All Blacks vs Lions: Five things we learned

Sat, Jul 8, 2017, 10:44 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Owen Farrell kicked the Lions to success in New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
Owen Farrell kicked the Lions to success in New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

After 240 minutes, there was nothing between the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions.

Here's what we are talking about after the 15-all draw at Eden Park.

1. Poite the powerful

Refereeing should never be the main talking point at the end of a Test but unfortunately, Romain Poite's controversial call at the end of this match will dominate the discourse this week.

In truth, it was the wrong call.

Ken Owens was in an offside position, albeit accidental, and should have been penalised.

There have been similarities drawn to Craig Joubert's penalty against Scotland in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter final against the Wallabies but the Scottish player played at that ball, where Owens did not.

That may have clouded Poite's call, though what was most bizarre about it was that he seemingly went upstairs to TMO George Ayoub to confirm that it was a penalty - a decision which Ayoub confirmed.

Then, without any further discussion, Poite decided to award a scrum.

2. Fantastic Farrell

Farrell kicked them from all over the place tonight. Photo: Getty ImagesThe situation never seems to affect Farrell, who was cooly slotting penalties whenever the All Blacks infringed in their own half.

His kick from 45 metres out to level the scores with three minutes to play will go down in rugby history as one of the all time clutch kicks.

A sharpshooter reminiscent of the great Jonny Wilkinson.

3. Barretts notch triple treat

Both Beauden and Jordie Barrett started tonight and brother Scott came on to play the final four minutes.

It's the first time all three have been on field at the same time for the All Blacks.

Speaking of Barrett's, Jordie didn't look out of place in his first start, while Beauden attacked the line, consistently threatened and had the ball on a string off the boot in general play.

4. Long live Lions tours

There was a rousing rendition of the haka pre match. Photo: Getty ImagesThere has been some discussion through this Lions tour, as there is every Lions tour, about the feasibility of the concept moving forward.

Tonight's Test and the series on the whole, is enough proof to suggest the tours should never cease.

The best atmosphere and quality of rugby there is.

5. Next man up

There was no Sonny Bill Williams tonight but New Zealand rugby is never lacking depth and that was proved by Ngani Laumape.

The Hurricanes star scored the first try of the night before dishing an around the corner offload that is usually reserved for the man he replaced, to set up the second.

Did more than his fair share in filling the sizeable hole left by SBW.

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