Rugby Union 2012/13

[taylorsworkrate]

I too am amazed he picked Tom Youngs. He has been the best hooker by a considerable distance, but on the other hand he's English so Gatland must have really struggled with that one.

I've changed my opinion again and believe the Lions should have too much up front for the Aussies to cope with. I think they'll win the series despite Gatland's poor squad selection and general fuckwittery.

[tomd2103]

All very surprised and a little disappointed in Queensland that Quade Cooper isn't in the Wallabies side (let alomne the squad).  Moving James OÇonnor in to Fly Half is a risk and Cooper would have been perfect in the back end of a high tempo, physical game when there's a little more space - also OÇonnor would have been perfect running the lines which Cooper could have fed him in to. 

Expect the Lions to out scrummage the Wallabies and win the forwards battle, partucularly at the breakdown as Pocock is a big loss.

Weather is wet today but tomoorow will be fine and Sunny and about 15c at kick off, with little wind or no wind - perfect conditions that might suit the Wallabies running style more.

Just out of interest Oz, how are Lions tours viewed in that part of the world compared to games against NZ and SA? 

[JD]

All very surprised and a little disappointed in Queensland that Quade Cooper isn't in the Wallabies side (let alomne the squad).  Moving James OÇonnor in to Fly Half is a risk and Cooper would have been perfect in the back end of a high tempo, physical game when there's a little more space - also OÇonnor would have been perfect running the lines which Cooper could have fed him in to. 

Expect the Lions to out scrummage the Wallabies and win the forwards battle, partucularly at the breakdown as Pocock is a big loss.

Weather is wet today but tomoorow will be fine and Sunny and about 15c at kick off, with little wind or no wind - perfect conditions that might suit the Wallabies running style more.

Just out of interest Oz, how are Lions tours viewed in that part of the world compared to games against NZ and SA? 

Lions tours are viewed as the biggest tours. As someone living in NZ the Lions with their 20,000 - 25,000 fans (ex-pats and people coming over) is viewed as the ultimate rugby tour. Australians don't think any differently to Kiwis in this sense. Given tonight at Brisbane there will be 52K fans and at least half will be Lions fans adds to the atmosphere.
Last time the Lions came to NZ I went to a couple of test matches and it isn't about the games so much as the party atmosphere and packed pubs over a whole weekend with a great atmosphere. It's just so much bigger than a normal Rugby test.   

[PaulWinch again]

I'm at work doing some overtime this morning, so avoiding all reports until I can get back watch the recording at lunch time.

[Rotterdam]

Lions to win by 9 today.

[john e]

53 seconds gone, already a fella stretchered off

[eastie]

The Aussies have started better than I expected - early days yet though.

[john e]

Wow, this test is pretty good after 30 only minutes

[eastie]

I do like the way the referees decision is respected in rugby - you never teams surrounding the ref or running 40 yards to debate a decision - very little dissent.

Lovely open game to watch - very enjoyable .

[paul_e]

Terrible luck for the aussies with injuries here, I think the lions would've won either way but 3 backs off after 46minutes makes it really tough.

[UK Redsox]

Terrible luck for the aussies with injuries here, I think the lions would've won either way but 3 backs off after 46minutes makes it really tough.

The move of the Aussie flanker into the centre was brilliantly exploited by Sexton to set up Alex Cuthbert's try (albeit with the help of a crafty bit of obstruction by O'Driscoll).

Falau is incredible, being as he's only played a dozen games of Union before today.

[UK Redsox]

In international Rugby Union, it doesn't matter how good your running and handling is, you've got to kick your goals.

The Aussies will have to pick a specialist kicker for the second test

[paul_e]

Then lions have some lessons to learn there though, kicked hte ball away a hell of a lot.

[beness]

Lions got Lucky with the last play. Long may it continue.

[eastie]

I see emile has been advising the Aussies on their kicking accuracy