Rugby: Lions performance gives coach Warren Gatland clarity

The British and Irish Lions celebrate victory. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Lions have roared and by doing so they have given clarity to coach Warren Gatland in a number of areas.

The first is that by beating the Crusaders with a powerful performance that was driven by the wonderful Conor Murray, he has had confirmation that his tactical approach is on the right track.

Murray was sensational. He took control of the game with his boot - taking his time behind a pack that was holding its own, to then launch a tirade of bombs that the Crusaders couldn't deal with.

He slowed the game down, put the ball in the right places and by going to the air, he made it impossible for the Crusaders to launch anything.

And in doing that, Murray confirmed he's the right choice at halfback for the test series.

"We need to get up in the air and compete more for the ball," said Gatland. "But I thought his kicking game and control was excellent. Our game management improved tonight from some key individuals and he was definitely one of them."

Owen Farrell, in playing a neat supporting role at No 10, did enough to also push himself into the test frame and if there is one other back, who may not have started the tour as a test certainty and now is, it would be Ben Te'o.

These are all good things for Gatland to have found out two weeks before the first test. And he can trust that he has found them out because the Crusaders are a good enough side to be sure they gave the Lions a robust work out.

The other aspect Gatland will be starting to feel good about is the defensive system.

The Lions, maybe with the benefit of officiating that appeared reticent to call them for being offside, got off the line superbly. They came up hard and fast and shut the Crusaders down to the extent that Richie Mo'unga wasn't able to give any indication of his similarities with Daniel Carter.

The final big tick went to the lineout. The Lions picked a few off the Crusaders and sent a bit of panic through the ranks.

It was strangely unlike the Crusaders to be a bit jittery from the touchline but they were - they seemed to over think things and be a little slow and elaborate on the ground before the throw.

All of which the Lions can feel they caused. "Tonight was a step up but still lots of things for us to work on," said Gatland.

"We felt there were some aspects of Wednesday we improved. With our defence we know the threats from New Zealand sides is their offloading. "Some of our defence was excellent. We got them narrow on a few occasions but that's just time together.

"It's a bit like a club and preseason, the more training and games you get the better you will get. I thought our lineout was excellent."