As predicted, the squabble as to the future of the Lions has started already with both sides firing their opening shots across the bows of the other.
First, I have ask, am I the only one who didn’t think this was a great series? Yes, there was passion, dedication and pride in the shirt while the effort on Test match days was Herculean – but that’s enough about the fans.
As far as the games go when two of the Tests in a three-match series are decided by the actions of the referees rather than the players, you have to ask questions.
Early in the tour Gatland joked that he wished all the games had French referees and having watched the Tests you can understand why.
Although I do respect both Romain Poite and Jerome Garces as two of the best referees in the Northern Hemisphere, there can be no doubt that the way they refereed the games gave a definite advantage to the Lions.
I disagree with fellow columnist, Nick Cain, who underplays the Lions acts of foul play when compared to the All Blacks. Yes, Sonny Bill Williams was stupid and under the new guidelines for contact with the head area deserved to be sent off. Surely the fact that even if he was attempting to target the ball, Sean O’Brien’s contact with Naholo was also reckless under those same guidelines because it caused a concussion (Williams did not) that kept Naholo out of contention for the final Test.
This story is from the July 16,2017 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the July 16,2017 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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