Conservative game plan has put Lions on the back foot

The haunted look on Brian O’Driscoll’s face at the final whistle said it all.

Down this road before, 12 years ago in the same stadium, ironically. History repeated itself for the great Irish warrior as the Lions, from the commanding high of an opening Test victory, now find themselves in a dogfight to capture a series they appeared destined to win from the time they left home over six weeks ago.

O’Driscoll will appreciate more than anyone that the psychological edge in the battle for ultimate supremacy has passed to the hosts and they will be an even more formidable opponent next Saturday.