The Rugby Thread

[Buzzo]

That’s a good shout for Captain. I think he will do a great job.

[Irishnev]

That’s a good shout for Captain. I think he will do a great job.

I felt it might be him but didn’t want to go full Irish - oddly he came off a poor season where he was dropped by Ireland but he looked good yesterday. Gatland likes him so I suspect he’ll start the test series

[Buzzo]

Yeah I agree, he has the most experience at 9 in these occasions by far.

Bit underwhelmed by Adam Beard though.

[Buzzo]

It also suggests Farrell is not definitely starting at 10. Or 12.

I reckon unless Finn or Farrell play an absolute blinder Dan Biggar will start at 10. I would love to see Murray and Russell get some game time together.

[Irishnev]

It also suggests Farrell is not definitely starting at 10. Or 12.

I reckon unless Finn or Farrell play an absolute blinder Dan Biggar will start at 10. I would love to see Murray and Russell get some game time together.

It seems it’s Biggars shirt to lose - Russel will have to rip it up in his chance. I still think Farrell at 12 is an option although Gatball requires a big carrier in the centre

[Buzzo]

It seems it’s Biggars shirt to lose - Russel will have to rip it up in his chance. I still think Farrell at 12 is an option although Gatball requires a big carrier in the centre

Will be interesting to see what influence Townsend had on this?

One thing I realised yesterday is that watching Warren Gatland teams is pretty boring. The structure doesn’t really invite flowing Rugby. It’s pragmatic and percentage driven but it’s not exciting. So again, with Townsend coaching the backs I’m keen to see some interesting play.

If the Lions turn up to SA hoping to run over the top of them, it will end in defeat as England found out. You need to meet the up front, but then find something different in the backs. I can see Farrell starting either at 12 or as a replacement centre. But for me Russell had to be on the bench as he has the magic to unlock a tight defence.

[Irishnev]

Will be interesting to see what influence Townsend had on this?

One thing I realised yesterday is that watching Warren Gatland teams is pretty boring. The structure doesn’t really invite flowing Rugby. It’s pragmatic and percentage driven but it’s not exciting. So again, with Townsend coaching the backs I’m keen to see some interesting play.

If the Lions turn up to SA hoping to run over the top of them, it will end in defeat as England found out. You need to meet the up front, but then find something different in the backs. I can see Farrell starting either at 12 or as a replacement centre. But for me Russell had to be on the bench as he has the magic to unlock a tight defence.

Russell has to be in every squad for the reasons you mention but if Gatland wants a ball carrying centre to smash in the gain line then it will be Bundee

[Buzzo]

I’ll be interested to see how Harris goes. His stats for the 6Ns were phenomenal and he is a monster in defence. I hope Farrell doesn’t play. His days are numbered for me. Even with England, Marcus Smith looks a phenomenal player as does Joe Simmonds, throw in Jacob Umaga. England are going to be spoilt with creative 10’s.

[Buzzo]

The no Irish XV

Russell and Farrell is a tantalising prospect!!!

[ame]https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/status/1410523444471603202[/ame]

[Irishnev]

The no Irish XV

Russell and Farrell is a tantalising prospect!!!

https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/st...23444471603202

All Irish being kept for the test matches

[Buzzo]

Barn storming start from the Lions (B&I) 14-0 up after 7 mins. Playing with massive amounts of pace.

[Irishnev]

Barn storming start from the Lions (B&I) 14-0 up after 7 mins. Playing with massive amounts of pace.

Watched the first half - going well but you can see they are not used to each other. Farrell at 12 doesn’t work for me

[Buzzo]

That’s the best I’ve ever seen Ali Price play. Thought he was great.

It’s an incredibly strong squad.

I’d agree with Farrell, you could tell that he was not in his comfort zone playing with Price and Russell and then throw in Harris at 13.

But lots of pleasing signs. Itoje was really strong. Watson good. And 4 try’s for Adams, even if two were simple run ins.

[RichC]

Yeah, not sure he’s right for the 12. Wouldn’t be having Russell starting at 10 either, just lacks game management for me; handy to throw on but that would be the limit to his involvement

[Irishnev]

Yeah, not sure he’s right for the 12. Wouldn’t be having Russell starting at 10 either, just lacks game management for me; handy to throw on but that would be the limit to his involvement

Bigger at 10 and Henshaw at 13 with 12 up for grabs. Gatland likes big lads at 12 so Aki has a good chance