International Rugby

[Ads]

I thought both our locks were poor. Alun Wyn Jones looked past it against us in the 6 Nations and Kruis looked off the pace too. Itoje has to start in Wellington.

Counter attack was good, the try superb. We missed our opportunities and switched off twice. It was a closer game than the scoreline suggested.

You cannot give them 20 minutes like we did mind.

[paul_e]

I'd agree with that, Itoje and Lawes were the form players and should've been picked together.  Gatland seems to have decided that the lineout only works with Kruis though so he's a shoe-in for every test despite, as you sort of say, looking like someone who had a nasty injury last year and needs time to recover.

[Dante Lavelli]

I'd agree with that, Itoje and Lawes were the form players and should've been picked together.  Gatland seems to have decided that the lineout only works with Kruis though so he's a shoe-in for every test despite, as you sort of say, looking like someone who had a nasty injury last year and needs time to recover.

Which of Lawes or Itoje would call the line outs?  Itoje does not do this at saracens (due to Kruis) or presumably England for the same reason.  It seems trivial to me, but Jim Hamilton on the podcast I keep plugging claims that it is a vital part of the lineout and it's importance should not be underestimated.  Does Lawes call at the Saints?

[paul_e]

I'd agree with that, Itoje and Lawes were the form players and should've been picked together.  Gatland seems to have decided that the lineout only works with Kruis though so he's a shoe-in for every test despite, as you sort of say, looking like someone who had a nasty injury last year and needs time to recover.

Which of Lawes or Itoje would call the line outs?  Itoje does not do this at saracens (due to Kruis) or presumably England for the same reason.  It seems trivial to me, but Jim Hamilton on the podcast I keep plugging claims that it is a vital part of the lineout and it's importance should not be underestimated.  Does Lawes call at the Saints?

Lawes has done it at saints for 2-3 seasons.

[Dante Lavelli]

It's ironic, in my opinion, that the Lions have an abundance of second rows yet alun wyn jones and kruis probably had their worst games in years on saturday.  Compounded by Henderson's performance on Tuesday (and arguably Lawes' throughout the tour).  I kinda expected the flankers to be found out a touch on the tour, but not the locks...

[taylorsworkrate]

Wyn Jones unbelievably keeps his place in the starting line up for the 2nd test. He looked completely shot after 30 minutes in the 1st test. Really should have gone with Itoje and Lawes at lock with Henderson on the bench. Teo also dropped so they can go with Sexton at 10 and Farrell at 12. Very very harsh on Teo who had a very strong 50 minutes.

15: Williams
14: Watson
13: Davies
12: Farrell
11: Daly
10: Sexton
9: Murray
8: Faletau
7: O'Brien
6: Warbuton
5: Itoje
4: Wyn Jones
3: Furlong
2: George
1: Vunipola

Replacements: Owens, McGrath, Sinckler, Lawes, Stander; Webb, Te’o, Nowell

[paul_e]

Some stupid decisions in there.  I'd be interested to see how many people thought T'eo should be dropped.

[cheltenhamlion]

Or Sexton brought in. Or AWJ retained.

[paul_e]

Of course, I#m just picking the one that, for me, is the most ridiculous.

[PaulWinch again]

T'eo being dropped is a mistake, he contained Sonny Bill. Also Gatland has completely abandoned his position on Farrell vs Sexton.

[Dante Lavelli]

T'eo being dropped is a mistake, he contained Sonny Bill. Also Gatland has completely abandoned his position on Farrell vs Sexton.

it's a bit like playing 4 strikers.  Whilst the individuals might be great the sum of the parts is less than picking a wider variety of skills/strength. Sonny Bill could have a firld day through the middle.

[paul_e]

T'eo being dropped is a mistake, he contained Sonny Bill. Also Gatland has completely abandoned his position on Farrell vs Sexton.

it's a bit like playing 4 strikers.  Whilst the individuals might be great the sum of the parts is less than picking a wider variety of skills/strength. Sonny Bill could have a firld day through the middle.

I suspect Farrell will get a yellow card at some point.  When he goes up against someone like this who can dominate him his instinct is to try to put in a few 'reducers', he's got himself in trouble for it a few times.

[manic-road]

Sonny Bill red carded in the first half, might make it a more even game for the Lions now.

[paul_e]

Sonny Bill red carded in the first half, might make it a more even game for the Lions now.

Was a clear red but the lions tried their hardest to fuck it up still.  Tactics and discipline were poor in the 2nd half which kept the  all blacks in the game.

[Ads]

I can't take that much excitement this early!

It was like watching Johnson's England with the I'll discipline but what a last 20! Absolutely fabtastic!