Tomorrow is the ‘fourth test’-that is how the game against the NZ Maori is usually described. And certainly the Lions came a cropper against them in 2005.
As ever the Lions needs a win, particularly having lost on Tuesday to the Highlanders by a point. It was a game that they were expected to win against a depleted Highlanders team that had players withdrawn as they were on All Blacks call-up and because of injuries.
The Highlanders game was a marked contrast to the Crusaders game- open and attacking. The lions played well in parts but worryingly continue to fail to finish off scoring chances. They also failed to control the game when in the lead mostly I think due to poor discipline and the giving away of penalties.Weaknesses exist and I do not know if they can be overcome.
Last Saturday the Lions beat the form Super team with a power display with very effective defense. Maybe some things went their way that night.
The NZ Maori are full of some very good players. Of note, Matt Procter, currently playing for the Hurricanes and ex-St Pats Boy.
