All Blacks v Lions: South African pundits react to ABs victory

‘The Lions matched fire with fire’

Clinton van der Berg, South Africa Rugby Magazine

“For 26 days, the All Blacks had swept through South Africa as conquering heroes, winning hearts and minds with flamboyance on the field and warmth off it. Four teams down, the Boks included, and 27 tries later, nobody had laid a glove on them. On [Wednesday], the Lions tore up the welcome mat.

“What made this performance remarkable wasn’t just the scoreline, it was how the Lions engineered it against a squad containing 17 players with test caps – 563 in all.

“This was not a side content to hang on and hope. From the opening exchanges, the Lions took the fight to the world’s best, refusing to be cowed by reputation or the aura New Zealand had built over three-and-a-half weeks on tour.

“Where the Lions truly separated themselves, though, was in their efficiency. Three visits to the All Blacks’ 22 in the first half yielded three tries, a conversion rate most test sides would envy against a team of this calibre. There was no wastage, no fumbled opportunity. When the door opened, the Lions walked through it.

“At the breakdown, an area where New Zealand have been relentless and clinical all tour, the Lions matched fire with fire. It was feisty, combative, and they refused to concede the collision battle, a crucial factor in slowing the visitors’ usually rapid ball and disrupting their attacking platform.”

Richie Mo'unga, Pasilio Tosi, Richie Mo'unga and Fehi Fineanganofo. Photos / SmartFrame, Photosport

‘Lead never felt secure’

Craig Ray, Daily Maverick

“The Lions took the fight to the All Blacks and scored five tries, but also leaked seven as they tried to go toe-to-toe with a team that loves nothing more than a fast-paced match.

“Although the home team held an 18-point lead 55 minutes into the game, it never felt secure as the All Blacks routinely created overlaps and chances when they went wide.

“After struggling in the set piece for the opening 60 minutes, the All Blacks dominated the scrums late on when a swathe of reserves from either side changed that dynamic.

“On the back of the set-piece dominance, the All Blacks, as they have done so often before, found a way to win.”

‘Flashes of brilliance’

Jared Wright, Planet Rugby

“There was a stark contrast to Ruben Love as [Richie] Mo’unga got his hands on the ball far more often than the man currently possessing the test No 10 jersey. Mo’unga had flashes of brilliance throughout his 80 minutes and ran the attack rather well, linking up nicely with Beauden Barrett at times.

“An overcooked kick to touch in the first half was costly though. Considering the mix-match nature of the selection and the bravery the Lions played with, Mo’unga did fairly well, making good decisions more often than not but perhaps lacked a little bit of control and game management.”

Timoci Tavatavanawai on the charge against the Lions at Ellis Park. Photo / Photosport

‘Struggled to dictate proceedings’

ruck.co.uk

“All eyes were on [Richie] Mo’unga as the [first five-eighths] pulled on the famous black jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“There were undoubtedly flashes of the quality that made him such an important player for New Zealand during his previous spell.

“A beautifully timed pass helped create an Ethan Blackadder try, while Mo’unga began to take control as the match entered its closing stages and the All Blacks fought their way back into the contest.

“However, it wasn’t the blockbuster comeback many had anticipated.

“A couple of handling errors prevented him from having a greater influence and there were periods when the returning playmaker struggled to dictate proceedings.”

‘Little sense of purpose’

David Isaacson, Times Live

“The tourists looked like they were on the training ground for much of the first half, throwing the ball around with little sense of purpose or worry about danger.

“Every now and then they showed flashes of All Blackness, but for much of this contest the Lions were competitive and dangerous.”

Emoni Narawa in action for the All Blacks against the Lions. Photo / Photosport

‘Deserves a spot in the test team’

Jack Tunney, Planet Rugby

“[Emoni Narawa] was utterly unplayable at times. His early break down the right wing set the tone for the rest of his evening. He was not satisfied with the odd touch of the ball, but insisted on popping up all over the field. His tenacity resulted in a try midway through the first half, collecting the ball after a brilliant team move.

“Later, in the final moments of the game, he stepped five players to score in the corner to confirm the All Blacks’ victory. He’s seen limited club action this past season due to a foot injury, but this performance gave a solid indication that he is truly back to his best. Despite being heralded as somewhat of a ‘surprise inclusion’ in the tour squad, he’s certainly playing like he deserves a spot in the test team.”