You can’t blame them. The two lads were absolutely class.
The Lions are alive and they head to Auckland with a chance of winning the Test Series. It was a true team effort with Sean O’Brien and Conor Murray having massive parts to play in that 24-21 win.
O’Brien was the best Lions player on the park, at Wellington’s ‘Cake Tin’, while Murray scored a converted try that levelled the scores with 10 minutes to go. When Owen Farrell was offered the chance to win it, on 77 minutes, he didn’t miss.
In our ratings, O’Brien and Murray were awarded scores of 9/10 and 8/10 respectively while Jamie George, Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau all scored well too.
Down in New Zealand and Stuff’s Tony Smith could not get over the performances of the Irish stars. Both men got the highest ratings of 8/10 and were declared as world-class operators. About O’Brien, Smith wrote:
‘One of the Lions’ best all series, a damaging ball carrier and abrasive in the tackle. Consistent performer. Had a great honours-even battle with Sam Cane.’
As for Murray, Smith went one step further. He proclaimed:
‘The world’s best halfback scored the all-important second try. Belted one box kick into touch and cost the Lions three points for a high tacckle. Showed his vision and almost conjured a late first half try with his swirling cross-field kick from a penalty.’
Over in the New Zealand Herald, both O’Brien and Murray were praised but the highest rating for any of the Lions players went to Tadhg Furlong. Veteran rugby scribe Andrew Alderson raved about the Lions tight-head:
‘A rolling Sherman tank. Owned Moody initially at a 7th min scrum. Brought roar to visitors’ application.’
With Johnny Sexton and Jack McGrath both having a firm hand in the victory, it was a fine night at the office for the Irish contingent.
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