1) Reinforcements are unfortunate by-product of the schedule
The criticism will not bother Warren Gatland in the slightest but it has been widespread nonetheless after he seconded four Wales players and two Scots on the basis of geography. He has been accused of devaluing the Lions jersey in doing so and, moreover, he risks affecting the dynamic of the squad. You have to feel for Kristian Dacey for example, no doubt thrilled to be called up but constantly being told he is not there on merit. For Gatland to say those six will be leaving the squad after the last midweek game also feels unnecessary. All will be forgotten if the Lions win the series but it will be an obvious stick with which to beat Gatland if not. It must be remembered that if the schedule of this tour was not such a hindrance, he would most probably not have had to resort to this.
2) Gatland’s gameplan and the pack look to be settled
The comprehensive nature of the Lions’ victory – it is the first time they have reached 30 points – must be tempered by the fact it was against a scratch side. It is clear, though, that Gatland has an effective gameplan and it is increasingly hard to see him making many changes for next Saturday, particularly in the pack. Alun Wyn Jones’s consistency at the highest level is remarkable and Sam Warburton is trusted implicitly by Gatland but it is a brave man who splits up the second‑row combination of Maro Itoje and George Kruis or the flankers Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien. Gatland is not the sentimental type but he does have form for sticking to what he knows and he may have to reach for his tin hat again if there is a perception he is favouring Welshmen. Jones and Warburton hardly weaken the side but Gatland must pick on form for the first Test.
3) Chances frittered away again through lack of support
Two more tries chalked up but once more there were the familiar failings when chances that must be taken against the All Blacks presented themselves. In the first half it was Jonathan Davies with a fine break, in the second it was Ben Te’o who, having battered away all match, finally broke the dam. The problem on both occasions was a lack of support. The All Blacks are the best in the world at running support lines – just watch the highlights of their 12-try thrashing of Samoa – but the Lions have little time left to improve in that regard. Silly mistakes in the first half – notably George North’s error for Liam Messam’s try – allowed the Maori All Blacks to stay in a match they should never have been in and would be far more costly against the All Blacks. The error count is on its way down but has further still to come.
4) Rapport with referee brings improvement in discipline
As Gatland acknowledged there were stupid penalties in the first half – four of them – but the Lions did not concede any in the second, and discipline is such a key part of their template for squeezing the life out of the opposition. Penalties give their opponents an easy way out and the momentum the Lions’ gameplan relies upon disappears. Against the Highlanders and the Blues the penalty count was in double figures but in victories over the Crusaders and the Maori All Blacks it was fewer than 10. All the more pleasing for Gatland and co is that Jaco Peyper, Saturday’s referee, is in charge for the first Test. As a result, do not be surprised if O’Mahony stays as captain should neither Warburton nor Jones make the team. Not only was his performance hugely impressive but so few penalties against his side suggests his rapport with Peyper must be good.
5) There are no great secrets to be unveiled for Test series
Steve Hansen continues to bait Gatland when there is a microphone close by but it is patently clear that he does not expect his counterpart to have, as he keeps on wondering aloud, anything up his sleeve. This was a test for the Lions in so far as the Maori All Blacks – with so many players on the fringes of the New Zealand squad – knew exactly what was coming. The question was would the absence of any element of surprise be an issue for the Lions? The answer was a resounding no but do not forget this was a scratch side and Hansen will have no qualms if the Lions get an inch or two ahead of themselves. Confidence can certainly be taken from the scrum, the lineout and the rolling maul, all of which are improving, but as was the case on Saturday, the All Blacks know exactly what to expect at Eden Park. Stopping it is another matter but they usually find a way.
You’re a Lion now – the six called up
Kristian Dacey, 27, hooker, Wales (four Test caps) Arguably the most surprising of the lot. First international start came in Wales’s victory over Tonga on Friday, having come off the bench for his three previous three appearances. Enjoyed an impressive season with Cardiff Blues and voted club’s player of the season.
Could have chosen Dylan Hartley, Sean Cronin (not on Ireland tour as rested), Scott Baldwin
Gareth Davies, 26, scrum-half, Wales (25 caps) Understudy to Rhys Webb for Wales, deputising to impressive effect during 2015 World Cup when he scored five tries. Finished the season strongly with tries in the Pro12 semi-final and final, guiding the Scarlets to their first title since 2004. A livewire with the running threat that neither Greig Laidlaw nor Conor Murray possess but Danny Care can consider himself a tad unlucky.
Could have chosen Danny Care
Allan Dell, 25, loosehead prop, Scotland (10 caps) Along with Dacey, his call-up is perplexing. He has only 10 caps to his name and lost his place in what was arguably the weakest front row during the Six Nations. Born in South Africa, Dell played for the Baby Boks at under-20 level and started Gregor Townsend’s first match in charge – a win over Italy last week.
Could have chosen Cian Healy
Tomas Francs, 35, tighthead prop, Wales (23 caps) Seems to have edged ahead of Samson Lee in the Wales pecking order – even though his rival is injured – but made only two league starts for the Premiership champions Exeter last season. Benefits from a relative dearth of options but surely Warren Gatland would have called on WP Nel had the South Africa-born Scot had more games under his belt.
Could have chosen WP Nel
Cory Hill, 25, second-row, Wales (six caps) Made only his second international start against Tonga but lock is an area where Wales do not boast a great deal of strength in depth and Hill, along with the injured Jake Ball, is the best of the rest behind Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris. Helped by the fact he made up the numbers during the first Lions training camp in Wales last month.
Could have chosen Joe Launchbury, Jonny Gray, Devin Toner, Donnacha Ryan
Finn Russell, 24, fly-half, Scotland (29 caps) Cannot have been too far behind Dan Biggar in terms of selection in the initial party but a dismal Six Nations outing against England no doubt counted against him. When his tail is up he is excellent but he is prone to the odd off-day. Scored a try against Australia on Saturday shortly before the announcement.
Could have chosen George Ford
