The All Blacks were always going to be up for the First Test and, boy, were they fired up.
New Zealand tore into the British & Irish Lions for 20 relentless minutes at Eden Park to race into a 10-0 lead after Elliot Daly had gone close with a tryscoring chance after 90 seconds.
Steve Hansen’s men flooded forward in waves after black waves and the Lions were doing their best to hang on, but it ultimately proved fruitless as the home side won the match 30-15.
Aaron Smith caught the tourists out after 15 minutes when his quick-tap penalty and two quick passes saw hooker Codie Taylor dive over in the corner. One man that it would be hard to pin blame on would be Alun Wyn Jones, who was clearly dazed in the lead-up to the score.
The Welshman was selected ahead of in-form England lock Maro Itoje and many felt he was lucky to get the No.4 jersey. He did appear to be unsteady on his feet after shipping two big blows.
Jones will definitely have to put his hand up, tough, after dropping an easy pass on the AB’s twenty-two. It ruined a promising attack after Mako Vunipola had secured a crucial turnover and sparked a counter-attack.
It was not a half to remember for the veteran lock but he was copping some harsh abuse online, and it kept coming after the game finished.
Mid-game
To the surprise of absolutely nobody Alun Wyn Jones is dreadful. Get Itoje on!!! ? #LionsNZ2017 #bbcrugby
— Callum Couch (@CallumCouch) June 24, 2017
Alun Wyn Jones is about as good as his fucking hairline……….rich from me but still true
— Mike Smaylen (@MSmaylen) June 24, 2017
How is Alun Wyn Jones even on this tour. He's the worst lock in the squad and he's starting…. #NZLvBIL #LionsNZ2017
— Harry Mahon (@HarryMahon26) June 24, 2017
Alun Wyn Jones really struggling with the pace of this game
— Nate (@natedigidy89) June 24, 2017
Great try but Alun Wyn Jones having a shocker and could have done without Davies trying to butcher the try twice.
— Big Bird (@CBurge91) June 24, 2017
Both Alun Wyn Jones and George Kruis are having poor games in defence and carrying. Itoje and Lawes are needed. But really need @joe_launch
— David Hillier (@DJQH25) June 24, 2017
#alunwynjones how did he get picked
— big nev (@griggie82) June 24, 2017
Post-match
Alun Wyn Jones was a big call, he didn't lose the game but he didn't do enough if anything. Itoje straight in and Henderson onto the bench ?
— Jeremy Martin (@Jmartin96) June 24, 2017
Out of all nights the Lions needed their locks to stand up, George Kruis and Alun Wyn Jones were not good #NZLvBIL
— Matt Tewhatu (@mtewhatu) June 24, 2017
I wonder if Gatland regrets not bringing Launchbury now.
Warren! He could be on a plane tomorrow & there by Tuesday!#NZLions2017 #NZLvBIL
— Lance Bradley (@Lance_Bradley_) June 24, 2017
*takes pin out of grenade*
Launchbury would make a real difference to this team.
*runs away*
— Blood & Mud (@bloodandmud) June 24, 2017