International Rugby

[peter w]

useless bastards. but still, haven't been in NZ long and is we win the test series no-one will remember this game or result. maybe Gatland can stop just trying to play by set-pieces?

[paul_e]

useless bastards. but still, haven't been in NZ long and is we win the test series no-one will remember this game or result. maybe Gatland can stop just trying to play by set-pieces?

I honestly don't think he knows how to fix this.  2 of the major problems today were that Stander isn't an 8 and Webb/Laidlaw can't generate quick ball, add in the fact that the 8, 9 and 10 axis don't really know each other and you get the dull shite that was served up this morning.  This is exactly what i was worried about when Gatland got the gig and when he called in Laidlaw for Youngs it became clearer still.  We won't win the series, I doubt we'll win a test and, as has been said before, I wouldn't be all that surprised if we lose more than we win on this tour.  The squad is unbalanced and the coach is totally out of his depth but people seme to have taken a win over a very poor australian side as an excuse to pick many of the same players and coaching staff, regardless of form and performance and what you get is the shambles that has been the first 2 matches.

[Jon Crofts]

Jack Nowell was particularly poor and the line out was bobbins.

[PaulWinch again]

That was a horror of a defeat.

[cheltenhamlion]

Gatland has picked too many Welsh players and is forcing those used to a more expansive game to play like 90's England before the game went pro. He is shite.

[aev]

They are are in a country that has tremendous strength and depth, with a bunch of players that have been thrown together not having played much before.

Rugby more and more is about structure and organisation, something that has made the Lions task harder since professionalism. They have also lost one of their truly world class players at the base of the scrum.

Whilst they weren't great yesterday they were undone by some wonderful centre play from Williams, and the bounce of the ball off an upright.

Lets hope they can grow into the tour as it goes on, as this was supposedly the second easiest game.

I am trying to be positive...

[JD]

On a positive note for The Lions, the unbeaten (this season) Canterbury Crusaders have only selected seven All Blacks in their team for Saturdays game (obviously going to take it easy on The Lions).
Sell out crowd for Saturday, so it should be a great atmosphere.

[peter w]

We'll win Saturday. Guaranteed.

[JD]

We'll win Saturday. Guaranteed.

Not a chance Peter, The Crusaders will win.

[peter w]

21-16 Lions. Or 31-26.

[paul_e]

21-16 Lions. Or 31-26.

I treally depends on if Gatland is learning anything.  If we play the way we have in the first 2 tests it'll be the crusaders by 15-20 points and the real humiliation will begin.

[JD]

Great buzz around town already today. Been to the Gym which overlooks the stadium and all the bars nearby are setting up for a big night.

[PaulWinch again]

Farrell has to be the starting 10 he's offering much more control than the other two.

[paul_e]

Yep, this is the right 8, 9, 10 combo and has to be the test setup, we look better because we have control in those key roles.  T'eo has been good at 12 as well.

[nigel]

Great game.
Lions completely nullified Crusaders.
Was interesting to see our front row come out on top of what might be the All Blacks front 3.
Maco was excellent.
As were Farrell & Murrey, that pair have to be the starting 9 & 10. There were a few heroes out on the pitch
Felt sorry for Hogg, but Watson did well. I also felt sorry for bandy legs Williams, he really had some awful passes to try and deal with.