Lions 2017 [MOD WARNING IN OP]

08-06-2017 10:14AM

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I wouldn't have Sexton anywhere near the 23. He is too much of an injury risk. Start him and he could be gone after 5 mins. Same if coming off the bench. It creates too much disruption.

The same could be said for North and SOB. You can't be carrying guys on a tour.

One of the Lions strength is their impact and experience off the bench but that is heavily negated by having injury risks in the 23. It is just not worth it.

They're in the squad so all this is moot.

Bazzo · 08-06-2017 10:32AM

Apparently Warburton has injured his ankle. Gatland claims it's minor.

http://www.the42.ie/sean-obrien-warburton-lions-ankle-3432869-Jun2017/?utm_source=twitter_self

08-06-2017 11:34AM

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-lions-backs-clinical-edge-3432603-Jun2017/

Two examples of just how poor the Lions execution was at the weekend, when you look at the freeze frames it's hard to believe they managed to not score in both instances.

sydthebeat · 08-06-2017 12:19PM

Billy Beautiful Guillotine wrote: »

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-lions-backs-clinical-edge-3432603-Jun2017/

Two examples of just how poor the Lions execution was at the weekend, when you look at the freeze frames it's hard to believe they managed to not score in both instances.

that payne missed chance is a prime example of runners drifting.

Halfpenny starts the move about 7 meters inside the 15 and yet when he passes the ball hes 1 m outside... having run about 16 meters forward.

its also crying out for him to skip the Daly at 11 ( i think daly was expecting the skip pass) and hit payne.

08-06-2017 01:23PM

sydthebeat wrote: »

that payne missed chance is a prime example of runners drifting.

Halfpenny starts the move about 7 meters inside the 15 and yet when he passes the ball hes 1 m outside... having run about 16 meters forward.

its also crying out for him to skip the Daly at 11 ( i think daly was expecting the skip pass) and hit payne.

Yep, and you see it time and time again with the NZ players, just fix a man and then give the pass. With the Lions it's either pass way to early or drift out and then pass, both of which give the defence too much time.

BoardsMember · 08-06-2017 01:34PM

It's hard to believe that players at this level in the game don't automatically do what kids from the age of U8s (and possibly younger) are being taught. It happens so often you'd have to presume it is not reinforced, or there is too much concentration on other things or something. Hard to know why this happens so much really.

08-06-2017 01:41PM

sydthebeat wrote: »

that payne missed chance is a prime example of runners drifting.

Halfpenny starts the move about 7 meters inside the 15 and yet when he passes the ball hes 1 m outside... having run about 16 meters forward.

its also crying out for him to skip the Daly at 11 ( i think daly was expecting the skip pass) and hit payne.

Regardless, pass to Payne was a mile forward. No idea how it wasn't pinged at the time. No problems catching the Blues doing the same.

irishbucsfan · 08-06-2017 01:42PM

BoardsMember wrote: »

It's hard to believe that players at this level in the game don't automatically do what kids from the age of U8s (and possibly younger) are being taught. It happens so often you'd have to presume it is not reinforced, or there is too much concentration on other things or something. Hard to know why this happens so much really.

It's because of how defenses operate at higher levels. It's not always as easy as straightening the line and passing the ball when the defenders are capable of covering so much space.

Christy42 · 08-06-2017 01:50PM

Billy Beautiful Guillotine wrote: »

Yep, and you see it time and time again with the NZ players, just fix a man and then give the pass. With the Lions it's either pass way to early or drift out and then pass, both of which give the defence too much time.

But I don't even think it is just a nh vs sh thing. I mean these players have done well before. They have won big matches. It is not like all nh matches are won by drifting side to side all game.

pickarooney · 08-06-2017 01:55PM

Podge_irl wrote: »

That would be an absolutely monstrous difference. It would be nowhere even close.

I presume he means if they just spent 80 minutes kicking penalties, not actually playing any rugby.

Sephiral · 08-06-2017 04:12PM

Just watched the Blues game. Don't actually think the performance was that awful, just struggled to create space because of the lack of fluency.

I thought Nowell was shaky defensively and any lingering hope of getting near test 23 is gone. Webb's tactical kicking was awful, he handed possession back so often in the first half that it was really all that was giving the Blues a foothold in the game. Biggar was uninspiring and and I though Sexton improved things when he came on. Centres didn't fire at any stage and Henshaw needs to pull the finger out if he wants a Test spot. Halfpenny was solid, Daly didn't get much opportunity. Williams deserved his yellow, he knew what he was doing both times.

Backrow worked hard, but can't say a lot more than that. Stander needs to offer more than a battering ram if he wants to start the tests. Locks were very good I thought; Itoje is one of the few touring players who could really step up for the tests. Front Row was good in the scrum too.

Re: Crusaders, I think O Mahony and/or O Brien have a great chance to play their way into test consideration. O Brien has had a lot of injuries, but he has played to a very high standard against the All Blacks before and if he can stay fit and hits his straps, don't be surprised if he is in the 23. If they plan to attack the set piece, then O Mahony must come into consideration. His groundwork - especially defensive - could be incredibly useful too.

Generally, if they don't step up against the Crusaders, the tour might well be in serious trouble.

I'd also favour Payne at full back even though it will never happen. Defensively solid, second playmaker, comes into the line well. Hogg looks flaky under pressure and against kicks - ahem, Barrett - and Halfpenny is fairly limited at this stage.

Webbs · 08-06-2017 04:24PM

Henshaw was poor enough, I thought he played in same way as he does with Ireland, whereas he needs to play as he does with Leinster and Connacht before that. He needs to play heads up not just play the battering ram.
Never really been a Te'o fan but he certainly mixed his game with power and guile. I still would prefer Henshaw if he can get firing so we will see how they both pan out in next couple of games.

I thought Tipuric was again a stand out in the backrow, Gatland seems not to like his style so cant see him going for him but if he was Irish boards would be purring about him.

stephen_n · 09-06-2017 01:28PM

Webbs wrote: »

I thought Tipuric was again a stand out in the backrow, Gatland seems not to like his style so cant see him going for him but if he was Irish boards would be purring about him.

Where's he going to fit in though, Warburton will start as will Faletau and with that Moriarty would work better than Tipuric.

Thelomen Toblackai · 09-06-2017 01:47PM

Tipuric was ok but surpassed in every respect by Stander. Carries, meters made, tackles, turnovers, score the try etc.

So far the two stand out backrows are Faletau and Stander. Tipuric should be ahead of Warburton for the 7 shirt but that's not going to happen.

Buer · 09-06-2017 02:08PM

Moriarty put in the best performance of any of them, I'd have thought. Really showed up well and was very dynamic which they'll need. Given his versatility he has put himself right in the mix for a spot in the 23.

1eg0a3xv7b82of · 09-06-2017 06:33PM

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I'd love to see Hartley tour NZ. Guaranteed red card. Some of his old BOP mates would love to tune him up.

the above reasoning is perfect if you have quality hookers for the tour.
best and owens are good players but this tour is beyond their capabilities.
as the tour progresses it will be become more obvious hartley should have went.

Dog Botherer · 09-06-2017 06:36PM

Best, Owens, and George are all better players than Hartley though. And their form isn't in the toilet.

The real mccoy 91 · 09-06-2017 07:11PM

Lyra Long Drug wrote:

the above reasoning is perfect if you have quality hookers for the tour. best and owens are good players but this tour is beyond their capabilities. as the tour progresses it will be become more obvious hartley should have went.

So he could be dragged off after 50 mins after having another ****e performance just like the 6n?

10-06-2017 07:27AM

Big pot of coffee and big dirty fry to kick off a big day of rugby.

Let's. be. havin. ye!

10-06-2017 07:36AM

No match thread?

10-06-2017 07:46AM

Basil3 wrote: »

No match thread?

You're doing a match thread? Thanks Basil3!

10-06-2017 07:53AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

You're doing a match thread? Thanks Basil3!

That was supposed to be a hint

Hurricanes are the only Super team I'd be willing to put the effort in for.

10-06-2017 08:12AM

Basil3 wrote: »

That was supposed to be a hint

Hurricanes are the only Super team I'd be willing to put the effort in for.

Thanks again Basil, looking forward to it. Here is a guide to making tables.

Thanks Basil!

irishbucsfan · 10-06-2017 08:14AM

Thanks Basil!

Erik Shin · 10-06-2017 08:15AM

Basil's a decent auld skin....for a 'Canes fan

10-06-2017 08:17AM

Not a fan of Luke's punditry

Buer · 10-06-2017 08:19AM

I hear the match thread is gonna be a cracker. Fair play, Basil. Can't wait.

Erik Shin · 10-06-2017 08:19AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Not a fan of Luke's punditry

Not a fan of Luke tbh...he has a face for radio and a voice for silent movies

Buer · 10-06-2017 08:21AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz8_VEI2Mpk

irishbucsfan · 10-06-2017 08:23AM

Sean Fitzpatrick seems fairly convinced that Ken Owens will be starting hooker. But sure what would he know about playing hooker in New Zealand

Lions 2017 [MOD WARNING IN OP]

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