LIST: 3 best and 3 worst players for the Lions in the opening test - Page 2 of 3 - Ruck

LIST: 3 best and 3 worst players for the Lions in the opening test

#1. Maro Itoje

Joe 9/10: “Won his side a turnover, on 20 minutes, with a huge tackle and follow-up. Two minutes later, he saved his team’s bacon with a turnover near his own tryline. His third turnover of the night sealed victory.”

Rugby Pass 8.5/10: “Playing at times more like a six, the Saracen’s poaching saved the Lions, not least his final strip and rip to bagged up the ball game.”

Pundit Arena 8/10: “He made two great steals in the first half, one of which could very well have stopped the Springboks from scoring an early try.”

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WORST PLAYERS:

#3. Rory Sutherland

Balls 4/10: “The late change to start the game. Really struggled at scrum time, as the South African knew he was a weak link. Offered very little around the pitch with just 1 ball carry and was called ashore early in the second half.”

The Telegraph 6/10: “A late call-up for the apparently more solid Wyn Jones; the Welshman was missed, in truth, as Sutherland struggled at the scrummage. Vunipola shored up the scrum when the Scot departed.”

Pundit Arena 5/10: “The Scotsman was handed a start on late notice and he struggled to impose himself on the game, losing the scrum battle to Trevor Nyakane on a couple of occasions.”

Irish Examiner 6/10: “Under pressure at the scrum and gave away two penalties.”

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