British and Irish Lions video diary: All Blacks power past tourists in first Test
The Lions were beaten 30-15 at Eden Park
New Zealand inflicted a 30-15 defeat on the British and Irish Lions that leaves Warren Gatland’s side needing to win the second Test in Wellington next Saturday.
However, they will head to the capital city on the back of scoring one of the greatest tries in Lions history, and the margin of defeat was not really representable of the gruelling encounter that unfolded at Eden Park.
The All Blacks went ahead through a Beauden Barrett penalty before Codie Taylor smartly stayed out wide to score in the corner, with Elliot Daly caught out of place off a quick-tap penalty.
The Lions hit back in style, though, as a move triggered inside their own 22 by Anthony Watson and Liam Williams led to the ball being passed wide to Elliot Daly, inside to Jonathan Davies and eventually to Sean O’Brien to touch down.
But there would be no stopping the All Blacks as they added a further two tries through Rieko Ioane in what was his first start for his country, with two costly errors by the Lions gifting the wing the chance to claim a double at his home ground.
The Lions added a late consolation through replacement scrum-half Rhys Webb, but it proved to be too little too late as the All Blacks claimed an early advantage,
The Lions now head to Wellington on Sunday where they will prepare for Tuesday’s final mid-week game against the Hurricanes, before remaining in the capital for the second Test next Saturday.
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