Lions savour half-time breather after dismal test start

New Zealand 11 Lions 0 - HT

The British and Irish Lions have endured a dismal start to the First Test, losing captain Brian O'Driscoll in seconds as New Zealand powered into a commanding half-time lead at Jade Stadium in Christchurch today.

The Lions lost captain Brian O'Driscoll inside a minute. O'Driscoll went down as he attempted a tackle and, in a depressing scenario, he was carried from the field to be replaced by England's Will Greenwood.

It was a horror moment for the Lions, with O'Driscoll clutching his shoulder before leaving the field - and seemingly out of the tour inside three minutes of the first Test.

Things went from bad to worse.

Daniel Carter scored two early penalties for the All Blacks to show their intent and since then a fine counter-attack led to a try for Ali Williams.

The Lions have also lost Richard Hill, who has been replaced by Ryan Jones.