Rugby: Three key moments from the first test between All Blacks and Lions

All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane scores his second try against the Lions. Photo / Greg Bowker

All Blacks 30
Lions 15

1. Dagg saves the day

How different might this first test have been without the early intervention of Israel Dagg?

The Lions looked like they had made a dream start to the series in just the second minute of the match, when Elliot Daly scrambled over in the corner. But once the try was referred to the TMO, the brilliance of Dagg was made clear.

The All Blacks wing wrapped up his opposite in a perfect tackle around the chest, rolling Daly over as the Lions man crossed the tryline and preventing him from placing the ball.

Dagg received the plaudits of his teammates, the All Blacks survived the early scare and the home side soon took control.

2. Smith makes a smart decision

That ascendancy was seized when Codie Taylor crossed for the opening try of the match, finishing a move that owed as much to Aaron Smith's brain as it did his hands.

The All Blacks had already shown an initial inclination for picking up three points, asking Beauden Barrett to kick an early penalty, but Smith took matters into his own hands when referee Jaco Peyper whistled another infringement in an advantageous position.

Rather than taking the opportunity to double the lead from the tee, Smith spied space to the right and took a quick tap, allowing the All Blacks to spread it wide and give Taylor a clear run to the tryline.

3. Rieko shows his wheels

The All Blacks' lead was already at an unassailable 15 points when Rieko Ioane grabbed his double, but that try sent a statement for the rest of the series.

It demonstrated the hosts' ability to strike from seemingly anywhere, as Ioane pounced on an error from Liam Williams. It reemphasised what had been touted earlier in the week: that Ioane was the fastest player in the All Blacks squad.

And it showed just why the 20-year-old was picked on the left wing ahead of Julian Savea, a position the youngster must have just about locked down for the foreseeable future.