<
        >

          Lions-Crusaders reaction: Nerves, defence and a morale-boosting win

          play
          British and Irish Lions building confidence (0:52)

          ESPN's Tom Hamilton believes the Lions have a lot to be proud of after their victory over the Crusaders. (0:52)

          • ESPN staffJun 10, 2017, 06:40 AM ET

          The British & Irish Lions gained a much-needed victory on Saturday against the Crusaders -- the form team of this season's Super Rugby competition.

          The hosts had scored 74 tries this season but the Lions defence kept them try-less and the accuracy of Owen Farrell's boot provided the points required for the tourists.

          Here we take a look at how Twitter reacted before, during and after this key victory for the touring party.

          Before the game, it's fair to say there were a few pre-match nerves jangling coupled with a good deal of excitement regarding some of the key combinations that were about to take to the field.

          As with every match against the Lions the atmosphere was electric at the AMI Stadium and the Crusaders' haka certainly set the tone...

          After an intense first-half the Lions took a six-point lead into the sheds and here's what a few former players had to say about the first 40 and the standout individuals.

          Following the break the Lions continued to shut down the Crusaders' opportunities and ensured that they took the points required off the tee.

          Once Mathieu Raynal that blown his whistle for full-time the overall assessment was a positive one as attentions now turn to facing the Highlanders on Tuesday.