The Lions lost the first Test of the series against the All Blacks this morning. If the scoreline was predictable, the narratives weren't. Gatland's gamble with the backs paid off brilliantly and were it not for poor execution near the try line, the Lions might have been leading this game at halftime. The All Blacks were typically ruthless, and mercilessly punished the Lions for penalties and mental errors.
Here's how social media scored the game.
Lions vs All Blacks reaction
Flashes of brilliance from the Lions not finished off. Ultimately NZ do what they've always done:few errors, great hands, take their chances
— Lauren Jenkins (@laurenemmaj) June 24, 2017
From a Lions' perspective very disappointing but that was a good test match.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) June 24, 2017
Blacks frighteningly clinical. Fantastic 1st 50 odd mins from Lions but no driving game to speak of, missed chances. Gets tougher from here.
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) June 24, 2017
Three nil three nil three nil three nil
— 𝔊𝔯𝔢𝔤 𝔊𝔯𝔬𝔴𝔡𝔢𝔫 (@GregGrowden) June 24, 2017
Too good those lads. Piss and moan about the ref all you like, NZ are standard bearers and they are the best in the world for a reason
— Hugh Cahill (@hughcahill7) June 24, 2017
That All Black try was coming. Their drives upfield slicing up Lions defence
— Jeremy Bowen (@BowenBBC) June 24, 2017
I don't get people saying lions playing well. Fell asleep for NZ tries and an array of unforced errors so far #Lions2017
— Niall Breslin (@nbrez) June 24, 2017
The #NZ hands and skill set are just sick #lionsnz17
— Joe sheridan (@Squarecut84) June 24, 2017
Fatigue, followed by sloppiness, was always likely to trouble the #Lions, the All Blacks keep the ball in play longer than anyone. #NZLvBIL
— Tom Rooney (@oldmanrooney) June 24, 2017
I think we can all agree the #AllBlacks are another level. But I think the Lions will take some positives. On to next week #LionsNZ2017
— Jordan Crane (@JordanCrane86) June 24, 2017
Regardless of the scoreline, the game will be remembered by the Lions magnificent first half try, converting by Sean O'Brien.
What a try by the Lions. What a try.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) June 24, 2017
Sean The Sweep
That try will be replayed for ever and a day
Surely one of the greatest ever Lions tries#LionsNZ2017 #NZLvBIL pic.twitter.com/hAXnVODP7Q— Mike Pearce Rugby (@MPsportsdragon) June 24, 2017
Former Leinster centre Ben Te'o inspired a lot of love, especially from ex-Leinster teammates.
Teo has been relentless in attack and defence, best engine in the game for me. Repeat effort incredible
— Ian madigan (@Ian_madigan) June 24, 2017
Offloading master class continues! Reids one was majestic. Thought Teo put in a serious shift.
— Johne Murphy (@MurphyJohne) June 24, 2017
A word of praise for Jamie George and Ben Te'o. One start between them for England. Remarkable achievement. #LionsNZ2017
— Alex Spink (@alexspinkmirror) June 21, 2017
Ben Te'o's tackling in this game has been mighty. An Auckland lad, smashing anyone who comes near him.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) June 24, 2017
