All Blacks tame Lions without a leader

New Zealand 21 Lions 3

Clive Woodward's Lions collapsed to a record defeat in Christchurch on a night to forget for the tourists at Jade Stadium.

Not only did the All Blacks register a convincing 21-3 first Test victory - eclisping their 22-8 triumph 46 years ago - but the Lions lost captain Brian O'Driscoll and flanker Richard Hill to probable tour-ending injuries.

O'Driscoll was carried off with a dislocated left shoulder after less than two minutes, while Hill suffered a knee injury. Inevitably, the Lions never recovered from such savage setbacks.

Lock Ali Williams and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu scored tries in each half for the All Blacks, while fly-half Dan Carter kicked 11 points, and they will now go into next weekend's second Test at the Westpac Stadium, Wellington as red-hot favourites to clinch the series.

Somehow, the Lions, for whom Jonny Wilkinson booted a second-half penalty, must regroup, but it will be the biggest challenge of World Cup winner Woodward's coaching career.