Murray try helps Lions to an historic test match victory

2nd test:
New Zealand 21, Lions 24:
THE first half may have consisted of more grit than class but the second 40 minutes provided thrilling viewing with the Lions snatching a memorable victory in the last quarter. Even allowing for the fact that NZ played for three quarters of the game with 14 men after the sending off of Sonny Bill Williams, the Lions gave as good a display as any of the touring sides over past seasons and the Irish players were superb.
Conor Murray’s (pictured) try turned the game in the Lions favour and it was his second try against the All Blacks this year, scoring for Ireland against the Blacks in Chicago.
The win keeps the series alive for the Lions and sets up another thriller in Eden Park next Saturday.
Level at 9-9 at the break New Zealand went 18-9 in front in a good 15 minute spell as the second half got underway. The Lions needed a bit of magic at that stage and when Jonathan Sexton was twice involved in a backline move, Falatau finished it off in the corner to reduce the lead to 18-14.
As the tension rose, the Blacks increased their lead to 21-14 thanks to a Barrett penalty but the Lions got the rest of the scores, a magnificent try by Conor Murray, converted by Farrell to tie it at 21-21 and with less than four minutes remaining, Farrell nicked the victory with another penalty after some fine approach work by the Lions pack.
The first half may not have been one for the purists. The pouring rain restricted the fluency and when Sonny Bill Williams was shown red for an awkward collision with Anthony Watkins, the advantage was clearly with the Lions. Up to that point they had the better of proceedings and with Owen Farrell accurate from the kicking tee, it was surprising that the sides were level at 9-9 at the break.
New Zealand got the first chance at the posts on 12 minutes but Beauden Barrett sent his kick wide. A scrum penalty gave him another chance and this time he kicked his side 3-0 in front. Two minutes later the Lions levelled it, the Blacks going offside and Owen Farrell landing the kick.
The sending off of Sonny Bill Williams will remain a talking point and the home side was forced to make an early change, Laumape coming in for Jerome Kaino. The All Blacks regained the lead with another Barrett penalty with 30 minutes played but again the Lions responded, Farrell’s kick making it 6-6 with seven minutes to play. Further penalties from Barrett and Farrell saw the sides go in level at 9-9.
New Zealand: I Dagg; W Naholo, A Lienert-Brown, S B Williams, R Ioane; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt).
Replacements: N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Crruden, N Laumape.
Lions XV: Liam Williams, Anthony Watson, Jonathan Davies, Ben Te’o, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell, Conor Murray; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Tadgh Furlong, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Sam Warburton, Sean O’Brien, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Iain Henderson, George Kruis, Rhys Webb, Johnny Sexton, Jack Nowell.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login