v AB'S - First Test

[Banquo]

he gassed Daly, so is uber quick

The Bus has been upgraded to a Ferrari.

Ioane? is he the Bus? Daly is a quick lad.

[Mr Mwenda]

Sexton's loop arounds are rather hand in mouth today...

[WaspInWales]

Take the points!

[old-n-slo-2nd-row]

What game is Stuart Barnes watching?

[WaspInWales]

Deserved the second try.

[zer0]

Ioane? is he the Bus? Daly is a quick lad.

Nah. J.Savea is nicknamed the Bus. He's been dropped for just about the only guy in NZ rugby who is faster than B.Barrett.

[Galfon]

consolation Webb..
30-15.
outplayed mostly.

[Banquo]

Ioane? is he the Bus? Daly is a quick lad.

Nah. J.Savea is nicknamed the Bus. He's been dropped for just about the only guy in NZ rugby who is faster than B.Barrett.

ah I see, was being dim!

[Banquo]

well played AB's, overcame lineout issues, and drubbed us.

[Donny osmond]

Need to sort out the forwards as a unit for next week. I wasnt too impressed with Teo, good player but didnt really add anything particularly to the lions attack, need more creativity. Back 3 showed they can exploit space... if we dont use it due to overly conservative selection/game plan (too many kicks from Murray eg) then we arent giving ourselves a chance.

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[zer0]

ah I see, was being dim!

TBF "traded in for a Ferrari" would've been clearer, I think.

[I R Geech]

NZ far more organised and with better skills. However, it's still doable;
We stood off to much in defence rather than pressuring in the way that has been successful and let them play too much.
The lack of attacking threat at 10, 12, 13 meant we were always going to struggle and rely on penalties which we didn't get.
Peyper gave us very little - didn't change the outcome but a different ref would help.
We need more pace, it's in the squad but wasn't picked.
Just lost shape, need to steady the heads.
Forwards not nasty or streetsmart enough.

We won't beat NZ by being conventional as we won't be organised and fluid enough, so just need to pressure them and not let them play. Pace and chaos is what's needed, and a more solid scrum.

[WaspInWales]

Not a dreadful performance by the Lions, ABs were just much better.

Thought Foxy had a good game. Daly, Sanjay and Watson all good in the backs. Farrell was a mixed bag as always. Seemed to start off well enough but a few missed tackles and that l-r pass was a shocker. Murray was mostly good.

[Mr Mwenda]

Thought all the starters had decent enough games - although a few key errors as noted from a couple. The collapse seemed to come when the subs arrived. Not sure if this was them failing to shore up an increasingly creaking side or whether some weren't ready for the pace/intensity.

I think I''d give Sexton a start next week. He might have a better chance of unleashing the back three. I think I'd tinker with the bench a bit.

Was Jones worth his start at lock? I didn't notice him much and Itoje seemed to do well but the Lions had somewhat disintegrated by that stage and I don't doubt Jones may have been one reason it was holding together earlier. Kruis also seemed to have a mixed day, mind.

[Sandydragon]

All blacks far more clinical. They controlled the game for key stretches and took away areas of Lions perceived strength, i.e. the scrum and driving line out.

That said, we conjured up some good attacking opportunities, but only turned one in to a try. We butchered another 3 or so decent opportunities which if the tables had been turned probably would have been scored.

Too many errors, too many penalties and some great individual skills by key AB players at key times.

Sky commentators want more dynamism from the Lions pack, which probably is a dig at starting Itoje. Im not convinced that would have made any difference. I would look at the back row, we need to be more effective at slowing down AB ball and if we can't get the platform to launch SOB at their defence then perhaps start with Warburton and have SOB in reserve, or even Tipuric (depending on POM's injury)

[Mush]

Lions ball retention let them down. The first 10 minutes they run through good phases and mixed up the distribution. After that they looked panicky with the little amount of ball they had. A bit of composure would have made s ignificant difference, i feel.

[Digby]

Time to pop to the shops, something interesting seems likely to happen as a consequence

or not

[Lord Llandaff]

Sexton to start with Faz and Foxy outside. Back 3 to remain. I'm not sure what benefit Halfpenny brings to the bench, given that Daly and Watson can both play FB if required.

[Sandydragon]

Lions ball retention let them down. The first 10 minutes they run through good phases and mixed up the distribution. After that they looked panicky with the little amount of ball they had. A bit of composure would have made s ignificant difference, i feel.

Composure let us down. Watson's near miss for example (and he was nt the only one to get carried away) but he tried to throw the miracle pass when he would have been better hanging onto it post tack and taking the ruck.

Back to the drawing board, but I don't think there are too many changes that are viable, just cutting out the error rate would be a start.

[Lizard]

That was a great performance from the Lions. The first try (ruined for me by Sky Pacific playing the halftime ad break 2 minutes early - I shit you not) was brilliant and garnered a round of applause (on replay) from the room of about 2 dozen kiwis I was watching with.

We were genuinely nearly just a bit worried at half time.

[skidger]

That was a great performance from the Lions. The first try (ruined for me by Sky Pacific playing the halftime ad break 2 minutes early - I shit you not) was brilliant and garnered a round of applause (on replay) from the room of about 2 dozen kiwis I was watching with.

We were genuinely nearly just a bit worried at half time.

Ha! Are there is the difference between New Zealand rugby and the rest of us. Easily a tier above and apart from starting Itoje i am not sure what the Lions can do. Well maybe finish off some nearly moments.

[jngf]

Farrell is not an instinctive 10 - unless that instinct is to kick it in the air rather than release backs.

Faletau had a very quiet game in contrast to the high standards he set earlier (though I'm hoping he has a bigger impact in the second test as he's our best 8). Watson looked lost in second half and I question if he and Daly are sufficiently quick or powerful as out and out finishers. Kruis grafts hard but isn't that powerful in the loose. AWJ is simply on one Lions tour too many at this stage in his career. I do worry tough about Itoje believing his own hype - he didn't seem to have that much impact to me when he came on and looks a bit immobile/too heavy?

[Lizard]

That was a great performance from the Lions. The first try (ruined for me by Sky Pacific playing the halftime ad break 2 minutes early - I shit you not) was brilliant and garnered a round of applause (on replay) from the room of about 2 dozen kiwis I was watching with.

We were genuinely nearly just a bit worried at half time.

Ha! Are there is the difference between New Zealand rugby and the rest of us. Easily a tier above and apart from starting Itoje i am not sure what the Lions can do. Well maybe finish off some nearly moments.

The Lions just need a Barrett or two, and a winger who can chase down R. Ioane.

Did you see that bit where he outpaced both your wings at once? Did you? I did.

(sorry, I've been drinking fruit cocktails involving creme de menthe)

[Banquo]

ah I see, was being dim!

TBF "traded in for a Ferrari" would've been clearer, I think.

fair play

[Banquo]

Sexton to start with Faz and Foxy outside. Back 3 to remain. I'm not sure what benefit Halfpenny brings to the bench, given that Daly and Watson can both play FB if required.

Faz is no 12 at this level imo.