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Player Ratings: Lions Open Tour With Thoroughly Disappointing Performance

Player Ratings: Lions Open Tour With Thoroughly Disappointing Performance
Balls Team
By Balls Team
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The Lions looked very much a team which had just stepped off a plane and onto New Zealand soil during the week.

The opening game of the tour against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians was expected to be the easiest one of the tour - it proved anything but and served as a warning for the questions which will be asked by the five Super Rugby sides and the Maori All Blacks.

After the Barbarians dominated the opening proceedings, the Lions came into the game late in the first half but still trailed 7-3 a the break. They took the lead 15 minutes into the second half when Anthony Watson crashed over for his side's only try.

Warren Gatland's side did not, as you would have expected, move away from the opposition after taking the lead. It made for a nervy finish as the Baa-Baas threatened what would have been a score to create the biggest upset in Lions history.

The Lions limped off the field for a thoroughly disappointing 13-7 win.

Stuart Hogg - 4

A performance which was typical of the team in general - error filled and below bar. Helped the Lions butcher what looked like a certain try after 30 minutes with a terrible pass to Anthony Watson.

Anthony Watson - 6

Scored the Lions' only try in the 52nd minute after having opportunities in the first. Took chance well.

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A better pass from Stuart Hogg in the first half would have seen him score in the corner.

Jonathan Joseph - 5

The England centre was disappointingly anonymous. Did nothing for his chances of starting the first test.

Ben Te'o - 7

One of the Lions' best performers on the night. A constant threat will ball in hand.

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Tommy Seymour - 6

Made a crucial tackle with 20 minutes remaining in the second half as the Baa-Baas threatened for a score close to the line. The Scot got very little opportunity as an attacking force

Johnny Sexton - 4

Sexton's Lions tour really could not have had a worse start. The Leinster out-half missed his first kick at goal. He was also very poor when kicking out of hand in the first half. Compared to his kicking game, he looked relatively sharp with ball in hand, regularly taking the ball to the gain line in the first half.

Suffered the ignominy of being relieved of his kicking duties in the second half as Greig Laidlaw took over.

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He was replaced by Owen Farrell just eight minutes into the second half.

Greg Laidlaw - 5

Neither Conor Murray or Rhys Webb will have been threatened by the Scotland captain's performance. Just like many of his teammates, he looked off the pace throughout the game.

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Took over kicking duties from Johnny Sexton early in the second half before Owen Farrell entered the game.

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Replaced by Rhys Webb with 20 minutes remaining.

Toby Faletau - 8

One of the few Lions players who stood up to be counted in a disappointing first half.

The Welsh number eight made a brilliant try-saving tackle after 18 minutes to stop a certain score. He also carried well throughout.

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Sam Warburton - 6

In his just his first game back from injury, Warburton offered himself up for plenty of work, especially at the breakdown.

Replaced by Justin Tipuric after 66 minutes.

Ross Moriarty - 7

One of the better performers on the night. Put in a good shift. Carried well throughout the game, constantly putting himself forward for work.

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Iain Henderson - 5

The Ulster forward did not make the impact expected of a player of his ability. Looked weak defensively on occasion, especially for the Barbarians' try.

Left the game 10 minutes into the second half to be replaced by George Kruis.

Alun Wyn Jones - 6

As you would expect from the Welshman, he worked hard throughout the game. Managed one line steal.

Kyle Sinckler - 8

Along with Ben Te'o, Toby Faletau and Ross Moriarty, he was one of the Lions' best performers on the night. Carried well and scrummaged well throughout. Put in some tough tackles early on.

Replaced by Tadhg Furlong after 51 minutes.

Rory Best - 6

Made one great turnover just before being replaced in the second half. Lineout throws were mostly good, bar one dodgy delivery.

Replaced by Jamie George early in the second half.

Joe Marler - 6

Worked hard defence early on and was part of a strong scrum.

Replaced by Mako Vunipola after 51 minutes.

Watch: James Haskell And Sean O'Brien Really Having The Craic As Roommates

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