We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options

Sun 4 Jun 2017 | 04:49
LIONS WATCH: Kyle Sinckler impresses despite disappointing tour opener

2
Comments

The Lions made a stuttering start to their tour of New Zealand with a 13-7 victory against a Provincial Barbarians side largely made up from players competing for Super Rugby contracts.

Bryn Gatland, son of Lions head coach Warren Gatland, impressed at fly half for the home side while Taulupe Faletau was voted man of the match for the Lions on broadcasting channels and social media. But one player who deserves more praise for his performance is tight head prop Kyle Sinckler.

The Harlequins and England front row forward was substituted after 49 minutes, and unfortunately viewers will remember his performance based on a tap penalty in the Barbarians’ half which lead to a turnover.

However, the 24-year-old made more metres than any other forward in the home team, made more metres than Lions captain Sam Warburton, and more metres than Rory Best, Joe Marler and Alun Wyn Jones combined.

Sinckler did not miss a single tackle in Whangarei and was the only tight five player representing the Lions who made a clean break. The touring side won all 11 scrums during the 80 minutes which adds credit to Sinckler’s solid performance and builds hopes of a strong set piece going forward.

Warren Gatland has rotated the squad for the next match against the Blues on Wednesday morning with England’s Dan Cole set to start.

Sinkler has done enough to earn a spot on the bench. So far, so good for the young prop.

Posted By: shay39

2 Comments

  • vladimir
    12:05 PM 05/06/2017

    I think it is better that way for the Lions. Now, they know they will have to work hard, really hard. They will have to be awake and won't have any excuses if they get trashed by the AB, like they would use if they had an easy start with the local teams.

  • drg
    11:45 AM 05/06/2017

    Not really sure what to make of the whole thing here... Sinckler did well at the scrums... but as an international standard prop competing against; as you said RD, players who are competing for contracts, is sort of...expected... but the yards and tackles stat is a good effort, especially when he's competing against his team mates for those figures.

    As for the entire match, I don't think suggesting jet lag is much of a cop out, it's probably fair enough... new hemisphere, ground, contest, nerves etc, a lot of massively different factors weighing in on a team like the Lions, by contrast the provincial baabaas had already lost the match as soon as it was even suggested as a potential fixture, they also lost by a massive margin, so they had nothing to panic about, nothing to lose, go out there and enjoy yourselves and see if you can claim a Lions scalp... but if you don't then it's fine because we all expected you to get thrashed anyway....I guess they'll now be kicking themselves at getting so close!

    Most important thing for them is that they got the win, which should at the least give them a bit of hope, however it seems like a lot of stepping up is needed and very quickly...

Related Articles