WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland defended lock Iain Henderson on Tuesday, saying the yellow card against him was too harsh and played a part in his team’s collapse at the end of a 31-31 draw against Hurricanes.
The Lions led by 16 points at halftime, but Henderson was sent to the sin-bin in the 65th minute for a dangerous lifting tackle on Hurricanes fullback Jordie Barrett.
In a testy post-match news conference, Gatland was reminded of his claim earlier in the week that the All Blacks intentionally sought to injure Lions scrumhalf Conor Murray during Saturday’s first test in Auckland.