The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

I agree, it really should be a comfortable win for the Lions in the 2nd Test if the Aussies play anywhere near the same levels they did for the majority of the match. BUT, in the hopes of a decent spectacle, Lynagh cannot start at 10 - he was well targeted and personally I don't think he's ready at this level/against that level of opposition. Joe Schmidt is certainly no mug as an international coach and will certainly improve things tactically/positionally/player-wise where possible and based on what and who he has available to him these days within the ARU and potentially further afield. On the plus-side for him (as mentioned previously), he has Skelton and Valetini available for selection and who will no doubt be rushed straight back in. They truly missed Skelton in the 1st Test IMO, but it's going to take a lot more than a couple of (admittedly great) players coming in to turn things around.

[404cameljockey]

Thanks, erudite and in-depth analysis as always.

[pharvey]

So, the Teams have been announced for the 2nd Test of the 3 Test Series between Australia and the British & Irish Lions: -
.

Lions-2ndTest.jpg (53.97 KiB) Viewed 114 times

.

Thoughts/Reaction: -

"Mid-Field" - The preference was always going to be an "All-Scottish" or "All-Irish" partnership, but with Farrell's preference for the Irish, it was always leading towards the latter. HOWEVER, the Scottish pairing of Tuipulotu and Jones have proven themselves from the start and the partnership with Russel at Flyhalf proved it's worth without doubt in the 1st Test. Tuipulotu's apparent hamstring injury put the "All Irish" partnership into play with Huw Jones dropping out of the Matchday Squad entirely (ludicrous). Ringrose however has pulled out over concerns over an earlier (suspected) concussion - incredibly brave and honest decision by him as nothing was picked up by Management, Medical or Training staff.
It does of course lead to a place on the Bench for Farrell Jr. The argument for him is he can cover 10, 12 and 13 (BS). The argument against is the simple fact he has played ZERO minutes of International Rugby in 18 months or so, has played little rugby in France for the season due to injury and has now been kicked out of the club to return to Sarries....

The "Back Three" - Can call themselves lucky, especially Keenan at 15 and Lowe at 11, both of which were very poor in the 1st Test but quite frankly questions should be asked as to whether it's purely the Irish connection. Kinghorn should be there at 15, but at least he's on the Bench.

"THE PACK" - Zero problems for me, the "Backrow" played incredibly well, Genge gave away a couple (Penalties and Freekicks), but what an "Impact Player" he will be off the Bench. McCarthy misses out through injury, Chessum comes in.

Pointless to question 9 and 10 - let's be fair, the best in World Rugby at the moment.

"The Bench" - Well, I've said most above, but despite my absolute bias - JAC is there!! And let's be absolutely fair, he deserves to be. The Bench coming on in the 1st Test were poor - and Ben Earl did nothing to enhance it (despite playing well during the tour).

As for The Aussies"

Pretty sure there's going to be a "Big Reaction" as the Australian Press and others (even "Moi") are saying... But, at the end of the day, they have far more work to do than the Lions. Skelton and Co. coming in will make a big difference, but I honestly see Lynagh at 10 as a weakness in the Backline - he will be targeted yet again, though that said - the Crims will target Keenan under the High Ball.....

Australia: -

BACKS: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon;

FORWARDS: Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson.

BENCH: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson.

[404cameljockey]

Just tuned in to see the interviews after second Lions test. Gutted. Didn't see my sports app alert before the match, hangover after a birthday party last night, bad memory, social media turned off so didn't see friends' messages. You name it.

Obviously in view of the result I need to watch a replay. Goddamit, I'm an idiot.

[pharvey]

Just tuned in to see the interviews after second Lions test. Gutted. Didn't see my sports app alert before the match, hangover after a birthday party last night, bad memory, social media turned off so didn't see friends' messages. You name it.

Obviously in view of the result I need to watch a replay. Goddamit, I'm an idiot.

You need to see the match. Out of respect to a fellow Rugby Fan, I'll keep quiet.

[404cameljockey]

You need to see the match. Out of respect to a fellow Rugby Fan, I'll keep quiet.

Yes, respect is why I didn't mention the result! Fans who had a brain malfuntion at the time of the event (yes, like me) should be allowed a little time to catch up before discussing any sports result, IMO.

[pharvey]

You need to see the match. Out of respect to a fellow Rugby Fan, I'll keep quiet.

Yes, respect is why I didn't mention the result! Fans who had a brain malfuntion at the time of the event (yes, like me) should be allowed a little time to catch up before discussing any sports result, IMO.

I think you've taken my comment @rse about t!t there.....

[404cameljockey]

Not at all mate. I'm agreeing that we don't discuss matches until a reasonable time has elapsed so as not to spoil the enjoyment of people yet to catch up with the result.

That's why when I originally posted about my dunderheaded missing of the match I didn't mention the result.

We're on the same page!