To be fair, head coach Andy Farrell’s hands were tied, with many players unavailable. Those who played in the Gallagher Premiership final between Bath and Leicester were unavailable, as were those still playing in France. Plus, one or two had niggly injuries.
This was by no means the Lions’ first test starting team, but they were all international players. Commentators sought to find excuses to pacify TV spectators for the Lions’ performance but, clearly, some players have certainly ruled themselves out of a test spot.
The two Smiths, Marcus and Finn, were substandard. Marcus prefers 10 to 15. Finn didn’t like to run into the dark areas. The centre pairing of Aki and Tuipulotu, two 12s, must have been forced on Farrell. It just didn’t work.
My major concern was the poor performance of the captain, Maro Itoje. He lacked on-field leadership, especially in physical aspects. His post-match interview would not have stirred a cat!
Farrell spoke honestly. He will not tolerate another performance like that. Some players will be warned. The coaches are now on notice.
Next up, the Lions face the Western Force in Perth tomorrow (June 28). The Force finished 3rd from bottom in Super Rugby but they are a well-organised team, with seven members of the team in the Wallaby squad who will be playing against the Lions.
Farrell will put out a much-changed team. The blending must be better, similarly the outcome.
Having lived and coached in Australia for several years, I know if the Aussies sniff a weakness they will go for it, and the Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt has years of experience to call on from his time as Ireland’s coach.
My tip: Lions by 12, but they will need to start well.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.