How the New Zealand media reacted to the Lions collapse against the Hurricanes - Ruck

How the New Zealand media reacted to the Lions collapse against the Hurricanes

Here’s how the New Zealand media reacted to the Lions 31-31 draw against the Hurricanes.

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Mark Reason – Rugby Heaven

The midweek team of strollers and players ended their tour early. One minute they were playing like heroes out to inspire the test team. The next minute they folded like a rotten deckchair. The splinters may yet be felt for the rest of the tour.

The Lions could have been punished by the reluctance of Warren Gatland to put on the players he called up for geographical convenience rather than merit. There were a lot of tired legs. But the Lions also felt the effect of the yellow card that was rightly given against Iain Henderson for a foolishly reckless clean-out.

Read his full piece HERE

Patrick McKendry – New Zealand Herald

Warren Gatland’s insistence that the All Blacks indulged in deliberate foul play in targeting Conor Murray in the first test has been followed tonight by an incident – and a yellow card for his lock Iain Henderson – which had eerie similarities to the Brian O’Driscoll controversy 12 years ago.

On that occasion, in the first test in Christchurch, Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu combined to dump the Lions’ skipper on his shoulder in the opening seconds, but effectively got away with it.

This time, Henderson combined with midfielder Jonathan Joseph to tip Jordie Barrett on his shoulder in the final quarter of a thrilling match at Westpac Stadium, and the Irish lock didn’t get away with it, although he nearly did.

Referee Romain Poite was about to only penalise Henderson for his transgression until convinced to have another look by his television match official. A penalty and a sin binning was the eventual result, quickly followed by a converted try to replacement Wes Goosen which brought this match to life.

Read his full piece HERE 
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