And they're off! - and stinking to high heaven!

[Eugene Wrayburn]

OK the Lions have had no prep time, have only been in NZ for a few days, have put out a side compromised by other commitments but jeez they were still bloody awful. Difficult to pinpoint one area in which they excelled, or looked remotely good enough to negotiate the challenges ahead. To say there's work to do is a massive understatement.
Thought Te'o was pretty easily the Lions best player.
Another 9 games of Harrison and Barnes may not be something I can stand.

They had more prep than their opponents. I don't think we're going to get even closer to winning another game

[Len]

Whats Teo actually like? Will he get found out? English centres that played league usually do.

[Mellsblue]

Not always, Johnny. Not always.

[morepork]

You have to wonder why basic skills are so dire amongst that lot. Jesus. Commentators wanking off over Farell's "flat pass" tells you all you need to know about what level they are on. The super franchises are going to go at the Lions hard and fast, and I'm not sure Gatland will be able to deal with it.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Whats Teo actually like? Will he get found out? English centres that played league usually do.

He's very good.

[Puja]

You have to wonder why basic skills are so dire amongst that lot. Jesus. Commentators wanking off over Farell's "flat pass" tells you all you need to know about what level they are on. The super franchises are going to go at the Lions hard and fast, and I'm not sure Gatland will be able to deal with it.

Tells you much more about the Sky commentators than anything else.

Puja

[morepork]

You have to wonder why basic skills are so dire amongst that lot. Jesus. Commentators wanking off over Farell's "flat pass" tells you all you need to know about what level they are on. The super franchises are going to go at the Lions hard and fast, and I'm not sure Gatland will be able to deal with it.

Chiefs 40 - 7 Wales

That was great.

[morepork]

You have to wonder why basic skills are so dire amongst that lot. Jesus. Commentators wanking off over Farell's "flat pass" tells you all you need to know about what level they are on. The super franchises are going to go at the Lions hard and fast, and I'm not sure Gatland will be able to deal with it.

Tells you much more about the Sky commentators than anything else.

Puja

Fair enough, but there are tight forwards throughout the super comp that are more comfortable on the ball than most of those Lions backs.

I'm sure they'll get better but.

[Puja]

You have to wonder why basic skills are so dire amongst that lot. Jesus. Commentators wanking off over Farell's "flat pass" tells you all you need to know about what level they are on. The super franchises are going to go at the Lions hard and fast, and I'm not sure Gatland will be able to deal with it.

Tells you much more about the Sky commentators than anything else.

Puja

Fair enough, but there are tight forwards throughout the super comp that are more comfortable on the ball than most of those Lions backs.

I'm sure they'll get better but.

There are tight forwards throughout the AP that are more comfortable on the ball than most of those Lions backs were today. Trust me, no-one in the NH is looking at that game and thinking, "Yep, that's about the level that we expect".

I hope to Christ that Warren's excuse of jet lag is true, cause otherwise he's pulled off an incredible act of reverse alchemy. Takes a lot of talent to turn Stuart Hogg into that sh*t a player!

Puja

[Stom]

Tells you much more about the Sky commentators than anything else.

Puja

Fair enough, but there are tight forwards throughout the super comp that are more comfortable on the ball than most of those Lions backs.

I'm sure they'll get better but.

There are tight forwards throughout the AP that are more comfortable on the ball than most of those Lions backs were today. Trust me, no-one in the NH is looking at that game and thinking, "Yep, that's about the level that we expect".

I hope to Christ that Warren's excuse of jet lag is true, cause otherwise he's pulled off an incredible act of reverse alchemy. Takes a lot of talent to turn Stuart Hogg into that sh*t a player!

Puja

Ahem...

I think most of us went: "Gatland? Feck."

[Doorzetbornandbred]

Laidlaw was so bloody pedestrian getting to rucks and moving the bloody ball on he was the BaaBaas most effective defensive weapon. Fair play to the BaaBaas they were very good, just shows when a whole nation are singing off the same song sheet regarding skills and coaching how easy it is to put a side together. Have to wonder why the Irish let Oliver Jager slip through their hands.

[Sandydragon]

Laidlaw was so bloody pedestrian getting to rucks and moving the bloody ball on he was the BaaBaas most effective defensive weapon. Fair play to the BaaBaas they were very good, just shows when a whole nation are singing off the same song sheet regarding skills and coaching how easy it is to put a side together. Have to wonder why the Irish let Oliver Jager slip through their hands.

Some of his passing was just awful. Many of those who started yesterday let themselves down. Individual skills were too often awful. NH skills can be better but the sooner we move away from looking for collisions the better.

[Mellsblue]

Laidlaw was so bloody pedestrian getting to rucks and moving the bloody ball on he was the BaaBaas most effective defensive weapon. Fair play to the BaaBaas they were very good, just shows when a whole nation are singing off the same song sheet regarding skills and coaching how easy it is to put a side together. Have to wonder why the Irish let Oliver Jager slip through their hands.

Some of his passing was just awful. Many of those who started yesterday let themselves down. Individual skills were too often awful. NH skills can be better but the sooner we move away from looking for collisions the better.

Laidlaw being rubbish isn't really a problem. He shouldn't really trouble the test squad. Sexton and Hogg having nightmares is a big problem.

[Mellsblue]

Fact.

[Sandydragon]

Laidlaw was so bloody pedestrian getting to rucks and moving the bloody ball on he was the BaaBaas most effective defensive weapon. Fair play to the BaaBaas they were very good, just shows when a whole nation are singing off the same song sheet regarding skills and coaching how easy it is to put a side together. Have to wonder why the Irish let Oliver Jager slip through their hands.

Some of his passing was just awful. Many of those who started yesterday let themselves down. Individual skills were too often awful. NH skills can be better but the sooner we move away from looking for collisions the better.

Laidlaw being rubbish isn't really a problem. He shouldn't really trouble the test squad. Sexton and Hogg having nightmares is a big problem.

Agreed. Laidlaw is a dirt tracker. I hope Hogg sorts himself out and plays to the standard he has managed over the last two seasons. If not, he won't be near the test team. Liam Williams is a good replacement and of course there is halfpenny who is garlands favourite.

Sexton is the biggest worry. At his best a superb player, the drop off to Farrell and bigger is substantial.

[kk67]

You have to wonder why basic skills are so dire amongst that lot. Jesus. Commentators wanking off over Farell's "flat pass" tells you all you need to know about what level they are on. The super franchises are going to go at the Lions hard and fast, and I'm not sure Gatland will be able to deal with it.

Tells you much more about the Sky commentators than anything else.

Puja

I dunno, I rather suspect MP is right, even allowing for the 'jet lag' and scratch nature of the team.
The BIL forwards are copping a lot of flak but not once did the ref' have to call 'roll away'. That would normally suggest to me that both teams hit the breakdown legally and with effect.

[Which Tyler]

Fact.

Yoink!

[Numbers]

Not much to be learned from that match really, I don't think anyone can play themselves out of contention this soon as they will have further opportunities to improve, some decent performances: Te'o, Faletau, Moriarty, Sinckler some not so decent: Sexton, Laidlaw, Best, Henderson

AWJ was quite quiet but he's not long back from injury so I expect to see him improve game on game, ditto Warburton, Kruis was good when he came on as were Webb, Tipuric and Furlong.

[morepork]

WAWWEN!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40161042


"But Gatland says his side will play expansive rugby in New Zealand, and that critics of his methods have been jealous of his past success.

"The message to the players is we want to play positive rugby," said Gatland."

[whatisthejava]

WAWWEN!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40161042


"But Gatland says his side will play expansive rugby in New Zealand, and that critics of his methods have been jealous of his past success.

"The message to the players is we want to play positive rugby," said Gatland."

Fecking hell, he really is a delicate little flower, i think he got away with his selections last tour as Wales did deserve the majority of the squad but i think unless he wins the tour any positive press outside of Wales will be non existent


And the lions aint winning a test this tour with him and his tactics, him saying they will play wide with Howley in charge is nonsence

[morepork]

WAWWEN!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40161042


"But Gatland says his side will play expansive rugby in New Zealand, and that critics of his methods have been jealous of his past success.

"The message to the players is we want to play positive rugby," said Gatland."

Fecking hell, he really is a delicate little flower, i think he got away with his selections last tour as Wales did deserve the majority of the squad but i think unless he wins the tour any positive press outside of Wales will be non existent


And the lions aint winning a test this tour with him and his tactics, him saying they will play wide with Howley in charge is nonsence

With all due respect to the crims, Oz were pretty average last time round.

[Mellsblue]

WAWWEN!

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/40161042


"But Gatland says his side will play expansive rugby in New Zealand, and that critics of his methods have been jealous of his past success.

"The message to the players is we want to play positive rugby," said Gatland."

Fecking hell, he really is a delicate little flower, i think he got away with his selections last tour as Wales did deserve the majority of the squad but i think unless he wins the tour any positive press outside of Wales will be non existent


And the lions aint winning a test this tour with him and his tactics, him saying they will play wide with Howley in charge is nonsence

With all due respect to the crims, Oz were pretty average last time round.

I think that's being kind.

[Son of Mathonwy]

My impression is that the Lions are playing like Wales, which is 1) no surprise at all and 2) not very hopeful for a successful tour or making good use of the talent available.

[Which Tyler]

My impression is that the Lions are playing like Wales, which is 1) no surprise at all and 2) not very hopeful for a successful tour or making good use of the talent available.

Don't let Gatland hear you say that - he doesn't like it.
http://www.rugbyrebels.co/board/viewtop ... =29&t=1904
He refuses to actually DO anything to "correct" the perception, but he's very upset that some people have that perception.

[Puja]

My impression is that the Lions are playing like Wales, which is 1) no surprise at all and 2) not very hopeful for a successful tour or making good use of the talent available.

Don't let Gatland hear you say that - he doesn't like it.
http://www.rugbyrebels.co/board/viewtop ... =29&t=1904
He refuses to actually DO anything to "correct" the perception, but he's very upset that some people have that perception.

Has he considered a career as a Conservative spokesman?

Puja