All Blacks Lose To Lions!

IALT: Talk about the All Blacks losing to the British and Irish Lions in Wellington.

The second test between the Lions and the All Blacks took place at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, the home ground of the Wellington Hurricanes, the 2016 Investec Super Rugby Champions. The kick off from the sides made me think that the All Blacks were going to beat the Lions again, and go on to win the cup, and the series. The Lions gave away too many penalties which was too easy for All Blacks first five eighth Beauden Barrett as he kicked them in, missing some which was critical for later on. 

It wasn't half time yet and the All Blacks had lost a valuable player, Sonny Bill Williams was given a red card after he went to tackle a player but ended up with his shoulder hitting the face of the player, the Referee wasn't convinced it was an accident and therefore he was taken off the game for the  game until the 80:00 minute mark was passed. Playing with only 14 players for the rest of the game is something the All Blacks had been through in the past.

But this time against a strong team like the Lions, it was a different story. Giving away penalties and space the Lions went on the advantage of playing against 14 players and out manoeuvred the All Blacks shifting the ball to one side then the other giving the Lions space for a try, make that two tries. Although the first wasn't enough for them to take the lead,the second was, with the points becoming 21 - 24 Lions. 

As the game continued on, Mako Vunipola was given 10 minutes in the sin bin after illegaly cleaning out Beauden Barrett in the ruck while he was on the floor, he didn't think it was the right choice but truely his absence was a high advantage for the All Blacks right? As the time went by the All Blacks found it difficult to break the line, the hooter went and the Lions kicked it out to win the game.

An interview with both captains, with Sam Warburton the captain of Lions congratulating the Blacks on keeping up their defence with only 14 players. I too was impressed because I thought the Lions would've won by a reasonable margin. Kieren Read, also thanked the Lions for the game and says that they have improved in their fitness. 

I can't wait for the 3rd test at Eden Park, because I know the All Blacks will make us proud. As always. 

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Many thanks :)