Check out our British and Irish Lions shirts
.
🏉 Context & Build-Up
The 2017 tour was one of the most anticipated in Lions history, as the team faced the reigning world champions New Zealand in their own backyard — a place where the Lions had not won a series since 1971.
Warren Gatland, a New Zealander and then-Wales head coach, led the squad after guiding the Lions to victory in Australia in 2013.
The squad brought together top talent from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, featuring a balance of power, physicality, and tactical nous.
📅 Tour Schedule & Results
The Lions played 10 matches, including 3 Tests and 7 provincial games:
Vs NZ Provincial Barbarians – W 13–7
Vs Blues – L 16–22
Vs Crusaders – W 12–3
Vs Highlanders – L 22–23
Vs Māori All Blacks – W 32–10
Vs Chiefs – W 34–6
🔥 Test Series
First Test (Auckland, Eden Park):
All Blacks 30–15 Lions
The Lions scored a superb team try finished by Sean O’Brien, but New Zealand were dominant, particularly at the breakdown and through the power of Kieran Read and Rieko Ioane (who scored two tries on debut).
Second Test (Wellington):
Lions 24–21 All Blacks
A dramatic game marked by Sonny Bill Williams' red card (shoulder to head on Watson) in the first half — the first All Black red card in a Test since 1967. The Lions capitalised late with a Conor Murray try and an Owen Farrell penalty to snatch victory.
Third Test (Auckland):
Draw 15–15
A tense and tactical decider saw both sides exchange penalties. Controversy erupted late when referee Romain Poite downgraded a penalty against Lions from offside to accidental offside, denying New Zealand a potential series-winning shot at goal. The match — and series — ended in a draw.
🌟 Key Players
Maro Itoje – Commanding in the second and third Tests; immense physical presence.
Sean O’Brien – Scored arguably the try of the tour; relentless in defence.
Conor Murray – Tactical kicking and a crucial try in the second Test.
Owen Farrell – Key points scorer; calm under pressure.
Taulupe Faletau – Tireless work rate and go-forward ball.
Jonathan Davies – Named Lions Player of the Series; consistent in defence and attack.
🔍 Tactics & Strategy
Gatland emphasised aggressive line speed in defence, aiming to cut down the All Blacks' space.
The Lions used contestable kicking to pin New Zealand back and force errors — Conor Murray and Farrell were key.
In attack, they improved across the series, learning to match New Zealand’s tempo with structured phase play and strong forward carries.
⚠️ Controversies
Refereeing decisions loomed large — particularly in the third Test, when the late penalty reversal drew criticism from both sides.
Gatland was mocked in New Zealand media, especially with the "Warrenball" caricature — but his tactics ultimately earned respect.
Criticism was aimed at squad depth and the selection of “geographical cover” players mid-tour, many of whom didn’t feature in key games.
🏆 Legacy
The drawn series was seen as a success for the Lions, considering New Zealand's dominance at home (they hadn't lost a home series since 1994).
It showcased the continued relevance and competitiveness of the Lions concept in the modern professional era.
The tour produced thrilling rugby and sold-out stadiums, with a vibrant travelling fan base.
For New Zealand, the draw was treated almost like a loss, while the Lions celebrated it as a massive achievement.