Who were the British & Irish Lions best and worst players against the Springboks in the second test? RUCK ranks the performances of the best performers and most underwhelming players.
BEST PLAYERS:
#3. Conor Murray
JOE 7/10: “His box-kicking was to the fore in that first half. Penalised for dipping his hands in when a counter-ruck had the Lions under the pump. So lucky not to get badly injured after he was sent spinning by Kolbe. Stuck his tackles around the fringes.”
Telegraph: “Began with strong defence around the fringes and kicked well, almost setting up Henshaw. Brave to carry on after hits from Kolbe and De Klerk.”
Balls 7/10: “Brought into the starting line-up this week for his tactical ability and he followed Gatland’s plan from the first minute.”
#2. Maro Itoje
Rugby Pass 7/10: “None of the heroics of last week and spent most of his time in the trenches.”
Telegraph 7/10: “Could he replicate last weekend’s heroics? Not quite. There was some disruptive excellence, but his influence faded as South Africa grasped the game.”
Balls 7/10: “Not the same impact as last week but another tireless performance from the England second row.”