Ben Te’o starred for the British & Irish Lions on Saturday as they recovered from a slow start to kick off their Tour with a hard-fought victory over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.
The Warriors centre looked at home on the big stage as he made 13 carries and five line breaks to receive plaudits from a whole host of pundits
Anthony Watson’s second-half try proved vital for the tourists who trailed 7-3 at the break to their fearless opponents.
A Sam Anderson-Heather try and Bryn Gatland conversion had the hosts in front but the Lions – wasteful before the interval – took their chance when it came in the second period.
Owen Farrell – on for Jonathan Sexton in the second half – released his England teammate Watson down the right for the pivotal try before adding the extras.
And with Greig Laidlaw having also slotted a penalty, that proved to be enough for the tourists who head back to Auckland now to prepare for Wednesday’s clash with the Blues at Eden Park.
After the game Te’o said: “This is a new team, a new bunch of guys that haven’t been together long. I think we showed character and a bit of grit and that’s good going forward.”
Te'o will now be given a well-earned rest when the Lions face the Blues on Wednesday.