1st test - Australia v British & Irish Lions

[odw26]

but Jones at 12 Tuipilotu at 13

Tuipoulotu is at 12, Jones is at 13.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Just noticed no JOC in the Aus team
Ok I don't know who I want to win.

An Aus win would be crazy good for the rest of the series though.

If Smith comes on at 15 I expect the sky to be peppered with high balls

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

As I expected, Farrell didn't take 'tour form' AKA who can hockey the living daylights out of Super Rugby sides the hardest into account, because its frankly not a great selection criteria, especially compared to actual test matches played this year. We might ask what's the point of the midweek matches then, and the actual answer is money and minutes.

I endorse this post. Couldn't agree more.

 

[dirty harry]

Tuipoulotu is at 12, Jones is at 13.

Rugby pass must have lied to me then, they have it the other way round

 

[odw26]

Rugby pass must have lied to me then, they have it the other way round

I had to double check myself tbf

 

[Groundhog]

To be honest nothing about this selection changes my opinion about the Lions chances. There's very little drop off in most positions no matter who Farrell picks (especially the 7 jersey), I don't think pretty marginal calls will be what decides the series, they should win if they are in any way cohesive. If they play like the did against the Argies, the only real challenge they have had on this tour, they could get beat up for their lunch money, but they really really shouldn't.

My only concern from a Lions POV is the balance of the bench. I wouldn't want Smith playing significant minutes at 15.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

As I expected, Farrell didn't take 'tour form' AKA who can hockey the living daylights out of Super Rugby sides the hardest into account, because its frankly not a great selection criteria, especially compared to actual test matches played this year. We might ask what's the point of the midweek matches then, and the actual answer is money and minutes.

Yeah but I feel that the some players who are off form this tour also end their club seasons out of form.
Can't speak for Beirne's end of the season form but Curry had been off pace for Sale in his final game for them. IMO he's still not fully recovered from his injury I was hoping he would play himself back into form but I guess the tour format doesn't suit that

 

[Rugbyfan564]

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah Curry obviously has a badly injured wrist, and then the additional strapping it's required is hampering his handling because he's hand is just locked in position
Said it before but it was stupid for him not to have the surgery several months ago when it was announced he needed it - players need saving from themselves

 

[dirty harry]

To be honest nothing about this selection changes my opinion about the Lions chances. There's very little drop off in most positions no matter who Farrell picks (especially the 7 jersey), I don't think pretty marginal calls will be what decides the series, they should win if they are in any way cohesive. If they play like the did against the Argies, the only real challenge they have had on this tour, they could get beat up for their lunch money, but they really really shouldn't.

My only concern from a Lions POV is the balance of the bench. I wouldn't want Smith playing significant minutes at 15.

This is a sensible take. Personel wise lions have Aus on toast, aside from bulk up front I dont see any area Aus match the lions...

My biggest concern, is Farrell trying to make the lions over play, some of the stuff they've done is just too intricate for a team who have been together for weeks, especially some of the lines asked of the forwards, asking 12 to ball play too much, and the demands on the back 3 going forward.

If lions can put it together I think they win 3 - 0, if however, after 6 games of having little functionality at set peice, it suddenly doesn't click in test 1 I think we have real problems.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Watch Aus pit Suaalii against Itoje at kick offs - it worked at Twickenham last year.

Not going to change the outcome in itself, but a centre getting the better of the Lions lock / captain / icon would be a big mood setter. They’ll try.

 

[Groundhog]

Can't speak for Beirne's end of the season form

Beirne has been massive for Munster this year. He has a ridiculous amount of minutes this year though, Farrell for whatever reason does not like resting him, even when we're playing minnows, and he usually has to play full 80s for Munster. I imagine he is absolutely wrecked.

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

I don't understand why everyone is so disappointed with the Curry selection. Yes Morgan has looked the best in 50-0 whitewash games and Vdf is a former world player of the year, but I would want Curry in a test match like this. He is built for the big occasion and wont let us down. The bigger the game the better Curry plays, he's an absolute machine. He's no stranger to the bright lights and has played in the biggest games the sport has to offer. Realistically we all know Curry is a better player than Morgan. On Saturday he will justify his selection.

 

[ncurd]

I don't understand why everyone is so disappointed with the Curry selection.

Wales

 

[Groundhog]

Wales

What's that? Like the fish?

 

[retired9]

Fairly happy with the selection TBH, the starting backs are the right choices IMO and the best of what's available - Kinghorn would be pushing Keenan but in all honesty Hugo was good last match. Think it's the right choice of midfield, no need to roll the dice on a starting pairing that are less familiar, especially when Tui & Jones are so good, leaves room to bring Aki on for impact against tiring opposition if required.

I think with the forwards they have been a bit more subtle, picking a back row who have the capability to get the job done but if they struggle, can be hooked out for test 2 and put in the Morgans, VDF's, Pollocks etc and it doesn't really matter too much. There is some good quality outside the front 3 that can be rotated in the scrum, Cummings is in with a shout at some stage I reckon as well.

 

[dirty harry]

I don't understand why everyone is so disappointed with the Curry selection. Yes Morgan has looked the best in 50-0 whitewash games and Vdf is a former world player of the year, but I would want Curry in a test match like this. He is built for the big occasion and wont let us down. The bigger the game the better Curry plays, he's an absolute machine. He's no stranger to the bright lights and has played in the biggest games the sport has to offer. Realistically we all know Curry is a better player than Morgan. On Saturday he will justify his selection.

I think its because it was made on reputation and not form. He's not 100%, hasn't played well against poor opposition, has been disappointing on the floor, and in wider channels, and his form pre tour wasnt even good. He struggled back end of the season.

I personally wouldnt have taken him on tour on that form.

It isnt just Morgan, VDF isnt 100% but a better option, Earls has played really, any of those 3 would have been received better i think.

Let's hope he proves everyone wrong

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

I think its because it was made on reputation and not form. He's not 100%, hasn't played well against poor opposition, has been disappointing on the floor, and in wider channels, and his form pre tour wasnt even good. He struggled back end of the season.

I personally wouldnt have taken him on tour on that form.

It isnt just Morgan, VDF isnt 100% but a better option, Earls has played really, any of those 3 would have been received better i think.

Let's hope he proves everyone wrong

How has Morgan played in his previous world cup finals/semi finals, lions tests and league finals ...

I'm dying on the Curry hill.

 

[odw26]

How has Morgan played in his previous world cup finals/semi finals, lions tests and league finals ...

I'm dying on the Curry hill.

He may have done so previously, but so what? We're years out from any of those examples you've listed, and Curry isn't playing at the same level as he was due to his injuries.

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

He may have done so previously, but so what? We're years out from any of those examples you've listed, and Curry isn't playing at the same level as he was due to his injuries.

I wouldn't have cared if Morgan started but people acting like Curry is incapable.

When he's playing well Morgan couldn't even lace his boots. I back him to play well this weekend.