Good point.
Now that I am not duty bound to hate him I c an see the true power of the clear thinking Gatland brings as a coach. Whereas pundits pick predicted teams awash with favouritism and prior form, as you say, Garland picks the team he wants and bases nothing on reputation. Not pundit pressure. His record as a Lions coach is ridiculous.
I personally think Farrell has not done enough, nor does he bring enough currently to get in the starting XV. I’m not even convinced he should be on the bench. Loads of pundits are saying how Murray and Farrell calmed everything down. That’s not what I saw. Not that they were poor but that they arrived in a highly pressurised part of the game. Farrell gave the ball away at least once. The best part of closing out the game was the defensive set in the last 5 mins. The previous 10 had some pretty erratic play which all of the backs were responsible for and they must have breathed a collective sigh of relief when the TMO showed the forward pass from Kolbe.
The temptation to put Russell or Smith on the bench is going to be massive in case the Lions are chasing the scoreboard.
On another note I am intrigued to see how Smith goes for England. He is the least English 10 ever. Will he go the way of Cipriani or will he get a game. He could be an absolute superstar, but it will mean England fundamentally changing the way they play.
Now that I am not duty bound to hate him I c an see the true power of the clear thinking Gatland brings as a coach. Whereas pundits pick predicted teams awash with favouritism and prior form, as you say, Garland picks the team he wants and bases nothing on reputation. Not pundit pressure. His record as a Lions coach is ridiculous.
I personally think Farrell has not done enough, nor does he bring enough currently to get in the starting XV. I’m not even convinced he should be on the bench. Loads of pundits are saying how Murray and Farrell calmed everything down. That’s not what I saw. Not that they were poor but that they arrived in a highly pressurised part of the game. Farrell gave the ball away at least once. The best part of closing out the game was the defensive set in the last 5 mins. The previous 10 had some pretty erratic play which all of the backs were responsible for and they must have breathed a collective sigh of relief when the TMO showed the forward pass from Kolbe.
The temptation to put Russell or Smith on the bench is going to be massive in case the Lions are chasing the scoreboard.
On another note I am intrigued to see how Smith goes for England. He is the least English 10 ever. Will he go the way of Cipriani or will he get a game. He could be an absolute superstar, but it will mean England fundamentally changing the way they play.
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