Taulupe Faletau. Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Sam Warburton, 21 Greig Laidlaw, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Elliot Daly.

Maori All Blacks: 15 James Lowe, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 1 Kane Hames, 2 Ash Dixon (c), 3 Ben May, 4 Joe Wheeler, 5 Tom Franklin, 6 Akira Ioane, 7 Elliot Dixon, 8 Liam Messam. Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Leighton Price, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Rob Thompson.

Coming soon...

Keep an eye out for the following that are en route in the next day or so...

- Argentina v England - First Test reflections and second Test preview

- British & Irish Lions - Thoughts on Maori All Blacks match and repercussions leading into the Tests

England v Argentina - Preview

If you’ve read a few past posts here at Out On The Full then you’ll know that I’m very much looking forward to seeing Eddie Jones’ squad take on Argentina. I must say that it's been a bit of a whirlwind of a week hence the reason that this preview is arriving just over an hour before kick-off but at least it’s ‘timely’ as opposed to fashionably late!

Eddie Jones announced his squad on Thursday evening and it includes four uncapped players - Alex Lozowski, Mark Wilson, Harry Williams and Tom Curry - in the starting XV alongside a number of very familiar faces. The Australian head coach has made it abundantly clear that if he thinks that a player is good enough then how young they are is immaterial. We all know that he has chosen to dig deep into England's resources for this tour and that the aim remains to win the series 2-0.  At the other end of the experience spectrum Dylan Hartley will be running out for his 85th Test cap at 8.15pm tonight and the Northampton Saint’s presence is vital. The presence of the captain is a huge bonus for Eddie Jones and the success of this tour and the hooker is well aware of what Argentina will throw at them tonight;

“They are a team that has played a lot of rugby together, they are tight-knit off the field. and they understand how they want to play. Their strengths are that they are physically strong and they can play a tight game if they need to. 

“Also looking at their Super Rugby games they like to play from anywhere. They can offload the ball, they are keen to play. So, they can play both styles of rugby which we are going to have to be well aware of and prepared for.”

Preparing for a side that has been together for a much greater time than the one that you are in should be part of the excitement and motivation for this England squad. By that I mean that they have the chance to upset the norm and prove that time together matters little if you're good enough...  just ask the British & Irish Lions about that one following today’s victory over the Crusaders. Despite this England squad's impressive performance against the Barbarians there will be a number of people out there will believe that tonight might ‘find them out’. Personally I'm not of that opinion, instead I think that we’ll see individuals thrive and chances taken with both hands. 

England’s captain made it very clear that the success of this side depends on others stepping into leadership roles and all stepping up to the mark regardless of the amount of time that they’ve spent in camp or the amount of Premiership or international rugby that they have played. He stipulated early on that players must ‘find their voices’ and I believe that, that sentiment also translates onto the park tonight. Those that are making their Test debuts cannot let the occasion derail them and they can't be starstruck by the likes of Agustin Creevy. Instead they have to treat this match like any other... of course it's easier said than done but that is where the leadership of the likes of Dylan Hartley, George Ford, Joe Launchbury comes to the fore. 

So what excites me so much about this England match-day 23? Well, it’s the dynamism housed in the back-line and the solidity in the pack that should help to provide them with the platform required to work from. Dylan Hartley, Ellis Genge and Harry Williams are a physical front row trio and with the rest of the pack selected, backwards steps will not be taken. Charlie Ewels and Joe Launchbury are both great athletes and diligent set-piece specialists while Mark Wilson’s work-rate will set the tone. 

Behind all of them the 9 - 13 axis looks like it could be an extremely potent one. Alex Lozowski and George Ford are both outstanding readers of the game and Henry Slade has a point or two to prove to Eddie Jones on this tour. Denny Solomona is likely turn heads off the bench  and we’re all intrigued to see what Piers Francis might do should he arrive on the field. That said, I’m not sure that he will given Ford’s leadership but if he does we’ll all get a glimpse of what Northampton Saints will have in their armoury next season.

England’s outing against the Barbarians turned heads and started to highlight the real strength in depth that Eddie Jones has at his disposal. If this England squad can turnover Argentina in their own backyard then the rest of the rugby world would continue to step up and take notice. There are few other nations in the world that could manage with so many front line players away - 30 in total - and England could send a further message out regarding their progression towards 2019.  

It has made it abundantly clear that this squad are expected to play what’s in front of them and that the players have been given ‘license to take an opportunity if they see it.’ There’s no question that Argentina will do the same and as a result I’m looking forward to seeing sparks flying in attack and then both teams looking to stamp match-winning defence onto the park. In short this should be a cracking Test match at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. Set a reminder on your iPhone or set your oven timer beeper because kick-off is at 8.15pm and it's live on BBC 2! 

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Marland Yarde, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Alex Lozowski, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Danny Care; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Harry Williams, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Nathan Hughes. Replacements: 16 Jack Singleton, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Will Collier, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Don Armand, 21 Jack Maunder, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Denny Solomona.

Argentina: 15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Matias Moroni, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jeronimo de la Fuente, 11 Emiliano Boffelli, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Martin Landajo, 1 Lucas Noguera Paz, 2 Agustin Creevy (c), 3 Enrique Pieretto, 4 Matias Alemanno, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Javier Ortega Desio, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon. Replacements: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Santiago Garcia Botta, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Juan Martin Hernandez, 23 Ramiro Moyano.

British & Irish Lions - Post Blues & Pre-Crusaders

Let’s be honest an early loss isn’t ideal for the British & Irish Lions and wouldn’t have been part of the game plan but it most certainly shouldn’t be seen as the end of the world. An unwanted result yes, a disaster… No. 

For months we’ve all heard members of the Lions management team make it vey clear that it’s all about the three Tests and I’ve read a lot of people agreeing with that during the time leading up to the tour. However it seems that when it comes down to it the perspective has shifted almost instantly to one of shock and non-acceptance to such an early bump in the road. Is it because it’s the Blues, the side that are bottom of the New Zealand conference? Potentially but let’s remember that Super Rugby form matters little in these one-off games because playing the Lions is a different ball game completely to a regular season domestic match. 

When you look at the bare elements performance wise then his Lions squad did build on from their first hit - not the highest of bases grant it but it was stepping forwards. Through the noise of disappointment that’s being voice all over social media let’s just stop and consider some of the key positive elements shall we? 

First and foremost the work of the forward pack should be noted and praised, particularly when it came to the set piece. Those that started and finished the game up front certainly stamped their authority at the scrummage and around the park. They provided a solid platform to work off and used it as a tool to penalties and subsequently field position. Coupled with this I thought that the all around work of Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes was highly impressive. Both showed their physical fitness and physicality and were a potent partnership at the lineout together.

Elsewhere Rhys Webb busily kept the Blues’ defence honest and provide crisp and quick service out to Dan Bigger and then Jonathan Sexton. His box kicking wasn’t as accurate as it could have been but despite that I still think that he adds more than Greig Laidlaw does around the field and off the bench in a Test that might be vital.

At the back Leigh Halfpenny stepped forward a rock in the full-back jersey. Solidity and experience are king in New Zealand and any that had doubts about his inclusion (not me I’ll add) should be a little less effusive about their doubts now.

All of that said of course there are elements that have to improve before the Lions meet the Crusaders today and here are a few. Warren Gatland’s side have to be much, much cleaner in terms of their discipline and tidy up their act. Matches cannot be won if cheap ball is handed over and if cards are conceded at any stage.  Second, we need to see more invention and attacking vigour. If that can arise from from quick and crisp offloads like the sort that Sonny Bill Williams provided for Ihaia West’s try then all the better otherwise it’s about individuals stepping up and showing the flair that got them there in the first place. Third, it’s all about knitting together their defensive cohesion and making sure that all are on the money. Over enthusiasm must be contained to avoid dog-legs and gaps arising. 

Let’s be clear none of this is rocket science and we all know that the management and squad will understand exactly where things need to accelerate and who their next opponents are. We all know that the Crusaders are a high quality side and, as I said earlier, will raise their game to meet the British & Irish Lions. The hosts will sense an opportunity to try and further deflate the hype surrounding the touring party and this group of Lions have to be bolshy and supremely confident heading into the match. There's no room for doubt instead the 23 selected must walk into town and use the power of their individual prowess and the strength of the British & Irish Lions’ heritage to full effect. 

Warren Gatland has selected a very strong side yet for Saturday’s Test and that’s to be expected. On paper it's a side that can do a job and rest assured motivation will be sky high to silence those criticising. The combination of Owen Farrell and Conor Murray - a duo that we've been looking forward to seeing together from day one - should be a solid driving force for the side to work around. From there the Lions need their big game players to step up and be counted for, the test match animals and Sir Ian McGeechan calls them. Stuart Hogg must replicate Leigh Halfpenny’s solidity at the back and add his dynamism to that, Liam Williams must cast aside his debut disappointment and show how much he enjoys playing in New Zealand and the midfield of Ben Te’o and Jonathan Davies need to click and complement each other instantly. Ensuring that the Lions have dominance at the set piece and on the gain-line goes without saying and Alun Wyn Jones must lead with distinction and clarity. 

With the external negativity that’s crept in following the loss to the Blues, a victory would certainly silence a few voices and keep the tour on the right track. If it doesn't arrive then I fear that the reaction will be extremely vocal and quite negative, going back to my earlier point that may not be the most helpful for the Lions and remember that a Test match hasn't been played yet. 

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'Unga, 9 Bryn Hall; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 7 Matt Todd, 8 Jordan Taufua.

Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Jed Brown, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Tim Bateman.

British and Irish Lions: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ben Te'o, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Conor Murray; 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Jamie George, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 5 George Kruis, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 7 Sean O'Brien, 8 Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 CJ Stander, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 Anthony Watson.

British & Irish Lions - Stuttering Start

So it’s fair to say that the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour didn’t start with a bang, instead we all witnessed a stuttering start and a base to spring off of. Am I going to slam the touring party and management for such an off colour debut? No. Do I think that this tour will be a failure because of it? Absolutely not.

Given the context of this first outing - just days after landing on the other side of the world – it always had the potential to be rust filled and slighted disjointed. The rugby romantic side of all of us hoped that it wouldn’t be but realistically we shouldn’t have been wholly  surprised by match one. Anyone that has flown even just half of the distance that the Lions took just a couple of day ago will understand how off pace and groggy you get doing normal things let alone being expected to play outstanding test rugby. A haze of jet-lag isn't fun for anyone and being collectively sharp was always going to be a very tall order.

However there were elements of light that can be taken forwards from Whangarei into training and Wednesday’s meeting with the Blues at Eden Park. The performances of Taulupe Faletau, Kyle Sickler, Ben Te’o and Owen Farrell in particular showcased just some of the Lions' strike weapons.

Faletau looked totally at home in the No. 8 jersey and, despite being the standout player on the park still has a number of extra gears to push into. The loss of Billy Vunipola before the touring party left home shores was a bitter blow and it’s up to Faletau and CJ Stander (when he gets his opportunity) to be the Lions’ drivers and power players. They are the ones, alongside a few key ball carriers, that must set the tone and create the platforms to work from. For this reason it was heartening to see the Welsh international continuing to press on and find his match sharpness after injuries this season.

The English trio of Kyle Sinckler, Ben Te’o and Owen Farrell all impressed me in different ways. Farrell’s arrival on 49 minutes orchestrated a swing momentum as he quickly took the match by the scruff of its neck and exerted his influence instantly. Jonathan Sexton did not have a game to remember and will be disappointed with his day at the office. While the Saracen was assured and composed, the Leinster man looked slightly off the beat and not razor sharp. We all know how effective he is when firing at 100% and as a result Gatland rightly isn’t discounting him yet.

We’ve seen little of Ben Te’o at international level and not massive amounts at club level either therefore watching him express himself in Whangarei was interesting to see. Throughout his outing the inside centre did exactly what was required of a ‘signature Warren Gatland 12’ and did so will panache. The question is whether or not this can be replicated when the quality opposition goes up a notch? That is said with all due respect to the NZ Provincial Barbarians and only time will tell to see what the answer is.

The final member of that English trio – Kyle Sinckler – looked totally at home in a Lions jersey and wasn’t it great to see? The young Harlequin hasn’t disguised his love and adoration for the British & Irish Lions and to see him embracing achieving his dream should warm hearts everywhere. Sinckler was dynamic in the loose, showed outstanding hands and in my mind certainly made the right decision with the quick tap. He may be seen by many to be only there as a ‘mid-week man’ but that won’t be what he’s thinking and the edge that the Harlequin brings to the game could be considerable.

Without question the jitters that were present in the first British & Irish Lions squad weren’t ideal; the penalty count against them will need to be addressed as will the lack of precision in the red zone and fundamental skills that went astray. However, when it all comes down to it that is game one out of the way and finished with a W. A landslide victory wouldn’t have taught the touring party much and instead a good old test will have focused minds considerably.

On Wednesday others will get their opportunity to don the red jersey, many for the first time, and I’d almost put my mortgage on it being a much sharper and more purposeful outing. Very simply it’s onwards and upwards for the British & Irish Lions… roll on Wednesday morning!