Lions 2017 [MOD WARNING IN OP]

I actually like that team. It's pretty much what I had picked before the first test, with the exception of o halfpenny or north. It's a pity north is gone, he actually found form on Tuesday and was back to his usual rampaging self, looked much sharper also. Pity, he's had a poor tour.

My only problem with that team is the back 3. Just isn't inspiring any confidence!

Looking forward to seeing Sexton/Farrell combo start...

A lot of unforced changes tho, I never like to see that when the consensus was they were close to making things work last week. Shows a bit of indecisiveness.

Delighted to see CJ get the opportunity to make a full test game, he's deserved with his performances in the mid week games. Disappointed for POM but he had the honour of captaining the side, an honour few expected at the beginning of the tour. You'd have to wonder what Henderson has to do to get onto the test team, I guess the YC weighed against him.

Looking forward to seeing how Sexton & Farrell pull the strings, I think we're looking at playing rugby against the ABs which should make for an entertaining game.

I'd have had Tipuric ahead of Stander,New Zealand won't be bothered by him at all. Shouldn't have made the tour.
Henderson unlucky not to make bench.
Teo was unlucky to be dropped but I guess Gatland feels he has to try something different.

OldRio wrote: »

AWJ and Warbs picked on form?
Yeah right.

Henderson and Best very unlucky but when the coach has flogged you to death midweek because of his ego what do you expect?

The breakdown is the massive problem area. AWJ had a good tour up to last week and is a one of the best options we have in terms of rucking in both attack and defence. He's lucky to survive after last week but there's a logic there. Similarly, Warburton is selected due to his ability to get involved at the breakdown, slowing opposition ball and speeding up Lions possession.

The approach goes hand in hand with selecting Sexton and Farrell together. The ball will need to be protected and moved quickly.

I'd have gone with Henderson at 20, personally. I think he's seriously unlucky not to feature. I don't believe he has been flogged nor do I think game time has come into it at all. Stander has played more than Henderson including 80 minutes on Tuesday but is on the bench. His style simply fits the impact option from the bench more plus he covers 8.

Similarly, Jack Nowell has played more minmutes than Henderson. If they think it's the right call they went with it.

sydthebeat wrote: »

What can AWJ do for weekend that he didn't do last weekend, specifically when gatland singled out the breakdown as an area they were second best in.

Show up?

The bloke had a bad match last week but he's a total pain in the arse in terms of the physicality and work rate he brings including hitting rucks both in attack and defence. There's a lot more that can be done to influence the breakdown than trying to target the ball directly.

I'd have started Lawes (who is well able to deliver in the disruptive stakes) and brought Henderson onto the bench but there's a rationale behind AWJ. His history with Gatland probably saved his bacon though.

Burkie1203 wrote: »

I was expecting that anyway no matter who the lions picked. Thought Tipuric would come onto the bench. Think he brings something which would suit the last 20, bit of unpredictability.

Tipuric could have a real impact when the game breaks up but he lacks some physicality although he has improved hugely in that regard.

If he was a Kiwi, he'd be 5kg heavier and starting.

BoardsMember wrote: »

Agree re Tipuric, I can't see how Stander suits the last 20, he's not one to off load or link play like Tipuric, and he's looked knackered, very strange decision.

I wonder is it because he picked warburton and didnt want to be seen picking another welshman. He let outside hysteria influence his bench use last week so its possible

BoardsMember wrote: »

Agree re Tipuric, I can't see how Stander suits the last 20, he's not one to off load or link play like Tipuric, and he's looked knackered, very strange decision.

If you get some soft tackles in the final 20, Stander could be a great option. He'll need to really bust a gut when he comes on but I've no doubt he can do that. He's a completely different option to what is on the field.

It also suggests that Faletau perhaps needs to lift his ball carrying a bit. He had very little opportunity last week but still needs to seek out that aspect of the game.

Stander has that extra physicality which could prove beneficial.

I think it's all academic, though. The Lions will hopefully be better....NZ will definitely be better.

How will the ABs adapt to their inevitable loss in this test now that we've seen the teams? Don't really think they've many options really, a very limited country when it comes to rugby.

.ak wrote: »

Really is a pity North and Hogg left the tour early. Both needed to find form and I reckon they would have, that team with a back three of Hogg, Williams and North all on form would've been tasty.

Lets be honest though we had bigger problems last week than the back 3