2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand

2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand
Date 3 June – 8 July
Coach(es) Warren Gatland
Tour captain(s) Sam Warburton
Test series winners Series drawn (1–1)
Top test point scorer(s) England Owen Farrell (31)
Top point scorer(s) England Owen Farrell (45)
Top test try scorer(s)
Top try scorer(s) Scotland Tommy Seymour (3)

The British and Irish Lions toured New Zealand during June and July 2017. The British and Irish Lions played 10 rugby union matches: against all five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises, the NZ Provincial Barbarians, the Māori All Blacks and three test matches against New Zealand.

The test series was tied 1–1 – one victory each and a draw in the final match. Of the other tour matches, the Lions won four, lost two and drew one. The members of the Lions squad voted Jonathan Davies as their player of the series.[1]

The Lions, a team selected from players eligible to represent England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales, first toured New Zealand in 1888, but did not play against the New Zealand national team until 1904. Since then, they have won only one test series against the All Blacks – in 1971. The Lions currently tours every four years and last played in New Zealand in 2005 when they lost the test series 3–0.[2]

Wales coach Warren Gatland was retained as head coach, having led the Lions to victory in the 2013 series against Australia. Former Wales captain Sam Warburton was appointed as tour captain, a role he also held in the 2013 tour.

Schedule

The ten-match schedule was announced on 9 July 2015, and included matches against New Zealand Super Rugby teams for the first time. Previously in New Zealand, the Lions had played provincial sides or combined provincial selections.[3] However this was the first tour to New Zealand where the visit fell in the middle of the Super Rugby season.

Initially, the Lions proposed a match in the United States against the U.S. national team to open the tour, much like the Barbarians match in Hong Kong in 2013.[4] However, on 6 July 2015, the idea was dropped because of the unavailability of key American players due to club commitments.[5] Also, a match versus the Pacific Islanders was proposed in 2014.[6][7] The opening match of the tour was originally planned to be against a Provincial Union XV; however, in March 2016, this was changed to the New Zealand Barbarians following their win over the Māori All Blacks.[8]

In New Zealand, there was criticism that there were too many matches in the North Island with only two matches being played in the South Island. Christchurch was initially planned to host a test match but, due to the 2011 Christchurch earthquake which damaged Lancaster Park beyond repair, it was deemed that the remaining stadiums in the South Island were too small to host a test match.[9]

Date Home team Score Away team Venue Details
3 June New Zealand Provincial Barbarians[10] 7–13 British and Irish Lions Okara Park, Whangarei Match details
7 June Blues 22–16 British and Irish Lions Eden Park, Auckland Match details
10 June Crusaders 3–12 British and Irish Lions Rugby League Park, Christchurch Match details
13 June Highlanders 23–22 British and Irish Lions Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Match details
17 June Māori All Blacks 10–32 British and Irish Lions Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua Match details
20 June Chiefs 6–34 British and Irish Lions Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Match details
24 June New Zealand 30–15 British and Irish Lions Eden Park, Auckland Match details
27 June Hurricanes 31–31 British and Irish Lions Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Match details
1 July New Zealand 21–24 British and Irish Lions Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Match details
8 July New Zealand 15–15 British and Irish Lions Eden Park, Auckland Match details

Squads

Lions

Tour manager John Spencer announced an initial squad of 41 on 19 April 2017, made up of 16 players from England, 12 from Wales, 11 from Ireland and 2 from Scotland.[11]

Ben Youngs was initially selected in the squad but withdrew on 6 May for personal reasons.[12]

Billy Vunipola withdrew from the squad on 21 May after suffering a shoulder injury while playing for his club Saracens.[13]

On 17 June, six players – Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies, Allan Dell, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Finn Russell – were called up to the squad to provide cover during mid-week games in their respective positions ahead of the test series.[14]

On 17 June, Ross Moriarty was ruled out of the remaining games on tour after failing to recover from an injury sustained against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.[15]

On 29 June, Robbie Henshaw and George North were ruled out of the remaining games on tour after sustaining injuries against the Hurricanes.[16]

Jared Payne, initially still in contention for test match selection, was ruled out of the final game on tour after he failed to recover from concussion.[17]

Notes: Ages listed are as of the first tour match on 3 June. Player positions are per the Lions' website.[18] Bold denotes that the player was selected for a previous Lions squad. Italic denotes a player that withdrew from the squad following selection.

Player Position Date of birth (age) National team Club/province National caps
(Lions tests)		 Notes
Rory BestHooker15 August 1982 (aged 34)Ireland IrelandUlster104
Kristian DaceyHooker25 July 1989 (aged 27)Wales WalesCardiff Blues4Called up as cover
Jamie GeorgeHooker20 October 1990 (aged 26)England EnglandSaracens17
Ken OwensHooker3 January 1987 (aged 30)Wales WalesScarlets50
Allan DellProp16 March 1992 (aged 25)Scotland ScotlandEdinburgh9Called up as cover
Dan ColeProp9 May 1987 (aged 30)England EnglandLeicester Tigers74 (3)
Tomas FrancisProp27 April 1992 (aged 25)Wales WalesExeter Chiefs23Called up as cover
Tadhg FurlongProp14 November 1992 (aged 24)Ireland IrelandLeinster16
Joe MarlerProp7 July 1990 (aged 26)England EnglandHarlequins51
Jack McGrathProp11 October 1989 (aged 27)Ireland IrelandLeinster41
Kyle SincklerProp30 March 1993 (aged 24)England EnglandHarlequins8
Mako VunipolaProp13 January 1991 (aged 26)England EnglandSaracens42 (3)
Iain HendersonSecond row / Back row21 February 1992 (aged 25)Ireland IrelandUlster32
Cory HillSecond row10 February 1992 (aged 25)Wales WalesDragons6Called up as cover
Maro ItojeSecond row / Back row28 October 1994 (aged 22)England EnglandSaracens12
Alun Wyn JonesSecond row19 September 1985 (aged 31)Wales WalesOspreys110 (6)
George KruisSecond row22 February 1990 (aged 27)England EnglandSaracens20
Courtney LawesSecond row23 February 1989 (aged 28)England EnglandNorthampton Saints58
Taulupe FaletauBack row12 November 1990 (aged 26)Wales WalesBath66 (1)
James HaskellBack row18 April 1985 (aged 32)England EnglandWasps75Replaced Billy Vunipola
Ross MoriartyBack row18 April 1994 (aged 23)Wales WalesGloucester17Withdrew due to injury sustained during tour
Seán O'BrienBack row14 February 1987 (aged 30)Ireland IrelandLeinster49 (2)
Peter O'MahonyBack row17 September 1989 (aged 27)Ireland IrelandMunster40
CJ StanderBack row5 April 1990 (aged 27)Ireland IrelandMunster15
Justin TipuricBack row6 August 1989 (aged 27)Wales WalesOspreys51 (1)
Sam Warburton (c)Back row5 October 1988 (aged 28)Wales WalesCardiff Blues73 (2)
Billy VunipolaBack row3 November 1992 (aged 24)England EnglandSaracens34Withdrew due to injury before tour
Gareth DaviesScrum-half18 August 1990 (aged 26)Wales WalesScarlets25Called up as cover
Greig LaidlawScrum half12 October 1985 (aged 31)Scotland ScotlandGloucester58Replaced Ben Youngs
Conor MurrayScrum half20 April 1989 (aged 28)Ireland IrelandMunster58 (2)
Rhys WebbScrum half9 December 1988 (aged 28)Wales WalesOspreys28
Ben YoungsScrum half5 September 1989 (aged 27)England EnglandLeicester Tigers70 (2)Withdrew for personal reasons before tour
Dan BiggarFly half16 October 1989 (aged 27)Wales WalesOspreys56
Owen FarrellFly half / Centre24 September 1991 (aged 25)England EnglandSaracens52 (1)
Finn RussellFly-half23 September 1992 (aged 24)Scotland ScotlandGlasgow Warriors29Called up as cover
Jonathan SextonFly half11 July 1985 (aged 31)Ireland IrelandLeinster66 (3)
Jonathan DaviesCentre5 April 1988 (aged 29)Wales WalesScarlets64 (3)
Robbie HenshawCentre12 June 1993 (aged 23)Ireland IrelandLeinster24Withdrew due to injury sustained during tour
Jonathan JosephCentre21 May 1991 (aged 26)England EnglandBath33
Jared PayneCentre / Full back13 October 1985 (aged 31)Ireland IrelandUlster20Withdrew due to injury sustained during tour
Ben Te'oCentre27 January 1987 (aged 30)England EnglandWorcester Warriors8
Elliot DalyCentre / Wing8 October 1992 (aged 24)England EnglandWasps13
George NorthWing13 April 1992 (aged 25)Wales WalesNorthampton Saints69 (3)Withdrew due to injury sustained during tour
Jack NowellWing / Full back11 April 1993 (aged 24)England EnglandExeter Chiefs23
Tommy SeymourWing1 July 1988 (aged 28)Scotland ScotlandGlasgow Warriors36
Anthony WatsonWing / Full back26 February 1994 (aged 23)England EnglandBath26
Leigh HalfpennyFull back / Wing22 December 1988 (aged 28)Wales WalesToulon71 (3)
Stuart HoggFull back24 June 1992 (aged 24)Scotland ScotlandGlasgow Warriors53Withdrew due to injury sustained during tour
Liam WilliamsFull back / Wing9 April 1991 (aged 26)Wales WalesScarlets38

Management and staff

Warren Gatland

On 30 July 2014, former English international player John Spencer was named tour manager.[19]

On 7 September 2016, Warren Gatland retained his coaching duties from 2013 and named his assistants on 7 December 2016 - Steve Borthwick, Andy Farrell and Rob Howley.[20] Howley was on his fifth tour, having previously toured as a player (1997 and 2001) and coach (2009 and 2013). Borthwick was making first tour as a Lions coach and Farrell was on his second after being part of the 2013 tour coaching staff.

Role Name
Management
Chief Executive (CEO) John Feehan
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Charlie McEwen
Chairman Tom Grace
Tour Manager John Spencer
Coaching
Role Name Union/Club
Head Coach Warren Gatland  Wales (Head Coach)
Assistant Coach (Attack) Rob Howley  Wales (Attack Coach)
Assistant Coach (Forwards) Steve Borthwick  England (Forwards Coach)
Assistant Coach (Defence) Andy Farrell  Ireland (Defence Coach)
Assistant Coach (Kicking) Neil Jenkins  Wales
Assistant Coach (Scrum) Graham Rowntree England Harlequins
Head Analyst Rhodri Bown  Wales
Sports Scientist Brian Cunniffe  Ireland
Medical & Conditioning
Head of Strength & Conditioning Paul Stridgeon France Toulon
Head of Medical Eanna Falvey  Ireland
Physiotherapist Prav Mathema  Wales
Physiotherapist Phil Pask  England
Physiotherapist Bob Stewart  England
Masseur Dave Redins  England
Masseur Angela Rickard  Wales
Operations
Director of Operations Ger Carmody [21]
Legal officer Max Duthie
Baggage Master Patrick O'Reilly
Catering and Nutrition Dave Campbell
Head of Communications Dave Barton
Communications Manager Luke Broadley
Communications Manager Christine Connolly

New Zealand

New Zealand's 33-man squad for their Pasifika Challenge match against Samoa and their 3-test series against the British and Irish Lions.[22]

Liam Coltman, Vaea Fifita, Jack Goodhue, Akira Ioane and Matt Todd were also named in the squad as injury cover.

Following concussion to Ben Smith in the first test, Damian McKenzie was added to the squad as cover for Ben Smith.[23]

On 3 July, Malakai Fekitoa was called up as a replacement for Sonny Bill Williams who was suspended after a red card in the second test.[24]

All squad members play rugby in New Zealand.

Coaching team:

Note: Ages, caps and clubs as per first test match, 24 June 2017.

Player Position Date of Birth (Age) Caps Franchise / province
Dane Coles Hooker (1986-12-10)10 December 1986 (aged 30) 49 Hurricanes / Wellington
Liam Coltman Hooker (1990-01-25)25 January 1990 (aged 27) 1 Highlanders / Otago
Nathan Harris Hooker (1992-03-08)8 March 1992 (aged 25) 5 Chiefs / Bay of Plenty
Codie Taylor Hooker (1991-03-31)31 March 1991 (aged 26) 16 Crusaders / Canterbury
Wyatt Crockett Prop (1983-01-24)24 January 1983 (aged 34) 59 Crusaders / Canterbury
Charlie Faumuina Prop (1986-12-24)24 December 1986 (aged 30) 47 Blues / Auckland
Owen Franks Prop (1987-12-23)23 December 1987 (aged 29) 91 Crusaders / Canterbury
Joe Moody Prop (1988-09-18)18 September 1988 (aged 28) 25 Crusaders / Canterbury
Ofa Tu'ungafasi Prop (1992-04-19)19 April 1992 (aged 25) 4 Blues / Auckland
Scott Barrett Lock (1993-11-20)20 November 1993 (aged 23) 5 Crusaders / Canterbury
Vaea Fifita Lock (1992-06-17)17 June 1992 (aged 25) 1 Hurricanes / Wellington
Brodie Retallick Lock (1991-05-31)31 May 1991 (aged 26) 61 Chiefs / Hawke's Bay
Luke Romano Lock (1986-02-16)16 February 1986 (aged 31) 26 Crusaders / Canterbury
Sam Whitelock Lock (1988-10-12)12 October 1988 (aged 28) 85 Crusaders / Canterbury
Sam Cane Flanker (1992-01-13)13 January 1992 (aged 25) 41 Chiefs / Bay of Plenty
Jerome Kaino Flanker (1983-04-06)6 April 1983 (aged 34) 78 Blues / Auckland
Ardie Savea Flanker (1993-10-14)14 October 1993 (aged 23) 13 Hurricanes / Wellington
Liam Squire Flanker (1991-03-20)20 March 1991 (aged 26) 8 Highlanders / Tasman
Matt Todd Flanker (1988-03-24)24 March 1988 (aged 29) 8 Crusaders / Canterbury
Akira Ioane Number 8 (1995-01-16)16 January 1995 (aged 22) 0 Blues / Auckland
Kieran Read (c) Number 8 (1985-10-26)26 October 1985 (aged 31) 97 Crusaders / Canterbury
Tawera Kerr-Barlow Half-back (1990-08-15)15 August 1990 (aged 26) 25 Chiefs / Waikato
TJ Perenara Half-back (1992-01-23)23 January 1992 (aged 25) 30 Hurricanes / Wellington
Aaron Smith Half-back (1988-11-21)21 November 1988 (aged 28) 59 Highlanders / Manawatu
Beauden Barrett First five-eighth (1991-05-27)27 May 1991 (aged 26) 50 Hurricanes / Taranaki
Aaron Cruden First five-eighth (1989-01-08)8 January 1989 (aged 28) 47 Chiefs / Manawatu
Lima Sopoaga First five-eighth (1991-02-03)3 February 1991 (aged 26) 7 Highlanders / Southland
Ryan Crotty Centre (1988-09-23)23 September 1988 (aged 28) 26 Crusaders / Canterbury
Malakai Fekitoa Centre (1992-05-10)10 May 1992 (aged 25) 23 Highlanders / Auckland
Jack Goodhue Centre (1995-06-13)13 June 1995 (aged 22) 0 Crusaders / Canterbury
Ngani Laumape Centre (1993-04-22)22 April 1993 (aged 24) 0 Hurricanes / Manawatu
Anton Lienert-Brown Centre (1995-04-15)15 April 1995 (aged 22) 10 Chiefs / Waikato
Sonny Bill Williams Centre (1985-08-03)3 August 1985 (aged 31) 34 Blues / Waikato
Israel Dagg Wing (1988-06-06)6 June 1988 (aged 29) 62 Crusaders / Hawke's Bay
Rieko Ioane Wing (1997-03-18)18 March 1997 (aged 20) 2 Blues / Auckland
Waisake Naholo Wing (1991-05-08)8 May 1991 (aged 26) 12 Highlanders / Taranaki
Julian Savea Wing (1990-08-07)7 August 1990 (aged 26) 53 Hurricanes / Wellington
Jordie Barrett Fullback (1997-02-15)15 February 1997 (aged 20) 1 Hurricanes / Taranaki
Damian McKenzie Fullback (1995-04-25)25 April 1995 (aged 22) 2 Chiefs / Waikato
Ben Smith Fullback (1986-06-01)1 June 1986 (aged 31) 61 Highlanders / Otago

Matches

Provincial games

In preparation for the test series, the Lions played a series of warm-up matches against New Zealand provincial teams; for the first time, this included playing all five of the New Zealand Super Rugby franchises. The current form of the Super Rugby teams made this tour arguably one of the toughest undertaken by a British and Irish Lions team.[25]

The Lions arrived in New Zealand just two days before their first match against a Provincial Barbarians team.[26] The Barbarian team was made up of players on the fringe of New Zealand Super Rugby teams,[27] and included Bryn Gatland, son of Lions coach Warren Gatland.[28] Surprisingly the Barbarians led 7–3 at half time, before Anthony Watson scored for the visitors to give them the lead with 30 minutes to go. They held on to open the tour with an unconvincing 13–7 victory.[29]

The next match was four days later against the Blues, an Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise. The Lions led 16–15 with 10 minutes remaining before a Sonny Bill Williams break and offload to Ihaia West led to the match-winning try.[30] A try-less 12–3 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch followed, this was the first time the Crusaders had lost in 2017.[31] It was another close game against the Highlanders as Marty Banks from the Otago-based side kicked the winning penalty with six minutes remaining.[32]

The next match was against the Māori All Blacks, a team made up of players with Maori ancestry. A strong squad was named, with nine players with All Black caps selected.[33] The Lions beat the Maori team with ease in what was predicted to be the toughest match before meeting the All Blacks.[34][35] The convincing 32–10 victory[35] was followed up three days later as they put another dominant display in against the Chiefs in Hamilton, winning 34–6.[36] The final mid-week game against the Hurricanes was played after the first All Black test match. The Hurricanes came from behind to secure a 31–31 draw in Wellington.[37]

3 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand Provincial Barbarians 7–13 British and Irish Lions
Try: Anderson-Heather 22' c
Con: Gatland (1/1) 23'
 Report Try: Watson 51' c
Con: Farrell (1/1) 53'
Pen: Sexton (1/2) 16'
Laidlaw (1/1) 42'
Okara Park, Whangarei
Attendance: 19,951
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
7 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
Blues 22–16 British and Irish Lions
Try: R. Ioane 6' m
Williams 40+3' c
West 73' c
Con: Perofeta (1/2) 40'+5
West (1/1) 74'
Pen: West (1/1) 52'
 Report Try: Stander 17' c
Con: Halfpenny (1/1) 18'
Pen: Halfpenny (3/3) 25', 65', 70'
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 40,639
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
10 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
Crusaders 3–12 British and Irish Lions
Pen: Mo'unga (1/1) 24'
 Report Pen: Farrell (4/5) 12', 16', 30', 70'
13 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
Highlanders 23–22 British and Irish Lions
Try: Naholo 25' c
Coltman 59' c
Con: Sopoaga (1/1) 26'
Banks (1/1) 61'
Pen: Sopoaga (2/3) 4', 49'
Banks (1/1) 73'
 Report Try: Joseph 29' c
Seymour 42' m
Warburton 52' c
Con: Biggar (2/3) 30', 53'
Pen: Biggar (1/2) 15'
17 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
Māori All Blacks 10–32 British and Irish Lions
Try: Messam 12' c
Con: McKenzie (1/1) 13'
Pen: McKenzie (1/2) 22'
 Report Try: Penalty try 51'
Itoje 54'c
Con: Halfpenny (1/1) 56'
Pen: Halfpenny (6/6) 5', 10', 20', 33', 44', 70'
20 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
Chiefs 6–34 British and Irish Lions
Pen: Donald (2/2) 21', 40'
 Report Try: Nowell (2) 24' c, 58' c
Penalty try 53'
Payne 63' c
Con: Biggar (3/3) 25', 59', 64'
Pen: Biggar (2/2) 9', 17'
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Attendance: 29,974
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
27 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
Hurricanes 31–31 British and Irish Lions
Try: Gibbins 26' c
Laumape 40' c
Goosen 67' c
Fifita 70' c
Con: Barrett (4/4) 28', 42', 67', 70'
Pen: Barrett 49'
 Report Try: Seymour (2) 17' c, 54' m
North 35' c
Con: Biggar (2/3) 18', 37'
Pen: Biggar (4/4) 9', 21', 30', 51'

New Zealand warm-up match

In April, New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen had expressed his desire for the All Blacks to play a warm-up match as preparation ahead of the Lions. On 9 May, New Zealand Rugby announced a test match against Samoa in Auckland a week before the first test.[38] The All Blacks ran in 12 tries and kept Samoa scoreless in a one-sided display.[39]

16 June 2017
20:00 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  78–0  Samoa
Try: Lienert-Brown 11' c
B. Barrett (2) 29' c, 58' c
A. Savea (2) 33' c, 75' c
Williams 39' c
Dagg 41' c
J. Savea 51' m
Taylor 55' c
Fifita 61' c
Perenara 71' m
Cane 78' m
Con: B. Barrett (7/8) 12', 30', 34', 40', 42', 56', 60'
Sopoaga (2/4) 62', 77'
 Report
Eden Park, Auckland [40]
Attendance: 26,129[41]
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Test matches

The All Blacks were favourites, coming into the first test match having won 46 tests in a row at home and had not been defeated at Eden Park in 23 years.[42] Peter O'Mahony was named captain by Warren Gatland for the first test against New Zealand. Sam Warburton lost his position to Sean O'Brien, making him the first tour captain not to play in the first test in 87 years.[43] Apart from a new-look back three of Anthony Watson, Liam Williams and Elliot Daly, Gatland picked a predictable squad.[42] So too did All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, his only surprise being the elevation of 20-year-old Rieko Ioane for his first start over the veteran winger Julian Savea.[44]

First test

The first test was a close match during the first half, Codie Taylor's try for the All Blacks being matched by one from the Lions' Seán O'Brien, and the home side led 13–8 at the break; however in the second half Rieko Ioane's two tries took the game away from the Lions, with Rhys Webb's try bringing the score back to 30–15.[45]

24 June 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  30–15 British and Irish Lions
Try: Taylor 17' c
Ioane (2) 54' c, 69' c
Con: B. Barrett (3/3) 19', 55', 71'
Pen: B. Barrett (3/3) 13', 33', 60'
 Report Try: O'Brien 35' m
Webb 80' c
Con: Farrell (1/2) 80'
Pen: Farrell (1/1) 30'
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 48,181
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
  • Notes
  • On his test debut for the Lions, Peter O'Mahony became the 11th Irishman to captain the team.[46]
  • New Zealand's 15-point winning margin marked the heaviest defeat for the Lions since the third test against New Zealand in 2005.[47]
  • This defeat was the Lions' third of the tour, the most defeats on a tour since 2005, when they were beaten four times.[47]
  • The match marked New Zealand's fifth consecutive victory over the Lions, having last been beaten in the second test in 1993.

Second test

The second test was notable for the sending off of Sonny Bill Williams, leaving the All Blacks 65 minutes to play with 14 men. At half time, the score remained 9–9, but Beauden Barrett kicked New Zealand into an 18–9 lead before Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray tries levelled the game at 21–21. On 76 minutes, Charlie Faumuina was penalised for tackling Kyle Sinckler in the air, and Owen Farrell kicked the winning penalty.[48]

1 July 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  21–24 British and Irish Lions
Pen: B. Barrett (7/10) 19', 31', 36', 47', 53', 57', 66'
 Report Try: Faletau 59' m
Murray 68' c
Con: Farrell (1/2) 69'
Pen: Farrell (4/4) 22', 33', 40', 77'
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 38,931
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
  • Notes:
  • Ngani Laumape (New Zealand) made his international debut.
  • Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) was only the third New Zealand player to be sent off, and the first since Colin Meads against Scotland in New Zealand's 1967 northern hemisphere tour.[49][50][51]
  • This was the British and Irish Lions' first win over New Zealand since winning 20–7 during their 1993 tour, and was their first win over New Zealand in the professional era.[52]
  • The British and Irish Lions ended New Zealand's 47-match home winning streak, the All Blacks' first loss since their 32–29 defeat to South Africa in 2009.[53]
  • This was the first time that New Zealand failed to score any tries in a game since they drew 12–12 with Australia in 2014, and the first time since beating Australia 12–6 in 2002 that they failed to score any tries in a home game.

Third test

New Zealand led 12–6 at the break, with tries from Laumape and Jordie Barrett, but the Lions fought their way back into the game, and eventually five penalties (four from Owen Farrell and one from Elliot Daly) were enough to draw the game.[54] There was controversy with two minutes left when Ken Owens was initially adjudged to have handled the ball in an offside position after Liam Williams tried to claim a high kick under pressure from Kieran Read; with the scores level, referee Poite initially awarded a penalty in kicking range before overturning it to a scrum after discussion with the video officials.[55][56][57]

8 July 2017
19:35 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  15–15 British and Irish Lions
Try: Laumape 14' c
J. Barrett 35' m
Con: B. Barrett (1/2) 15'
Pen: B. Barrett (1/2) 67'
 Report Pen: Farrell (4/4) 20', 32', 59', 77'
Daly (1/1) 41'
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 48,609
Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Notes:

  • Kieran Read (New Zealand) became the seventh All Black to reach 100 test caps.[58]
  • Aaron Cruden and Charlie Faumuina (both New Zealand) earned their 50th test caps.
  • This was the first time the Lions and New Zealand had drawn a test match since their 14–14 draw in 1971, and the first time the Lions had drawn any test match since their 13–13 draw with South Africa in 1974.
  • This was the first British and Irish Lions series drawn with New Zealand, and the first against any side since the 2–2 draw with South Africa in 1955.
  • This is the first time since New Zealand drew with South Africa 18–18 in 1994 that they have failed to win a game at Eden Park.

Statistics

Lions player statistics

Key

  • Con: Conversions
  • Pen: Penalties
  • DG: Drop goals
  • Pts: Points
Name Non-Test Test Overall Cards
PlayedTriesConPenDGPts PlayedTriesConPenDGPts PlayedTriesConPenDGPts
Owen Farrell3014014302903160313045–
Dan Biggar5077035––––––5077035–
Leigh Halfpenny30290311000004029031–
Tommy Seymour4300015––––––4300015–
Jack Nowell42000102000006200010–
Taulupe Faletau300000310005610005–
Maro Itoje310005300000610005–
CJ Stander510005100000610005–
Sam Warburton310005300000610005–
Anthony Watson310005300000610005–
Conor Murray200000310005510005–
Seán O'Brien200000310005510005–
Rhys Webb300000210005510005–
Jonathan Joseph310005––––––310005–
George North310005––––––310005–
Jared Payne310005––––––310005–
Elliot Daly400000300103700103–
Jonathan Sexton400103300000700103–
Greig Laidlaw600103––––––600103–
Alun Wyn Jones400000300000700000–
Jack McGrath400000300000700000–
Kyle Sinckler400000300000700000–
Tadhg Furlong300000300000600000–
Jamie George300000300000600000–
Iain Henderson600000––––––6000001
Courtney Lawes400000200000600000–
Ken Owens400000200000600000–
Mako Vunipola3000003000006000001
Liam Williams3000003000006000001
Rory Best500000––––––500000–
Dan Cole500000––––––500000–
Jonathan Davies200000300000500000–
George Kruis400000100000500000–
Joe Marler500000––––––5000001
Justin Tipuric500000––––––500000–
Ben Te'o300000200000500000–
James Haskell400000––––––400000–
Robbie Henshaw400000––––––400000–
Peter O'Mahony300000100000400000–
Stuart Hogg200000––––––200000–
Allan Dell100000––––––100000–
Ross Moriarty100000––––––100000–
Finn Russell100000––––––100000–
Kristian DaceyDid not play
Gareth DaviesDid not play
Tomas FrancisDid not play
Cory HillDid not play
Billy VunipolaDid not play – Withdrawn due to injury ahead of tour
Ben YoungsDid not play – Withdrawn due to personal reasons ahead of tour

Test match statistics

Key

  • Con: Conversions
  • Pen: Penalties
  • DG: Drop goals
  • Pts: Points
Name Team Tries Con Pen DG Pts
Beauden Barrett New Zealand–411–41
Owen FarrellBritish and Irish Lions–29–31
Rieko Ioane New Zealand2–––10
Jordie Barrett New Zealand1–––5
Taulupe FaletauBritish and Irish Lions1–––5
Ngani Laumape New Zealand1–––5
Conor MurrayBritish and Irish Lions1–––5
Seán O'BrienBritish and Irish Lions1–––5
Codie Taylor New Zealand1–––5
Rhys WebbBritish and Irish Lions1–––5
Elliot DalyBritish and Irish Lions––1–3

Broadcasting

Sky Sport was the host broadcaster.[59] Sky Sports televised the tour in the UK and Ireland and S4C showed highlights throughout the UK in the Welsh language.[60] In addition to Sky Sports, Talksport provided exclusive live UK radio commentary.

Other broadcasters included Fox Sports in Australia, SuperSport in South Africa, Sky Sport in Italy, Eir Sport in Asia and ESPN in the USA.[61]

Sponsors

Land Rover and Ernst & Young (EY) were Principal Partners of the Lions while Standard Life was the main sponsor for the Lions, sponsoring their shirts on tour.[62]

References

  1. ↑ "British and Irish Lions 2017: Jonathan Davies voted player of the series". BBC Sport. 8 July 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  2. ↑ "British and Irish Lions announce 2017 New Zealand tour schedule". BBC Sport. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  3. ↑ "2017 Tour schedule unveiled". lionsrugby.com. British and Irish Lions. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  4. ↑ "British & Irish Lions weigh up 2017 US warm-up game en route to New Zealand". The Guardian. 3 February 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  5. ↑ "Lions Scrap Plans to come to the USA". Ted Hardy. americasrugbynews.com. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  6. ↑ "O'Driscoll wants Lions match in Pacific Islands". ESPN Scrum. ESPN Sports Media. 19 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  7. ↑ "Samoan star calls the Lions the 'most stuck-up' team in the world after Pacific Island snub". The 42. Journal Media. 21 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  8. ↑ "Rugby: Lions to face Barbarians in opener to NZ tour". nzherald.co.nz. NZME Publishing. 15 March 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  9. ↑ "Auckland to host two British and Irish Lions tests in 2017 New Zealand tour". Stuff.co.nz. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  10. ↑ "All Blacks – NZ Provincial Barbarians". All Blacks. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  11. ↑ "British and Irish Lions 2017: Sam Warburton captain, Dylan Hartley out". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 19 April 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  12. ↑ "BRITISH & IRISH LIONS STATEMENT". British and Irish Lions. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  13. ↑ "Billy Vunipola withdraws from Lions squad". British and Irish Lions. 21 May 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  14. ↑ "British & Irish Lions call-ups". British and Irish Lions. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  15. ↑ "Moriarty ruled out of remainder of tour". British and Irish Lions. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  16. ↑ "Henshaw and North ruled out of the rest of the tour". British and Irish Lions. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  17. ↑ "Payne ruled out of rest of Lions tour". British and Irish Lions. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  18. ↑ "2017 British & Irish Lions squad". British and Irish Lions. 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  19. ↑ "British & Irish Lions: John Spencer to manage 2017 New Zealand tour". BBC Sport. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  20. ↑ "British and Irish Lions: Howley, Farrell and Borthwick join coaching staff". BBC Sport. 7 December 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  21. ↑ "Carmody Appointed Director of Operations For Lions Tour". IRFU. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2017.
  22. ↑ "All Blacks Squad for DHL NZ Lions Series". All Blacks.
  23. ↑ "Hansen expects Lions to throw plenty into second Test". All Blacks.
  24. ↑ "Sharpened attitude' expected of All Blacks". All Blacks.
  25. ↑ "Lions 2017: The Super Rugby sides waiting for a crack at the tourists". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  26. ↑ "'Everyone's here, everyone's massively excited' - Lions pumped to finally start New Zealand rugby tour". 1 NEWS NOW. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  27. ↑ "Lions tour games are not friendlies: every player has something to prove". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  28. ↑ "Gatland v Gatland: Warren aiming at Bryn in Lions opener". NZ Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  29. ↑ "British and Irish Lions beat Provincial Barbarians 13-7 in tour opener". BBC Sport. 3 June 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  30. ↑ "Late drama as Blues come from behind to see off Lions". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  31. ↑ "Lions' pride restored! Hand Crusaders first loss of 2017". NZ Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  32. ↑ "Lions tour: Highlanders coach Tony Brown 'extremely proud' of team after beating Lions". Stuff. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  33. ↑ "'Bound by blood', the Maori All Blacks are ready to give Lions a stiff examination". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  34. ↑ "A feast of rugby in store for footy fans in Rotorua". NZ Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  35. 1 2 "Lions Tour 2017: Lions maul New Zealand Maori". NZ Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  36. ↑ "As it happened: Lions massacre the Chiefs in their best performance of the tour with the All Blacks up next". 1 NEWS NOW. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  37. ↑ "Rugby: Lions and Hurricanes battle to classic draw". NZ Herald. Retrieved 9 July 2017.
  38. ↑ "Special Pasifika Challenge double header announced". allblacks.com. New Zealand Rugby. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  39. ↑ "All Blacks pound Manu Samoa in one-off test with 78-0 win". Stuff. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  40. ↑ "Special Pasifika Challenge double header announced". 9 May 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  41. ↑ "New Zealand vs Samoa". ESPN. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  42. 1 2 "Lions unlikely to withstand what All Blacks can muster". The Irish Times. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  43. ↑ "Lions vs New Zealand: Peter O'Mahony named first Test captain as Elliot Daly and Liam Williams start". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  44. ↑ "Lions tour: All Blacks elevate Rieko Ioane for surprise first test start on wing". Stuff. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  45. ↑ Fordyce, Tom (24 June 2017). "New Zealand beat British and Irish Lions 30-15 in first Test in Auckland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  46. ↑ http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/lions-tour/peter-omahony-to-captain-lions-as-warren-gatland-names-team-for-first-test-35852837.html
  47. 1 2 https://www.lionsrugby.com/historic-results/
  48. ↑ Fordyce, Tom (1 July 2017). "British and Irish Lions beat New Zealand 24-21 to set up series decider". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  49. ↑ "Benchmarking SBW's act of thuggery against Colin Meads' 1967 sending off". Stuff. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  50. ↑ "Watch: Sir Colin Meads becomes second All Black to be sent off in history for reckless kick in 1967 Test against Scotland". 1 NEWS NOW. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  51. ↑ "Murrayfield shame of an All Black giant". scotsman.com. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  52. ↑ Fordyce, Tom (1 July 2017). "British and Irish Lions beat New Zealand 24-21 to set up series decider". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  53. ↑ "Lions win thriller to level series after All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams is sent off". The Observer. Guardian News and Media. 1 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  54. ↑ "New Zealand 15-15 Lions: third Test and series ends in draw – as it happened". The Guardian. 8 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  55. ↑ "New Zealand media attack referee Romain Poite's late penalty U-turn". The Guardian. 8 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  56. ↑ Fordyce, Tom (8 July 2017). "British and Irish Lions draw 15-15 with New Zealand as series ends level at 1-1". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  57. ↑ "All Blacks 30 Lions 15: Clinical New Zealand take series lead in Auckland as tourists rue lapses". Telegraph. 8 July 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  58. ↑ "Lions cling on as epic All Blacks series ends in a strange stalemate". ESPN. 8 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  59. ↑ "Sky Sports New Zealand". Sky Sports New Zealand. 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  60. ↑ "Sky Sports secures exclusive rights to next British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand". 30 January 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  61. ↑ "2017 Tour Schedule & TV Guide". 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  62. ↑ "Standard Life Investments to sponsor British and Irish Lions shirts for New Zealand tour in 2017". 11 January 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
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