Lions must rise to the test

IN a game billed as an unofficial “fourth Test”, the Lions faced their first real challenge of the tour on Saturday and were found wanting.

After two wins against provincial opposition in the opening games, the step up in quality against the New Zealand Maori produced an indication of the stiff challenges that lie ahead.

The emotional baggage surrounding the final game with the Maoris for Carlos Spencer and coach of 10 years, Matt Te Pou, inspired the New Zealanders. Their reward was a first victory over the Lions in their proud history. In truth, the winning margin of six points hardly reflected their dominance.