Lions Score Four Tries In Commanding Chiefs Win

June 20, 2017 12:28 pm Marcus Ó Buachalla

Westmeath man Robbie Hanshaw started in the centre for Warren Gatland’s side with fellow Irish international Jared Payne outside him in the 13 jersey.

They were joined by Rory Best (captain on the night), Iain Henderson and CJ Stander, all of whom impressed from the start.

In addition to a commanding offensive performance – where Jack Nowell grabbed a brace, Jared Payne another and a penalty try from the forwards – the Lions also kept the Chiefs, who were Super Rugby champions in 2012 and 2013, tryless to end their seven-match winning streak on their home ground and ensure the Lions head to Auckland to take on the All Blacks with a spring in their step.

It was a cagey enough first forty minutes. Nowell dived over for the first of his two tries from close range in the 24th minute, while Dan Biggar kicked the rest of the points as the Lions led 13-6 at the break.

But in the second half Warren Gatland’s side turned on the style, the forwards earning a penalty try on 53 minutes to stretch the lead to 20-6 before Nowell scored the try of the night when defence was turned into attack as he finished off a length of the field team try.

Jared Payne went over for the final try of the game in the 63rd minute, which Biggar again converted for a 34-6 lead.

With six games now played on tour and four wins under their belts, next up for the British & Irish Lions is the first Test against the All Blacks in Eden Park this Saturday (KO 8.35am Irish time).