3rd Test

[Galfon]

Apologies for the slurring, Maz = Maro, sez = says ( in post-match interview).. that what turned the game included the impact of 'all the replacements' and the 'decision makers' in the team Finn, Faz (Fazlet..he calls AF 'big faz') and Jammer (JGP) playing the game well.
Accepting that one of these due to possibly age and limited recent game time, will be lacking a bit in pace and physicality, he may well bring decision making alongside other on-field virtues as match winning credentials.
( not having played above junior club level, couldn't possibly agree or disagree with certainty )..

I'd be very surprised therefore if OF was not a replacement again for the final Test.

[Spiffy]

Apologies for the slurring, Maz = Maro, sez = says ( in post-match interview).. that what turned the game included the impact of 'all the replacements' and the 'decision makers' in the team Finn, Faz (Fazlet..he calls AF 'big faz') and Jammer (JGP) playing the game well.
Accepting that one of these due to possibly age and limited recent game time, will be lacking a bit in pace and physicality, he may well bring decision making alongside other on-field virtues as match winning credentials.
( not having played above junior club level, couldn't possibly agree or disagree with certainty )..

I'd be very suprised therefore if OF was not a replacement sgain for the final Test.

What decision making? Apart from deciding to miss two tackles out of three.
He probably will bench it for the third test, since his da is in charge and nepotism reigns. Or even worse, start the game at 12 and blot out Russell's creativity (the way he did with George Ford.) He'll probably be given a shot at goal too (despite the dicky groin) just to add a little bit of extra glory to the faux test-match-animal legend in a pretty meaningless game. Gwannnnn Oz....

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Changes:

Hansen for Freeman (if fit)
Ringrose for Jones
Sione for Bundee
Kinghorn for Lowe

McCarthy back (if fit) else James Ryan

Bench:
Earl and Morgan covering back 5
White for Mitchell
Osbourne as 3/4 cover

[Donny osmond]

Looking forward to this. Though it's a dead rubber Australia won't want to be whitewashed and the Lions can play without pressure, so it could be really entertaining.

The Scotland fan in me wants Russell especially nowhere near it, and there's a few overplayed (over the last few years) Lions who should really be starting their holidays already. But most of me just wants them to pick the entertainers (swap the wings, ditch Aki, pick Mitchell, Pollock, Cummings and Genge) and really give it a go.

Completely agree. These guys that could/should come in aren't simply dirt trackers looking for a game, they're guys who (mostly) have been desperately unlucky not to make the test team. They should be given their shot.

They won't be, I think AF will mostly stick with his favourites, but they should be.

[Sandydragon]

Looking forward to this. Though it's a dead rubber Australia won't want to be whitewashed and the Lions can play without pressure, so it could be really entertaining.

The Scotland fan in me wants Russell especially nowhere near it, and there's a few overplayed (over the last few years) Lions who should really be starting their holidays already. But most of me just wants them to pick the entertainers (swap the wings, ditch Aki, pick Mitchell, Pollock, Cummings and Genge) and really give it a go.

Completely agree. These guys that could/should come in aren't simply dirt trackers looking for a game, they're guys who (mostly) have been desperately unlucky not to make the test team. They should be given their shot.

They won't be, I think AF will mostly stick with his favourites, but they should be.

In principle id agree. There are some players who have had good tours who could justifiably be in the squad. But the idea of a series whitewash must be tempting for Farrell so I just can’t see too many changes.


Huge shame Darcy Graham got injured as there definitely questions about Lowe.

[Banquo]

Changes:

Hansen for Freeman (if fit)
Ringrose for Jones
Sione for Bundee
Kinghorn for Lowe

McCarthy back (if fit) else James Ryan

Bench:
Earl and Morgan covering back 5
White for Mitchell
Osbourne as 3/4 cover

Freeman had a good game so a bit harsh as did Jones unless crocked. MCCarthy if fit agreed.
Not sure what Mitchell has done wrong tbh, and offers more impact than White, who is more jgp’y. With that forward cover asking Itoje and Beirne to go 80 again I guess.

[Puja]

Apologies for the slurring, Maz = Maro, sez = says ( in post-match interview).. that what turned the game included the impact of 'all the replacements' and the 'decision makers' in the team Finn, Faz (Fazlet..he calls AF 'big faz') and Jammer (JGP) playing the game well.
Accepting that one of these due to possibly age and limited recent game time, will be lacking a bit in pace and physicality, he may well bring decision making alongside other on-field virtues as match winning credentials.
( not having played above junior club level, couldn't possibly agree or disagree with certainty )..

I'd be very suprised therefore if OF was not a replacement sgain for the final Test.

What decision making? Apart from deciding to miss two tackles out of three.
He probably will bench it for the third test, since his da is in charge and nepotism reigns. Or even worse, start the game at 12 and blot out Russell's creativity (the way he did with George Ford.) He'll probably be given a shot at goal too (despite the dicky groin) just to add a little bit of extra glory to the faux test-match-animal legend in a pretty meaningless game. Gwannnnn Oz....

I'll be honest, I was watching the last few minutes of the test, with the Lions 2 points down and praying that, if we did get a penalty, it was out wide. If it was in front of the posts, I could see Farrell tapping it over and being proclaimed the greatest to ever live and the sole reason we won the series.

On the other hand, had he had the opportunity to kick for the win and missed... . I would've lived for that, given all the newspaper articles of "You have to pick Fazlet cause who would you want if you had a kick to win in the 89th minute???"

Puja

[Numbers]

I can't see Ringrose featuring if he was too concussed to play on Saturday, I'd rather he prioritise his health with his history.

This is the twam I wold like to see on Saturday:

Genge
Sheehan
Furlong
Itoje
McCarthy (if fit or Chessum if not)
Beirne
Morgan
Conan
JGP
Russell
Kinghorn
Tuipolotu
Jones
Freeman
Keenan

Bench:

Porter
George
Stuart
Chessum (Cummins if Chessum starts due to McCarthy not being fit)
Pollock (I think he offers real impact and for me Morgan is a starter or not in the 23)
White
Aki
Hansen

I'm going for Kinghorn to cover 10 if Finn is injured.

[Danno]

Apologies for the slurring, Maz = Maro, sez = says ( in post-match interview).. that what turned the game included the impact of 'all the replacements' and the 'decision makers' in the team Finn, Faz (Fazlet..he calls AF 'big faz') and Jammer (JGP) playing the game well.
Accepting that one of these due to possibly age and limited recent game time, will be lacking a bit in pace and physicality, he may well bring decision making alongside other on-field virtues as match winning credentials.
( not having played above junior club level, couldn't possibly agree or disagree with certainty )..

I'd be very surprised therefore if OF was not a replacement again for the final Test.

All good, I just needed a translation

[Banquo]

was Jones injured? If not, its one of the most ridiculous subs I've seen.

[Mikey Brown]

was Jones injured? If not, its one of the most ridiculous subs I've seen.

Still not seen anything to suggest he was. Bizarre if not just for making Aki play 80. I didn’t think he even does that for Ireland anymore.

Dan Cole raving about Farrell on his podcast was funny - “He brought stability and work-rate and…” then he just sort of stuttered and moved on to someone else.

[Beasties]

was Jones injured? If not, its one of the most ridiculous subs I've seen.

Still not seen anything to suggest he was. Bizarre if not just for making Aki play 80. I didn’t think he even does that for Ireland anymore.

Dan Cole raving about Farrell on his podcast was funny - “He brought stability and work-rate and…” then he just sort of stuttered and moved on to someone else.

He actually does have a USB drive on everyone hasn’t he.

[Cameo]

was Jones injured? If not, its one of the most ridiculous subs I've seen.

Still not seen anything to suggest he was. Bizarre if not just for making Aki play 80. I didn’t think he even does that for Ireland anymore.

Dan Cole raving about Farrell on his podcast was funny - “He brought stability and work-rate and…” then he just sort of stuttered and moved on to someone else.

He actually does have a USB drive on everyone hasn’t he.

Jones doesn't seem the type, but if he's not picked for this weekend, I'd be very curious to hear his real thoughts on being subbed.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Changes:

Hansen for Freeman (if fit)
Ringrose for Jones
Sione for Bundee
Kinghorn for Lowe

McCarthy back (if fit) else James Ryan

Bench:
Earl and Morgan covering back 5
White for Mitchell
Osbourne as 3/4 cover

Freeman had a good game so a bit harsh as did Jones unless crocked. MCCarthy if fit agreed.
Not sure what Mitchell has done wrong tbh, and offers more impact than White, who is more jgp’y. With that forward cover asking Itoje and Beirne to go 80 again I guess.

I should have said that my selection isn't one I'd make if we had a decider. There are too many changes for a winning team. Obviously I wouldn't start from here either. Basically I've looked to use as much of the squad as possible where the incoming player is at least arguably better.

I really don't think Freeman had a good game - and not just for the yellow which obviously wasn't entirely him but also wasn't entirely not him. Like Lowe he's been underwhelming in 2 tests. I'd say he's been worse than Lowe by some measure as he's not actually provided any threat.

Ringrose is a better player and deserves a test. I actually also think Bundee is a better player than Sione and if this was a decider I wouldn't

White is the better player and Mitchell can't be described as impact in any sane universe. More JGPy is exactly what we want.

Itoje isn't being substituted so I'm not pretending otherwise. Beirne can be substituted by either of the loose forwards on the bench.

[Banquo]

Changes:

Hansen for Freeman (if fit)
Ringrose for Jones
Sione for Bundee
Kinghorn for Lowe

McCarthy back (if fit) else James Ryan

Bench:
Earl and Morgan covering back 5
White for Mitchell
Osbourne as 3/4 cover

Freeman had a good game so a bit harsh as did Jones unless crocked. MCCarthy if fit agreed.
Not sure what Mitchell has done wrong tbh, and offers more impact than White, who is more jgp’y. With that forward cover asking Itoje and Beirne to go 80 again I guess.

I really don't think Freeman had a good game - and not just for the yellow which obviously wasn't entirely him but also wasn't entirely not him. Like Lowe he's been underwhelming in 2 tests. I'd say he's been worse than Lowe by some measure as he's not actually provided any threat.

Ringrose is a better player and deserves a test. I actually also think Bundee is a better player than Sione and if this was a decider I wouldn't

White is the better player and Mitchell can't be described as impact in any sane universe. More JGPy is exactly what we want.

Itoje isn't being substituted so I'm not pretending otherwise. Beirne can be substituted by either of the loose forwards on the bench.

Profoundly disagree on Freeman- he carried strongly in the 2nd test (they both had stinkers in the 1st, but Lowe was stinkier), made 65 +hard yards and all tackles made; look at the build up to a couple of tries, and in a game where we had little ball tbh. Lowe carried a massive 18 yards on the same number of carries and missed 4 tackles of 8, was exposed on the turn, and should rightly be replaced by Kinghorn. I rate Lowe, to be clear, and would have been a starter normally, but he's in bad form imo. Hansen can't be that fit- he's impressed in patches to be fair, but started off really poorly.

I lke Ringrose, but Jones is quicker and has defended well; I like Aki, but he's not fit and Sione is a way better distributor and offers a direct threat.

Mitchell....is definitely impact (though note I said more impact than White, rather than impact per se; don't even agree White is a better player- and suspect Faz agrees, given White not originally selected?), he's really rapid. More JGP is what you want if he's injured I suppose.
If you sub Beirne for a loosie, then you have both second rows on for the whole match- assuming McCarthy is fit and can do 80.

We are clearly at odds by a distance so will leave it there.

[Mikey Brown]

I thought Freeman had a few good carries, but it felt more like a forward cleaning up scraps than any particularly decent attacking ball. Not really sure what his instructions are but doesn’t seem to be getting (himself) in the game all that much.

Lowe seems to be getting quite a few touches, and creating 1 miracle ball for every 4 or 5 stutter-steps in to the first defender.

I honestly don’t know what would happen simply by dropping Hansen in for Freeman.

Kinghorn made everything look so much more threatening when he came on though.

[Banquo]

I thought Freeman had a few good carries, but it felt more like a forward cleaning up scraps than any particularly decent attacking ball. Not really sure what his instructions are but doesn’t seem to be getting (himself) in the game all that much.

Lowe seems to be getting quite a few touches, and creating 1 miracle ball for every 4 or 5 stutter-steps in to the first defender.

I honestly don’t know what would happen simply by dropping Hansen in for Freeman.

Kinghorn made everything look so much more threatening when he came on though.

Freeman had at least 2 carries out wide, making 20 yards or so each time and committing 2/3 defenders each time. He touched it 7 times to Lowes 10. Bear in mind we had fck all ball for about an hour. In defence, Lowe was poor, and had a couple of fumbles. Mind, not sure why debating Lowe v Freeman as a- opposite wings, and b-all agreed that KInghorn should replace Lowe.

Kinghorn did indeed do that, in a period where we had more ball, but still.

[BaldiePete]

Ringrose is ruled out of 3rd test. Hansen, McCarthy and Tuipolotu have all been training. If Jones is playing then it makes sense to have Tuipolotu start and Aki on bench. I wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell picks Junior at 12.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 2195r85g3o

[Mikey Brown]

Ringrose is ruled out of 3rd test. Hansen, McCarthy and Tuipolotu have all been training. If Jones is playing then it makes sense to have Tuipolotu start and Aki on bench. I wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell picks Junior at 12.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 2195r85g3o

Hmm. Tuipulotu starting with Aki on the bench rather removes OF’s USP as fly-half/12 cover from the bench. Better give Finn the boot I guess.

[Banquo]

Ringrose is ruled out of 3rd test. Hansen, McCarthy and Tuipolotu have all been training. If Jones is playing then it makes sense to have Tuipolotu start and Aki on bench. I wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell picks Junior at 12.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 2195r85g3o

Hmm. Tuipulotu starting with Aki on the bench rather removes OF’s USP as fly-half/12 cover from the bench. Better give Finn the boot I guess.

[Spiffy]

Ringrose is ruled out of 3rd test. Hansen, McCarthy and Tuipolotu have all been training. If Jones is playing then it makes sense to have Tuipolotu start and Aki on bench. I wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell picks Junior at 12.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 2195r85g3o

Hmm. Tuipulotu starting with Aki on the bench rather removes OF’s USP as fly-half/12 cover from the bench. Better give Finn the boot I guess.

The Lions coaches have committed to picking their strongest squad. Phew .. what a relief. That means no Faz then (or does it .

[septic 9]

Ringrose is ruled out of 3rd test. Hansen, McCarthy and Tuipolotu have all been training. If Jones is playing then it makes sense to have Tuipolotu start and Aki on bench. I wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell picks Junior at 12.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 2195r85g3o

Hmm. Tuipulotu starting with Aki on the bench rather removes OF’s USP as fly-half/12 cover from the bench. Better give Finn the boot I guess.

The Lions coaches have committed to picking their strongest squad. Phew .. what a relief. That means no Faz then (or does it .

I read that the Assistant coach (Goodman?) says the team will be picked on form. An interesting concept in this tour.
So does that mean they will drop Lowe, or that they think he is on form? Same with others. TBH I've no idea what it means.
Given Sione could have played but Farrell had already decided he wouldn't be selected, and given Jones had no injury yet was subbed last week I'm not sure the coaching team know either.

[Spiffy]

Hmm. Tuipulotu starting with Aki on the bench rather removes OF’s USP as fly-half/12 cover from the bench. Better give Finn the boot I guess.

The Lions coaches have committed to picking their strongest squad. Phew .. what a relief. That means no Faz then (or does it .

I read that the Assistant coach (Goodman?) says the team will be picked on form. An interesting concept in this tour.
So does that mean they will drop Lowe, or that they think he is on form? Same with others. TBH I've no idea what it means.
Given Sione could have played but Farrell had already decided he wouldn't be selected, and given Jones had no injury yet was subbed last week I'm not sure the coaching team know either.

How do you judge the form of the dirt trackers who will not have played for a couple of weeks. I will believe when I see it. Still, Lowe is a good example of a player in poor form who should make way for someone else. Either Kinghorn (likely) or Hansen, with the other on the bench.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

I thought Freeman had a few good carries, but it felt more like a forward cleaning up scraps than any particularly decent attacking ball. Not really sure what his instructions are but doesn’t seem to be getting (himself) in the game all that much.

Lowe seems to be getting quite a few touches, and creating 1 miracle ball for every 4 or 5 stutter-steps in to the first defender.

I honestly don’t know what would happen simply by dropping Hansen in for Freeman.

Kinghorn made everything look so much more threatening when he came on though.

Farrell likes his wingers to get involved across the pitch. That just doesn't appear to be Freeman's game. That also seems to be why Farrell loves Hansen. I think my view from watching the match rather than looking at stats was that Freeman didn't produce an ounce of threat, whereas Lowe did whilst not playing at all well, and if you've got a winger who over 2 tests hasn't produced an ounce of threat I'd replace them.

[Cameo]

I thought Freeman had a few good carries, but it felt more like a forward cleaning up scraps than any particularly decent attacking ball. Not really sure what his instructions are but doesn’t seem to be getting (himself) in the game all that much.

Lowe seems to be getting quite a few touches, and creating 1 miracle ball for every 4 or 5 stutter-steps in to the first defender.

I honestly don’t know what would happen simply by dropping Hansen in for Freeman.

Kinghorn made everything look so much more threatening when he came on though.

Farrell likes his wingers to get involved across the pitch. That just doesn't appear to be Freeman's game. That also seems to be why Farrell loves Hansen. I think my view from watching the match rather than looking at stats was that Freeman didn't produce an ounce of threat, whereas Lowe did whilst not playing at all well, and if you've got a winger who over 2 tests hasn't produced an ounce of threat I'd replace them.

I agree with you on what Farrell likes, but I think you are slightly mischaracterising Freeman. I see him as a good carrier who does get involved (see his pick and go in the leadup to one of the tries (maybe Beirne's)). The big issue, as you, identify, has been the lack of threat, which seems a bit strange given his try scoring record this season. Lowe and Hansen are just a bit more imaginative and liable to produce the unexpected.

Anyway, I think Kinghorn showed what can be achieved with a bit of proper pace. I can see why Farrell likes other qualities in his wingers, but I think out and out pace out wide has been conspicious by its absence all tour.