CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) The British and Irish Lions produced an impressive defensive performance to beat the Crusaders 12-3 on Saturday, ending the Christchurch-based team’s unbeaten record this season and putting the Lions’ New Zealand tour back on track after a midweek loss to the Blues.
Flyhalf Owen Farrell kicked three first-half penalties to one by Richie Mo’unga for the Crusaders, and the Lions then added another for the only points of the second half in a huge confidence boost a fortnight out from the first test against New Zealand.
After leaking four tries in their first two matches – one in a 13-7 win over the Provincial Barbarians and three in a 22-6 loss to the Auckland-based Blues – the Lions found the defensive resilience which will be crucial in their bid to beat the All Blacks for only the second time.