The All Blacks were always going to be up for the First Test and, boy, were they fired up.
New Zealand tore into the British & Irish Lions for 20 relentless minutes at Eden Park to race into a 10-0 lead after Elliot Daly had gone close with a tryscoring chance after 90 seconds.
Steve Hansen’s men flooded forward in waves after black waves and the Lions were doing their best to hang on.
Aaron Smith caught the tourists out, though, after 15 minutes when his quick-tap penalty and two quick passes saw hooker Codie Taylor dive over in the corner.
One man that it would be hard to pin blame on would be Alun Wyn Jones, who was clearly dazed in the lead-up to the score. He was just getting back into the defensive line when Smith’s quick thinking led to the opening try:
18" What a fast pace try for the All Blacks Codie Taylor AB 10 – 0 #BLI pic.twitter.com/tkQZX8mU9e
— #RugbyTonga (@RugbyTON_) June 24, 2017
The Welshman was selected ahead of in-form England lock Maro Itoje and many felt he was lucky to get the No.4 jersey. He did appear to be unsteady on his feet after shipping two big blows.
Jones will definitely have to put his hand up, tough, after dropping an easy pass on the AB’s twenty-two. It ruined a promising attack after Mako Vunipola had secured a crucial turnover and sparked a counter-attack.
It was not a half to remember for the veteran lock but he was copping some harsh abuse online, and it kept coming after the game finished 30-15 to the All Blacks.
Mid-game
To the surprise of absolutely nobody Alun Wyn Jones is dreadful. Get Itoje on!!! 🦁 #LionsNZ2017 #bbcrugby
— Callum ◢ ◤ (@CallumCouch) June 24, 2017
Alun Wyn Jones is about as good as his fucking hairline……….rich from me but still true
— Mike Smaylen (@MSmaylen) June 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/afoster1993/status/878525185611190273
https://twitter.com/HarryMahon26/status/878526804243492864
Alun Wyn Jones really struggling with the pace of this game
— Nate (@natedigidy89) June 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/CBurge91/status/878529077111640064
https://twitter.com/DJQH25/status/878529445174398976
#alunwynjones how did he get picked
— T.B.E at Fifa (@griggie82) June 24, 2017
Post-match
Alun Wyn Jones was a big call, he didn't lose the game but he didn't do enough if anything. Itoje straight in and Henderson onto the bench 🦁
— J Martin (@Jmartin96) June 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/mtewhatu/status/878537912526135298
https://twitter.com/Lance_Bradley_/status/878548132988145664
*takes pin out of grenade*
Launchbury would make a real difference to this team.
*runs away*
— Blood & Mud Rugby Podcast (@bloodandmud) June 24, 2017
