Conor Murray was the darling of the New Zealand media on Saturday after the Lions' win against Crusaders in Christchurch. The Canterbury-based side are the best team in Super Rugby this season, unbeaten so far as the playoffs near.
It was Murray's ability to keep the Crusaders pinned back with his box kicks from the base of the ruck which most impressed. The tactic and Murray's execution were key in victory for Warren Gatland's side.
Speaking on Radio Live New Zealand following the game, Graham Henry hailed Murray as the best scrum-half in the world.
I thought that the playmakers... Conor Murray was outstanding.
He is a very composed player, knows the game and never gets rattled. He is probably the best nine in the world. Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton came on and they ran the game well.
Alun Wynn Jones, I thought, had a big game as captain. He led well and galvanised the group.
Henry is uniquely placed to judge this Lions team. He's the only man to have coached both the All Blacks and the Lions. The 70-year-old led the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2011 and the Lions to a Test series win against Australia in 2001.
The Lions have only managed to score two tries in the three games so far played on tour and have shipped plenty of criticism from the New Zealand media as a result.
Henry defended the Lions' performances so far, saying that their lack of game time together is a major factor.
These guys have never played together before. You have to give them a chance. They've got another two or three games before the Test so hopefully they can get some combinations working.
The big thing was they dominated possession and their defence was outstanding.
I thought there were two areas where there was concern. Obviously the attack. They need to keep working at that. The Crusaders scrum which is obviously the tight-five for the All Blacks gave them a bit of a touch-up at scrum time.
Henry also defended the style of rugby which the Lions have played under Warren Gatland.
The Europeans play a different game than we do down here. They have to because they play in different conditions. They've been brought up differently in rugby so have to play to their strengths.
Some New Zealand people think they need to play like the All Blacks and it needs to be a spectacle. What they need to do is play how they normally play and they can win playing their game.
That's the beauty of rugby, that not all teams play the same. That's why I find it so fascinating. Different styles can win rugby games.
You saw the style of the Lions against the Crusaders, they took the points that were on offer, almost. I think they kicked one to the corner.
The Crusaders had four kickable penalties and they went to the corner on three. The old business of taking the points when they're there has changed recently in Super Rugby. Is that the case in international rugby? It's not.
I find it fascinating and I hope they improve and we have a cracker of a Test series.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
