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The Lions racked up a big score against the Barbarians in Hong Kong yesterday, scoring 8 tries in total. The match was never really about the result though, more an opportunity for fringe players to put their hands up, and work on a few combinations. Mike Phillips and Justin Tupuric were the players that stood out for me, always on the ball, and instinctively good. Owen Farell put his hand up as well, to say – I’m not really sure why I’m here. I’m not giving out at him, it’s just too much responsibility too soon for him – he doesn’t even start that often at 10 at Saracens. Sexton came on and immediately put his stamp on the game, just adding control, and some dangerous incisive running lines. I would have said the 9/10 will be Phillips and Sexton, but if they want to pace on the game then Youngs and Sexton would be a great combo.
Jamie Roberts is a class act, and Hogg looks like a good impact player. Connor Murray came on and looked really good, a young Mike Phillips. And Heaslip was pretty impressive in his time on the pitch – I thought Faletu and Lydiate were solid but unspectacular, nowhere near as dynamic as Tupuric.
Finally, Irishman in the making Jarred Payne is a classy relaxed player who when he’s qualified could add a lot to the Irish team.
British & Irish Lions
Barbarians 8 - 59 British & Irish Lions
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