B&I Lions v Wallabies, Match Thread, Sat June 22, 1105am

irishbucsfan

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Oh, a difference of opinion with irishbucsfan, wonders never cease

Until now, I can't say I have considered Lydiate a groundhog type of flanker, but maybe I need to pay more heed when he enters the fray tomorrow.

Defensively hes not very disruptive, but offensively he's much more talented and his work rate is ridiculous.

Kanrith

Sorry I misunderstood what you meant. :P

GiftofGab

Wallabies by more than 7

Congrats to Isreal Folau playing AFL, NFL and Union all at top level. A sensational athlete.

Podge_irl

NRL, not NFL!

I wouldn't worry too much about an frailties North shows for Scarlets, he's a completely different player for Wales (which is a whole other problem, but one best not got into now).

JRant

I think if we utilise the maul a bit more tomorrow it could pay dividends. It's been used sparingly so far but to good effect. If we can get the Wallabie pack going backwards it will completely open up the field for Sexton to exploit.

BoardsMember

Kanrith wrote: »

I wouldn't say O'Driscoll is a defensive weakness.

Not usually, or not through his career at all. But recently, in the last few months, he had definitely been caught out a few times, players have beat him on the outside. Hopefully we wont see it tomorrow, I kind of doubt we will, he's a big game player.

NoelJ

I'm guessing James O'Connor will be kicking for Australia?

Kiwi_knock

NoelJ wrote: »

I'm guessing James O'Connor will be kicking for Australia?

I presume so, his kicking stats are pretty similar to Lealiifano. Would be a lot of pressure on Lealiifano if you asked him to take the kicks on his debut.

matthew8

Dan Lydiate

I have to say Australia look to have achieved parity or near-parity in every position in the pack. POC is the only one I'd rate in the Lions pack as world class, and he's matched by Horwill. In the backs, Genia should have a significant advantage over Phillips, cancelled out by Sexton's advantage. The centres look evenly matched too, with all 4 in great form. Digby and North should be evenly matched, while Folau should have a significant advantage over Cuthbert. How Barnes performs at FB will be crucial.

We can't forget that the Lions will be playing in front of a hostile Queensland crowd. I think Australia could shade this one.

Tox56

matthew8 wrote: »

I have to say Australia look to have achieved parity or near-parity in every position in the pack. POC is the only one I'd rate in the Lions pack as world class, and he's matched by Horwill. In the backs, Genia should have a significant advantage over Phillips, cancelled out by Sexton's advantage. The centres look evenly matched too, with all 4 in great form. Digby and North should be evenly matched, while Folau should have a significant advantage over Cuthbert. How Barnes performs at FB will be crucial.

We can't forget that the Lions will be playing in front of a hostile Queensland crowd. I think Australia could shade this one.

On form Adam Jones is the best tighthead in the world so he would be world class in his position too. Halfpenny's kicking is surely going to be better than anything the Aussies can offer

JRant

matthew8 wrote: »

I have to say Australia look to have achieved parity or near-parity in every position in the pack. POC is the only one I'd rate in the Lions pack as world class, and he's matched by Horwill. In the backs, Genia should have a significant advantage over Phillips, cancelled out by Sexton's advantage. The centres look evenly matched too, with all 4 in great form. Digby and North should be evenly matched, while Folau should have a significant advantage over Cuthbert. How Barnes performs at FB will be crucial.

We can't forget that the Lions will be playing in front of a hostile Queensland crowd. I think Australia could shade this one.

I think with the amount of ex-pats living in Brisbane the crowd might be a bit more mixed than you think.

matthew8

Dan Lydiate

Tox56 wrote: »

On form Adam Jones is the best tighthead in the world so he would be world class in his position too. Halfpenny's kicking is surely going to be better than anything the Aussies can offer

HP should provide an edge, but AJ offers practically nothing around the park, and his scrummaging hasn't dominated since the Barbarians game either. I would rate Franks higher than AJ, and wouldn't rate AJ much higher than Alexander, especially playing with a NZ ref in the Southern Hemisphere.

Swiwi.

Dan Lydiate

I reckon Berrick Barnes might have the kicking duties.

Buer

Le vieux renard wrote: »

I reckon Berrick Barnes might have the kicking duties.

Half thinking the same. He's an older head and they've clearly picked elements of their back line with the idea of taking some pressure off JOC. Barnes has plenty of experience of playing in the Suncorp too given his few years there.

All of the Australian goal kickers are susceptible to some pretty bad days though at this level (with the exception of the untried CL).

Swiwi.

Dan Lydiate

Buer wrote: »

Half thinking the same. He's an older head and they've clearly picked elements of their back line with the idea of taking some pressure off JOC. Barnes has plenty of experience of playing in the Suncorp too given his few years there.

All of the Australian goal kickers are susceptible to some pretty bad days though at this level (with the exception of the untried CL).

Indeed. Even Barnes missed a sitter a few weeks ago to deny the Crusaders victory (or rather to win the Tahs the game).

But he doesn't generally get flustered, and with JOC playing at 10, I reckon it makes sense. Beale is not a bad goalkicker either, if he comes off the bench.

One thing is clear, and that is that if it comes down to a kicking duel, the Lions will win comfortably - it's their one absolutely clear advantage, hence why I could never understand HP's place being open to question. I don't think I've seen a better goalkicker, not recently anyway.

Volvic12

Dan Lydiate

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Indeed. Even Barnes missed a sitter a few weeks ago to deny the Crusaders victory (or rather to win the Tahs the game).

But he doesn't generally get flustered, and with JOC playing at 10, I reckon it makes sense. Beale is not a bad goalkicker either, if he comes off the bench.

One thing is clear, and that is that if it comes down to a kicking duel, the Lions will win comfortably - it's their one absolutely clear advantage, hence why I could never understand HP's place being open to question. I don't think I've seen a better goalkicker, not recently anyway.

I wouldn't call the kick Barnes missed a few weeks ago against the Crusaders a sitter. Very kickable yes but definetely not a sitter.

Rightwing

Wallabies by more than 7

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Indeed. Even Barnes missed a sitter a few weeks ago to deny the Crusaders victory (or rather to win the Tahs the game).

But he doesn't generally get flustered, and with JOC playing at 10, I reckon it makes sense. Beale is not a bad goalkicker either, if he comes off the bench.

One thing is clear, and that is that if it comes down to a kicking duel, the Lions will win comfortably - it's their one absolutely clear advantage, hence why I could never understand HP's place being open to question. I don't think I've seen a better goalkicker, not recently anyway.

I don't think it ever was, along with Sexton & POC he was probably first on the teamsheet.

captbarnacles

Lions by less than 7

Sam Warburton was first 1/2P second.

Swiwi.

Dan Lydiate

Volvic12 wrote: »

I wouldn't call the kick Barnes missed a few weeks ago against the Crusaders a sitter. Very kickable yes but definetely not a sitter.

Ok, maybe not a sitter in the sense of 20m out, right in front of the posts, but it was the kind of kick HP would nail blindfolded in his sleep. Maybe 5 to 10m to the left of the upright, and 30m out.

captbarnacles

Lions by less than 7

Wonder how much Warburton had to do with Lydiates selection. He has said how much he loves having his wingman on the pitch. Maybe Lydiates injury affected his form this year? Anyhow it is likely Gatland sounded out his Captain especially if it was as tight a call as it looked. It's also possbile Gatland likes how the combination of the two plays at the breakdown (experience together plus contrasting styles) - greater than the sum of their parts?

Swiwi.

Dan Lydiate

Rightwing wrote: »

I don't think it ever was, along with Sexton & POC he was probably first on the teamsheet.

Perusing the forum you will see Kearney, Hogg, Maitland & Zebo all listed at various stages as starting at 15, albeit with some posters (but definitely not all) moving HP to wing.

However, I would agree with you that HPs place in the starting 15, and at fullback, was never in any doubt. I can't think of a more consistent player in world rugby over these last 12 months or so. He just doesn't make poor decisions, and has demonstrated his attacking prowess with a couple of well-taken tries during this tour.

Buer

captbarnacles wrote: »

Wonder how much Warburton had to do with Lydiates selection. He has said how much he loves having his wingman on the pitch. Maybe Lydiates injury affected his form this year? Anyhow it is likely Gatland sounded out his Captain especially if it was as tight a call as it looked. It's also possbile Gatland likes how the combination of the two plays at the breakdown (experience together plus contrasting styles) - greater than the sum of their parts?

Whilst I'm not sure how much relevance it would have, I'd be almost certain that Gatland would sound out Warburton ahead of selection for his thoughts. It has happened on previous tours and I'm sure it continues. Ollie Smith toured in 2005 on the say so of BOD. I don't think it's any coincidence that Quinlan was a shock call up in 2009 when POC was captain either.

I would say Warburton had a chat with coaching staff and gave his opinions before they closed the doors and sat down to pick the team.

ionadnapokot

Wallabies by more than 7

Hard to call tomorrows game with so many unknowns in the Wallaby team. And of course the Lions. But the Lions will play in positions mostly where the Aussies expect them to.
But Australia?? Barnes is a 10 named @ 15, O’Connor is 14/15 named @ 10 and Folau is 14 named @15. (although he did play wing in league). Expect some interchanging of positions amongst those three. And Beale to come off the bench @10, 14 or 15?
Id imagine Gatland et all are also scratching their heads.
Lions to win it. 21 v 25. World class at outhalf. Australia don’t have anybody near Sextons level (Quade anybody!?). And a kicking machine in Halfpenny.
Cant wait now! B'OD MOM!

.ak

Wallabies by more than 7

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Perusing the forum you will see Kearney, Hogg, Maitland & Zebo all listed at various stages as starting at 15, albeit with some posters (but definitely not all) moving HP to wing.

However, I would agree with you that HPs place in the starting 15, and at fullback, was never in any doubt. I can't think of a more consistent player in world rugby over these last 12 months or so. He just doesn't make poor decisions, and has demonstrated his attacking prowess with a couple of well-taken tries during this tour.

Ah that's a bit disingenuous. From what I saw the only posters advocating HP not to start at 15 was when North and Bowe looked like they were unfit, so it'd be less risky to have HP shore up the wing rather than having him at FB and putting Zebo or Maitland on the wing.

That was my understanding of it anyway. Nobody wanted HP not to start.

Swiwi.

Dan Lydiate

.ak wrote: »

Ah that's a bit disingenuous. From what I saw the only posters advocating HP not to start at 15 was when North and Bowe looked like they were unfit, so it'd be less risky to have HP shore up the wing rather than having him at FB and putting Zebo or Maitland on the wing.

That was my understanding of it anyway. Nobody wanted HP not to start.

Do I trawl the forum to prove my case? No - life is short and time is precious, so I'll take your word for it .ak!

.ak

Wallabies by more than 7

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Do I trawl the forum to prove my case? No - life is short and time is precious, so I'll take your word for it .ak!

You also promised to buy me a beer.

Swiwi.

Dan Lydiate

.ak wrote: »

You also promised to buy me a beer.

I only have 61 posts to my name (62 including this one), so it shouldn't take too long to see if you're right! But if that Woolshed thing goes ahead, then yes I'll buy you a beer! One of those nice craft ones, a bit of class.

.ak

Wallabies by more than 7

I'm going to change my avatar to the first Lions player who scores a try...

... unless they don't score any tries, then I suppose I'll choose a pic of Halfpenny's boot.

The Aussie

Wallabies by more than 7

.ak wrote: »

I'm going to change my avatar to the first Lions player who scores a try...

... unless they don't score any tries, then I suppose I'll choose a pic of Halfpenny's boot.

What if Justin Beiber (JOC) scores the only try of the game.....







I know he ain't a Lion BTW.

Tox56

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Perusing the forum you will see Kearney, Hogg, Maitland & Zebo all listed at various stages as starting at 15, albeit with some posters (but definitely not all) moving HP to wing.

However, I would agree with you that HPs place in the starting 15, and at fullback, was never in any doubt. I can't think of a more consistent player in world rugby over these last 12 months or so. He just doesn't make poor decisions, and has demonstrated his attacking prowess with a couple of well-taken tries during this tour.

In fairness a lot of that would have been before his outrageous kicking form on this tour (I always had him at 15 for what it's worth). He's always been a good kicker but not as metronomic as he has been lately. I don't think he even has kicking duties depending on the 10 at Caridff? I'm a bit sketchy on that one but I remember a Welshie claiming that at some point. Only time I saw him live he missed 2 kicks out of 4 or 5 anyway, so up until recently his kicking wouldn't have been cause to have him as an automatic choice

Buer

.ak wrote: »

I'm going to change my avatar to the first Lions player who scores a try...

... unless they don't score any tries, then I suppose I'll choose a pic of Halfpenny's boot.

Go Dan Lydiate!

Beanmonkey

ionadnapokot wrote: »

But Australia?? Barnes is a 10 named @ 15, O’Connor is 14/15 named @ 10 and Folau is 14 named @15. (although he did play wing in league). Expect some interchanging of positions amongst those three. And Beale to come off the bench @10, 14 or 15?

May be a scrap in the changing room over the 15 shirt

The Aussie

Wallabies by more than 7

Beanmonkey wrote: »

May be a scrap in the changing room over the 15 shirt

Well there is no Cooper(s) in the room so Beale should be safe.

He so far stands at fighting

- Quade Cooper

- Copper Vuna

splashthecash

Wallabies by more than 7

What channel will this be on guys?

LeeroyJones

splashthecash wrote: »

What channel will this be on guys?

Sky Sports 1

PopTarts

Is it on Telly at all?

petebricquette

Wallabies by more than 7

PopTarts wrote: »

Is it on Telly at all?

Not normal tv. Sky Sports only so if you don't have it you're best off looking for a decent stream or going to a pub. I'm based in Galway and I know a few places are opening up early for it.

runman

Lions by less than 7

With all the talk of falou and his ability I bet he has a meltdown tomorrow and George north messes him up!!

I'm excited.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

I hope it's a spectacle, whatever the outcome

hype101

Somebody may have mentioned this earlier but what happens if Sam Warburton gets injured after 10 mins, or just isn't up to it.. Will Jamie Heaslip be playing openside?, with Tom Croft at 8, against the best groundhog team in the world.. It's madness, the balance is all off!.. You can't accommodate Lydiate and Croft in the same 22 .. Even if it wasn't going to be O'Brien, surely Faleteau or Tipuric would have been the way to go.. If they were determined to have Lydiate on the bench would they not maybe have been better of having no second row sub and moving Croft to the row if forced?.. Atleast that would give more backrow options

duckysauce

Dan Lydiate

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

I hope it's a spectacle, whatever the outcome

jesus that's a name and a half

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

duckysauce wrote: »

jesus that's a name and a half

just incredible

leftleg

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

just incredible

Yeah wed understand if it was john Hayes spacecraft experience but ugo monye doesn't have the same wow effect

Fireball07

Wallabies by more than 7

leftleg wrote: »

Yeah wed understand if it was john Hayes spacecraft experience but ugo monye doesn't have the same wow effect

I like it....I approve :cool:

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

It's a very hard game to call really. On one hand Australia look a lot stronger than they did this time last year, but they aren't in the same league physically as the Boks four years ago while this touring party seems to be a better one that ran that side close

Lions to edge this test

duckysauce

Dan Lydiate

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

It's a very hard game to call really. On one hand Australia look a lot stronger than they did this time last year, but they aren't in the same league physically as the Boks four years ago while this touring party seems to be a better one that ran that side close

Lions to edge this test

ah come on --re reg and no score ??

need the margin

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

duckysauce wrote: »

ah come on --re reg and no score ??

need the margin

If I was pushed to predict a score it would be 6 points via the metronomic boot of one Leigh Halfpenny

Paully D

Are Australia not a big price at almost 2/1, or 11/10 with a 3 point head start? Thanks.

bilston

Wallabies by more than 7

So do people think it's a good thing or a bad thing that Australia haven't played since November?

On the one hand they haven't been able to test their combinations in a competitive match situation so that's a positive for us.

On the other hand they could well have ripped their playbook up in November and come up with something entirely new this year and we won't have a clue what to expect tomorrow.

Then again there would be risk in that for Australia too, they could have a whole new set of moves but they won't have tried them in a competitive environment so it could go pear shaped for them.

Hard one to call really!

CatFromHue

I'm thinking a good thing.

It may have been 3 weeks since most of them played but that was SuperXV round 16 so I'm guessing most of the Aussie players have played at least 10-12 games already this season. So physically they will be in good shape and tuned in but could do with a week off from high intensity games. Compare that with the Irish players who usually only start to come back a game or two before the first HEC game and so by the first November Test match will only have played maybe 4 or 5 games that season.

Also they're going to be playing 3 tests on 3 consecutive weekends which will be tough enough, trying to add in another game during the break could end up counter productive by the time they reach the third test.