Lions 2013 Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

Kayless · 30-06-2013 07:32PM

WorldRugby99 wrote: »

pre tour many fans and most of the media thought the lions would be comfortable winners.After all-if you added likes of sexton and o connell to the all powerful,all conquering welsh team,they would be far too powerful and would crush wallabies up front.Well thats what they said,but it hasnt quite happened.And personally i dont feel too optimistic lions will win on saturday-aussies played all the rugby in melbourne and deservedly won and a better kicker/not so much injury disruption in brisbane and aussies would be winners already.we are lucky to be 1-1.

Think gats will make changes-he has to. phillips def will come in at 9.expect roberts and davies to play in centres and BOD to be controversially dropped.Ian evans,hibbard and faletau to come in up front.I think we will see a more 'welsh' team come saturday as they are more tried and tested combos - particularly as the set piece and centres-havent worked too well.its the last game,so gats wont care what critics say.i could be wrong though!

I hope to god your wrong, the reason Sexton, BOD and Heaslip have been under performing is because of the negative tactics Gatland has decided to use if Manu or Roberts comes in at 12 and (warberton being passed fit) SOB starts at 6 and Gatland lets Sexton play flat like he does for Leinster the Lions will win, see the thing is people say we were lucky to win the first test, well if that is true then Aus were lucky to win yesterday that was them under pressure I.E that was them at their best however I think most people would agree the Lions have not played to their strength, yet

In the first match Sexton was being protected in the second he was asked to stand off maybe this is part of Gatlands plan, I would not be at all surprised if all of a sudden Sexton starts running the show next week and gets MOTM, I think Gatland is playing games knowing he has a test in hand

just my two cents

Swiwi. · 30-06-2013 07:35PM

Kayless wrote: »

I hope to god your wrong, the reason Sexton, BOD and Heaslip have been under performing is because of the negative tactics Gatland has decided to use if Manu or Roberts comes in at 12 and (warberton being passed fit) SOB starts at 6 and Gatland lets Sexton play flat like he does for Leinster the Lions will win, see the thing is people say we were lucky to win the first test, well if that is true then Aus were lucky to win yesterday that was them under pressure I.E that was them at their best however I think most people would agree the Lions have not played to their strength, yet

In the first match Sexton was being protected in the second he was asked to stand off maybe this is part of Gatlands plan, I would not be at all surprised if all of a sudden Sexton starts running the show next week and gets MOTM, I think Gatland is playing games knowing he has a test in hand

just my two cents

Um I don't think Australia playing to their best was so many knock ons and dropped passes. They'll be better again next week.

Kayless · 30-06-2013 07:38PM

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Um I don't think Australia playing to their best was so many knock ons and dropped passes. They'll be better again next week.

Then we are in for some match

irishbucsfan · 30-06-2013 07:42PM

Le vieux renard wrote: »

Um I don't think Australia playing to their best was so many knock ons and dropped passes. They'll be better again next week.

They'll be better again if they can take possession as often in such dangerous starting positions.

If they do, it's another poor performance from the Lions. I would think they'll improve next week though.

padser · 30-06-2013 08:12PM

Kayless wrote: »

I think Gatland is playing games knowing he has a test in hand

just my two cents

What on earth are you talking about?

Blackheath · 30-06-2013 09:11PM

Just listening to Sean Holley on Talksport and he was asked for his lions player of the series.
His said that Adam Jones, Johnny Sexton and Halfpenny had played well and AW Jones is his player of the tournament.
His biggest let down has been Heaslip and Sean O'Brien.

Lelantos · 30-06-2013 09:14PM

padser wrote: »

What on earth are you talking about?

Lulling the Aussies into a false sense of security by letting them win the 2nd test, then bang! Bring out the Bull Hayes for the 3rd test & wreak havoc upon them!

Quint2010 · 30-06-2013 09:15PM

P.Walnuts wrote: »

I know I shouldn't care but.....what horn was our good friend Stephen Jones blowing this morning?

Lets me guess

Feleteau in at 8

Roberts and 13, Davies at 13

Gray to start

Phillips to come back in

close?

He pretty much pinned the defeat on the non-selection of Andrew Sheridan-plus the selection of Youngs over Hibbard. Yes advocates the selction of Gray for the 3rd test and says Parling has to go. Didn't say much about SH apart from Murray adding "sharpness" when he came on (which Jones then tempered with the fact that the scrum also improved at this time). Yes Feletau for Heaslip was mentioned in his player ratings.

its_phil · 30-06-2013 09:15PM

Blackheath wrote: »

Just listening to Sean Holley on Talksport and he was asked for his lions player of the series.
His said that Adam Jones, Johnny Sexton and Halfpenny had played well and AW Jones is his player of the tournament.
His biggest let down has been Heaslip and Sean O'Brien.

Surely he can't of meant the series seen as SOB has played 15/20 mins. Don't agree with any of his selections there bar Adam Jones. AWJ is nowhere near the best player as decent as he has been. Tom Youngs for me.

Blackheath · 30-06-2013 09:23PM

its_phil wrote: »

Surely he can't of meant the series seen as SOB has played 15/20 mins. Don't agree with any of his selections there bar Adam Jones. AWJ is nowhere near the best player as decent as he has been. Tom Youngs for me.

He was asked a question who is his lion player of the series and who is the biggest disappointment?

Quint2010 · 30-06-2013 09:43PM

Guardian reporting that BOD set to captain team for Saturday.

Kayless · 30-06-2013 09:45PM

padser wrote: »

What on earth are you talking about?

Why else would he ask the best attacking fly half in the northern hemisphere to stand off? My theory is that Gatland knowing he could not lose the series yesterday attempted to beat Aus using defence rather than offence (and it almost worked) although Gatland really hasn't shown his hand here and I fully expect we will see it next weekend when he lets Sexton play flat.

The thing about this is that if Sexton plays flat we will play better and Aus might not be expecting it, given that in the first two tests he was not used in that way. It makes me think Gatland has saw an opportunity after the first test and might be out thinking Deans here tactically

shuffol · 30-06-2013 09:47PM

Adam Jones has been very average all series. Not sure what more SOB could've done, has covered 2 positions and been at least in the top 5 performers anytime he's played.

thomond2006 · 30-06-2013 09:57PM

Quint2010 wrote: »

Guardian reporting that BOD set to captain team for Saturday.

Obvious choice if Warburton is out.

danthefan · 30-06-2013 09:58PM

Kayless wrote: »

Why else would he ask the best attacking fly half in the northern hemisphere to stand off? My theory is that Gatland knowing he could not lose the series yesterday attempted to beat Aus using defence rather than offence (and it almost worked) although Gatland really hasn't shown his hand here and I fully expect we will see it next weekend when he lets Sexton play flat.

The thing about this is that if Sexton plays flat we will play better and Aus might not be expecting it, given that in the first two tests he was not used in that way. It makes me think Gatland has saw an opportunity after the first test and might be out thinking Deans here tactically

I'm still trying to get my head around what you're trying to say but it seems proper mental to me.

The Lions didn't play their best on purpose to lull Aus into some false sense of security in a winner takes all test match next week? Just no.

astonaidan · 30-06-2013 10:00PM

thomond2006 wrote: »

Obvious choice if Warburton is out.

I thought the Bull was the obvious choice since hes coming back :mad:

thomond2006 · 30-06-2013 10:04PM

astonaidan wrote: »

I thought the Bull was the obvious choice since hes coming back :mad:

The Bull wouldn't want the limelight.

Tobyglen · 30-06-2013 10:15PM

BOD has been very poor in attack. Great player but his time has come. Gatland should make the hard call and play an attacking backline and have a right go off the ozzies, Roverts & Davies should start.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience · 30-06-2013 10:18PM

Tobyglen wrote: »

BOD has been very poor in attack. Great player but his time has come. Gatland should make the hard call and play an attacking backline and have a right go off the ozzies, Roverts & Davies should start.

Bull****, BOD's attacking play is the victim of Gatlands gameplan, just like every other back on the field in both the first and second test.

None of the backs have shone in attack, because they're playing a game plan that doesn't allow them to

He made a mistake this weekend in space, but that was virtually the only ball he got in anything close to space the entire game.

His defensive contribution has been stellar on top of that

And saying BOD should be dropped because of his attacking play yet advocating Davies to stay is very odd considering how poor Davies has been in attack and he certainly has had more ball

.ak · 30-06-2013 10:23PM

Blackheath wrote: »

Just listening to Sean Holley on Talksport and he was asked for his lions player of the series.
His said that Adam Jones, Johnny Sexton and Halfpenny had played well and AW Jones is his player of the tournament.
His biggest let down has been Heaslip and Sean O'Brien.

Jesus wept.

.ak · 30-06-2013 10:24PM

Quint2010 wrote: »

Guardian reporting that BOD set to captain team for Saturday.

Yeah, he was captain after Sam left the field so is obvious heir to the throne, as it were.

Feel bad for Davies, but as I said before, no sympathy in a test match decider.

.ak · 30-06-2013 10:27PM

JagerScout wrote: »

lots of posters trying to see something thats simply not there with Murray

JagerScout wrote: »

is it? im unconvinced.

JagerScout wrote: »

Murray is pretty lucky to be there, wouldnt say he has been a top 3 scrumhalf in the british isles over the last 12 to 18 months.

Okay. Seeing as you have nothing to actually say about Murray other than these throw away comments then don't discuss him at all for the next week - and when that week is up make an improvement on your posts.

Mahatma Geansai · 30-06-2013 10:27PM

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Bull****, BOD's attacking play is the victim of Gatlands gameplan, just like every other back on the field in both the first and second test.

None of the backs have shone in attack, because they're playing a game plan that doesn't allow them to

He made a mistake this weekend in space, but that was virtually the only ball he got in anything close to space the entire game.

His defensive contribution has been stellar on top of that

And saying BOD should be dropped because of his attacking play yet advocating Davies to stay is very odd considering how poor Davies has been in attack and he certainly has had more ball

Davies has impressed in attack in his showings at 13 to date though. BOD has been brilliant in defence, but he offers very little in attack. I wouldn't be dropping him, but we need to see a threat like Manu or Roberts inside him at the weekend if we're to stand a chance.

Warburton would be a huge loss if he's misses out. He was our best player on Saturday and it would be horrible for him to cry off just as he's starting to show how good he can be. SOB should be the direct replacement, but Tipuric and Faletau will be feeling pretty aggrieved if they don't get a lookin during the tests.

bilston · 30-06-2013 10:28PM

Tobyglen wrote: »

BOD has been very poor in attack. Great player but his time has come. Gatland should make the hard call and play an attacking backline and have a right go off the ozzies, Roverts & Davies should start.

Sorry but bar one moment of brillance from North they have all been poor in attack. The Lions are following one of the the most limited gameplans I've ever seen. I would call it Kidneyesque but that would be doing him a disservice. I hope they're holding something back but I doubt it.

.ak · 30-06-2013 10:31PM

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Davies has impressed in attack in his showings at 13 to date though. BOD has been brilliant in defence, but he offers very little in attack. I wouldn't be dropping him, but we need to see a threat like Manu or Roberts inside him at the weekend if we're to stand a chance.

Warburton would be a huge loss if he's misses out. He was our best player on Saturday and it would be horrible for him to cry off just as he's starting to show how good he can be. SOB should be the direct replacement, but Tipuric and Faletau will be feeling pretty aggrieved if they don't get a lookin during the tests.

Where are you getting this from? The midweek games? Then I would say BOD is defo streets ahead of anything we've seen from Davies in the midweek games in terms of attack. He's run brilliant lines off Manu and North and scored some beauties.

Davies set up some stuff in the midweek games but he was no where near the form of BOD.

And then if we're talking about the tests then BOD, even though he's been poor by his standards, has been the better centre in attack. He's broken the gain line with every carry and has distributed well, where as Davies has been shut down at every phase and hasn't distributed well at all.

Tobyglen · 30-06-2013 10:31PM

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Bull****, BOD's attacking play is the victim of Gatlands gameplan, just like every other back on the field in both the first and second test.

None of the backs have shone in attack, because they're playing a game plan that doesn't allow them to

He made a mistake this weekend in space, but that was virtually the only ball he got in anything close to space the entire game.

His defensive contribution has been stellar on top of that

And saying BOD should be dropped because of his attacking play yet advocating Davies to stay is very odd considering how poor Davies has been in attack and he certainly has had more ball

Remove the green tinted glasses. Davies put in by far the best performance at 13 on this tour. He's asked to play at 12 and it just hasn't worked.

In regards BOD, he's still a fantastic defender, very good at breakdown (unfairly penalised in the 1st test) but in regards attack he has been a busted flush against the top teams internationally for 3 years (Wales game in 6 nations aside). He can produce occasional moments of brilliance but his pace is gone. At 13 you need a guy who can take a player on the outside and who offers a threat with the ball in hand.

It might be hard to fathom considering he's the greatest back this country has ever produced but time has caught up with him.

.ak · 30-06-2013 10:33PM

Tobyglen wrote: »

Remove the green tinted galsses. Davies put in by far the best performance at 13 on this tour. He's asked to play at 12 and it just hasn't worked.

In regards BOD, he's still a fantastic defender, very good at breakdown (unfairly penalised in the 1st test) but in regards attack he has been a busted flush against the top teams internationally for 3 years (Wales game in 6 nations aside). He can produce occasional moments of brilliance but his pace is gone.

Davies only decent performance was a walk over? Where Sexton made him look good? He's been a decent back up to BOD but no more.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience · 30-06-2013 10:34PM

Tobyglen wrote: »

Remove the green tinted glasses. Davies put in by far the best performance at 13 on this tour. He's asked to play at 12 and it just hasn't worked.

In regards BOD, he's still a fantastic defender, very good at breakdown (unfairly penalised in the 1st test) but in regards attack he has been a busted flush against the top teams internationally for 3 years (Wales game in 6 nations aside). He can produce occasional moments of brilliance but his pace is gone.

Nothing to do with tinted glasses, BOD is a hugely superior 13 to Davies in nearly every aspect of the game.

Tox56 · 30-06-2013 10:35PM

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

And saying BOD should be dropped because of his attacking play yet advocating Davies to stay is very odd considering how poor Davies has been in attack and he certainly has had more ball

Logic is not important, it is the perfect opportunity for some kneejerk reactions and making bold statements proclaiming the demise of a once great player. Has happened to the likes of Tiger Woods and Federer every year for the last 3 or 4, BOD himself has faced it multiple times in his career. He'll start and hopefully finally get the series win he deserves

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience · 30-06-2013 10:37PM

Anyone saying BOD is limited in attack, that's fair enough, it's an opinion, but certainly not one that can be justified on the basis of those two tests. Do people expect him to rip the ball off Sexton when he goes for his umpteenth Garryowen or something?

Lions 2013 Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

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