The Rugby Thread

[Tredman]

That was not very impressive at all, what was least impressive is that the lions tactics seem to be to play as little ball in hand as possible.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

That was not very impressive at all, what was least impressive is that the lions tactics seem to be to play as little ball in hand as possible.

Not surprising with the squad selected and given that Gatland is becoming a parody of himself.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Gatland-ball is becoming somewhat found out. Its no secret that Wales have looked weaker in the last two years as other sides know what is coming and defend against it. Now, we have it with the Lions and these are all going to be damn good sides that we take the field against. There are no simple turn up and put on a display games in New Zealand so the Lions are going to have to improve a HELL of a lot.

Positives
Faletau
Te'o
Farrell
Moriarty

Negatives
Hogg
The locks

 

[Tredman]

Gatland-ball is becoming somewhat found out. Its no secret that Wales have looked weaker in the last two years as other sides know what is coming and defend against it. Now, we have it with the Lions and these are all going to be damn good sides that we take the field against. There are no simple turn up and put on a display games in New Zealand so the Lions are going to have to improve a HELL of a lot.

Positives
Faletau
Te'o
Farrell
Moriarty

Negatives
Hogg
The locks

Agree with all that, would definitely add Sinckler as a +ve, thought he played very well. We really lack power and carrying in the back row, I think that will be our undoing.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Going to be a long month based on that, both fly halves were poor as well, there is excuses about 3 days since they travelld but that does cover that performance and more importantly tactics.

Dont think Gatland helped things with his choices of coaches dont think Howey or Farrell are of this standard.
I backed NZ to win the series 3-0 at even money once i saw squad, they will lose another couple of games on top of that.
Door is wide open for players coming in on wednesday to put them in pole position for test places.

 

[Jabbawolf]

Gatland-ball is becoming somewhat found out. Its no secret that Wales have looked weaker in the last two years as other sides know what is coming and defend against it. Now, we have it with the Lions and these are all going to be damn good sides that we take the field against. There are no simple turn up and put on a display games in New Zealand so the Lions are going to have to improve a HELL of a lot.

Positives
Faletau
Te'o
Farrell
Moriarty

Negatives
Hogg
The locks

Sinckler was good, Sexton had a stinker - thought Watson looked lively.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I forgot to mention Sexton.

For me, that has to put Farrell in the box seat for the tests. Obviously we will see Biggar against Auckland as Gatland wants to give everyone a good run out in the first games, but I think Farrell and Sexton would be ahead of him on normal form.

Very pleased for Sinckler. It must be a stunning experience for him.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Sexton finished the season poorly for Leinster then had an absolute stinker in the pro12 semi-final.

Mind you didnt help playing outside Laidlaw, his passings that slow

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I would play Rhys Webb at scrum half, he can be a bit selfish, for sure, but he has some sparks of genius and his passing is definitely quicker than that of Laidlaw.

 

[Nando]

Murray has to start if fit. He's the best of them by a distance for me.

 

[Dinowolf]

NZ press expressing their view of the Lions as 'pathetic' and 'incompetent'.

It was a poor start but this kind of reaction is OTT.

 

[jd1981]

It is over the top but I can't see the lions winning 2 test against the all blacks.

 

[Dinowolf]

England U20 vs Wales U20 on S4C live K.O. 5:30pm

 

[Dinowolf]

British and Irish Lions team to face the Blues on Wednesday:

L Halfpenny (Wales), J Nowell (England), J Payne, R Henshaw (both Ireland), E Daly (England), D Biggar, R Webb (both Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Owens (Wales, capt), D Cole, M Itoje, C Lawes, J Haskell (all England), J Tipuric (Wales), CJ Stander (Ireland).

Replacements: R Best (Ireland), J Marler, K Sinckler (both England), I Henderson, P O’Mahony (both Ireland), G Laidlaw (Scotland), J Sexton (Ireland), L Williams (Wales).

 

[east-coast-wolves]

Studying in Auckland atm, landed myself a job at Eden Park for the Lions games so free entry tonight (and to all the tests there)! The Blues have been decidely average whenever I've seen them this season so I'm hoping for an improved Lions performance and a good win tonight.

 

[Tredman]

Lions getting found out a bit this second half. Far too many average players on the pitch.

 

[jd1981]

Terrible second half so many errors and so many penalties given away that line out at the end was a joke.
Serious issues for the lions.

 

[Nando]

Sexton has been fucking appalling in both appearances so far.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Farrell nailed on to start as No 10 for the tests after Biggar and Sextons performances today.

Starting front 5 were ok today but there is absolutely nothing created in the backs.

Oh well that was the worst NZ super 14 side (not my much admittadly) we played today just 13 wins from 13 games Crusaders on Saturday

 

[Dinowolf]

England team to play Argentina

15. Mike Brown (Harlequins)
14. Marland Yarde (Harlequins)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Alex Lozowski (Saracens)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby)
10. George Ford (Bath Rugby)
9. Danny Care (Harlequins)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)
2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, capt)
3. Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)
4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
5. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
6. Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
8. Nathan Hughes (Wasps)
Finishers
16. Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
17. Matt Mullan (Wasps)
18. Will Collier (Harlequins)
19. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
20. Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs)
21. Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
22. Piers Francis (Northampton Saints)
23. Denny Solomona (Sale Sharks)

No Robshaw but more noticeably, no Underhill.
Piers Francis in the side too.