He did seem much livelier than the other two. I thought everytime he's come on in this tour he's been impressive. He's like how Phillips used to be, and a tiny bit quicker but slightly less physical. That said sometimes his service can be slow but at the moment its quite fast which suits Sexton, and suiting Sexton means the Lions can bring North et al into the game. He looked much better than Youngs when he came on, however, the first 60 minutes of a game are pretty much pure attritional warfare at this level. Its collision and impact, one after another. Bringing on an adrenaline fueled, raring to go, full of energy player who's eager to please the coach isn't a fair comparison. But regardless he did look impressive. I've believed from the start Youngs should be on the bench for all three games, as his speed and zingyness (if thats a word) would be a great addition in the final quarter of a game where the players are tired around the rucks. Youngs is a very smart player like Genia in many ways, if he see;s a gap around a ruck he will dart through it, he's always very alert and tuned into the game. Phillips surely should be nowhere near the 22.

I'd have him as a definite starter. He was very good yesterday and out-shone Youngs. His box-kicks were judged and well-weighted (Youngs just kicked away possession) and his passing was speedy. Gatland et al, must see some deficiency in Murray's game, to say they preferred the others ahead of him as starters. I also think it was wrong for Croft to be on the bench- I'd have started him.