By Zippy
June 11 2005

Player ratings for the Lions very disappointing 19-13 defeat against the NZ Maori this morning. As usual marks out of ten, for details read on.

15. Lewsey (6) – No chance to attack and he isn’t the best defensive full back, still did little wrong.

14. Shanklin (7) – Out of position but strong in attack and did a great intimidating job on Caleb Ralph who was dumped every time he had the ball, really should be given a chance in the centre.

13. BoD (Capt) (4) – A true shocker of a game, scored a try but apart from that looked lethargic missed tackles and no go in attack.

12. D’Arcy (4) – Not the player he was, few decent breaks but missed tackles silly penalties and needs to put his head up and run with the ball.

11. S Williams (5) – Didn’t have the ball but guilty and of running when he shouldn’t have.

10. S Jones (6) – Looked purposeful in attack, kicking a bit loose at times, not put down the marker he would have wanted.

9. Dawson (4) – Brilliant break at the start but distribution was sooooo slow. I was crying out for Peel to come on, on this evidence he simply is past it. Went on his own at the end when the game might have been stolen.

8. Owen (5) – Some neat and tidy work but needs to get his head down and take players out in the ruck. Didn’t look a test 8 on this evidence.

7. Williams (4) – Completely outshone by Holah, came into the game a bit at the end. High penalty count.

6. Hill (7) – Lions MOTM kept his head down and tackled non stop, the back row needs 2 carriers so I feel he will be moved to 7 for the tests.

5. PoC (5) – None of the fire of last week, needs to step up he is still a shoe in for the tests but he needs to stand up and lead.

4. Shaw (3) – Poor hands, got in the way, mid week at best.

3. White (6) – Hugely impressive in the scrum but discipline marks him down, really needs to start keeping his head.

2. Thompson (3) – Line out a complete mess, you can’t be a test hooker if you can’t hit the jumper, he is good round the park but Line out ball is a must.

1. Sheridan (6) – Was playing really well until a moment of madness.

 

Subs of note

G Jenkins – Tackled non-stop and threw himself into it full force.

No other subs used until the end???? Bizarre decision.

 

Maori Stars:

Gibbes – Lead like a giant.

Holah – Nightmare for the opposition

Tipoki – Ran everywhere, impossible to put down

Spencer – On his last game for the Maori gave them something to remember him by.

 

Overall Comments:

 

First of all the Lions did not look like they had a game plan, SCW needs to decide how he is going to play and stick by it, every player on the park seemed to have no idea what was expected of them.

 

The tackle area is going to prove a huge problem for the Lions, it is refereed differently in NZ there is basically no offside and you can dive in over the ball, the Lions need to get smart quick.

Next up Wellington and some big players for the Lions will return to the field – Alfie, Robinson, Henson and Jonny.

 

Sort out the breakdown and the Lions can start to play, the tour isn’t over…………yet. But they must give a performance in the next game.

Match Summary: