Mauling of O’Gara criticised

LIONS’ coaches, players and even a former All Black have reacted strongly in support of Ronan O’Gara following some poisonous criticism of the out-half’s performance against Bay Of Plenty.

The New Zealand media savaged the Ireland fly-half for defensive frailties and poor goal-kicking as the tourists got this tour off to a winning start at the Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.

The Lions opened strongly and sharply with three brilliantly executed tries against last year's NPC semi-finalists before enduring a wobbly second 20 minutes, pre-empted by the loss of Lawrence Dallaglio to a broken ankle.