Josh Adams scored four tries as the British and Irish Lions saw off the Sigma Lions in impressive style in their tour opener in Johannesburg.
There were plenty of standout stars for the tourists – but these three players did their chances of earning a test jersey no favours.
#1. Jonny Hill
- Age: 27
- Position: Lock
- Standout stat: 2 missed tackled & 1 turnover conceded
OFF THE BALL (4/10): "Perhaps almost to annoy the Irish supporters watching, Jonny Hill was near to anonymous on the park against the Sigma Lions. He was heavily involved at the breakdown, but offered little in terms of carries or on defence."
Joe (6/10): "Not the only one out there to misplace a pass, but he did it twice to cough up possession. Made some hard carries as the Lions wrung out the game in the second half."
Rugby Pass (6/10): "The intent was there but he had a few sloppy moments with ball in hand. Will want to make more of an impact if he is to challenge for a Test spot, as he didn’t quite put his hand up here.."
Wales Online (6/10): "Had told during the build-up how his first hole in one on the golf course launched the sporting year for him. This was a par performance."
#2. Owen Farrell
- Age: 28
- Position: Inside-centre
- Standout stat: Conceded 2 turnovers and missed two tackles
RUCK (6/10): Ali Price and Finn Russell kept using Farrell as a 'crash-ball centre' and that is something the England captain is definitely not. Also missed a tackle in the lead up to the hosts first half try.
Telegraph (6/10): "A mixed first half comprised neat passing and vocal organisation with two poor carries owing to backline confusion. A costly missed tackle foreshadowed the hosts’ first try. "
Wales Online (6/10): "The England captain needed to launch his tour with a big game. But he missed a tackle in the build-up to the first Sigma Lions try and found it hard to generate true impact in attack."
#3. Taulupe Faletau
- Age: 30
- Position: Number 8
- Standout stat: Made just 25 metres from his 7 carries
Rugby Pass (6/10): Trucked a tonne of ball, even if his performance edged towards the workmanlike. An economical performance.
Wales Online (6/10): This was an improvement on his effort against Japan, but there’s a sense that Faletau is still moving up the gears. He did defend well and there were a few strong carries, but the Wales international found it hard to put his customary imprint on the game.
JOE (6/10): Solid outing from the Wales No.8. Stuck all 12 of his tackles and made a number of carries that got his side over the gainline.
OFF THE BALL (6/10): Similar to Jonny Hill, Taulupe Faletau was somewhat hidden in the first match of the tour in South Africa. What he did do, however, was make all of his 12 tackles, and put together some strong carries, if nothing mind blowing.
