I thought that the playmakers.
Hogg was injured in an accidental collion with Conor Murray.
"We know that things were being said about us, but we were frustrated with the result on Wednesday (the 22-16 Blues defeat) as well".
"He's probably the best number nine in the world", claimed Henry.
But not being able to play your normal game if denied good possession shouldn't surprise anyone because this was what the Crusaders themselves did to the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby game a month ago to win 20-12.
What there isn't in the group though is a defensive leader.
It will be their first appearance at the covered stadium, where teams from the Lions catchment have a decent history.
On the eve of their match against the Highlanders though, the Lions scrum received an endorsement from 42-cap All Black prop Kees Meeuws.
Full-back could potentially remain the Lions' most open position ahead of the New Zealand Test series.
"There was criticism in some quarters about the style of game the Lions played, their kicking and turning game, 'in the washing machine, back and back, back and forth, ' as Crusaders coach, Scott Robertson put it", acknowledged Henry.
Henry defended the Lions' performances so far, saying that their lack of game time together is a major factor.
Manchester United's bid for Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata true
According to the Independent , United still need to negotiate a transfer fee with the Serie A club. Morata, 24, has struggled for games at Real, starting just 14 in La Liga last season.
His promoted players are on edge to perform on an occasion they possibly never saw coming. I've played for some teams where the boys don't appreciate what they've got and it gives a bad feeling for the team. With the travel, that would have had an impact on the first couple of games, but we're ready to get battle-hardened for a Test match.
The big thing was they dominated possession and their defence was outstanding.
"I guess I have to deliver in that area on Tuesday".
The Lions' attacking shape has been good, but their execution has let them down.
Now, after four games in the space of two weeks, the path forward for Gatland is likely becoming clearer.
England played with 10 debutants and it was one of them, NZ-born Denny Solomona, who scored the winning try about two minutes from the end.
Notably missing are senior backs Ben Smith and Aaron Smith and also forwards Elliot Dixon and Ash Dixon, the latter named as captain for the Maori.
Haskell, a late addition to the Lions squad after Billy Vunipola pulled out, played 12 games for the Highlanders in 2012 and expects the southern club to present the Lions with their most physical challenge outside of the Tests. Tonight will be their first-ever match against the Highlanders though, a team with the ability to go the length of the field to score tries.
"That's what I find fascinating, the contrast in styles".
At the moment they're happy to take their points, but Ireland's win in Chicago was based on an adventurous approach to penalties. So Super Rugby sides tend to scrummage illegally, if that's the case. "This is the type of test we want because that's exactly what the All Blacks are fantastic at".
Comments