Warm Up Match 5: Maori All Blacks v British & Irish Lions (Rotorua)

[HenryChinaski]

So most outlets are reporting that the replacements will only be Scottish and Welsh.

Seriously, if Jake Ball, or Alex Cuthbert get the call I'll be fecking furious.
Anscombe is a real possibility, as is Roberts for his winning lions experience blah blah blah.
Gareth Davies would probably be a good idea to be honest, as would Johnny Gray and Fin Russel.

 

[Nubiwan]

So most outlets are reporting that the replacements will only be Scottish and Welsh.

Seriously, if Jake Ball, or Alex Cuthbert get the call I'll be fecking furious.
Anscombe is a real possibility, as is Roberts for his winning lions experience blah blah blah.
Gareth Davies would probably be a good idea to be honest, as would Johnny Gray and Fin Russel.

My response to that update:

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.....

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

My response to that update:

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.....

Are you suggesting Garland calls up Ian McKinley?

 

[MikeTheNative]

Just saying but Andy Goode is already on his way over.

 

[valley commando]

If Lawes concussion forces him out, then where is the case for Launchbury to step in? Lets be having you. Lad should have been a shoe in for this Lions squad. That is my humble one. Controversial - no doubt. most lads I chat with shake their heads in bemusement at his omission.

If there is a 2nd row replacement to the squad it will be a Grey brother

Couple of clouts in the noggin like Lawes took to 2 more locks, and it could be stand by for Launch Surely not so unrealistic.

It is unrealistic as I have said more than once any 2nd row replacement will be Scottish

 

[valley commando]

Would LOVE to see Launch in a Lions shirt! But we need him called up now so he's ready for the next midweek game. Same if we pick Ford as an extra FH. If we go for a Gray or Finn then I think we can delay the call up for a day or so...

However, if it is just for midweek cover, just pick the ones closest who are about to tour, not lads who are further away mid tour

The extra 10 if needed is going to be Russell

 

[valley commando]

So most outlets are reporting that the replacements will only be Scottish and Welsh.

Seriously, if Jake Ball, or Alex Cuthbert get the call I'll be fecking furious.
Anscombe is a real possibility, as is Roberts for his winning lions experience blah blah blah.
Gareth Davies would probably be a good idea to be honest, as would Johnny Gray and Fin Russel.

Grey, Russell and 2 other Scots are packing as we speak

 

[MikeTheNative]

Are you suggesting Garland calls up Ian McKinley?

Technically is he allowed to go? Obliviously he plays for Italy but as he is Irish can he still play?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Technically is he allowed to go? Obliviously he plays for Italy but as he is Irish can he still play?

You're definitely asking the wrong person, I just wanted to make a slightly out of order Rugby joke!

 

[Jockstap]

You're definitely asking the wrong person, I just wanted to make a slightly out of order Rugby joke!

Don't you mean sightly out of order.

 

[TobesHodges]

This Maori Team would give the ABs a run for there money, serious attacking prowess, probably not as much structure around the set piece, going to be a serious challenge for Lions, without Farrell I see a Maori win :/

 

[GoTheNaki]

Maoris by 12+.

I feel this all hinges on the Lions ability to beat them in the forwards, and their defense has to be better than when they played the Crusaders. There are a lot more weapons in this Maoris team than the 'saders. If their forwards stick it to them, the Lions are in for a long one tbh.

And the reason i want the Maoris by 12+ is because i want McKenzie, Ngatai, NMS, Rieko and those fringe/starting AB players to demand those AB jerseys.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

I only really watched the Maori for the first time in November and they looked pretty lightweight up front. No idea if team selection is similar here, but if so the Lions will be able to trudge to a low scoring but comfortable victory!

Reasonable selection from Gatland given Farrell's injury, I'd only oppose Halfpenny over Liam Williams at fullback. Teo and Watson did enough to earn consideration for Test starts in my opinion, partly in the absence of anyone else sticking their hands up.

Maori 12 - 20 Lions

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Someone has gone a bit overboard with the makeup.

 

[GoTheNaki]

LETS GET IT ON!!!

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Time to get Lowe

 

[nik]

Is that fireworks smole or fog? :/

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Great Haka IMO.

 

[Reiser99]

Lions will win if they kick and compete well in the air, and can control the break down. Those have been the two weakest areas. That'll be my focus, because personally they have been a real worry, especially the kicking.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

What's the paddle stick Hika Elliot holding all about?