Page 1 of 8
3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 1:56 pm
by Banquo
I’d like it to be the best we can put out? What do you think?
Like Kinghorn for Lowe. Midfield conundrum if Jones crocked unless Ringrose is ok. If Jones isn’t crocked, that was a terrible error that didn’t cost- Aki cant do 80.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 3:33 pm
by R3dders
Should think hell be desperate to get ringer on. Whether alongside Aki or Jr.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:22 pm
by Big D
I think of those today:
- Chessum could be under pressure even if McCarthy isn't fit.
- back row looked knackered so might need refreshed woth VdF or Pollock making the 23.
- Tuipulotu and Kinghorn to come in to start.
- I'd like Genge to start.
Selfishly I'd like to see Cummings involved. I think his form has deserved a cap.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:27 pm
by Mr Mwenda
I bet there are further injuries to shake things up. Some walking wounded out there.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:34 pm
by Sandydragon
Plus can Beirne go another 80? I was under the impression Curry is carrying a long term injury so Farrell will have to decide if he makes some changes to safeguard players given the tarries is now in the bag. Yes we want to win 3-0, but no one wants a career ending injury by playing with an existing injury.
Hopefully Jones is OK otherwise our back line looks pretty shocking after fly half.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:39 pm
by BaldiePete
Is there any confirmation that Jones actually picked up an injury, or can we assume that he wanted to get Junior on and given his natural bias towards Irish players also wanted to keep Aki on? Aki was looking well fucked towards the end of the game.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:58 pm
by Sandydragon
BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:39 pm
Is there any confirmation that Jones actually picked up an injury, or can we assume that he wanted to get Junior on and given his natural bias towards Irish players also wanted to keep Aki on? Aki was looking well fucked towards the end of the game.
He was and his best impact of off the bench. Is Sione injured?
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 7:26 pm
by BaldiePete
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:58 pm
BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:39 pm
Is there any confirmation that Jones actually picked up an injury, or can we assume that he wanted to get Junior on and given his natural bias towards Irish players also wanted to keep Aki on? Aki was looking well fucked towards the end of the game.
He was and his best impact of off the bench. Is Sione injured?
Apparently he had a slightly tight hamstring.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:02 am
by Sandydragon
BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 7:26 pm
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:58 pm
BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:39 pm
Is there any confirmation that Jones actually picked up an injury, or can we assume that he wanted to get Junior on and given his natural bias towards Irish players also wanted to keep Aki on? Aki was looking well fucked towards the end of the game.
He was and his best impact of off the bench. Is Sione injured?
Apparently he had a slightly tight hamstring.
Really hope he’s fit for next weekend, leave Aki on the bench (although I expect it to be junior covering the whole back line again).
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 11:24 am
by Oakboy
George should get the bench hooker slot.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 11:50 am
by Banquo
Oakboy wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 11:24 am
George should get the bench hooker slot.
Yus. Tho Kelleher not as poor as last week
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:19 pm
by Sandydragon
Stats for Owen Farrell- one tackle, two missed tackles. No meters made. Pretty anonymous as an impact player.
Marcus Smith is a better bench option. Whatever merits Farrell had once, he isn’t at the races at the moment
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:50 pm
by astralweeks
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:19 pm
Stats for Owen Farrell- one tackle, two missed tackles. No meters made. Pretty anonymous as an impact player.
Marcus Smith is a better bench option. Whatever merits Farrell had once, he isn’t at the races at the moment
Sadly I couldn't watch all the match due to my stream continually cutting out. Read the various match reports including that self appointed doyen of rugby correspondents, Stephen Jones in the times.
As always I do wonder which game he was watching. He name checks how OF was the game changing hero along with Finn and Beirne.
I rather hope Pollack and Marcus get picked for the last game and then he really would internally combust. Actually I would like to see them picked anyway!
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:13 pm
by switchskier
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.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 4:43 pm
by Oakboy
I'd expect Farrell to stay pragmatic, pick most of the same team and involve his son - unfortunately!
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:17 pm
by Sandydragon
astralweeks wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:50 pm
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:19 pm
Stats for Owen Farrell- one tackle, two missed tackles. No meters made. Pretty anonymous as an impact player.
Marcus Smith is a better bench option. Whatever merits Farrell had once, he isn’t at the races at the moment
Sadly I couldn't watch all the match due to my stream continually cutting out. Read the various match reports including that self appointed doyen of rugby correspondents, Stephen Jones in the times.
As always I do wonder which game he was watching. He name checks how OF was the game changing hero along with Finn and Beirne.
I rather hope Pollack and Marcus get picked for the last game and then he really would internally combust. Actually I would like to see them picked anyway!
Jones combusting would just be an added benefit. He’s well past his sell by date
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:19 pm
by Sandydragon
switchskier wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:13 pm
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.
Injuries aside I wouldn’t expect too many changes. Farrell will want the whitewash and this really isn’t a great Aussie side so three nil is a realistic expectation. Maybe rest some of the players who are carrying injuries or might be running on fumes.
I’d be surprised if he decides to name a diet tracker XV for a throw about
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 6:04 pm
by Banquo
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:19 pm
switchskier wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:13 pm
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.
Injuries aside I wouldn’t expect too many changes. Farrell will want the whitewash and this really isn’t a great Aussie side so three nil is a realistic expectation. Maybe rest some of the players who are carrying injuries or might be running on fumes.
I’d be surprised if he decides to name a diet tracker XV for a throw about
A diet tracker is what Skelton has but needs more of
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 6:49 pm
by Oakboy
Banquo wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 6:04 pm
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:19 pm
switchskier wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:13 pm
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.
Injuries aside I wouldn’t expect too many changes. Farrell will want the whitewash and this really isn’t a great Aussie side so three nil is a realistic expectation. Maybe rest some of the players who are carrying injuries or might be running on fumes.
I’d be surprised if he decides to name a diet tracker XV for a throw about
A diet tracker is what Skelton has but needs more of

Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:05 pm
by Sandydragon
Banquo wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 6:04 pm
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:19 pm
switchskier wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:13 pm
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.
Injuries aside I wouldn’t expect too many changes. Farrell will want the whitewash and this really isn’t a great Aussie side so three nil is a realistic expectation. Maybe rest some of the players who are carrying injuries or might be running on fumes.
I’d be surprised if he decides to name a diet tracker XV for a throw about
A diet tracker is what Skelton has but needs more of
My auto correct is obviously trying to tell me something
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:50 pm
by Spiffy
BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:39 pm
Is there any confirmation that Jones actually picked up an injury, or can we assume that he wanted to get Junior on and given his natural bias towards Irish players also wanted to keep Aki on? Aki was looking well fucked towards the end of the game.
Yes - Aki was looking well-knackered. BUT - he did find the wherewithall to make an outstanding break late in the game, which led up to a try, showing some quite surprising pace to do it.
Do you think Owen Farrell, either fresh or knackered, would remotely be able to slice a defence like that? He is now looking more of an out-and-out plodder than ever, and zero threat with ball in hand..
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 9:21 pm
by Danno
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:19 pm
Stats for Owen Farrell- one tackle, two missed tackles. No meters made. Pretty anonymous as an impact player.
You forgot 8 spontaneous orgasms by a multitude of journalists
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 9:24 pm
by Mellsblue
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:17 pm
astralweeks wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:50 pm
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:19 pm
Stats for Owen Farrell- one tackle, two missed tackles. No meters made. Pretty anonymous as an impact player.
Marcus Smith is a better bench option. Whatever merits Farrell had once, he isn’t at the races at the moment
Sadly I couldn't watch all the match due to my stream continually cutting out. Read the various match reports including that self appointed doyen of rugby correspondents, Stephen Jones in the times.
As always I do wonder which game he was watching. He name checks how OF was the game changing hero along with Finn and Beirne.
I rather hope Pollack and Marcus get picked for the last game and then he really would internally combust. Actually I would like to see them picked anyway!
Jones combusting would just be an added benefit. He’s well past his sell by date
I like to read his articles as if they are a comedy sketch… he is bloody hilarious.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 9:39 pm
by Galfon
Spiffy wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:50 pm
Do you think Owen Farrell, either fresh or knackered, would remotely be able to slice a defence like that? He is now looking more of an out-and-out plodder than ever, and zero threat with ball in hand..
Maz sez..'the decision makers started playing the game really well
Finn, Faz & Jammer..' so he doesn't necessarily need to do those sort of things, when pulling all the levers. presumably.
Re: 3rd Test
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 9:50 pm
by Danno
Galfon wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 9:39 pm
Spiffy wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:50 pm
Do you think Owen Farrell, either fresh or knackered, would remotely be able to slice a defence like that? He is now looking more of an out-and-out plodder than ever, and zero threat with ball in hand..
Maz sez..'the decision makers started playing the game really well
Finn, Faz & Jammer..' so he doesn't necessarily need to do those sort of things, when pulling all the levers. presumably.
I've read this four times and I still don't understand it.