Royal XV vs British & Irish Lions
Final Score Royal XV 25 – 37 Lions
Many will claim that the Lions were lucky to have won their first match, but that’s not the way I saw it. The first 30 minutes aside, I thought the Lions were clearly the better team. The problem was that their accuracy was poor – which isn’t entirely a shock for the first game of the tour. Some of these players haven’t played for a little while and most of the combinations were brand new.
The first half was dissapointing and the Royal XV deserved to go in at the break with an 18-10 lead. The Lions did rally at the end of the half, however, to secure a well finished try through Irishman Tommy Bowe. In the second half the Lions scored three excellent tries; although they would have been dissapointed not to have scored at least two more. There were plenty of opportunities, which displayed their ascendancy, but the accuracy was simply not there and cost them the chance of finishing those chances. Lee Byrne came out with his reputation in tact – possibly even enhanced after a suberb solo effort try. Jamie Roberts also did well, and I was pleased to see Riki Flutey looking dangerous.
Plenty to improve on, but not as bad as many will suggest. The rest of this tour is starting look very tasty…
It was also a delight to see a return to the much missed maul.