If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next/Thank U: The 35th America's Cup Report (+ the 2017 British & Irish Lions rugby tour report episode 8: Hurricanes)

And the America's Cup! Is heading back to New Zealand at long last for the ages! Something that has been missing for 14 years (Our last victory is where we defended it way back in 2000 but I wonder the headlines would say: THE AMERICA'S CUP IS BACK IN NEW ZEALAND) but it has been a long time coming, because we gained revenge/utu on Jimmy Spithill's Oracle Team USA not only they beat us 4 years ago (And we did manage to avenge our demons in San Francisco but we finally did it in Bermuda just because we just came here to chew bubble gums...and they are all out of gums, groovy baby!) but hey, we just won so the Kiwis are on celebration mode so here is the news report from the official America's Cup website (And Pops managed to watch it on TV at 5am in the morning because he told me that we won just moments before I had a shower & breakfast because I only watched the presentation then after breakfast took our new pet dog named Buck for a walk & after that, I watched the race in it's entirety because not only I recorded it but man we did it! That was totally awesome! Because we're partying like it's 1995!):

Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand have won the 35th America’s Cup.

Another dominant race win for Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand in race nine of the America’s Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton, gave the Kiwi team victory on the Great Sound in Bermuda, sparking wild celebrations on board their America’s Cup Class (ACC) boat, and the team’s support boats on the Great Sound. Burling now adds the 35th America’s Cup to the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup trophy he won in San Francisco, 2013.

The Kiwi team dominated the final stage of the 35th America’s Cup, winning 8 races to ORACLE TEAM USA’s one race win, giving the New Zealanders a final winning scoreline of 7-1.

The America’s Cup was last won by a team representing New Zealand in 2000 and they are now the defenders of the America’s Cup for the 36th installment of the competition for the oldest trophy in international sport.

In the final press conference of the 35th America’s Cup, Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, also announced that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has accepted the challenge of Circolo della Vela Sicilia, who will be the Challenger of Record for the 36th America's Cup and will be represented by Luna Rossa.

America’s Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton

Race 9

Race 9 started with both Emirates Team New Zealand and ORACLE TEAM USA enjoying clean starts and engaged in a drag race to the first mark, the US team edging just ahead but then losing ground to their rivals on the run to the second mark.

Burling was serene at the helm of the Kiwi boat, displaying no nerves as he steered his team towards glory, but Spithill and the ORACLE TEAM USA crew were not giving up, pushing harder than ever to try and take the tie to race ten. However, it was not to be.

By the third mark the Challenge’s lead was up to 26 seconds, increasing further still at the fourth mark, up to 34 seconds, and from that point, barring mistakes by Burling and his all-conquering Emirates Team New Zealand crew, the die was cast.

ORACLE TEAM USA managed to peg back their rivals slightly in the latter stages of the race, but New Zealand sealed their win in impressive style, crossing the finish line for the final time in the 35th America’s Cup 55 seconds ahead of the US team.

Selected quotes from Emirates Team New Zealand, ORACLE TEAM USA and America’s Cup Event Authority

Peter Burling, helmsman, Emirates Team New Zealand:

“We’re just blown away. We came here to win the America’s Cup and right now we’re taking the America’s Cup back home to New Zealand.

“To be able to win eight races in Beautiful Bermuda in front of a big crowd of our own fans is overwhelming, we’re just happy to be able to share this moment with them, we’re just blown away.

“I’ve grown up watching this competition as a fan and to be a Kiwi and taking this Cup home is a dream come true.

“To be able to win this event at such a young age is an unreal feeling. However, I’m just a tiny part of a massive team and it is incredible to be able to reward the hard work of those hundreds of people who have supported us, not only here but back home in New Zealand as well.

“We’ve had to go through some incredibly tough times to get to this point. It has been an incredibly tough path to get past the rest of the challengers and then ORACLE TEAM USA and it’s credit to every team that competed.

“It’s so unique to get to sail these boats, every day they can be different. Our incredible shore team gave us that edge and to be able to reward their hard work and bring this Cup home with us is an amazing feeling.

“It’s just sinking in really and I think that will be the same feeling for all of those Kiwi fans watching us win the America’s Cup back home.

“For me I think the reason we won was because of what happened four years ago. This team has gone through some really tough spots from San Francisco and to be able to reward this team with the America’s Cup is the best feeling, because they are such an incredible team.

“I’d like to say thank you to Bermuda. It has been an amazing venue for a sailing event and I’ve absolutely loved this place, I’d love to come back at some stage.

Glenn Ashby, Skipper, Emirates Team New Zealand:

“It’s just an amazing feeling of satisfaction to have finally won the America’s Cup.

“It has been an incredibly tough journey to get here. We came across late to Bermuda from New Zealand and to be able to get the boat into good shape in such short time is all credit to our amazing team.

“I’m just so proud to be a part of this team and to be able to bring the Cup home and I want to thank the support of the whole country.

“What happened in 2013 was a brutal experience for everyone involved, to be so close was extremely disappointing and is something that will live with all of us for the rest of our lives.

“So to be able to come here a few years later and pull off an unbelievable victory has really redeemed that situation for New Zealand and it feels like justice has prevailed.

“I think we’ve seen some unbelievable advancements here with the boats and the type of races we’ve seen and it’s great for our sport. From a sailing perspective it’s going to be hard to sail anything else after what we’ve seen in these boats, the technology is just absolutely amazing.”

Grant Dalton, CEO, Emirates Team New Zealand:

“We’ve done it, finally!

“We probably don’t realise how big a deal this is back in New Zealand. I’ve been told that there was traffic jams at 4am with people trying to get to work just to see the races, which is utterly incredible.

“We’ve had a phenomenal group of guys, we’ve battled some serious adversity but as a group we’ve overcome everything. There have been a lot of people behind that and none more so than Matteo De Nora, who has stuck with the team through thick and thin and believed in everything that we have done. New Zealand owes a lifetime of gratitude to him for what we have achieved.

“We thought outside of the square and we did it our way. After San Francisco we knew we couldn’t out-spend other teams here so we had to out-think everyone. One of the things to come out of San Francisco is that we were out-designed and we knew this time round that we had to push that area.

“This time round we had no restrictions on design. We just wanted to see what we could come up with and we have achieved some truly amazing things that have been revolutionary in this sport.

“After San Francisco we had a pretty tough debrief and came up with 20 points that we had to change. One of those was that we had to invest in technology and the people that provide it. We also had to get our arms around the next generation of yachtsmen that were coming through and Peter (Burling) was one of those.

“He told me he wanted to be helmsman, so it was all about investing in the right people and giving them the responsibility to go out and achieve what we knew we could.

“It is important that we make the next America’s Cup affordable but we also need to remember that it is the America’s Cup and it is one of the top sports and not a little beach regatta. It is never going to be cheap.

“It is a fine balance between not making it prohibitively expensive, but not being so cheap that it devalues the competition.

“At the core of what we believe, we have to create an event that takes a lot of the good that has happened here, because there been a lot of good here. Just because we didn’t sign the Framework Agreement, that doesn’t mean to say there weren’t elements we didn’t agree with, it was just didn’t agree with every element.

“To me it is a privilege to host the America’s Cup. It is not a right and we will put in place rules and an organisation of our own that will do everything to be good enough.”

Jimmy Spithill, Skipper, ORACLE TEAM USA:

“On behalf of the whole of ORACLE TEAM USA, congratulations to Emirates Team New Zealand. What an incredible team. They’ve been a class above everyone in the 35th America’s Cup and we take our hats off to you. Well done.

“They sailed better than anyone else out here and so, rightly so, they are the 35th America’s Cup champions.

“The defeat hasn’t really sunk in yet and it is definitely weird looking at the trophy and knowing we won’t be taking it home.

“With hindsight there are a lot of things you would like to change but I think it’s far too early to say what might have gone wrong.

“Finally, I want to say, to Bermuda, you’ve welcomed us to your beautiful island and we’ve loved every moment of it. Thank you.”

Sir Russell Coutts, CEO, America’s Cup Event Authority, was quick to acknowledge the first New Zealand victory in the America’s Cup since 2000, saying, “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations and praise to everyone in Emirates Team New Zealand for winning the 35th America’s Cup.

“Helmed brilliantly by Peter Burling, with the guiding influence of skipper Glenn Ashby, supported by a world class sailing, design and shore team, they performed magnificently here in Bermuda, winning in dominant fashion.

“I know just how much this victory means to the team and to the people of New Zealand. This is a remarkable achievement, one that will be rightly celebrated in Bermuda and across New Zealand and I hope those celebrations live long in the memory, much as the team’s victory in Bermuda has now written a new chapter in the history of the America’s Cup. Congratulations Emirates Team New Zealand. You deserve your victory, you deserve the accolades coming your way, and now, you deserve to enjoy it.”

And here is another news report coming from Radio New Zealand:

"We're on top of the world." Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling, 26 - the youngest person to win the race for the America's Cup - put it nicely after comfortably beating Oracle Team USA in the dash for the Auld Mug today.

His syndicate won this morning's first race in Bermuda to give it an emphatic 7-1 win over the holders.

The victory quells the nightmare of four years ago when Team USA's Australian helmsman Jimmy Spithill and his crew turned an 8-1 deficit against Team New Zealand into a 9-8 victory and a successful defence of the oldest trophy in international sport.

Both catamarans started side by side on the start line today, but the Americans got to the first mark with a three second advantage over Team New Zealand.

By the time they reached the end of the second leg, the New Zealanders had turned their deficit into a five second advantage after getting on the inside of Team USA.

Halfway through the third leg, Team New Zealand had extended its lead to over 100m as its superior boat speed in light winds got the better of Spithill.

At the top of the third leg, it had extended to 26 seconds, close to 250m, even though both boats were averaging speeds just over 21 knots.

At gate four, the New Zealanders were 35 seconds ahead by but by the next gate that was cut to 26 seconds after a slightly sloppy gate entry from Burling.

On the final downwind leg, Team New Zealand put the pedal to the metal and ended with a whopping 350m lead and a 55-second victory.

Burling was elated following the win.

"It's just unreal. It's exactly what we came here to do and we're just on top of the world.

"It's been three years of hard work from so many people in this team and this exactly what we came here for."

It was heartache for Team USA's helmsman, Spithill, who fought back the tears while being gracious in defeat.

"What a series. [They] made fewer mistakes and they fully deserve it, so our hats are off to them.

"You've really got to give credit to what an incredible job they've done but let's not forget they also sailed very, very well."

Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said the team had battled serious adversity and had to think outside the square.

"After [the defeat in] San Francisco we knew we couldn't outspend them [Oracle].

"If they outspent us 5 to 1, if they needed to go to 7 to one they would, so we had to out-think them."

San Francisco taught the New Zealanders they were out-designed and they had to "throw the ball out as far as we can and see if we and get to it " and have no restriction on design," he said.

"And just see what we can do here."

It's the first time New Zealand has held the Auld Mug since 2003.

And here is another news report coming straight out of Stuff News:

The America's Cup is coming back to New Zealand.

Four years after falling agonisingly short against Oracle Team USA, Team New Zealand buried the ghosts of San Francisco as they beat the Americans by 55 seconds in race nine to record an emphatic 7-1 series victory.

Having dominated Oracle throughout the battle of Bermuda, the Kiwis went into Monday's (Tuesday NZ time) race in the exact same position as 2013; one win away from glory with a seemingly unassailable lead.

But unlike 2013, there was to be no epic collapse this time around.

Led by cool-headed skipper Glenn Ashby and brilliant young helmsman Peter Burling the Kiwis produced another flawless performance, grabbing the lead in the second leg to once again leave Oracle in their wake.

"I don't think we'd be here without the heartache of San Francisco," said Burling, who was sailing in his first America's Cup campaign.

"It's unreal, this is exactly what we came here to do. I'm just on top of world.

"It's been three years of hard work, probably 100 people working at one time at this goal."

It was a truly remarkable campaign from the Kiwis, who overcame a terrifying capsize in the challenger semifinals to win the Auld Mug for the first time since 2000.

While Burling has been the face of the team, multihull expert Ashby, the only surviving member of the 2013 crew, was the glue that held it together and Burling played tribute to the 39-year-old and the rest of his teammates.

"Obviously he plays massive part in what we do but Blair (Tuke) as well trimming the foils, everyone in whole team," he added. "You can see how much we're all ecstatic about what we managed to achieve here.

"It's going to be a good night."

New Zealand's chief tormentor in San Francisco, Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill again did all he could to unsettle his rivals both on and off the water.

However, the 'Pitbull' was gracious in defeat, conceding that they were simply beaten by the better team.

"We're obviously disappointed but first of all full credit to Team New Zealand, what a series," the Australian said. "They made fewer mistakes and they fully deserve it so our hats are off to them.

"We were obviously focused getting that lead at the first mark and the boys did a great job. But unfortunately they were the quicker boat today downwind for sure. I thought upwind the boats were more competitive but downwind they had the speed."

After two heavy defeats on Sunday (Monday NZ time), Spithill faced questions as whether he would hand the wheel over to tactician Glenn Ashby today.

But while he was on the helm as usual, the 37-year-old said he had not contemplated his future.

"I've just spent so much time and energy really focusing on one day at a time," Spithill said.

"I really want to go and thank the entire team and we'll take it from there."

Having been embarrassed in the starts by Burling on Sunday (Monday NZ time), Spithill cleaned up his act to lead by three seconds at the first mark.

It did not last for long, though, as a crucial gybe from Team NZ saw them overtake the Americans and reach the lay line first at gate two.

While shifty conditions meant no lead was safe, New Zealand made significant gains throughout the third leg to make the turn 26 seconds in front.

In a search for more breeze, the Americans conceded more ground as the teams went upwind for the final time.

Spithill had caused New Zealand problems during the fifth leg in previous races but, while they managed to cut the deficit by 10 seconds, Burling and co remained solid throughout to seal their place in history.

And what do I think of the race? It was astonishing, beautiful & marvelous epic display from Emirates Team New Zealand (Skippered by Australian born Glenn Ashby (Who was the sole survivor of our ill fated campaign at San Francisco in 2013) while London silver medalist & Rio gold medalist Peter Burling (Well he is the Beauden Barrett of sailing because I did not know that Burling hails from Tauranga) is the helmsman but Dean Barker is long gone because he is now the skipper for SoftBank Team Japan who lost to the team we beat in the Louis Vuitton challenger series from Sweden. Artemis (Skippered by Aussie Nathan Outteridge who went overboard during the race) because we beat Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (Who collided with SoftBank Team Japan during the race & not only after Ben Ainslie was called up 4 years ago in San Francisco by Oracle Team USA to replace John Kostecki in order to complete a greatest miracle comeback possible) in the semifinal but we started our America's Cup campaign -1 because Oracle Team USA had a bonus point) there. But commiserations for Oracle Team USA, as they did put up a fair fight for the Auld Mug. Me oh my I have enjoyed that? Yes boy! (In the famous words of former 81 test All Black halfback turned rugby commentator, Justin Marshall...Well it is business as usual but we mustn't look back in anger) But the Australian media claim that Australasia had won the America's Cup because of Glenn Ashby who is an Aussie while fellow Aussie Jimmy Spithill finally claimed to be the loser at all for Oracle Team USA. And how did we improvise the boat to get it repaired after we took a nose dive against Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing? I wonder why because we did overcome & done the damage to the broken foils at any time in Bermuda in which we won the cup in a seriously damaged state.

And the history of the America's Cup goes back to 1851 when the Americans have long held the world's oldest international trophy for 132 years but only 4 nations have won the America's Cup such as the United States, Australia (Who had finally broken through in 1983 by winning the Auld Mug in Newport, Rhode Island, USA), New Zealand (We 1st competed in 1987 in Fremantle, Australia then we 1st won it in 1995 in San Diego, California, USA (You know what yachting commentator Peter Montgomery used to say when we 1st won it: ''The America's Cup...Is now New Zealand's cup'') & we successfully defended it in 2000 in Auckland, New Zealand (Although Montgomery used to say when we successfully defended it: ''The America's Cup! Is still...New Zealand's cup'') & Switzerland (1st won it in 2003 in Auckland & successfully defended it in 2007 in Valencia, Spain because Switzerland was a landlocked country).

And of course the next America's Cup will be held in Auckland in 4 years time actually because we might be taking on the Italians (Matteo de Nora is our team principal at Emirates Team New Zealand) such as Luna Rossa (Even Patrizio Bertelli backed Emirates Team New Zealand all the way as well as former French sailor Bruno Trouble who's heading to New Zealand because we just won & from the likes of both 'Mr America's Cup/Big Bad' Dennis Conner (Once public enemy number 1 in New Zealand along with Kiwi born Wallaby Quade Cooper) & Brad Butterworth (Russell Coutts's old sparring partner) as our challenger of record which will be opened up by other challengers such as Alinghi (Owned by Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli who also backed Emirates Team New Zealand to win the Auld Mug).

And finally I will update on the final midweek game of the New Zealand Lions Series sponsored by DHL between the Hurricanes & the British & Irish Lions tomorrow.

So that is my 120th blog of the year 2017 (MMXVII). Fare thee well.

P.S. And the final midweek game between the Hurricanes & the British & Irish Lions has been played last night but the match ended in a draw so here is the live commentary of the game from Newshub:

Hello (Kia Ora) & welcome to live updates of the Hurricanes hosting the British and Irish Lions at Westpac stadium in Wellington.

We bring you live streaming written commentary, and all the action.

Commentary will start from around 7:30 pm (NZT). In the meantime check out the video above as Chris Boyd talks about being the last Super Rugby team to face the British and Irish Lions.

Lineups

Hurricanes

1. Ben May, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Jeffery To'omaga-Allen, 4. Mark Abbott, 5. Sam Lousi, 6. Vaea Fifita, 7.  Callum Gibbins, 8.  Brad Shields (c), 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10. Otere Black, 11. Julian Savea, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Vince Aso, 14. Nehe Milner-Skudder, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Chris Eves, 18. Mike Kainga, 19. James Blackwell, 20. Reed Prinsep, 21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, 22. Wes Goosen, 23. Cory Jane

Lions

1. Joe Marler, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Dan Cole, 4. Iain Henderson, 5. Courtney Lawes, 6. James Haskell, 7.  Justin Tipuric, 8.  CJ Stander, 9. Greig Laidlaw, 10. Dan Biggar, 11. George North, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 13. Jonathan Joseph, 14. Tommy Seymour, 15. Jack Nowell

Reserves: 16. Kristian Dacey, 17. Allan Dell, 18. Tomas Francis, 19. Cory Hill, 20. George Kruis, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Finn Russell, 23. Leigh Halfpenny

Match facts and stats

Referee: Romain Poite (FRA)

Last time Lions played: All Blacks 30 def Lions 15, June 24, 2017

Last time Hurricanes played:  Chiefs 17 def Hurricanes 14, June 9, 2017

Last time Lions played at Westpac Stadium: All Blacks 48 def Lions 18, July 2, 2005

Lions record in Wellington: Played 30, won 16, lost 12, drawn 2

7:15 pm: SQUAD UPDATE: Kiwi Jared Payne will miss tonight's clash due to headaches. He will be replaced by Leigh Halfpenny.

7:32 pm: Near full capacity in Wellington. The Lions are the first team out onto the field.

7:33 pm: Brad Shields leads the Hurricanes out.

KICKOFF: We are underway in Wellington. The home-side have first use of the ball.

1ST MINUTE: Brad Shields takes the catch from the kickoff. Two plays later Jordie Barrett clears the ball down to Jack Nowell.

2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Hurricanes have possession againand they go wide early and Vinco Aso makes a great run, but on the next play, Jordie Barrett drops the ball and the Lions have the first scrum on the match.

3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Lions win a free-kick at the scrum and Laidlaw takes the quick tap. The Lion struggle to make ground and after two plays, Laidlaw drops the ball at the breakdown and now the Hurricanes have a scrum inside their half.

4TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): From the scrum, the Hurricanes kick and pin the Lions inside the five. They clear the ball and the Canes counter.

5TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another knock on by the home side gives the Lions another scrum, just inside their half.

6TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Massive scrum by the Hurricanes and they turn the ball over. But the referee blows his whistle and it is a penalty to the Lions. Players from both teams start pushing each other.
The Canes were penalised for going in on the angle at the scrum.

7TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Lions kick for touch and have a lineout inside Hurricanes territory.

8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Lions push and get inside the 22. After seven phases, the Lions win a penalty right in front of the posts and they will go for the points.

10TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Dan Biggar kicks the penalty goal and the Lions lead 3-0 in Wellington.

11TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Iain Henderson gets the kick off and powers forwards, making at least 15 metres with the ball. Laidlaw then kicks the ball to Jordie Barrett and he returns fire with a rocket into the heavens.

12TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Back to back penalties to the Lions and they are back inside the 22 again.

13TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Now the Hurricanes win a penalty as the Lions did not release. Both teams start puhsing each other again.

14TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Hurricanes scrum inside their 22, and the Canes run the ball out.

15TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Hurricanes win their first penalty of the match, and Jordie Barrett kick the ball into touch.

16TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Hurricanes attack down the wing and Julian Savea nearly runs into the 22. Two plays later they are 10 metres out.

17TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY LIONS: Against the run of play, the Lions score. Greig Laidlaw intercepts the ball and is chased down, but fellow Scotsman Tommy Seymour is in support and he dives over for his second try of the tour.

18TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Biggar lands the conversion.

19TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Lions thump the ball downfield and Jordie Barrett attacks the line. They then kick the ball downfield into space and Dan Biggar dives on the loose ball. Laidlaw then clears the ball away.

21ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Eight phases now the Lions inside Hurricanes territory.

22ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Lions win another penalty for a dangerous tackle, and they will go for goal 48 metres out.

23RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Dan Biggar lands the penalty goal and the Lions extend the lead in Wellington.

24TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Otere Black attack the line and offloads to Ngani Laumape and he goes on a big run into the Lions 22. Two plays later they attack down the short side but they give the ball away and the Lions clear.

26TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The Lions drop the ball and the Hurricanes have a scrum 22 out from the line. Can they score here?
They win a free kick and Brad Shields takes a quick tap.

28TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY HURRICANES: Callum Gibbins goes over and the Hurricanes score their first points of the game. Nice simple drive over the line to score.

29TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett lands the conversion. The referee was going to check the try but the TMO saw the ball being grounded.

30TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): From the restart, the Hurricanes are penalised for obstruction and the Lions will go for the 3 points.

31ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Another penalty goal to Dan Biggar and the Lions lead 16-7.

33RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Leigh Halfpenny goes to clear the ball, but slips in doing so and the ball doesn't go far. The Hurricanes are right back on the attack, but drop the ball and the Lions have possession.

34TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Laidlaw clears the ball and Julian Savea missed the ball and it is dropped by Callum Gibbins. The Lions attack and then the referee stops play. The Lions win another penalty, but a poor kick by Dan Biggar keeps the ball in play.

35TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jack Nowell attacks down the wing and he throws the ball back infield and it bounces off the chest of a fellow teammate and the Hurricanes clear.

36TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY LIONS: George North is over under the posts. Leigh Halfpenny jumps for the high ball and the ball bounces and George North gathers the ball and runs over. The Hurricanes are in unfamiliar territory in Wellington.

37TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another conversion goes over for the Lions. They lead 23-7.

39TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lions clear th ball after A Hurricanes mistake. The homeside counter and now they have a penalty advantage.

40TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Julian Savea with a nice run and the Hurricanes are inside the 22. Next play the referee comes back for the penalty advantage, They will kick for touch and have a line out.

41ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another penalty to the Hurricanes for being offside at the maul. The Hurricanes will go for another line out.

HALFTIME: Great defence by the Lions and they win the penalty. They go into the sheds leading the Super Rugby champions 23-7. This is some poor rugby by the Hurricanes. I must admit. They don't look anything like the defending Super Rugby champions.

40TH MINUTE: The second half is underway in Wellington. The Lions have first use of the ball.

41ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): TRY HURRICANES: Only a minute in and it looks like a new Hurricanes team. Ngani Laumape goes over after a fantastic run. Julian Savea gets put into a gaping hole and the new All Blacks midfielder scoots over smashing Dan Biggar in the process.

42ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett kicks the conversion.

43RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Messy play by both teams and now the home side has a scrum just inside Lions territory.

44TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Now the Hurricanes win a penalty. Finn Russell is now on the field for the Lions as Dan Biggar goes for a HIA

46TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Jordie Barrett takes a shot at goal from 45 out, but it goes wide.

47TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Dan Biggar comes back onto the field. That did not last long for Finn who has made his Lions debut. Hurricanes scrum 22 out from the line.

48TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Hurricanes throw the ball around and a pass goes to the ground but the referee was playing an advantage. Both sides start pushing each other around again. The Hurricanes are not happy as the Lions keep throwing the ball away.

49TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL HURRICANES: A rare penalty goal by the Hurricanes and now the Lions lead by six points.

50TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi goes to clear the ball and Iain Henderson reads the play perfectly and charges the kick down. Lions now 10 out with a penalty advantage.

51ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), YELLOW HARD HURRICANES: Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi goes to the bin for a high shot, & coming in from a offside position.

52ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Dan Biggar kicks the penalty goal. Lions leading 26-17.

53RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Lions kick the ball high and Jordie Barrett drops the ball and guess who?? Iain Henderson has the ball and the Lions are five out from the line.

54TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Iain Henderson goes over the line and the Lions claim a try. TMO George Ayoub will take a look.
No clear evidence to award the try means the Lions have a scrum 5 out. Plus they have a 1 man advantage.

55TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY LIONS: Tommy Seymour goes over for his second of the nights. Nice simply play, the Lions catch the Canes napping and have the overlap out wide and the American-born, Scotland international goes over for his 3rd try of the tour.

57TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Both sides making changes as we approach the last quarter of the match. Hurricanes have a scrum.

58TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Otere Black goes for a run following the scrum. They are making ground, but not much.

59TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Hurricanes turn the ball over and the Lions clear. Canes scrum on the halfway line.

61ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Ngani Laumape finds some space, but the Lions win the race to the ball. The ball goes into touch and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi returns to the field.

62ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): George North goes over for his second but the referees want to check it. But they don't have to go to the TMO cause George Ayoub said North had his foot in touch.

63RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): North put his foot on the line. Very unlucky.

65TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Now the TMO is back in play as they want to check for potential foul play.
YELLOW CARD LIONS: Iain Henderson was playing his way into a Test jersey, but now any chances of that appear to be over. Very dangerous tackle by the Irish lock lifting Jordie Barrett over the horizontal.

66TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Hurricanes kick the ball into touch and now are inside the 22.

67TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): TRY HURRICANES: We have a ball game on our hands in Wellington. The Hurricanes attack close then, Jordie Barrett gets the ball, throws the ball over the top and Wes Goosen goes over for the home team. Barrett kicks the goal and the Lions lead by 7.

69TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Hurricanes are right back on the attack inside the 22.

70TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Vaea Fifita goes over and the Hurricanes claim the try. They look confident but the TMO wants to have a look.
TRY HURRICANES: TIE GAME IN WELLINGTON 31-31. The try is given. What a turn around this has been by the Hurricanes.

72ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Big mistake by Leigh Halfpenny who drops the ball inside Lions territory. They Canes have all the momentum with a one-man advantage.

74TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The Canes are 15 out from the line. But a bad pass and they Hurricanes are now 22 out with 6 minutes to go.

75TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): 11 phases and still 22 metres out. The Hurricanes trying to win a penalty.

76TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jordie Barrett nearly breaks through. 19 phases now and 10 out.

77TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): But now we are going up to the TMO for a neck roll by one of the Hurricanes players.
It is a penalty and the Lions have the chance to clear the ball.
The Hurricanes go over the line after 23 phases, but they drop the ball. 3 minutes to go. Iain Henderson is back on.

78TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Lions drive forward and are inside Hurricanes territory. They are 40 out.

79TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Final minute. 35 out and 10 phases down. The Lions are slowly making ground.
Turnover to the Hurricanes. The Lions were 22 out and Sam Lousi wins the turnover.

80TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Hurricanes scrum.

81ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Hurricanes run out the 22, but Dan Biggar turns the ball over.

FULLTIME: Dan Biggar goes for the drop goal which goes under the posts and the ball goes out. 31-31 is the final score. The Hurricanes trailed 23-7 at the break and tied it up. What a match.

HURRICANES 31 - 31 LIONS

And the All Blacks have named their team against the British & Irish Lions for the 2nd test at Westpac Stadium in Wellington so here is the starting lineup:

1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Hawke's Bay/Chiefs)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Canterbury/Crusaders)
6 (Blindside Flanker): Jerome Kaino (Auckland/Blues)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sam Cane (Bay Of Plenty/Chiefs)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
12 (Second five eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Counties Manukau/Blues)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato/Chiefs)
14 (Right Wing): Waisake Naholo (Taranaki/Highlanders)
& 15 (Fullback): Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay/Crusaders)

And in the reserves are Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden (Who had won his place ahead of Lima Sopoaga) & Ngani Laumape (Who will make his test debut tomorrow on the bench).

And the Lions have also named their team to take on the All Blacks this Saturday:

1 (Loose head prop): Mako Vunipola (England/Saracens)
2 (Hooker): Jamie George (England/Saracens)
3 (Tight head prop): Tadhg Furlong (Ireland/Leinster)
4 (Lock): Alun Wyn Jones (Wales/Ospreys)
5 (Lock): Maro Itoje (England/Saracens)
6 (Blinside Flanker): Sam Warburton (Captain, Wales/Cardiff Blues)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sean O'Brien (Ireland/Leinster)
8 (Number 8): Taulupe Faletau (Wales/Bath (England)
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Conor Murray (Ireland/Munster)
10 (First five eighth/Fly-half): Jonathan Sexton (Ireland/Leinster)
11 (Left Wing): Elliot Daly (England/Wasps)
12 (Second five eighth/Inside Centre): Owen Farrell (England/Saracens)
13 (Centre/Outside Centre): Jonathan Davies (Wales/Scarlets)
14 (Right Wing): Anthony Watson (England/Bath)
& 15 (Fullback): Liam Williams (Wales/Scarlets)

And in the reserves are Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, CJ Stander, Rhys Webb, Ben Te'o & Jack Nowell.

And a stranded British & Irish Lions fan named Alex Edwards (Actually he was born in England) may have claimed to have stayed at Akira & Rieko (Well I label Rieko Ioane as the Lions slayer because he was a 2 try hero in the 1st test) Ioane's parents home (The parents are former Samoan international Eddie Ioane (Who played at the 1991 Rugby World Cup) & his wife is Sandra Wihongi (An ex-Black Fern) by accident when he spent a night on the couch & not only because he was invited by both of them whose accommodation in Auckland fell through the night before the Lions played the Blues on the 6th of June.

And finally there are several email messages coming through but the 1st one is from Kathryn:

Dear Whetu

I didn't watch it but Ken watched all of it. He loved it. I gather it was very exciing. Yes we did win the Auld Mug. Did you watch it?

And the 2nd one is from Aunty Tania (I had a chat to her today so I told Buck about it):

Dear Whetu

Thank you for your email - what brilliant news!!!!  I have seen it on stuff news too, but I haven't been able to watch any of the racing - and I love watching the Americas Cup races.  Totally brilliant that NZ won and what a thrashing they gave.

How are you and Pops doing?  Are you enjoying having a dog?  He looks really cute.  We have been really busy, but I hope to call you guys this weekend if I manage to get hold of you.

Thanks for your email - I can hear your excitement in your words - love it.

Love and hugs
Aunty Tania (and your friend, Giuseppe sends a big bonjour too)

And the 3rd one is from my American colleague Diana Kent:

Dear Whetu,

I didn't watch the America's Cup, but saw on the news later that the Emirates team had won. Because I love New Zealand as well as the USA I get to be happy when either wins!

Congratulations N.Z.!

And the last one is from Cathey's daughter & my cousin, Paige Williams (I told Buck that Paige is my cousin as well as her mother Cathey Middelplaats is my biological aunty yesterday). So here's the message in it's full entirety:

Hi Whetu,

I saw that we won how awesome is that!

I'm going to the all blacks game tomorrow  so make sure you look out for me :)

How are you going and what are you getting up to this weekend?

Love Paige xx

How You Remind Me/Under The Bridge: The 2017 British & Irish Lions rugby tour report episode 7: All Blacks (1st test), 2017 mid year rugby union internationals week 3 review & The Formula 1 report episode 8: Azerbaijan

Well, I have now broken the record for most blogs in a month so this blog is about the 1st test between our very own world champion All Blacks taking on the British & Irish Lions in the 1st test at Eden Park as well as the reviews of both the 3rd & final week of the mid year rugby union internationals & the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

But 1st it's the All Blacks tackling the British & Irish Lions in the 1st of 3 tests at Eden Park in Auckland so here is the live commentary from Newshub:

Hello and welcome to live updates of the All Blacks hosting the British and Irish Lions in the first of three Test matches at Eden Park in Auckland.

We bring you live streaming written commentary and all the action as it happens in the first Test of this most anticipated series.

Live coverage will begin from 7.15pm with the game expected to kick off at  7:30 pm (NZT).

Lineups

All Blacks

1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Jerome Kaino,7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Ryan Crotty, 14. Israel Dagg, 15. Ben Smith

Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Charlie Faumuina,19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21.TJ Perenara, 22. Aaron Cruden/Lima Sopoaga, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

Lions

1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Jamie George, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Alun Wyn Jones, 5. George Kruis, 6. Peter O’Mahony (c), 7. Sean O’Brien, 8. Taulupe Faletau , 9. Conor Murray, 10. Owen Farrell 11. Elliot Daly, 12. Ben Te’o, 13. Jonathan Davies, 14. Anthony Watson, 15. Liam Williams

Reserves:16. Ken Owens, 17. Jack McGrath, 18. Kyle Sinckler,19. Maro Itoje, 20. Sam Warburton, 21. Rhys Webb, 22. Johnny Sexton, 23. Leigh Halfpenny

Match facts and stats

Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)

Sideline officials: Romain Poite (FRA) and Jérôme Garcès (FRA)

Review officials: George Ayoub (AUS)

Past meetings

Series won: Played 11, All Blacks 10, Lions 1

Head to head: Played 38, All Blacks 29, Lions 6, drawn 3

Last time played: All Blacks 38 def Lions 19, July 9 2005

Last time Lions beat New Zealand: Lions 20 def All Blacks 7, June 26, 1993

7.15pm: The time has come! Thank you so much for joining me for this titanic clash.

7.16pm: Conditions have improved in Auckland over the last 3 hours – looks to be a dry track at the Garden of Eden (AKA The Fortress Of Misery).

7.18pm: An unbelievable sea of red has invaded Eden Park tonight..it's very much a fever pitch atmosphere..I have goose-bumps right now and the game is still 12 minutes away!

7.20pm: No late changes to report – there had been a rumour about Auckland today that Owen Farrell would be a late scratching but he warmed up fine so everything appears as advertised.

7.23pm: Players have headed back into the changing rooms for final instructions – this game just has a different feel about it doesn't it..it's world cup final like….the closer it has got to gameday – the more the feeling the visitors are a chance at pulling off a miracle..remember 1994? That was the last time the ABs lost at Eden Park..against France (The late Jonah Lomu's 2nd test match including that try from the end of the world as we know it way back).

7.25pm: And it took one of the greatest tries of all time to beat us that day if memory serves…the try from the end of the world or something like that.

7.27pm: Have to give it up to both coaches for taking a few risks in selection..not too many people had Julian Savea out of their Test team and Liam Williams, Sean O'Brien and Elliot Daly have earned their spots for the visitors with great from on tour.

7.28pm: A guard of honour form the reserves and non-playing squad members as the Lions make their way out onto Eden Park…a team united? I believe so.

7.29pm: Kieran Read leads out the double world champions…a slow deliberate walk at that. A few boos ring out..interesting…..

7.31pm: And your match officials….Jaco Peyper with the whistle…Romain Poite and Jerome Garces his assistants (And the TMO is George Ayoub)….it's national anthem time.

7.32pm: Pretty sure I just saw Ben Te'o mouthing the words to God Defend New Zealand……

7.33pm: Great job by the crowd backing up Moses Makai –he smashed the anthem out of the park..awesome..here comes the haka!!

7.35pm: It's Kapo o pango for the ABs..led by TJ Perenara

7.36pm: Okay – that was awesome!! I'm pumped and ready for war!

KICK OFF: Here we go folks..it's Beauden Barrett with the start…deep into Lions territory and Faletau will bring it back.

1ST MINUTE: Early penalty..Aaron Smith pinged at the ruck…Lions lineout on the ABs 10m line.

2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Good solid play from the BIR start..Johnathan Davies busts through the midfield and gets the ball away to Conor Murray..great tackle from Cane…Farrell away to Daly and he may have crashed over in the corner..up to the TMO who says no try..Dagg with a great tackle..try-saver.

3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Penalty All Blacks..BIR offside at the ruck..Barrett clears tp the ABs 10m line.

4TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Great box kick from Smith..Daly takes it well and gets smashed by read on his 22. Murray replies with a kick of his own that Barrett cleans up nicely. ABs 10m inside BIR territory.

5TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Knock-on Lions on halfway..a wayward grubber from Barrett but Murray can't collect it..ABs scrum.

7TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Aaron Smith turns the ball over inside the Lions 22..Farrell with a lovely kick down field but Dagg replies with a monster kick himself..Lineout BIR on ABs 10m line.

9TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Ben Smith knocks on from a Murray box kick and the Lions go on the attack but it's lost by Te'o..Aaron Smith with a great kick from the ruck..finds touch on the Lions 22.

11TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Another box kick from Murray but Dagg swallows it well…ABs go on attack inside Lions territory..making good ground the forwards…SBW with a nice run in midfield. Lions defence holding up at this stage.

12TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Cross kick from Barrett..Watson climbs up like Superman and plucks it out of thin air..Dagg would have scored for sure. Watson clears but the ABs take it quickly.

13TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Good attack from the ABs…Faletau is penalised for being offside at ruck time..Barrett will take a shot here from a handy spot.

14TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL ALL BLACKS: Barrett makes no mistake..ABs get the semi-early lead.

16TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Brilliant from Retallick..on his feat at the tackle on Jamie George….Lions hooker can't get the ball back and the ABs get a scrum on halfway.

17TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): ABs offloads causing the BIR a ton of problems early..Moody and Crotty in that this movement..All Blacks on attack on the Lions 10m line..11 phases.

18TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS, CODIE TAYLOR: Wow! What a pick up from his boot laces..Lions penalised for slowing the ball down..Aaron Smith takes it quickly…Barrett with the long pass out to Taylor who does wonderfully well and crashes over in the corner..ABs running the Lions ragged…Barrett smokes it over from the sideline. 10-0.

20TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Now the big question..can the Lions chase a game rather than squeeze it.

22ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lions have a midfield scrum after Barrett is smashed in the tackle by Te'o

23RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another box kick that Smith knocks back this time..Sean O'Brien penalised for holding on at the breakdown..Penalty ABs on their own 10m line.

24TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Sam Cane did a great job over the ball there..game comes to a stop..Joe Moody getting some treatment..Lions thank him for the rest.

25TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): An SBW knock on leads to some helter skelter play..Murray with the kick that Barrett can't clean up well..he throws the ball to Dagg who evades Daly…..Loose from the All Blacks until Aaron Smith clobbers the ball down field..great kick from Smith..Lineout Lions on their own 10m line..George down with an injury now.

26TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Turnover for the Lions..Ben Smith took the high ball well but O'Brien gets the turnover…Alun-Wyn Jones loses it forward and the ABs looking to counter..good defence from the BIR..charge down from Furlong off the back of a Smith box kick..but he knocks it on trying to collect..Ben Smith doesn't look to good..getting looked at by the trainers.

28TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): HIA spell for Ben Smith…Cruden on..Barrett to fullback.

29TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Big chance for the Lions..Cross-kick from Farrell..Daly collects it out of Daggs hands..Daly beats the tackler but loses the ball whilst trying to put Davies under the posts..cover tackle from Dagg. They have a lineout though as that was under advantage..20m out.

30TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): All Blacks offside at the ruck..Owen Franks..Farrell will have a shot from in front.

31ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Farrell throws it over..Lions get on the board.

33RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Superb kick off from Cruden and the ABs get the ball back..Read makes a break..gets the ball away to Crotty…Aaron Smith milks a penalty..playing under advantage…Crotty's night looks done..hamstring…ALB will come on..Barrett will have a shot.

34TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL ALL BLACKS: Barrett makes no mistake..feel really gutted for Ryan Crotty…and the ABs could be in trouble if Ben Smith fails his concussion test. 10 point lead restored.

35TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Ben Smith won't be back.

36TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY LIONS, BRILLIANT, SEAN O'BRIEN: Counter attack at its absolute best..Williams from inside his 22 ghosts through some poor ABs midfield defence...Barrett makes the tackle but he gets the ball away to Daly who draws Dagg…Davies to the corner but great cover from Barrett again but O'Brien goes over from the offload..sensational play..Farrell can't add the two.

39TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Lions with a good spell of possession…but Cane win a turnover and the ABs go onto the counter..clock ticking down..All Blacks now inside Lions territory as Retallick busts through the middle…but Dagg knocks it on and Conor Murray smashes it into touch and we are done for the first half..Phew!! what a 40 minutes.

HALFTIME: Well that lived up to the hype didn't it…Lions started with a roar (Pun intended) but couldn't out the ABs away..the world champions took control and the Lions were in trouble after 35 minutes down 13-3 but then Liam Williams sparked a move that produced one of the best counter attack tries you will ever see….it's game on at Eden Park..be back in 10 minutes!!

2ND HALF: A compelling 1st half – that was totally worth the hype…both teams had their moments but the ABs do look good with ball in hand…no Ben Smith or Ryan Crotty remember..Owen Farrell gets the game back underway…no changes for the Lions.

41ST MINUTE: Elliot Daly climbed high above Rieko Ioane to claim the kick off but knocked it on I the tackle..scrum ABs on their own 22.

42ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Te'o with a tip tackle on SBW – pretty close call for mine..Lineout to the ABs on the Lions 10m line.

43RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): SBW loses the ball in midfield and here goes the Lions on the counter..Davies breaks free and Williams should score but he's pulled down by Aaron Smith..the shift it and look certain to score but Te'o slips..penalty for offside and Farrell kicks for touch! Lineout 5m for the visitors.

45TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lions make a mess of that…O'Brien losses the ball forward..Dagg with a big kick down field..Williams will counter..gets the ball to Watson who skips past four would be defenders..good cover from Whitelock and he loses the ball forward...end to end stuff…Lions must make the most of these chances. Ardie Savea on for Sam Cane.

47TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Another All Blacks mistake..Sam Cane this time…it was Kaino who came off for Savea..great play from Aaron Smith sets Ioane free down the touchline..they shift the ball into midfield where Cane loses it..great tackle from O'Mahony. Scrum Lions on theor own 22. Itoje on for Alun-Wyn Jones.

49TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Rain is pelting down at the moment. Lions with the ball just inside their own half as Murray with another box kick but it's too far and Barrett clears.

51ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Cross kick from Cruden..It's straight to Watson but he can't handle and the ball heads into touch..ABs take it quickly.

52ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): SBW with the grubber that is collected well by Liam Williams but his kick is awful and the ABs have a lineout on the Lions 10m line.

53RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): All Blacks not making too many dents here..SBW with a nice little run but can't offload…12 phases so far..Te'o goes for an intercept but knocks the ball on..that would have been curtains.. a dead set 7 pointer.

55TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS, RIEKO IOANE: TMO will look at a possible knock on from Read. No knock on at the base of the scrum…All Blacks playing under penalty advantage…Smith with a bullet pass out to Cruden..huge number…Dagg finds Ioane and he crashes over..ABs only chance of the half and they score..clinical. Barrett adds the 2-points. Tough road back now for the visitors.

58TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Mistake from George Kruis in midfield..that was not good. Scrum ABs on halfway…Big 10 mins coming up now…ABs could put the game to bed with the next score.

59TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): A ton of replacements on the park now..Sexton, Warburton and a new front row for the Lions….All Blacks have called on Perenara, and both replacement props.

60TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL ALL BLACKS: All Blacks hot on attack..great ball retention…Savea goes close..playing under advantage for offside play and an SBE knock on leads to Barrett knocking over the 3-points…15-point lead.

62ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Watson makes a mistake inside his own half..wayward pass from  Farrell to be fair..All Blacks have a scrum 25m out..they are squeezing the Lions tonight.

65TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): All Blacks go close again..relentless from the All Black ball runners…Barrett almost gets there but loses the ball forward…that was all under advantage though..penalty for the ABs and they will opt for the lineout 5m.

66TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Nothing comes of that..Itoje with a superb leap at the lineout..Murray clears..Lineout ABs on the Lions 10m line.

67TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Lions earn a penalty..Sam Cane tackling a player off the ball..lineout for the lions on the ABs 5m..They must score a 7-pointer here.

69TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Sam Whitelock with the lineout steal this time but Perenara's clearing kick is charged..it floats into touch..defensive scrum for the ABs.

70TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS, RIEKO IOANE: TJ with the box kick..Davies makes a mess of it..Ioane picks it up an runs away from two defenders to score the game-sealer. Great stuff. Barrett stays perfect with the boot…30-8 now.

73RD MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): The scoreline doesn't reflect how close this could and should have been..Lions had three chances in the opening 10 mins of the 2nd half but weren't good enough to put the All Blacks away…

76TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): The atmosphere has been drained out of Eden Park by the last 20 minutes…The All Blacks just too good..game getting a little messy..interesting penalty count…11-6 to the All Blacks.

78TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lions on attack inside the ABs 22..Watson looking dangerous everytime he touches the ball..Barrett goes for the intercept but he knocks it on..scrum on the ABs 22 for the visitors.

79TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Final play coming up..lineout 5m for the Lions..they will look to finish on a positive note.

81ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY LIONS, RHYS WEBB: That was well done..good lineout drive..a couple pick and goes and then the replacement halfback crashes over to score the Lions second try..Farrell adds the 2 and the game has ended in true fashion.

FULL TIME: 3 tries to 2 in the end..but a comfortable win on the scoreboard for the world champions....the big difference in the game was All Blacks ability to finish their limited chances and also Barrett's goal kicking was on-point. the Lions would be very frustrated at their lack of ability to finish chances..they probably should have scored two in the first 10 of the second forty but couldn't get the job done and their discipline was awful....great game and the Lions are not out of this series my any means. thanks for your company tonight.

FINAL SCORE: All Blacks 30 British and Irish Lions 15

And what do I think of that game? It was brilliant! Absolutely brilliant from the All Blacks. Thoroughly deserved it, I quite liked it especially the 2 try hero, Reiko Ioane because he took Julian Savea's place on the left wing.

And in other international rugby news such as Wales getting their 1st win against Samoa in 6 years at Apia Park in Apia followed by Fiji winning against Scotland by 5 points (That was Scotland's 1st defeat under new Scotland coach Gregor Townsend after winning against both Italy in Singapore & Australia in Sydney) while the Wallabies beat Italy in convincing fashion a week after losing to Scotland at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane then the Springboks have clean swept France 3 - 0 in the test series after winning 35 - 12 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg & the Agustin Creevy led Argentina took on Georgia with a win.

And finally, Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) AKA Danny Ric/The Honey Badger has surprisingly won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in true style (He had to start 10th on the grid after he crashed during qualifying) after he took the lead from championship leader Sebastian Vettel (Germany) who had been pinged by the stewards for dangerous driving so he had to serve a 10 second stop & go penalty for that ruining his chances for a race win (Although Vettel could be suspended because he might be facing disciplinary action with his title aspirations gone up in smoke not only he may be highly controversial just like the glory days of his idol Michael Schumacher) while pole sitter Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) had led the race but he labelled his rival as a disgrace to the sport after Vettel ran into him twice during the 3rd safety car period ending his hopes of winning the race from the pole while Valtteri Bottas (Finland) finishes 2nd after beating young rookie Lance Stroll (Canada) just before crossing the finish line while Stroll did get his 1st podium finish by becoming the youngest driver on the podium at 18.

And here's the points standings for both the drivers & constructors but 1st here's the drivers standings:

1st: Sebastian Vettel (Germany, Ferrari), 153 points
2nd: Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain, Mercedes), 139 points
3rd: Valtteri Bottas (Finland, Mercedes), 111 points
4th: Daniel Ricciardo (Australia, Red Bull Racing TAG Heuer), 92 points
5th: Kimi Raikkonen (Finland, Ferrari), 73 points
6th: Max Verstappen (The Netherlands, Red Bull Racing TAG Heuer), 45 points
7th: Sergio Perez (Mexico, Force India Mercedes), 44 points
8th: Esteban Ocon (France, Force India Mercedes), 35 points
9th: Carlos Sainz (Spain, Toro Rosso), 25 points
10th: Felipe Massa (Brazil, Williams Mercedes), 20 points
11th: Nico Hulkenberg (Germany, Renault), 18 points
12th: Lance Stroll (Canada, Williams Mercedes), 17 points
13th: Kevin Magnussen (Denmark, Haas Ferrari), 11 points
14th: Romain Grosjean (France, Haas Ferrari), 10 points
15th: Pascal Wehrlein (Germany, Sauber Ferrari), 5 points
16th: Daniil Kvyat (Russia, Toro Rosso), 4 points
17th: Fernando Alonso (Spain, McLaren Honda), 2 points

And then the constructors to wrap up the Formula 1 report:

1st: Mercedes (Germany), 250 points
2nd: Ferrari (Italy), 226 points
3rd: Red Bull Racing TAG Heuer (Austria), 137 points
4th: Force India Mercedes (India), 79 points
5th: Williams Mercedes (Great Britain), 37 points
6th: Toro Rosso (Italy), 33 points
7th: Haas Ferrari (USA), 21 points
7th: Renault (France), 18 points
9th: Sauber Ferrari (Switzerland), 5 points
10th: McLaren Honda (Great Britain), 2 points

So that is my 119th blog of the year 2017 (MMXVII).

P.S. And the 8th classic car of the F1 2017 game is unveiled along with the 1992 Williams FW14B which is the 1996 Williams FW18 because it was driven by both Damon Hill (Great Britain) & Jacques Villeneuve (Canada).

And finally the Lions have named their team to tackle the defending Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes in their final mid week game tomorrow:

1 (Loose head prop): Joe Marler (England/Harlequins)
2 (Hooker): Rory Best (Captain, Ireland/Ulster)
3 (Tight head prop): Dan Cole (England/Leicester Tigers)
4 (Lock): Iain Henderson (Ireland/Ulster)
5 (Lock): Courtney Lawes (England/Northampton Saints)
6 (Blinside Flanker): James Haskell (England/Wasps)
7 (Openside Flanker): Justin Tipuric (Wales/Ospreys)
8 (Number 8): CJ Stander (Ireland/Munster)
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Greig Laidlaw (Scotland/Gloucester (England)
10 (First five eighth/Fly-half): Dan Biggar (Wales/Ospreys)
11 (Left Wing): George North (Wales/Northampton Saints (England)
12 (Second five eighth/Inside Centre): Robbie Henshaw (Ireland/Leinster)
13 (Centre/Outside Centre): Jonathan Joseph (England/Bath)
14 (Right Wing): Tommy Seymour (Scotland/Glasgow Warriors)
& 15 (Fullback): Jack Nowell (England/Exeter Chiefs)

And in the reserves are Kristian Dacey, Allan Dell, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, George Kruis, Gareth Davies, Finn Russell & Jared Payne.

Country Song/Driven Under/Keep The Dogs At Bay/No Resolution: The 2017 British & Irish Lions rugby tour report episode 6: Chiefs & Azerbaijan Grand Prix preview

Well, the British & Irish Lions finally win a mid week game at last (And isn't the Lions coach Warren Gatland proud, eh? Against the team being coached by Dave Rennie (Although he is leaving after this year's Super Rugby season), this time against the Chiefs last night at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton so here's the live commentary according to Newshub:

Kia ora and welcome to live updates of the Chiefs hosting the British and Irish Lions at FMG Stadium in the Tron.

We bring you live streaming written commentary & all the action.

Commentary will start from around 7:30 pm (NZT).

Lineups

Chiefs

15.Shaun Stevenson, 14.Toni Pulu, 13.Tim Nanai-Williams, 12.Johnny Fa'auli, 11.Solomon Alaimalo, 10.Stephen Donald (c), 9.Finlay Christie, 8.Tom Sanders, 7.Lachlan Boshier, 6.Mitchell Brown, 5.Michael Allardice, 4.Dominic Bird, 3.Nepo Laulala, 2.Liam Polwart, 1.Siegried Fisi'ihoi.

Reserves: 16.Hikawera Elliot, 17.Aidan Ross, 18.Atu Moli, 19.Liam Messam, 20.Mitchell Karpik, 21.Jonathan Taumateine, 22.Luteru Laulala, 23.Chase Tiatia.

Lions

15.Liam Williams, 14.Jack Nowell, 13.Jared Payne, 12.Robbie Henshaw, 11.Elliot Daly, 10.Dan Biggar, 9.Greig Laidlaw, 8.CJ Stander, 7.Justin Tipuric, 6.James Haskell, 5.Courtney Lawes, 4.Iain Henderson, 3.Dan Cole, 2.Rory Best (c), 1.Joe Marler.

Reserves: 16.Kristian Dacey, 17.Allan Dell, 18.Tomas Francis, 19.Cory Hill, 20.Alun Wyn Jones, 21.Gareth Davies, 22.Finn Russell, 23.Tommy Seymour.

Match facts and stats

Referee: Jerome Garces

7.15pm: Kia ora all and welcome to a rocking FMG Stadium - it's been a beautiful day and it's great conditions underfoot. Can't wait to see the Beaver lead the boys out onto the park, about 20 minutes away from kick off, don't go anywhere.

7.25pm: Both teams off the field now. It's already extremely loud with the Lions fans making the bulk of the noise - they certainly bring something different. A packed ground with some good and hard running, threatening to be a cracker!

7.31pm: Love to hear the cowbells as both teams are welcomed to the field. So many red jerseys in the crowd, looks like a few plane loads have arrived this week.

7.32pm: Chiefs to present their challenge to the Lions with Hika Elliot leading the haka.

7.34pm: No one leads a haka better than Hika Elliot. Absolutely incredible energy and the challenge has well and truly been laid out for the Lions. The Lions fans in the crowd then start a chant of their own in response

KICKOFF: Dan Biggar gets us underway and the Chiefs and Finlay Christie is taken straight away but does well to recover and Donald hammers a kick onto the Lions side of halfway.

2 MINUTES LATER: Christie takes a quick kick from Biggar but he's taken in the air. A few hitups from the Chiefs and Donald drills it into the corner. However the ref comes back for advantage from the tackle in the air and it's a penalty to the Chiefs. A solid start by the home side. Donald puts the ball out 15m out from the Lions line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions win the lineout through Courtney Lawes and the Lions clear well to the half way line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs win the lineout and go midfield but Lachlan Boshier is caught high by the Lions and they win a turnover after the maul. Good defense by the Lions.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs looked to be getting done over in that scrum but the Lions play on and the Chiefs hold. It's Lions ball on their own 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: The Chiefs do well and left winger Solomon Alaimalo takes a very good high kick by Greig Laidlaw. But Shaun Stevenson puts it out on the full and it's Lions lineout on the Chiefs 10m line. Ref warns the Chiefs about blocking players.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions make a mini break through James Haskell and they're on attack on the Chiefs 22m line. Lions going side to side but they're determined to run it.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions about 10m out and they're keeping the ball in hand very well but the Chiefs are letting them run at them. The chant of Lions goes up around the ground. They've gone 20 phases before the ball's put down. The ref was playing advantage though and it's right in front.

1 MINUTE LATER: Kick is thrown over by Biggar. A really good start by the tourists but they're inability to convert good opportuities into tries could be telling this tour.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions take the kick off well and clear through a Laidlaw box kick - not a very good kick though and the Chiefs have a good opportunity to attack.

2 MINUTES LATER: Chiefs attacking well about 30m out and they can't breach this defense. Once again a very quick line by the Lions. Could come back for an illegal tackle by the Lions but the Chiefs knock on. TMO referral by the referee.
Joe Marler could be in trouble here, verr late and no arms - looking like a yellow.
YELLOW CARD: Good call by the ref there and no argument from captain Rory Best. However not good news for the Chiefs either with Toni Pulu receiving treatment on a leg injury and the medicab is on the field. Chase Tiatia comes on as his replacement.
Big break in play while the medicab is on, no one likes to see this.
Chiefs go for the corner and drive it into the corner. Forgoing the shot at goal - a risky call.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs take the lineout into a maul but CJ Stander does extremely well - coming straight through the middle and wrapping the ball up. Lions earn the turnover scrum about 7 metres out.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions win a scrum penalty. The Chiefs flankers a little too eager to detach and they let go of the weight. Not a very good decision by the Chiefs forwards there. Lions clear down to the half way, well done by Biggar.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions try and do a blind side move and they make about 15m through Elliot Daly but he's met by a very strong tackle by Alaimalo. Lions win a sloppy lineout by the Chiefs and are on attack about 25m out. Lions win a penalty at the breakdown, Chiefs player not rolling away. A shot at goal coming.

2 MINUTES LATER: Game has kinda fizzled out and Biggar knocks over another penalty. This is what the Lions do, just keep the board ticking over.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs charge down a kick from the Lions ruck and they win the ball just outside the Lions 22m. A little grubber from Donald is taken out by a Lions player and it's a Chiefs lineout inside the Lions 22.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs win a penalty at the breakdown as the Lions fail to roll away. Ref has a double blow on the whistle but calls a Chiefs player over to warn him. "Calm down you speak too much" ref Jerome Garces says. Chiefs line up the sticks right in front.

1 MINUTE LATER: Donald slots it and the Chiefs get on the board.

1 MINUTE LATER: Finlay Christie makes a brilliant break from the kick but the ball is back on the Chiefs 22 line after a couple of phases and Michael Allardyce drops the ball cold... Lions midfield attacking scrum on the Chiefs 22m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Solid scrum there but the Lions knock the ball on in the second phase and then Christie knocks the ball on. Both sides letting up there. Scrum Chiefs on their own 22.

1 MINUTE LATER: Marler comes back on, a 3-3 score while he was off. Tim Nanai Williams has a little chip kick after the scrum and the Lions have the ball on the Chiefs 10m but kick it out on the full. A weird phase of play there.
Chiefs knock the ball on from the lineout and it's now a Lions scrum about 35m out from the Chiefs line.

1 MINUTE LATER, TRY LIONS: Lions find an overlap and they go down the right touch line. Some sloppy work from the Chiefs at the breakdown and right winger Jack Nowell picks and go's and dives over straight through the ruck.

4 MINUTES LATER: Lions take the kickoff and kick it back but the Chiefs lose it on the Lions 10m. The Lions knock it down field in the Chiefs 22m and Christie is forced to clear down to the Chiefs 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions win the lineout but then knock the ball on in the first phase. Payne looked to regather it but not so as Garces signals a scrum to the Chiefs. A good attacking platform for the Chiefs in their own half.

1 MINUTE LATER: The Chiefs go wide and Tim Nanai Williams takes it up and tries to do an out-the-back pass but the ball goes forward. Scrum Lions on the half way line.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions go down the right touch line and have the ball on the Chiefs 22m. But they then look to go left but a big pass by Jared Payne is spilled.
A little bit of a break in play as the captains clarify something with the ref. If the Chiefs can hold the ball, they can cause the Lions some grief. Until this stage though, they haven't given themselves a chance.

1 MINUTE LATER: Donald is polaxed by Bigger and loses the ball and the Lions are on attack. They then get a penalty about 35m out on a pretty acute angle. Biggar looks to the corner.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions go for the lineout drive and they get to within inches of the line but the Chiefs hold firm. Ref blows his whistle and it's a turnover to the home side. 5m scrum Chiefs

2 MINUTES LATER: Chiefs win the penalty for a high hit about 10m out from their own try line and they get a chance to relive. Donald clears down to about the Chiefs 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions retrieve the ball after a chip kick from Donald that just doesn't work. Luckily though, the Lions take the ball into the ruck and Boshier wins a penalty at the breakdown. Chiefs ball just in the Lions half.

1 MINUTE LATER: Christie makes another brilliant break at the lineout and a couple of offloads see the Chiefs right into Lions 22m line. The tourists are then offside and the home side win a penalty. Beaver lining up the sticks as the siren sounds.

HALFTIME: Donald knocks it over and that's half time. Without any of the play, the Chiefs have done pretty well. I'd hate to look at the error rate from both teams however, not the cleanest of halves.
Once again they look a little one dimensional but against a Kiwi team that isn't shy to turn down kicks of goal, the Lions' game plan is enough.

HALFTIME ANALYSIS: A very scrappy half from both teams but you can't help but feel that if the Chiefs can hold the ball for longer than one or two phases, they can make dents in this Lions side. The visitors have had the better of the half but they can't finish either.
For all the talk around the refs of the tour, Jerome Garces has performed very well so far. Good communication, good interpretation of the scrum and controlling the breakdown.

HALFTIME: Both teams are back on the field and we're ready to go for the 2nd half.

KICKOFF: Donald gets us underway and the Lions secure the ball well. Yet another box kick from Laidlaw...

1 MINUTE LATER: Tiatia can't take the ball and the Chiefs player is bundled out. Lions throw into the lineout isn't straight and it's a Chiefs attacking scrum on the 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs string a few phases together and then Stevenson throws a floating pass straight over Johnny Fa'auli's head into touch on the 10m line.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions take a driving maul about 15m and Laidlaw kicks the ball back. Stevenson then obliges and the Lions have the ball on their own 10. Solid D by the Chiefs and a midfield bomb by Biggar sees the Chiefs concede a penalty through blocking.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions can't get the ball in straight again and that's the second of the night by Best. Chiefs lucky there and they have a scrum on their 22m.

2 MINUTES LATER: A big hit by Siegfried Fisi'ihoi but the Lions are still on attack and the Lions go wide. Just inside the Chiefs 22 and the home side are holding on.

2 MINUTES LATER: A big hit by Fa'auili dislodges the ball and after a Stevenson kick, the Chiefs get it back inside the Lions half. But they do lose the ball and the Lions retrieve it as well. Better by the Chiefs there and they're putting some heat on the Lions on D. Lions ball on their own 22m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs earn the ball back and after a few phases they lose it. Then Laidlaw makes a mini break and Donald gives away a very stupid penalty on the half way line. He's arguing with the ref but he's not going to get his way. The Chiefs just starting to get on here with the game breaking up.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions maul the ball well and the Chiefs are forced to collapse it. The Lions are awarded a penalty and they might go for the corner here and they do.

1 MINUTE LATER: The Lions go down the blindside off the maul and hello there are handbags being thrown. Stephen Donald in the thick of it, facing up with Alun Wyn Jones who's just come on the field.
Lions have the lineout 5m out after the Chiefs took the ball out.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY TRY LIONS: Yet another penalty try of the tour after the Chiefs bring down the maul. A yellow card is awarded to Chiefs man Mitchell Brown. Not a good play by the home side. No conversion and that could be the home side out for the night.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions take the kick off and clear well through Biggar. A quick throw in and the Chiefs have the ball on halfway and earn a penalty.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs hot on attack and they earn a penalty just outside the 22. They have to go for the corner and they do.

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY LIONS: Chiefs lost the lineout through a very sloppy play and the Lions go about 80m. The try of the tour so far. Some really good support play after going wide and Nowell goes over.

1 MINUTE LATER: Too good from the Lions and it came from a Chiefs error. The Lions could go on with the job here.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions can't take the ball from the kickoff and it's a scrum to the Lions.
The Lions now dominate the scrum and they get a penalty.

1 MINUTE LATER: Biggar drives the ball into the Chiefs half and there could be another try coming here. Chiefs looking all at sea.

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY LIONS: It's Jared Payne as the Chiefs' defense opened like the Red Sea. A chip from Tim Nanai Williams is regathered by Jack Nowell and Jared Payne goes over. Truly awful by the home side.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions take the kick well and the Chiefs are falling off tackles. Biggar bangs it down field and the Chiefs have the ball on their 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: There's a break in play and Alaimalo limps off the park and the night gets worse for the Chiefs. They named an inexperienced lineup and they're paying for it now. The Lions could push past 50 tonight but it's Chiefs ball on their own 10m line.

2 MINUTES LATER: Chiefs win a penalty on the half way line and they go quickly. It's Chiefs ball on the Lions 22 but the visitors' D is holding well. The home side then knock on and that sums things up for the Chiefs.

2 MINUTES LATER: Lions earn another scrum penalty deep inside their own half. Using it as a very successful exit strategy.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions ball on half way as they secure the lineout. Lions go left and there's a knock on in the tackle by the Chiefs. Scrum Lions just on the Chiefs side of half way.

1 MINUTE LATER: I know Stephen Donald's a legend but he's been a turnstile in defense as the Lions attack on the Chiefs 10m line. Chiefs earn a turnover and they get a chance to show some go on attack.

1 MINUTE LATER: Stevenson makes a little break but throws a loose ball and it's turned over to Biggar who kicks it back. Then the Chiefs kick it back and the Lions make a break down to the Chiefs 5m line through Tommy Seymour. The final pass is dropped and its Chiefs ball.

1 MINUTE LATER: There's a break in play as Shaun Stevenson receives attention. A Chiefs lineout 5m from their own line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Tim Nanai-Williams makes a break outside their own 22 and the Lions get a hand in the ruck but only knock it on so it's a scrum to the Chiefs on their 10m line.

2 MINUTES LATER: The Chiefs string some good phases together and get down to the halfway line but then Donald takes it forward and knocks it on the tackle. Lions then chip forward but the Chiefs regather on their own 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Chiefs still keeping ball in hand on the half way line and the Chiefs earn a penalty but go quickly and get it up to the 22.
The Chiefs then knock the ball on in the tackle and Biggar clears. Chiefs take the kick and run it up and the Lions concede a penalty.

1 MINUTE LATER: The siren goes and the Chiefs are going for the quick tap.

FULL TIME, LIONS WIN: The Lions have claimed the victory with a comprehensive defensive display. Their defense was too much for the inexperienced Chiefs.

Thank you for joining us.

Chiefs 6 - 34 British & Irish Lions

And finally the Formula 1 circus heads to the streets of Baku in Azerbaijan as Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) in the Mercedes will attempt to take over the lead of the championship because he is 12 points behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel (Germany) in the Ferrari after bouncing back in Canada with a win (Although he started on pole after a brilliant qualifying session but Mercedes had worked 24 hour shifts to get the car right)...And unfortunately I don't have the circuit guide for the Baku City Circuit (Because that track didn't appear in the Collins Grand Prix Circuits book) so here's former F1 driver Anthony Davidson providing the expert comments of the circuit in the F1 2016 game instead:

''Joining the F1 calendar in 2016. Baku City Circuit is a high speed thresh around the streets of Azerbaijan. Watch out for overtaking into the heavy braking zone of turn 1.''

So that is my 118th blog of the year 2017 (MMXVII), good luck out there.

P.S. The All Blacks have named their team against the British & Irish Lions for the 1st of 3 tests at Eden Park in Auckland so here is the starting lineup:

1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Canterbury/Crusaders)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Canterbury/Crusaders)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Canterbury/Crusaders)
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Hawke's Bay/Chiefs)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Canterbury/Crusaders)
6 (Blindside Flanker): Jerome Kaino (Auckland/Blues)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sam Cane (Bay Of Plenty/Chiefs)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Canterbury/Crusaders)
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Manawatu/Highlanders)
10 (First five eighth): Beauden Barrett (Taranaki/Hurricanes)
11 (Left Wing): Rieko Ioane (Auckland/Blues)
12 (Second five eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Counties Manukau/Blues)
13 (Centre): Ryan Crotty (Canterbury/Crusaders)
14 (Right Wing): Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay/Crusaders)
& 15 (Fullback): Ben Smith (Otago/Highlanders)

And in the reserves are Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden/Lima Sopoaga & Anton Lienert-Brown.

And the Lions have also named their team to take on the All Blacks this Saturday:

1 (Loose head prop): Mako Vunipola (England/Saracens)
2 (Hooker): Jamie George (England/Saracens)
3 (Tight head prop): Tadhg Furlong (Ireland/Leinster)
4 (Lock): Alun Wyn Jones (Wales/Ospreys)
5 (Lock): George Kruis (England/Saracens)
6 (Blinside Flanker): Peter O'Mahony (Captain, Ireland/Munster)
7 (Openside Flanker): Sean O'Brien (Ireland/Leinster)
8 (Number 8): Taulupe Faletau (Wales/Bath (England)
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Conor Murray (Ireland/Munster)
10 (First five eighth/Fly-half): Owen Farrell (England/Saracens)
11 (Left Wing): Elliot Daly (England/Wasps)
12 (Second five eighth/Inside Centre): Ben Te'o (England/Worcester Warriors)
13 (Centre/Outside Centre): Jonathan Davies (Wales/Scarlets)
14 (Right Wing): Anthony Watson (England/Bath)
& 15 (Fullback): Liam Williams (Wales/Scarlets)

And in the reserves are Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Sam Warburton, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Sexton & Leigh Halfpenny.

2017 DHL New Zealand Lions Series
#Rugby'sGreatestSeries

Bother/Digital (Did You Tell)/Get Inside/Song #3: The Pasifika Challenge wrap up (+ 2017 mid year rugby union internationals week 2 review & the 2017 British & Irish Lions rugby tour report episode 5: Maori All Blacks)

Well, it was Tonga who played Wales 1st in the Pasifika Challenge but the Welsh proved them too strong against the Tongans at the end, outperforming them 24 - 6 in the curtain raiser...but it is time for the main event as the All Blacks play our 1st test match of the year by taking on Samoa at Eden Park (Which will host 3 test matches this year including that one against Samoa & 2 against the British & Irish Lions) in Auckland so here's the live commentary taken from Newshub:

Hello & welcome to live updates of the All Blacks hosting Manu Samoa at Eden Park in Auckland.

A venue the world champions haven't lost at since 1994 against France; Jonah Lomu's 2nd Test match.

We bring you live streaming written commentary & all the action.

Commentary will start from around 7:50 pm (NZT), with kick-off set for 8pm (NZT).

Lineups

All Blacks

1.Joe Moody, 2.Codie Taylor, 3.Owen Franks, 4.Brodie Retallick, 5.Sam Whitelock, 6.Jerome Kaino, 7.Sam Cane, 8.Ardie Savea, 9.Aaron Smith, 10.Beauden Barrett, 11.Julian Savea, 12.Sonny Bill Williams, 13.Anton Lienert-Brown, 14.Israel Dagg, 15.Ben Smith

Reserves: 16.Nathan Harris, 17.Wyatt Crockett, 18.Charlie Faumuina, 19.Scott Barrett, 20.Vaea Fifita, 21.TJ Perenara, 22.Lima Sopoaga,23. Jordie Barrett.

Manu Samoa

1.Viliamu Afatia, 2.Maatulimanu Leiataua, 3.Census Johnston, 4.Chris Vui, 5.Faatiga Lemalu, 6.Piula Faasalele, 7.Fa'alemiga Selesele, 8.Faifili Levave, 9.Kahn Fotuali'i, 10.Tusiati Pisi, 11.Tim Nanai Williams, 12.Alapati Leiua, 13.Keiron Fonotia, 14.Albert Nikoro, 15.Ah See Tuala.

Substitutes: 16.Seilala Lam, 17.Nephi Leatigaga, 18.Paul Alo-Emile, 19.Taiasina Tuifua, 20.Alafoti Faosiliva, 21.Auvasa Falealii, 22.D'Angelo Leiula, 23.Ken Pisi.

Match officials

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Assistants: Rohan Hoffman (Australia) & Jordan Way (Australia)

TMO : Ian Smith (Australia)

7.43pm: Hello all, thanks for your company – I hope you enjoy the coverage….Conditions update: Bit of rain about but the ground should hold up – it's been very cold in the city of sails today as well. – the rain set in big time at the end of the Wales v Tonga match a half-hour ago which was won by the Red Dragons 24-6.

7.51pm: Players making their way onto Eden Park for the anthems and the Haka/War dance. Reminder, the ABs haven't lost at Eden Park in 36 matches.

7.53pm: Stadium just a tad over half-full I would guess. With three Lions games at Eden Park there are a few options for Aucklanders seeking a rugby hit...good Samoan representation though...

7.54pm: I would say that the Samoan national anthem would be my second favourite foreign ballad behind the Welsh one.

7.58pm: Tears in the eyes of Jordie Barrett during the anthem..goosebump moment….Ben Smith to lead the Haka.

7.59pm: The Samoans start us off with the Siva Tau...chills folks...and here goes the ABs..Ben Smith at the front of the 'Flying V' but TJ Perenara will lead the boys in the NZ reply

8.01pm: For all you Crusaders fans..your old mate from France is the referee tonight :)

KICK-OFF: Tusi Pisi gets the game underway deep into the ABs half..Aaron Smith clears and we have a Samoan lineout on the All Blacks 10-metre line.

2 MINUTES LATER: Samoa making good progress into All Black territory – we are at 11 phases -  they are just outside the ABs 22.

1 MINUTE LATER: Manu Samoa get within 2m of the tryline – the referee has halted play looking at potential foul play from one of the Samoan player…a neck roll.

1 MINUTE LATER: Faifili Levave gets pinned for the neck roll back on the 22 – that was weird I have to say..what if it wasn't a penalty? Samoa were hot on attack when the TMO called play back. Lineout ABs on halfway.

1 MINUTE LATER: Huge tackle on Beauden by Alapati Leiua in midfield, knock on against the Hurricanes pivot. Scrum Samoa on halfway.

2 MINUTES LATER: The All Blacks looking to shift the ball inside their own 22 – eventually Aaron Smith clears and the team exchange in a bit of force-back which is won by the visitors. Excellent kick from Nanai-Williams. Lineout ABs on their own 22.

2 MINUTES LATER: All Blacks go on attack in the Samoan half after a wayward lineout throw. Playing under advantage here for offside – a few big hits coming in from Manu Samoa – Penalty is awarded and Ben Smith asks Beauden to kick to the corner. Lineout ABs 5m out.

2 MINUTES LATER: Another ABs penalty – this time for collapsing the maul. Ben Smith opts for the scrum; 5m out.

1 MINUTE LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, ANTON LIENERT-BROWN: Ardie Savea looked to have knocked the ball on at the scrum but the referee missed it. 2 phases and Barrrett takes on the line – gets hammered but gets an offload away to the Chiefs centre who scores the easiest try of his life. Beauden adds the extras.

3 MINUTES LATER: The All Blacks work the ball up the park nicely – but the Samoan defence is brutal..at sixth phase and we get a penalty for Samoa – holding on at the ruck from Retallick. Albert Nikoro with a shot at three from just inside is half.

1 MINUTE LATER: Nikoro just misses what would have been a monster kick and the ABs look to play the ball out from their own half - keeping possesion nicely here and the earn a penalty which Smith takes quickly. Samoa turn the ball over at the ruck and now they go on attack - penalty Samoa just inside their own half - Joe Moody with hands in the ruck - Phew!

3 MINUTES LATER: On a side note - Ardie Savea clearly knocked the ball on at the scrum base in the ABs try-scoring movement.

1 MINUTE LATER: Beauden Barrett just proved he is human - punting the ball out on the full from just outside his 22. Lineout Samoa.

1 MINUTE LATER: Samoa rucking the ball well just outside the All Blacks 22 – Pisi with a  terrible chip kick that Dagg collects with ease and he smashes the ball deep into Samoan territory but Ah See Tuala replies with a beaut of his own and it's a lineout for the AB's on their own 22.

1 MINUTE LATER: Nanai-Williams carves the ABs up through the middle of the park – made SBW look pretty foolish but Alapati Leiua can't draw and pass and throws the ball out on the full….big chance there for the Samoans. Should have scored.

1 MINUTE LATER: Penalty midfield and halfway for Samoa – Sam Cane pinned for killing the ball at ruck time – the visitors opt for another shot at goal. Nikoro steps up again.

1 MINUTE LATER: Nikoro crushes it but it's just wide and Dagg bangs it down into the Samoan 22 - who reply with a nice touch finder from Pisi.

3 MINUTES LATER: Another midfield penalty from the visitors in the same spot as before – Barrett holding on at the ruck – looks like my old mate Albert has been put on the back burner – Pisi kicks for touch and Samoa have a lineout on the ABs 10m line. Not a great kick there.

1 MINUTE LATER: Alapati Leiua ghosts through the All Blacks midfield but he can't link up. Huge chance outwide for Samoa – 5 on 2 but hooker Maatulimanu Leiataua squanders the chance and goes himself. Samoa hot on attack still but it's turned over and here go the ABs.

1 MINUTE LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, BEAUDEN BARRETT: End to end – Lienert-Brown picked the ball up in space – got the ball away to Ben Smith who gassed it – SBW gets the offload and he in turn gets a sand shoe crusher away to Barrett who toes it ahead, regathers and scores. Wow! And he adds the extras..Bet Marshy was given it the old Go Beauden!

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, ARDIE SAVEA: Set piece at its best. Brilliant – Lineout off the top – Barrett ghosts through a small gap – gets the ball away to Lienert-brown who draws the fullback and Savea goes in untouched from 30m. Awesome to watch. Barrett adds the 2.

4 MINUTES LATER: Try goes begging for the ABs – moving the ball beautifully through the backline. SBW with a little grubber that Retallick collects – he offloads to Dagg who flings it back infield but Retallick can't re-gather, knocks it on and we have a defensive scrum for the visitors.

3 MINUTES LATER: Penalty All Blacks 5m out for hands in the ruck – Ben Smith says 'Scrum please'. Danger time for Manu Samoa here.

1 MINUTE LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, SONNY BILL WILLIAMS: Another set-move. Smith from the scrum base – draws a tackler, gets the ball away to Barrett who puts SBW in under the posts. Nice. Barrett adds the two and that's halftime. Be back here live in 10 minutes.

HALFTIME: All Blacks lead Samoa 28-0

SECOND-HALF: Beauden Barrett will get us underway for he second 40.....Samoa added so much to the first-half -- but you can't make mistakes against the world champions.

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, ISRAEL DAGG: Take a bow Anton Lienert-Brown who draws in three players with magnificent hesitation – very short blindside to work with and with no-one to beat, Dagg is the benefactor of Lienert-Browns brilliance. Barrett is on target tonight. 35-0 ABs

1 MINUTE LATER: The legend that is Grant Nisbett just informed us that Barrett is 12 from 12 in his last three-Tests with the boot.

2 MINUTES LATER: Samoa trying to just hold onto the ball for a bit after the barrage of the last 15 mins or so. Have moved the ball nicely up field and earn a penalty just inside halfway. Sam Cane offside at the ruck. Pisi finds touch 30m out.

3 MINUTES LATER: Samoa going backwards at a fast rate – but a head-high tackle from Retallick earns them a reprieve. Lineout Samoa on the ABs 22.

1 MINUTE LATER: Samoa rucking the ball well – some big hits coming in from All Black defenders. Samoa shift the ball outwide – Barrett for the intercept but he has knocked it on. Scrum 25m out for Samoa.

2 MINUTES LATER: Turnover from Codie Taylor and Whitelock head off upfield but his passed is spilled by the following up Taylor but it's a penalty on the 22 for the ABs for holding on at ruck time. Scott Barrett, Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina are on the park for the hosts now.

3 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, JULIAN SAVEA: Clinical play from the world champions. Well that was a team try if I have ever seen one. Retallick makes a nice 20m break down the touchline but he can't get his pass away – the ABs play through five phases with the whole forward pack playing part – Smith clears from the ruck and goes through the hands of the back – eventually makes its way out to the 'Bus' who goes over in the corner. Barrett can't add the extras.

2 MINUTES LATER: Scott Barrett with a sweet offload to Beauden who kicks ahead - Ah See Tuala cleans up well but the All Blacks win the ball – Aaron Smith flings the ball outwide but the pass is too high for Lienart-Brown. Lineout Samoa on their own 5m line.

1 MINUTE LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, CODIE TAYLOR: Ben Smith brilliance opens up the visitors.Quick lineout throw from Julian Savea – Ben Smith collects and bursts through would be defenders – offload to Taylor who strolls over under the posts – Barrett adds the two. Vaea Fifita on for his debut Test replacing Jerome Kaino.

1 MINUTE LATER: TJ Perenara is also on for Aaron Smith - Lima Sopoaga will be on shortly aswell.

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, BEAUDEN BARRETT: SBW offload strikes again. SBW creates havoc with a wonderful offload in the midfield – Lienert-Brown collects and he sends Beauden away into the corner. He converts and Sopoaga will replace him.

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, VAEA FIFITA: Quick hands from the ABs with Ben Smith and SBW in the action again – Smith out to Dagg who draws' and passes' on the fullback and it's the debutant who scores. Great stuff and the Lions must be watching this interplay between forwards and back and quite frankly shivering with fear. Lima adds the two…Jordie Barrett on for his debut. Ben Smith makes way - Brodie Retallick is the new skipper!!

4 MINUTES LATER: Penalty relief for Manu Samoa. All Blacks on attack again but Sam Cane is pinged for holding on at the ruck. Lineout Samoa on halfway.

1 MINUTE LATER, POINT OF INTEREST: SBW and ALB look phenomenal as a midfield pair – SBW started slowly but has come into the game well and ALB is the find of the last 12 months for the national side.

4 MINUTES LATER: Game getting a little messy now – always amazes me how this happens when the changes are rung. All Blacks looking to shift the ball again from inside their own 22.

1 MINUTE LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, TJ PERENARA: Brilliant back play again – Peranara ends up with ball on halfway after Sopaoga made a wonderful break from inside his own half. TJ runs away from the defenders to score in the corner Lima can't add the 2.

3 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, ARDIE SAVEA: All Black magic folks. Brilliant again. Jordie Barrett sneaks away down the blindside – gets the ball away to Juliian Savea who gets a wonderful pass away to TJ whom pops a cheeky kick over the fullback and Ardie Savea collects and scores. Lima adds the 2.

3 MINUTES LATER, TRY ALL BLACKS, SAM CANE: I am literally in awe. Take the opposition out of this for a sec. This was just magnificent. Barrett collects his own up and under – wonderful play, gets the ball away from a storming Retallick – the ball goes out through the backline – Lienert-Brown bursts through the last line of defence and unselfishly passes to Cane who scores. Conversion no good.

2 MINUTES LATER: I don't really know what happened as I was still writing! I looked up and Perenara was in the clear again and he gets the ball away to Sopoaga who scores. SBW plays his part again..Wait it's been ruled no try by the TMO! SBW's pass to TJ is ruled forward. Guts.

That's it folks - I couldn't keep up in the last few minutes. Lost track of the score too, but I can confirm it was 78-0. Just brilliant second 40 from the ABs - Manu Samoa just outclassed tonight after starting strong. Thanks for dropping by tonight.

All Blacks 78 - Samoa 0

And what do I think of the game? Well, no need to worry about as the All Blacks have managed to keep the opponent scoreless for the 1st time since 2013 against France at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

And I will be doing a review tomorrow of the Maori All Blacks-British & Irish Lions clash which takes place tonight at Rotorua International Stadium in Rotorua.

So that is my 117th blog of the year 2017 (MMXVII).

P.S. And I have 3 Asian friends such as Lim (Who hails from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia), Sophie (The Malaysian Princess from Penang) & Viluz the Filipino (Murray Gray's partner).

And in other rugby news, Fiji have comfortably beaten the Italians with a match winning drop goal scored by Rebels first five-eighth Ben Volavola because it was shades of Mitch Hunt for the Crusaders against the Highlanders a couple of weeks ago then Scotland upset the Wallabies by 5 points at Allianz Stadium in Sydney to register their 1st win since 2012 because it was their 2nd win for the Scottish under new coach Gregor Townsend then the Springboks run riot over the French at Growthpoint Kings Park in Durban to clinch the 3 match test series & of course, England go 2 in a row against Argentina with a late try by Will Collier to seal the series.

And the British & Irish Lions return to winning ways again (Although they have never won a mid week game this year because they both lost to the Blues & Highlanders), this time against the might of the Maori All Blacks to seek revenge/utu since their defeat way back in 2005 so here's the live commentary of the match from Newshub again:

Hello and welcome to live updates of the New Zealand Maori hosting the British and Irish Lions at Rotorua International stadium in the Bay of Plenty.

We bring you live streaming written commentary of all the action as it happens.

Commentary will start from around 7:20 pm (NZT).

Lineups:

New Zealand Maori

15.James Lowe, 14.Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13.Matt Proctor, 12.Charlie Ngatai, 11.Rieko Ioane, 10.Damian McKenzie, 9.Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8.Liam Messam, 7.Elliot Dixon, 6.Akira Ioane, 5.Tom Franklin, 4.Joe Wheeler, 3.Ben May, 2.Ash Dixon (capt), 1.Kane Hames.

Reserves: 16.Hikawera Elliot, 17.Chris Eves, 18.Marcel Renata, 19.Leighton Price, 20.Kara Pryor, 21.Bryn Hall, 22.Ihaia West, 23.Rob Thompson.

British & Irish Lions

15.Leigh Halfpenny, 14.Anthony Watson, 13.Jonathan Davies, 12.Ben Te'o, 11.George North, 10.Johnny Sexton, 9.Conor Murray, 8.Taulupe Faletau, 7.Sean O'Brien, 6.Peter O'Mahony (c), 5.George Kruis, 4.Maro Itoje, 3.Tadhg Furlong, 2.Jamie George, 1.Mako Vunipola.

Reserves: 16.Ken Owens, 17.Jack McGrath, 18.Kyle Sinckler, 19.Iain Henderson, 20.Sam Warburton, 21.Greig Laidlaw, 22.Owen Farrell, 23.Elliot Daly.

Match facts and stats

Referee: Jaco Peyper

Assistants:  Jerome Garces and Romain Poite

TMO: Ian Smith

Past meetings

Head to head: Played 8, NZ Maori 1, B&I Lions 7, drawn 0

Last time played: NZ Maori 19 def B&I Lions 13, June 11, 2005

7.21pm: Thanks for joining me tonight – should be a cracker of a game…..News just in – Scotland has beaten the Wallabies 24-19 in Sydney.

7.24pm: Conditions are okay in Roto-Vegas tonight – a bit of a dew around as they say. I would expect a pretty tight gameplan from the visitors – and the complete opposite from the homeside.

7.27pm: No late changes in either side – although sad news for Lions backrower Ross Moriarty, he is out of the tour with injury. Gatland has called in four Welsh players and two Scots as additions to the squad for the rest of the tour.

7.33pm: Rotorua pumping out their collective pipes as one for God Defend New Zealand. Nice. Looks like some rain might be setting in.

7.35pm: Hika Elliot leading a spine-tingling Haka from the New Zealand side. Just awesome with the mist setting in as a backdrop.

7.37pm: Okay that was the best Haka I have ever seen in my life – amazing!

Kick-off – Johnny Sexton gets the game underway with a kick deep into Maori territory. TKB clears for the hosts.

2 MINUTES LATER: Early mistake from James Lowe – kick out on the full and the Lions go on attack inside the Maori half – shifting the ball well to start with – Maori defence holding up form however. Good start from the Lions as we hit 12 phases.

2 MINUTES LATER: 17th phase and referee Peyper awards a penalty to the Lions for a ruck infringement. Great ball control from the Lions. Halfpenny will have a shot at goal from a handy spot. Messam was the player penalised.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Halfpenny makes no mistake – deserved lead after a positive start.

1 MINUTE LATER: Messy start from the Maori side, Tom Franklin knocks on a high kick from Halfpenny and the Lions have a scrum midfield on halfway.

1 MINUTE LATER: Great tackle by TKB in the midfield – crushed Geroge North. Turnover for the NZM but Lowe is bundled out over the touchline.

1 MINUTE LATER: Halfpenny will have another shot here – great box kick from Conor Murray – The NZM are penalised for diving in at ruck time.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Leigh Halfpenny makes no mistake from another handy angle

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY MAORI ALL BLACKS, LIAM MESSAM: The Maori take a quick lineout throw through Milner-Skudder – 2 phases in and it comes back out to NMS who dabs a little grubber through – George North makes a mess of it, toed through by Messam who collects and scores. Poor from North. Mckenzie (The Smiling Assasian) nails the extra two.

4 MINUTES LATER: Lineout for the NZM on the Lions 10m line but Wheeler knocks the ball on and the Lions clear well but its swallowed up by Reiko Ioane. Wipers kick from McKenzie finds Halfpenny and he fires it back to James Lowe. Kickathon right now – TMO looking at potential foul play on the run by one of the Lions players on James Lowe while play is live. Lions on attack here and Davis busts through. Lions 2m out. Good cover defence by Milner-Skudder.

2 MINUTES LATER: Penalty for the Lions – Multiple Maori players offside at the ruck. The TMO is happy with the tackle on Lowe from before.

2 MINUTES LATER, PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Leigh Halfpenny makes no mistake from pretty much in front – Lions back in front.

2 MINUTES LATER: Vunipola gives away a fairly needless penalty with a little bit of 'Hows your father' at the ruck. D-Mac will have a shot at 3.

2 MINUTES LATER, PENALTY GOAL MAORI ALL BLACKS: McKenzie nails it. Maori ABs back in front.

1 MINUTE LATER: Jonathan Davies makes his second break of the evening but he loses the ball in contact on the Maori 22. Lucky escape there for the hosts. Scrum for the Maori – will look for a good exit lay here to relieve the pressure.

1 MINUTE LATER: Play held up due to a couple of injuries to prop forwards.

1 MINUTE LATER: Great touch finder from Sexton – Mackenzie with the exit play kick and Sexton replies with a beauty. Lineout 5m for the NZM.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions with the ball inside the Maori half but it's turned over by Ngatai who toes it ahead and McKenzie is flying after it. North cleans it up this time and eventually Murray with a great clearing kick into opposition territory.

1 MINUTE LATER: Lions have a lineout 10m out thanks to a penalty won by Vunipola at the breakdown. Proctor was hammered in the midfield and the Lions prop was there in a flash, legally and the penalty was won.

3 MINUTES LATER: Another penalty for the visitors. TKB penalised at the ruck for going off his feet. Another shot at goal here for Halfpenny.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Gift three-points. Halfpenny throws it over from in front.

2 MINUTES LATER: Itoje pinged on halfway for not rolling away – McKenzie will attempt a monster of a shot from 55m.

1 MINUTE LATER: Good effort from the 'Smiling Assassin'. He had the distance by a good 5m but it floated just away to the left.

2 MINUTES LATER: Furlong off his feet at the ruck. 40m out close to the touchline but this time the Maori's opt for a lineout.

1 MINUTE LATER: A decent period of attack here for the homeside. Through 11 phases but Messam is pinged for holding on at the ruck. Mario Itoje with good work at the ruck and that should be halftime but Murray kicked it out on the full without tapping it first. Lineout 5m out for the Lions. Weird.

HALFTIME: No dramas at the lineout for the Lions and Murray bangs it into touch. Interesting half – Lions with 65% of the ball but not making the most of it although, for the most part, they have defended very well and if not for that mistake from North, they would have a very handy lead. Be back in 10 mins.

2ND HALF: Damian McKenzie gets the game restarted. Big 40mins coming up for the Lions….for the morale of this side they need to win here.

1 MINUTE LATER: Early penalty for the Lions. Kane Hames penalised for taking down the maul from the kick-off. Lions have an attacking lineout just outside the Maori 22.

1 MINUTE LATER: Another penalty. Referee issues a warning to Elliot Dixon. 'Next time you get a card' – Halfpenny to have another shot at 3-points.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY GOAL LIONS: Halfpenny is a sniper. Makes no mistake again and the Lions stretch the lead to five-points.

2 MINUTES LATER: Poor mistake from D-Mac..restart doesn't go the 10 metres. Scrum on halfway for the visitors.

1 MINUTE LATER: James Lowe makes a crucial error. A wasted up and under from Sexton is way to long but Lowe lets it slip through his hands. Scrum 15m out here for the Lions.

1 MINUTE LATER: TKB could be in some trouble here. Looked to be a shoulder tackle on halfpenny close to the line. TMO having a look. Yep he copped him right in the face with a reckless shoulder. It doesn't look great..this could be a red card. Okay so because Halfpenny was going down - he escapes the red but cops a yellow..TMO seemed keen on the red but Peyper was happy with a yellow. Scrum 5m for the Lions.

1 MINUTE LATER: Could be a try for the Lions. Jamie George is claiming it. TMO having a look. It's close..the ball is down but it's a matter of it is over the line. TMO has been asked Try or No Try. TMO says it's inconclusive. Scrum 5m Lions.

1 MINUTE LATER: Scrum penalty for the Lions. Maori ABs need to be super careful not to lose another player here. Six straight penalties in eight-minutes. Scrum 5m again for the Lions.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY TRY LIONS: Referee Peyper had no choice. The Lions scrum just monstered the Maori ABs. Wasn't even close. 12 point lead for the Lions. The Maori boys can't get their hands on the ball.

3 MINUTES LATER: Brilliant offensive defence from the Lions. Lovely kick from Davies and North just smashed Ioane and pushed him back into the in-goal. Scrum 5m for the Lions. This is getting super ugly for the homeside. Proctor looks to be in trouble with a shoulder injury. Stop in play.

2 MINUTES LATER, TRY LIONS, MARIO ITOJE: Just absolutely clinical from the tourists. Nice platform with scrum…a couple pick and go's – Itoje crashes over from a metre out. Halfpenny bangs it over nicely. He is scary good with the boot.

1 MINUTE LATER: TKB back on - 14-0 the scorline while he was in the bin.

1 MINUTE LATER: George North earns a penalty for his side after James Lowe impeded him on a high kick. Lineout for the Lions on the Maori 10m line.

2 MINUTES LATER: Ben Te'o and Jonathan Davies causing havoc in the midfield but a wayward pass from O'Brien bring relief for the homeside. McKenzie with a decent touch finder. Lions lineout on the Maori 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: Turnover for the Lions in centre field. McKenzie has been poor tonight and coughs it up again. The Lions go on attack again.

1 MINUTE LATER: Good defence form the Maori ABs, but the Lions earn a scrum 5m out and that spells trouble for the homeside. West is on at 10...McKenzie shifts to fullback.

1 MINUTE LATER: Another scrum penalty. They are just destroying the Maori scrum.Murray should have scored under advantage - but couldn't get his pass away...but they should make something of this...Could be another penalty try coming up.

2 MINUTES LATER: Turnover by Elliot Dixon at the resulting ruck from the scrum. Better scrum from the Maoris. McKenzie clears it into touch, Lineout on the 22 for the visitors.

2 MINUTES LATER: Maori ABs finally get some ball and they are throwing it around but not making too much of a dent in to the Lions defence.  Ball shifts out to the right but James Lowe is bundled out into touch.

4 MINUTES LATER: Lions just rolling up-field with consummate ease. Good link play between forwards and back. Maori's pinged for multiple players being offside at ruck time 25m out. Halfpenny will knock this over.

1 MINUTE LATER, PENALTY GOAL LIONS: That's 7-7 for Halfpenny and he hasn't missed a kick on tour. Bit of a blowout but to be honest there has only been 1 team in this.

1 MINUTE LATER: Some ball for the Maori ABs, Milner-Skudder trying to create something..shifts it out to Lowe who chips but it floats out into touch. He's had a shocker tonight.

1 MINUTE LATER: Te'o opens them up with a great run…but fantastic cover tackle from James Lowe. The Lions hot on attack but the Maori defending very well here..pushing them back 15m. Lions still with ball through 12 phases.

1 MINUTE LATER: Got to 16 phases in the end - an attempted intercept is dropped by TKB and the Lions have a scrum 20m out.

2 MINUTES LATER: Game getting messy as both sides are keen for the final whistle. Still four minutes to go. The  Maori have a scrum on their own 10m line.

1 MINUTE LATER: TMO looking at potential foul play. Ben Te'o is blowing up big time. There was a bit of push and shove on the ground between about five players. Hard to tell with the vision so far. There is no camera angle available…it seemed James Lowe was just about to do something naughty when all the camera's shifted focus. O'Brien is blowing up about copping an elbow but the vision doesn't show that..well it almost does but you can't officiate on what you don't see.

1 MINUTE LATER: Crowd is super flat - they were fired up throughout the 1st half but it's almost dead now.

2 MINUTES LATER: Late scrum penalty for the Lions..how apt..and that should just about do it. Sexton bangs it into touch and the game is over rover.

FULLTIME: Well that was very impressive – an absolute clinic in possession and territory rugby. I honestly think this side has a shot next week if they can control the ball…Their scrum was very good tonight and their ball retention was next level. If they can hold 65% of the ball next week they will go along way to winning the first test. Thanks for your company tonight!

Maori All Blacks 10 British & Irish Lions 32

And finally the Lions have named their team to tackle the Chiefs in a mid week game tomorrow:

1 (Loose head prop): Joe Marler (England/Harlequins)
2 (Hooker): Rory Best (Captain, Ireland/Ulster)
3 (Tight head prop): Dan Cole (England/Leicester Tigers)
4 (Lock): Iain Henderson (Ireland/Ulster)
5 (Lock): Courtney Lawes (England/Northampton Saints)
6 (Blinside Flanker): James Haskell (England/Wasps)
7 (Openside Flanker): Justin Tipuric (Wales/Ospreys)
8 (Number 8): CJ Stander (Ireland/Munster)
9 (Half-back/Scrum-half): Greig Laidlaw (Scotland/Gloucester (England)
10 (First five eighth/Fly-half): Dan Biggar (Wales/Ospreys)
11 (Left Wing): Elliot Daly (England/Wasps)
12 (Second five eighth/Inside Centre): Robbie Henshaw (Ireland/Leinster)
13 (Centre/Outside Centre): Jared Payne (Ireland/Ulster)
14 (Right Wing): Jack Nowell (England/Exeter Chiefs)
& 15 (Fullback): Liam Williams (Wales/Scarlets)

And in the reserves are Kristian Dacey, Allan Dell, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones, Gareth Davies, Finn Russell & Tommy Seymour.