Test Match 2: All Blacks v British & Irish Lions (Wellington)

[munstermuffin]

I doubt any Irish player that played in Chicago would swap that for a series win here, nor Series players and their back to back European cups, nor England and their win streak etc... We've started to hear players saying what an honour it is rather than it being the peak of their careers, pro rugby is quickly outgrowing the tour to the point it is literally impossible to beat a half decent side in the series.

And what ethos? I really don't see that either, if this forum is anything to go by debate gets toxic between rugby fans during the tour, any good banter isn't here at all!

I have to agree with this and from being around guys in contention that missed out. The pride and honor is still there but in no way near the height it once was. I know lads who were in contention for it like Keith Earls for example was not upset at missing out and also was more excited going to the US and Japan as it was a new environment completely.

 

[Nubiwan]

100-0 tomorrow?

For who?

 

[Nubiwan]

I know Woodward was knocked for it, but i wonder if the best approach for future lions tours is to select the preferred 23 and play them together for cohesion for 2/3 games. Drop the midweek games as they're just disruptive.

The Lions experience, and in particular, this NZ tour, have had me riveted to this forum and rugby for the past month. I had been watching Super Rugby before the tour, but I can honestly say I don't even know where that stands at present. Have not bothered to see if it is still being played. Assume it is. For me, the Lions Rugby Tours are the last true bastion of rugby, as many of us knew it, before the pro era. I am glad it survived, and would not change a thing. Midweek teams getting crapped on, national pride over your countrymen on the squad, and Banter over players and coaches is simply priceless. In the end, possibly the only time every 4 years when English, Irish, Scots and Welsh (alphabetical ) can forget any national misgivings, and unite behind a team. Frankly, I might have more interest in this Lions tour to NZ, than the World Cup itself, which is often bogged down by too many one sided matches. Every game on this tour has been tough. It is the ultimate test for the Lions. Its a beautiful thing, is a Lions tour. Long may it go on.

 

[RugbyMarvel]

The Lions Tour will continue, and hopefully have new life breathed into it through a totally new coaching team coming in.

Hopefully they'll look to play an Americas side, and a Pacific Islanders side, as warm up games also.

Wouldn't it be great to see them against Georgia, or even Romania etc before the SA tour

 

[McTallshort]

Woodward proved to be the luckiest coach ever when England won the WC, the win was more about the players and the individual leaders on the pitch than any contribution from Woodward. He then went on to be the worst coach that has and will ever coach the Lions.

Yeah your talking ********

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Congratulations on winning free tickets, I presume to tomorrows test

Yup to tomorrows test. Won them by doing a double front flip off a 10 meter platform into the freezing Wellington water today lol. Smashed my back and probably got myself sick, but totally worth it.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Adds no Gatland or Leinster player clause and I'm down!

who would want the leinster players TBH?

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Yup to tomorrows test. Won them by doing a double front flip off a 10 meter platform into the freezing Wellington water today lol. Smashed my back and probably got myself sick, but totally worth it.

You Kiwis do make me smile.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Interesting that former Tigers scrum half Jamie Hamilton is the All Blacks Performance Analyst.

Therefore i reckon all NZ current success is down to Leicester, and I can support both Tigers and NZ without being a glory hunter.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Interesting that former Tigers scrum half Jamie Hamilton is the All Blacks Performance Analyst.

Therefore i reckon all NZ current success is down to Leicester, and I can support both Tigers and NZ without being a glory hunter.

Doubt anyone will be calling you a glory hunter while supporting Tigers for quite a while

 

[Nudger]

Question for the Lions supporters:

Would you feel that Gatland's selections were vindicated if the Lions won? What about if they get close?

Not going to happen sad but true

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Doubt anyone will be calling you a glory hunter while supporting Tigers for quite a while

Better than supporting the cultural appropriation of the native Americans.

Gif here of a Exeter supporter dress as a Native american chief celebrating Chiefs recent prem win:

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

who would want the leinster players TBH?

Only 100% of Leinster players currently in the squad are in the 23 tomorrow so I get where you're coming from!

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Yup to tomorrows test. Won them by doing a double front flip off a 10 meter platform into the freezing Wellington water today lol. Smashed my back and probably got myself sick, but totally worth it.

I like how you didn't mention that in the original post. Like it is an inconsequential detail.

 

[Chief Pete]

Calling up players who don't deserve to be there is another story though. It's a ******* disgrace. That couldn't have been vindicated by a 3-0 series win in my eyes.

Totally agree, what I'll never be able to understand is, he spends ages picking a squad and agonising who to leave out while knowing that at some point he's going to need 5 - 6 more players, take them all in the first place....I wonder how many players not selected would be in contention to start tomorrow.

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

I like how you didn't mention that in the original post. Like it is an inconsequential detail.

haha thought I'd try to keep the post on topic.... but since VC asked, figured I might as well tell the story

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

It's funny how a complete Lions sceptic like myself is slowly won over by the concept and you dyed in the wool supported think it is losing its lustre.

"Money making" is not a bad thing. Money funds youth programmes, medical research and maintenance of facilities. It is filling stadiums and providing a challenge for the world's top side.

 

[McTallshort]

Just won some free tickets today, bloody stoked!
I actually think the Sexton/Faz combo is a good move from Gatland. The weather's meant to be atrocious, so having two skillful guys with great kicking games is smart. Between those 2 and Murray, the ABs back 3 will have a handful!
This game will be won in the forwards, and imo the ABs have an edge there. Warburton can be good but has no form and AWJ is off the pace. In contrast, the whole NZ pack is firing, and Retallick is on another level!
I think the SBW/ALB combo may really hurt the Lions too, they drag in a lot of attention and are excellent at putting guys in space. Plus SBW running full tilt at Farrel is an exciting prospect.
If the Lions' forwards front up it will be tight. But despite the weather, I expect us to be too classy and run away with it in the end. ABs by 20 I'll say.

 

[valley commando]

I doubt any Irish player that played in Chicago would swap that for a series win here, nor Series players and their back to back European cups, nor England and their win streak etc... We've started to hear players saying what an honour it is rather than it being the peak of their careers, pro rugby is quickly outgrowing the tour to the point it is literally impossible to beat a half decent side in the series.

And what ethos? I really don't see that either, if this forum is anything to go by debate gets toxic between rugby fans during the tour, any good banter isn't here at all!

I beg to differ and very much doubt your fanciful thought that any Sarries or Irish player currently on this or any other Lions tour who would rather the Euro win or Irish victory over NZ than be part of a Lions winning series. What may be true is that younger fans of Ireland or Sarries may have those thoughts, but they are young a know little of life, they will learn as they grow older.
Warbs very words in the press today were that the Lions is the pinnacle and means that much to players that in his case the only jersey on the wall in his living room is one of his Lions jerseys. Can you find me a capped Lion that would agree with your sentiments ? I doubt it.

 

[valley commando]

Thank f***k for that *nobywan*