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29th June, 20:00 (Local) and 11:00 (BST)
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
Bowe can cover 15. The bench actually is fine and Hogg and Maitland have done nothing special to make bench. Zebo could've covered 15 too but hasn't done enough.No issues with the starting 15 given the injury situation but that bench baffles me. No specialist cover at full back or second row. Why Cuthbert instead of Hogg, Maitland or Kearney who offer more flexible options? Seems a bit short sighted to me, but hey ho we live in hope
Australia to square the series to 1 - 1. That said I like the team. No Philips surprised me until I read that he's been rested as a precaution for next week. Youngs can be exceptional when his tail is up... Let's hope it's that.
It would have been harsh maybe to drop Cuthbert altogether, but an impact player he ain't and I do wonder what he's doing on the bench. Pick someone who can change a tight game from nowhere. Tuilagi?
Wellp, looks like I was wrong on what to expect... not really convinced by that to be honest. The set-piece is weaker and the issue of go-forwards ball has not been solved. Hope I'm wrong again.
Bowe can cover 15. The bench actually is fine and Hogg and Maitland have done nothing special to make bench. Zebo could've covered 15 too but hasn't done enough.
If Bowe is deemed fit, he's fit. Cuthbert offers big impact from the bench imo. Who better to come on and change a game than the most lethal finisher in NH rugby over the past couple of seasons?
I'm happy with the side. I think the backrow is better balanced because of Lydiate being there. Warburton can do less tackling, and compete for the ball more. I'm still disappointed for Faletau, imo one of the stand-out players on tour and he's still not involved in the 23. I hope he get's an opportunity next week.
Phillips must be injured, he would make the 23 otherwise.
Gats said Phillips isn't injured :/ not surprised he's been dropped but out the 22 all together is a bit drastic tbh