Lions v Argentina Player Ratings

By Patrick
June 13 2005

The Lions drew 25-25 with Argentina in the pre-tour match at the Millenium Stadium in what was considered to be a disappointment to all Lions fans who were expecting a win. Patrick rates the Lions players who took to the field.

15. Geordan Murphy - 6
More of a bench player given his performance. Good with high balls, and some attacking flair but didn't seem to have any room to play with.

14. Denis Hickie - 5
Lost the ball at key moments, and seems unable to pass correctly. Was quiet. Plenty of better wingers to choose from for the Test place.

13. Ollie Smith - 6
Scored a much needed try from a Wilkinson offload. Got stuck into the game, made his presence known but with such competition for his spot, it seems like midweek games might be more for him.

12. Gordon D'Arcy - 5
As with Wilkinson, this is a game he needed to get back into things. Didn't deliver the goods on this occasion but first game back might be the reason.

11. Shane Williams - 6
Put his heart into the game, unfortunately running straight into the arms of Argentinean players isn't the best of tactics, and he seemed to do that a lot. Very predictable movements. After a stunning Six Nations performance, I expected much more.

10. Jonny Wilkinson - 7
After a year and a half away from international rugby, Jonny performed well, saving the Lions team from further embarrassment. Kicking for goal was spot on, and passing was good. Touch kicking was rusty, if he can get back into form in this area, the Test spot should be his (and quite rightly).

9. Gareth Cooper - 4
Horrendously slow ball, rusty and useless. One of the favourites for the Test scrum half position, but Chris Cusiter was miles better.

1. Graham Rowntree 5
With competition from Gethin Jenkins for this spot, an average to good performance in the loose and a poor play in the tight didn't do him any favours.

2. Shane Byrne - 5.5
Losing one of the first few lineouts of the games didn't win him any medals. Unimpressive in the loose. Thompson replaced him and proved why he should be the Test hooker.

3. John Hayes - 4
A miracle he made the squad and after his performance today I wouldn't be surprised if he never puts on a Lions shirt again. Practically allowed Poissek to pass and score the first try of the game and his scrummaging was a disaster for the time he was on.

4. Donacha O'Callaghan - 4
Practically a no show the entire game. Did nothing remarkable of note except get completely overshadowed by Grewcock.

5. Danny Grewcock - 6
Did well in line-outs as well as clearing out bodies. A contender for the Test place at this rate. Would like to see him charge forward more.

6. Martin Corry - 6.5
He was excellent during the 6 Nations, and although not up to that standard, a solid performance.

7. Lewis Moody - 5
Not up to his usual performance, especially with winning restarts which are his specialty. Slow and conceded too many penalties.

8. Michael Owen (c) - 5
Failed to scrummage in an already poor forward pack, leadership looked average. No where near the form he showed for Wales. Didn't make the yards he should have regardless of the forward pack.

Replacements:

Steve Thompson - 6
Good lineouts and generally useful in the loose. The Test spot should be his if he continues to improve.

Julian White - 6
Saved Hayes from any more embarrassment. Better scrum once he came on. Should make the Test team.

Ben Kay - 5
Average game.

Chris Cusiter - 7
More exciting scrum half than Cooper. Quicker ball, good breaks.

Shane Horgan - 5
Failed to make any kind of impression. Managed to get tackled far too often.