Lions player ratings v Blues – Who fired and who flopped in the Lions second match

RUCK.co.uk marks every Lions player in their 22-16 defeat against the Blues at Eden Park on Wednesday morning.

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British & Irish Lions 

15 Leigh Halfpenny The Welshman was industrious and kicked well. If reports and true and he’s a free agent, the fullback won’t be short of offers. 6.5/10

14 Jack Nowell One fantastic try-saving tackle was not enough to save what was a torrid Lions debut for the Cornishman. Simply missed far too many tackles 4/10

13 Jared Payne Almost scored a try but other than that was pretty ineffective before being replaced. 5/10

12 Robbie Henshaw Lots his battle with opposite number Sonny Bill Williams but made some good carries. 5.5/10

11 Elliot Daly Few mistakes, but few memorable moments. Forgot he was playing at times. 5.5/10

10 Dan Biggar Things didn’t go well for Sexton and the weekend and Biggar didn’t fare much better. Replaced after 35 minutes through injury, giving the Irishmen a chance for redemption. 4.5/10

9 Rhys Webb Distributed quickly and effectively but ultimately failed to open up enough chances for the backs. 6.5/10

8 CJ Stander Not yet firing on all cylinders but scored a try on a solid Lions debut. 6.5/10

7 Justin Tipuric Carried strongly, tackled hard and hustled at the breakdown. Easily one of the best player in the Lions shirt. 7/10

6 James Haskell Made a few monster hits and made a couple of good carries before being replaced by Peter O’Mahony. 6.5/10

5 Courtney Lawes His physical presence ensured the Lions held their ground and dominated in the scrum. Handling at times let him down. 7/10

4 Maro Itoje Was relentless at the breakdown and showed some nice hands throughout. Seemed like one of the onfield leaders despite being the youngest player in the squad. 7/10

3 Dan Cole The scrum was solid and a big reason for that was the Tigers tighthead. 7.5/10

2 Ken Owens Played a fine game, scrummaging well and showing good hands. 7.5/10

1 Jack McGrath The Irishman was a wrecking-ball in the loose and abrasive in the scrum 7.5/10

Replacements: 16 Rory Best 3/10, 17 Joe Marler 4/10, 18 Kyle Sinckler 5/10, 19 Iain Henderson 5/10, 20 Peter O’Mahony 5/10, 21 Greig Laidlaw 5/10, 22 Johnny Sexton 5/10, 23 Liam Williams 4/10

Photo Credit: PA