Lions stretched in tour game against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians

New Zealand Provincial Barbarians 7 - 13 British and Irish Lions, Whangarei

The British and Irish Lions survived a scare from New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in the tour game in Whangarei as they secured a 7-13 win in Whangarei.

The first of the 10 game tour for the Lions was expected to help them gain confidence before they face the Super Rugby sides but instead they were put under stern test by the home side, who let go their advantage from the first half allowing Warren Gatland's men a reprieve.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton, who was preferred over Owen Farrell, missed a long penalty but he managed to get Lions off the mark with a 17th minute penalty that took them to a 0-3 lead.

Wales international Taulupe Faletau made a try saving tackle two minutes later when Kaveinga Finau tried to cross over but instead he was out injured and replaced. However, Barbarians kept coming hard and soon got their first points through a touchdown from Sam Anderson-Heather in the 23rd minute and a conversion from Bryn Gatland helped them gain a 7-3 lead, that remained intact at half time.

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw helped Lions close on the Barbarians with a penalty at the start of the second half as the gap was brought down to one point.

The pressure was evident on Gatland as he made five changes to his line-up in the 50th minute with Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, George Kruis and Farrell, alongside Tadhg Furlong all coming into action. The Lions' first try eventually came in the 52nd minute when Anthony Watson danced past the post and Farrell's extras made it 7-13 in favour of visitors.

Lions had their chances to press on but Farrell missed out on a penalty while Rhys Webb had a knock-on short of the line after taking an off-load from Justin Tipuric. Nevertheless, the Lions held their nerve in the end and ensured they completed a six point win.