Highlanders v British and Irish Lions - Analysis

As Highlanders completed a 23-22 win over British and Irish Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Tuesday, we take a look at few of the  key points from the encounter.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

"Huge blow @lionsofficial but back to drawing board and watch out for the backlash #HIGvBIL #LionsNZ2017 Maori to come,"- 2001 Lions Test starter Dafydd James (@DafyddJames13)

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Centre Joseph's first-half try showed the Lions can execute clinically in attack. CJ Stander showed strength and intelligence to find outside-half Dan Biggar and his pass allowed Joseph to find the try-line with a great burst of speed.

STAR MAN

Jonathan Joseph: Dazzling footwork kept Highlanders defenders occupied and blistering pace for first Lions try, although he must tighten up his defence if he is to be a Test starter.

RUSTY SAM SHARPENS UP

Lions skipper Sam Warburton had conceded his first Test place against New Zealand was in doubt after recent injury problems. Warburton had only played 66 minutes in two months and was off the pace in the first period before scoring a try in a vastly-improved second half. Needs more game-time this weekend.

RATINGS

British and Irish Lions

JARED PAYNE 6/10

JACK NOWELL 5

JONATHAN JOSEPH 7

ROBBIE HENSHAW 6

TOMMY SEYMOUR 6

DAN BIGGAR 7

RHYS WEBB 7

JOE MARLER 6

RORY BEST 6

KYLE SINCKLER 7

COURTNEY LAWES 7

IAIN HENDERSON 7

JAMES HASKELL 5

SAM WARBURTON 7

CJ STANDER 6

Replacements

ALUN WYN JONES (for Lawes, 27) 6

GREIG LAIDLAW (for Webb, 48) 5

DAN COLE (for Sinckler, 50) 5

KEN OWENS (for Best, 50) 6

JACK McGRATH (for Marler, 55) 6

ELLIOT DALY (for Payne, 63) 7

OWEN FARRELL (for Biggar, 68) 5

JUSTIN TIPURIC (for Warburton, 68) 5

WHO'S UP NEXT?

Maori All Blacks v British and Irish Lions (Saturday June 17, in Rotorua)