The Rugby Thread

[Cormack74]

I like the fact that WG wants to play some rugby but it's a brave call when the back 3 have never together played before.

Even though he hasn't had a great tour I think I would have stuck with North for his solidity and kept Daly on the bench. No one would want to be facing a guy that quick coming on fresh for the last 20 when there are a few gaps starting to appear.

T'eo knows SBW's game having played with him but I don't think any of the back line with the possible exception of Davies are that strong defensively which is a worry.

Up front I would have left Mako on the bench to make an impact later on. His scrummaging isn't up to test level which is why Marler starts ahead of him for England and we absolutely have to make the set piece count especially if it's going to be an arm wrestle in the rain which the forecast suggests it might be.

[Irishnev]

[ame="https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/status/877609730662735872"]https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/status/877609730662735872[/ame]

Ballsy team picked on form so fair play to him.

Harsh on Halfpenny and Itoje but the latter will be some impact off the bench

[Irishnev]

New Zealand
15. Ben Smith, 14. Israel Dagg, 13. Ryan Crotty, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Aaron Smith; 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Kieran Read (captain).
Replacements: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Charlie Faumuina, 19. Scott Barrett, 20. Ardie Savea, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Aaron Cruden/Lima Sopoaga, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.

[Buzzo]

I can't be objective about the Lions anymore.

Quite a few surprises in the starting XV. North correctly dropped, but the backs look a bit lightweight to me.

I reckon he will finish the series playing Sexton with Farrell at 12.

Pressure on Farrells kicking which has been a bit dodgy.

[Cormack74]

I think that's pretty objective TBH and you haven't said you want them to be losing the series only to be rescued by Finn and Tommy.

(Although you may be thinking it )

[Buzzo]

I think that's pretty objective TBH and you haven't said you want them to be losing the series only to be rescued by Finn and Tommy.

(Although you may be thinking it )

I'm trying incredibly hard to not let those thoughts in.

Right now I just hope it's a good game, and ultimately I'm not fussed who wins. Just pissed off that the best team we've had in a generation, a team that just beat the Aussies away is getting zero Lions acknowledgement.

[Buzzo]

Great try from the Lions to get back in it just before half time. Try totally made by an immense break by Liam Williams.

NZ lead 13-8

[Buzzo]

Williams playing some fantastic stuff.

[Buzzo]

Insane offload from Keiron Read in build up to AB's try.

20-8

[Buzzo]

AB's well in charge now. Lions going backwards.

23-8

[Buzzo]

30-8

Carnage. Only been one team playing in the second half.

[Buzzo]

Rhys Webb goes over at the end.

FT 30-15

Convincing from the AB's.

[Irishnev]

Rhys Webb goes over at the end.

FT 30-15

Convincing from the AB's.

They are so ACCURATE - they gobble up less than half chances. Mistakes from the Lions gave them handy scores so that is disappointing. Lions didn't score when well on top. Hard to know if any changes will be made - easy to blame people after a defeat.

The ABs are just so good, so powerful, so skillful and hard as ****

[Buzzo]

If Hogg missed the catch that Williams did at the end, he'd have been absolutely slaughtered, and I've not heard it mentioned.

Overall though Williams played well, was easily the best source of attack. Also very good from Jonathon Davies.

I've just complimented two Welsh players, so I'd better stop.

[Irishnev]

Most of them played well but they were against the best team in the world in a ground where they don't lose. Itoje for AWJ should happen next week.

Dagg and read superb and Ioane who Gatland wrote off scored 2 tries