Sean O’Brien has left Warren Gatland with no choice but to name him on the Test team for next week’s all-important clash with New Zealand after an abrasive, battling 80-minute performance from the Leinster virtuoso.
The Lions were the dominant team in Rotorua and O’Brien was the fulcrum of their play as they completely outmuscled the Maori All Blacks in what was Warren Gatland’s side’s last major game prior to next weekend’s first test against New Zealand.
“The Tullow Tank” was at his confrontational best in the Lions’ clash with the Maori All Blacks. His relentless direct running, combined with his fierce competitiveness on the deck was a constant thorn in his opponent’s side.
He just doesn’t let up, does the Carlow fella with 12 of the most driving carries and two crucial turnovers during his durable display.
Nobody summed up O’Brien’s display any better than Phil Gifford from Stuff.
Gifford, who was critical of the Lions style of play in general, referred to O’Brien as “a flanker so tough and hard-edged he’s basically a roll of barbed wire in boots.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
So impressed were the New Zealand media with O’Brien’s display that they claimed the Lions should use his game, as well as the similar bite of Maro Itoje and Taulupe Faleteau as a springboard to their game.
O’Brien exuded the type of aggression, drive, and sheer willpower the Lions will need if they are to have any chance against the All Blacks in the first test next week.
