All Blacks vs British & Irish Lions
A drawn series, historic wins, and a red card defined the 2017 Lions tour.
The 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand featured a test series that was drawn 1–1, with one victory each and a draw in the third match. The Lions also played seven other tour matches, winning four, losing two and drawing one.
- All Blacks Dominance Era
- Post-1971 onwards (No series lost since)
- Last Series Drawn
- 2017
Lore & Background
The Lions squad was captained by Sam Warburton, with Warren Gatland as head coach. The tour included matches against all five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises for the first time. The Lions' first test win over New Zealand in the professional era came in the second test, after Sonny Bill Williams was sent off.
In Their Own Story
The air in Eden Park hung heavy with humidity and the roar of eighty thousand voices. The All Blacks stood in their huddle, a wall of black against the green grass, while across the field, the British & Irish Lions gathered in red jerseys, representing four different flags but one singular hope. As the referee blew the whistle to start the third Test, history weighed on every tackle. There were no helmets, only the raw sound of colliding bodies and the oval ball arcing through the night air. It was not just a game; it was a ritual where the past met the present in a brutal dance for supremacy.
Reader's Guide
The ten-match schedule was announced on 9 July 2015. The Lions opened with a 13–7 win over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, followed by a loss to the Blues, a win over the Crusaders, a loss to the Highlanders, a win over the Māori All Blacks, a win over the Chiefs, and a draw with the Hurricanes. The test series saw New Zealand win the first test 30–15, the Lions win the second test 21–21 (with a winning penalty by Owen Farrell), and the third test drawn.
Did You Know?
- The Lions' 30–15 loss in the first test was their heaviest defeat since the third test against New Zealand in 2005.
- Sonny Bill Williams was only the third New Zealand player to be sent off in a test match.
- The Lions ended New Zealand's 47-match home winning streak with their second test victory.
- Peter O'Mahony became the 11th Irishman to captain the Lions in the first test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the All Blacks vs British & Irish Lions rivalry?
This contest is rugby union's most prestigious series, featuring New Zealand against a combined team from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It stands out because it unites four nations to challenge the hosts on their home turf rather than playing standard international matches.
How often does this specific tour occur?
The teams convene roughly once every twelve years for a unique convergence of history and elite talent. This long cycle ensures that each tour represents a significant event where the Lions attempt to conquer the Southern Hemisphere giants.
Which countries form the British & Irish Lions squad?
Players are selected from the four home unions comprising England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These nations unite their best athletes specifically for this tour instead of competing individually against New Zealand.
Has the All Blacks ever lost a series since 1971?
No, New Zealand has not lost a single series to the Lions during the dominance era that began in 1971. Their record consists entirely of either outright victories or drawn results throughout this period.
What was the result of the last tour mentioned in the context?
The most recent series concluded as a draw between the two sides in 2017. This outcome marked one of the few times the All Blacks did not secure a clean victory against their historic rivals.
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Elsewhere in the New Zealand All Blacks universe
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