The Rugby Thread

[Buzzo]

Too early to say. There's still 5 increasingly tough matches to go before the first test.

[RichC]

Well based on that Hogg needs some splinters

[Buzzo]

I don't think Garland will start Hogg whatever. I also don't think Warrenball is the sort of Rugby Hogg will flourish under,

Farrell definitely came on and had an impact, but surprising to see him choke a kick. Only Laidlaw 100% with the boot

[Irishnev]

Too early to say. There's still 5 increasingly tough matches to go before the first test.

Exactly this - they looked flat and if they play Gatland's favourite tactics vs NZ then they won't win. The Blacks are physically too strong to play one out rugby.

A win and move on

[Cormack74]

I don't think that performance was too surprising when they only got off the plane on wednesday, but they do need to find their feet fast.

Farrell definitely edged ahead of Johnny S and I thought Tipuric had some good moments.

I'd also forgotten how much I dislike Stuart Barnes. With the Aviva on BT and the 6N on terrestrial I don't watch a lot of Rugby on Sky with him punditing. **** me he's a negative punch worthy ****. I tried turning the volume down and going with the radio a couple of times but unfortunately it's a bit ahead so doesn't really work.

[Buzzo]

The Lions in a battle, 12-10 down to the Blues at half time. Pissing rain in Auckland.

If this is the standard of playing the Provinces, the tests are going to be brutal.

As mentioned above Stuart Barnes commentary is unlistenable, he approaches every comment with an agenda.

[Buzzo]

Jack Nowell having a mare.

[Zapater]

The Lions in a battle, 12-10 down to the Blues at half time. Pissing rain in Auckland.

If this is the standard of playing the Provinces, the tests are going to be brutal.

As mentioned above Stuart Barnes commentary is unlistenable, he approaches every comment with an agenda.

And the Blues are the worst of the NZ teams in Super Rugby and a mediocre team in the context of the entire competition.

[Buzzo]

Lions turning the screw now. Forwards winning the battle in the scrum and loose, winning pens.

Not seen anything from the backs today.

[Buzzo]

Brilliant try from the Blues.

...and if we are worried about Hoggs defence.

[Buzzo]

A deserved win for the Blues.

This game tells you all you need to know about the shortcomings of Gatlands tactics out there. Dominating the scrum and a solid lineout will only get you so far against teams that play expansive Rugby. Especially when the team are themselves giving away pens.

The Lions wont pick and drive their way to wins in NZ. Only one team played Rugby and threw the ball about today and they scored trys. The Lions didn't look a threat.

[Buzzo]

I'd be interested to see a stat on how much ball the Lions kicked.

[Zapater]

Lions should definitely look to use the set piece and scrums against the All Blacks. Trying to outplay NZ teams just won't work. Look at the offloads alone, NZ teams are light years ahead of the rest of the world skills wise.

That last try was brilliant.

Will be interesting to see how the Lions recover. If they struggle again they may crack under media pressure. Crusaders are a brilliant team - although none of this matters if they come to play when the tests start.

[Buzzo]

Lions should definitely look to use the set piece and scrums against the All Blacks. Trying to outplay NZ teams just won't work. Look at the offloads alone, NZ teams are light years ahead of the rest of the world skills wise.

That last try was brilliant.

Will be interesting to see how the Lions recover. If they struggle again they may crack under media pressure. Crusaders are a brilliant team - although none of this matters if they come to play when the tests start.

They need the set piece to create a platform, but they need to mix it up a bit more when they have the ball. They were predictable. They don't need to out play the AB's but they do need to play. The crash and drive tactic and chasing kicks for territory isn't sustainable.

In terms of offloads and line breaks there was only one team in it today.

If the Lions lose against the provinces then morale will become a factor, so they really need as strong a team as possible out next match. And they will need to get a convincing win at some point.

[Irishnev]

That was worrying and reaffirms how tough touring NZ is, Auckland celebrated like they had won the Ranfurly shield so you can see how much it means to them.

Skills wise and physicality wise they have no equal and the provincial sides have it in abundance. If he REALLY is going to play one out pick and drives then they will get pummelled. They have the squad to be better than that and some key players haven't started a game yet - North, Murray and more spring to mind.

Stander played well I thought but the kicking was poor from Sexton and v poor from Webb.