WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The British and Irish Lions took a big morale boost from their win over the Christchurch-based Crusaders last weekend but need to keep that feeling alive Tuesday when they play the Dunedin-based Highlanders in their fourth tour match.
A 12-3 win over a Crusaders team which was unbeaten in 14 Super Rugby matches this season was seen by the Lions as a validation of their playing style and a stinging riposte to critics who had written them off after their stumbling start to the New Zealand tour.
Coach Warren Gatland was quick to claim that the win over the Crusaders, by four penalty goals to one, was evidence that the Lions are on track to stretch New Zealand in the impending three-test series.