Think there are some harsh comments on here to be honest. I think you have to take several factors into consideration in regards to the performance. Quite a few guys who were out there today haven't played in a while, and although it may sound like more of an excuse than anything else; you have to take the conditions into account. I can't stress how difficult it must have been to play out there today, and although we weren't great, their were positives to take out of it. The Baa-Baa's were never really going to pose to great a threat to the Lions, but mentally we were so far ahead of them, and that was the main difference between the two teams. We created several opportunities in the First-Half, and on another day we would have scored a fair amount more points than we ended up scoring. Our execution wasn't great at times but this game was all about getting back into the swing of things, and simply beginning to form and understanding with each other.
First-Half I thought we tried to force things a little bit at times but as I say, we created several opportunities, but just lacked the execution at times which was understandable considering the occasion and the conditions. I thought we got the rub of the green at times in relation to the set piece, but that laid the platform for the likes of Phillips to build upon. Our second phase wasn't great at times, but again, the conditions played a part on that. Certain players were rusty though which was evident at times, but you couldn't fault the mentality.
Second-Half the Lions were a lot more patient with ball in hand, and if we went through the phases and played simple Rugby, the opportunities were always going to come, and they did. Not a superb performance by any stretch, but considering the situation, it wasn't to bad. There are certainly positives that can be built upon which is crucial in regards to moving forward as a team, but there are areas in which can be significantly improved upon. All in all, I think it was as expected.
Individual wise, I think it's tough to analyse really. I thought Paul O'Connell lead from the front as usual, and I thought Justin Tiperic proved that once again proved that he should be considered, and his ability to act as that 'link man' could be beneficial on the firm grounds that Australia has to to offer. Mike Phillips physicality around the breakdown troubled them at times, which released Roberts and Davies who both had decent games, although perhaps not showing that element of creativity. Like I said though, it wasn't easy to analyse really individual wise.
As for the Owen Farrell incident, he held Britz back a couple of times, and he reacted with a couple of punches. As a Fly-Half myself, I appreciate that I am going to be targeted by opposition forwards, but that's part and parcel of the game. If Farrell is going to grab hold of his shirt and not let go, then he has to accept that Britz may take offence to it. As for the 'slap' in the face, I don't think there was much in it really. On another day though, who knows.
