“He hit me. He hit me in the mouth. Cheap shot!”
Sean O’Brien was targeted by some of the Maori All Blacks team, late in the Lions 32-10 victory, when it became clear that the tourists had won the day.
The Ireland back-row all but confirmed his place in the Test team for next week’s clash with New Zealand after an action-packed, 80-minute performance to go with his encouraging game against Crusaders.
The Kiwis have likened O’Brien to All Blacks great Richie McCaw and it is easy to see why. O’Brien made 12 bustling carries, tackled well, looked for work all over the pitch, was part of a strong Lions pack and secured two vital turnovers off his own bat.
The openside will be frustrated that a couple of attempted offloads did not come off but, otherwise, he had a fine game.
As the game entered the final stages, though, he took a couple of late knocks as the Maori landed their last blows.
He was involved in an off the ball incident with James Lowe, a Maori replacement and Dan Biggar that was reviewed by the television match official but no action was taken.
O’Brien certainly felt he had been struck in the face when he was on the ground and with calls of ‘Sir’ tried to let referee Jaco Peyper know all about it.
With the game waved on, and the Maori looking to attack off a scrum, O’Brien responded how he knows best – with a beastly turnover.
It was a joy to watch and got his teammates pumped right up.
Credit: Sky SportsVice-like grip. Turnover secured.
It is exactly the type of strength, determination, and willpower the Lions will need if they are to have any chance against the All Blacks next week.
