Three Lions players who failed to perform - and who should replace them

Rugby News
Saturday, 24 July 2021 at 19:42
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We pick three players who we think deserve a chance in the British & Irish Lions team in the second test after some stars failed to impress.

#1. Elliot Daly

Balls 5/10: "Really struggled with the South African rush defence and looked uncomfortable in a position he has not played much. Missed 3 tackles."
Irish Examiner 5/10: "Am won the battle of the outside centres and apart from giving away a few penalties he had little impact on the game."
Wales Online 5/10: "Rag-dolled by Lukhanyo Am early on, then penalised twice for not releasing in a tackle and playing the ball on the floor – the latter costing three points. One 55m penalty attempt that fell just short."
Joe 4/10: "His poor first half ended with a long, missed penalty attempt. Finished up with 0 metres gained on six carries and missed three tackle."
Rugby Pass 5/10: "He’s mixed the sublime with the ridiculous on this tour, but this was more the latter. Gatland’s gamble at 13 didn’t pay off."
Replacement: Bundee Aki

#2. Jack Conan

Wales Online 6/10: "The Lions needed a No8 who could get over the gainline and Conan couldn’t, apart from one snaking first half spurt."
Telegraph 5/10: "Other than one cheeky dummy and burst, Conan was ineffective against the Bokke ballast. A selection error having no out-and-out No 8 replacement to inject energy"
Replacement: Taulupe Faletau

#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."
Replacement: Mako Vunipola

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