Two crunching blows in the space of two seconds.
The Lions and New Zealand engaged in brutal, breathless battle at Eden Park with neither side backing down on Saturday. Sean O’Brien and Kieran Read both felt the brunt of it.
The All Blacks edged the first half but the Lions rallied well in the closing stages.
A quick-tap penalty saw Anthony Watson cut inside and confronted by All Blacks captain Read. His shoulder slammed off Read’s cheek as he tried breaking the line, with Read flopping to the turf.
In the very next phase, O’Brien was cleared out by Jerome Kaino with exceptional force that left him reeling. It was straight into O’Brien’s midriff but referee Romain Poite let play continue.
Credit: Sky SportsBoth men received treatment but were somehow able to continue.
O’Brien made it to half-time but was then replaced by CJ Stander, who came on for his Test debut.
