Lions player ratings vs Japan: Conor Murray stinker as Dan Biggar stands out

Lions player ratings vs Japan

BACK-THREE:

• 15. Liam Williams: Despite not offering much in attack, the Welshman put in a solid defensive performance, controlling the backfield excellently. 7
• 14. Josh Adams: Took no time to get on the scoresheet. 7
• 11. Duhan van de Merwe: So physical and constantly off his wing looking for work. Real contender for the test side, scoring a try. 8

CENTRES:

• 13. Robbie Henshaw: Was labelled the first name on the team sheet, and matched that with a world-class performance and try. 8
• 12. Bundee Aki: Proved the doubters wrong with an impactful display. His combination with Henshaw looks very settled. 7

HALFBACKS:

• 10. Dan Biggar: An immaculate opening for the Saint. Perfect from the tee and precise out of hand. 9
• 9. Conor Murray: Mixed bag for the Irishman, getting skinned by the Japanese winger in the first half before putting a kick out on the full in the second. 5

FRONT-ROW:

• 1. Rory Sutherland: Proved he can have a real go at earning the number one jersey for the Tests. 6
• 2. Ken Owens: Assumed the captaincy after the departure of Jones, but didn't have his best game. 6
• 3. Tadhg Furlong: Does all of the 'extras' at no detriment to the basics. 8

SECOND-ROW:

• 4. Iain Henderson: In Japan’s faces from the start, he still looks a little short of his very best but even that is better than most locks in the world. 7
• 5. Alun Wyn Jones: Forced off after just seven minutes with a concerning looking wrist/hand injury. N/A

BACK-ROW:

• 6. Tadhg Beirne: Scored a rare try. He'll look forward to the more physical battles ahead. 7
• 7. Justin Tipuric: Followed his captain off the field with an injury after originally being drafted in to replace Hamish Watson. 6
• 8. Jack Conan: Give away a few penalties but made an impact with plenty of carries and four turnovers. 6

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