Overall the Highlanders were lucky to win that. Very lucky. They played very well in the 1st half, but were completely dominated in the 2nd - the Lions had 80% of the ball and territory in the 2nd half! The thing that cost us the most was Chris Kings act of stupidity - we didn't concede any points when he was off, but it was sure to have drained the rest of the side defending with 14 men for 10 minutes.
We really missed Christie, and it didn't help that his replacement Hardie was injured early on too. I like Evans, but he is not an openside. Robinson was solid at hooker, but I felt scrum really improved when Coltman (and Hames) came on in the front row. Wheeler did a lot of work on defense, as did Franklin (on debut). I thought Manu was a bit quiet though.
Aaron Smith was sharp, but that 'tackle' attempt in the Lions 3rd try was pathetic. I thought Parker played pretty well. He kicked well from hand and made his tackles. That drop goal was handy too! Burleigh made his tackles too which made me happy
. Fekitoa was well contained, and I thought looked quite threatening on the wing. Buckman had his best game for the Highlanders. He was reliable on defense (as always), but also scored two excellent tries - breaking several tackles for the 1st and showing some serious speed for the 2nd. Ben Smith was Ben Smith.
Oops, I forgot to mention the best Highlanders player/s.... the Lions goal-kickers (and the ref that didn't know the laws at end...).
