Farrell kicks Lions to win over Crusaders in New Zealand tour match

Owen Farrell kicked four penalties to help guide the British and Irish Lions to a pressure-relieving 12-3 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Three penalties from Farrell gave the visitors a 9-3 lead at the break, with Richie Mo'unga offering the Crusaders' sole response, also from the boot.

Both sides had chances to score tries in the second half, with the Lions fluffing two clear opportunities, but neither could cross the line as a fourth Farrell penalty gave Warren Gatland's side a much-needed win.

The Lions' game had more intensity than in earlier tour matches and the kicking out of hand improved, but they were again let down by basic handling errors and decision-making.

However, Warren Gatland's side's victory over the previously unbeaten Crusaders breathes life into their tour of New Zealand following the last-minute midweek defeat to the Blues.

They were fortunate that, in the 37th minute, the Crusaders spurned a penalty right in front of the posts in favour of kicking for the corner to set up a lineout.

The Crusaders secured the lineout, but Jordan Taufua knocked on when trying to set up the driving maul and when the Lions then won a penalty from the resulting scrum, the danger was averted.

One bright spot for the tourists was the kicking out of hand from Farrell and Conor Murray, the pair touted as the likely Test half-backs ahead of the tour, even though Farrell missed one shot at goal.

Farrell also gelled well with Johnny Sexton after Jonathan Davies went off injured, but basic handling errors must be ironed out before the first test match on 24 June.

In the 58th minute, leading 9-3, winger Liam Williams failed to put Anthony Watson in when a try seemed certain.

A further chance was blown minutes later when CJ Stander fumbled a pass from Sexton with the try line at the tourists' mercy.