Teo gone, Kruis gone, O Mahoney gone

[CM11]

There's only one way to beat the ABs.





Get 30+ points ahead then try to hold on

Never try to hold on against NZ. Even 30 points ahead.

[nardol]

There's only one way to beat the ABs.





Get 30+ points ahead then try to hold on

Never try to hold on against NZ. Even 30 points ahead.

banning offence

[backrow]

gutted for Teo, surprised Kruis and OMahoney are gone from the 23 altogether and not dropped to bench, AWJ = what the absolute feck ?

Lawes & Teo can do a good job coming off the bench, Warbuton, Stander & nowell though... jayz

I would rather have put Haskell on as starting 6 than Warburton.



we are going to lose this test by more than 15 points

[theo]

If England were to play the AB's on Saturday Eddie Jones would probably pick a side with current available and fit players that could look something like..

Brown,Watson, JJ, Farrell, Daly, Ford, Care, Mako, George, Cole, Launchbury, Lawes, Itoje, Haskell, Hughes.

Swap Liam Williams for Brown
JD2 for Joseph
Sexton for Ford
Murray for Care
Furlong for Cole
AWJ for Launchbury
SOB for Itoje
Warburton for Haskell
Toby for Hughes

I think most of the replacements are upgrades so this Lions team have a better chance than England would have.

He'd pick Kruis and Itoje in the 2nd row and Robshaw at 6.

But this is all about how the whole team performs and not the individuals. England perform well as a team. The Lions have not yet gelled and we have another midfield combo thrown together this weekend and a new back row. The only areas of consistency are the front row and the back three, though clearly Murray and Sexton know each other.

[Anonymous 1]

Gutted for Henderson, but writing was on the wall when he wasn't subbed.

Gatland has messed this up but we were always going to be up against it. The bookies had it 8/13 we would lose the series 3-0

I don't get it. Henderson was exactly what the Lions need; that was apparent at 50 mins so why not pull him to make him available for the tests? Any impact on the Hurricanes' game was no matter because as we've heard, only the tests count. Instead he's not in the squad and AWJ is the go-to?

Gatland clearly has a thing for AWJ so its no surprise he is still there. Plus he has to take into account Henderson had the luxury of playing against a weakened Canes side whereas his first choice locks played against the best New Zealand has to offer.

[Corkmunsterman]

gutted for Teo, surprised Kruis and OMahoney are gone from the 23 altogether and not dropped to bench, AWJ = what the absolute feck ?

Lawes & Teo can do a good job coming off the bench, Warbuton, Stander & nowell though... jayz

I would rather have put Haskell on as starting 6 than Warburton.



we are going to lose this test by more than 15 points

we'll be lucky to be within 20

[backrow]

gutted for Teo, surprised Kruis and OMahoney are gone from the 23 altogether and not dropped to bench, AWJ = what the absolute feck ?

Lawes & Teo can do a good job coming off the bench, Warbuton, Stander & nowell though... jayz

I would rather have put Haskell on as starting 6 than Warburton.



we are going to lose this test by more than 15 points

we'll be lucky to be within 20

wow, where do you spring up from ? thought you were long since FHHD - or are you an imposter noob ?

[Vahian]

Nowell makes sense on the bench because he offers pace.

Im now guessing you're deliberately being wrong about everything?

What was I wtong about?

From what I've read about everything you have ever posted would be a start.

[Flametop]

Agent Gatland, you're work is done, return to base.

[Corkmunsterman]

gutted for Teo, surprised Kruis and OMahoney are gone from the 23 altogether and not dropped to bench, AWJ = what the absolute feck ?

Lawes & Teo can do a good job coming off the bench, Warbuton, Stander & nowell though... jayz

I would rather have put Haskell on as starting 6 than Warburton.



we are going to lose this test by more than 15 points

we'll be lucky to be within 20

wow, where do you spring up from ? thought you were long since FHHD - or are you an imposter noob ?

from the depths of the interwebs

[cubby boi]

Sexton, one of the most dismal, dissapointing performers on tour, is starting a test?

[Double]

If England were to play the AB's on Saturday Eddie Jones would probably pick a side with current available and fit players that could look something like..

Brown,Watson, JJ, Farrell, Daly, Ford, Care, Mako, George, Cole, Launchbury, Lawes, Itoje, Haskell, Hughes.

Swap Liam Williams for Brown
JD2 for Joseph
Sexton for Ford
Murray for Care
Furlong for Cole
AWJ for Launchbury
SOB for Itoje
Warburton for Haskell
Toby for Hughes

I think most of the replacements are upgrades so this Lions team have a better chance than England would have.

You forgot the part where England don't play like a bunch of mongs.

[Franzer]

On hearing this selection,my immediate reaction was- Lions throwing away the second test and series by picking an obviously non match fit Warburton ( Captain Invisable will become even more invisable as he tries to catch his breath at every break in play).

[CrazyIslander]

Nowell makes sense on the bench because he offers pace.

Im now guessing you're deliberately being wrong about everything?

What was I wtong about?

From what I've read about everything you have ever posted would be a start.

Is that right?

[Homer]

Kruis deserved to get binned after last week,but I think AWJ is lucky to keep his place - Itoje, Lawes and Henderson have been better IMO.
I can just about understand trying a slightly different back row, but Warburton really hasn't shown any form.
I haven't seen any evidence that Sexton/Farrell will work. When they have been on the pitch together they looked like they were on different wavelengths.

[Magic]

The back-line picked was my pick for the first Test - except for North for Daly. Farrell isn't a 10 (even Eddie Jones prefers Ford).

My 2nd Test line-up would be Second Test

Williams
Daly
Davies
Watson
Farrell (gash at 10 last week)
Sexton (must unleash the backs)
Webb (Murray was gash last week - kicking and distribution and no line breaks whatsoever)

McGrath (Mako tried but his scrummaging is still second rate)
Owens (George after 50 a la England)
Tad (must count Saturday. Too quiet last week)
AWJ (took a knock last week. He'll be fine)
Kruis (rubbish last week. Still think he's our best lineout in-chief)
Warbs (really lacking last week in speed to the breakdown from both POM/SOB)
Toby F (great defensively - offered nothing in attack - but no real competition here)
Itoje at 6 (POM out of his depth last week. Itoje's dynamism needed after every scrum offensively or defensively and in the loose)

I think the above offer power offensively and defensively.

Gatlands side picked is better than last week's - but needs more power front 5. I think my pick is stronger. I hope I'm wrong and Murray/Sexton have blinders. The 4/5 combo is better than last week. Backrow is more mobile with Warbs.

Go Lions!!

[CM11]

Kruis deserved to get binned after last week,but I think AWJ is lucky to keep his place - Itoje, Lawes and Henderson have been better IMO.
I can just about understand trying a slightly different back row, but Warburton really hasn't shown any form.
I haven't seen any evidence that Sexton/Farrell will work. When they have been on the pitch together they looked like they were on different wavelengths.

You missed the Crusaders game?

There's more evidence that it'll work rather than not but little for either case.

[penguin]

Feels like a team picked in hope rather than reality...I hope Warburton and AWJ find form, I hope Stander has an impact off the bench, I hope Sexton and Farrell can work together.

Not much evidence of any of those things - it's not that any are ridiculous in themselves, but it leaves the team with a lot to do.

[theo]

The Lions backs went pretty well last week off the back of a forward pack on the back foot. Not sure why people say Farrell was gash. We broke the AB's line in the first minute thanks to a Farrell pass.

[Anonymous 1]

The back-line picked was my pick for the first Test - except for North for Daly. Farrell isn't a 10 (even Eddie Jones prefers Ford).

Jones prefers Ford because he is a better fly-half. Farrell is most obviously a fly-half and international quality goal kicker. Eddie Jones wanted a big lad at 12 but it all went a bit pete tong for Luther against Australia so he hooked him and brought Farrell on at 12 and its worked for England ever since. Does not mean it's ideal and Jones isn't looking for a better combination.

[Hareaway]

Now it looks like he has too many players to choose from .. and been on tour for too long .

As an AB fan Farrell at 12 has me smiling ... he has been your weakest link, but almost as if no one is allowed to say a bad word against him .

The other changes all add a different element .


But hey Gatts .. bro ... thanks again for Farrell

[DragsterDriver]

Nowell makes sense on the bench because he offers pace.

Im now guessing you're deliberately being wrong about everything?

What was I wtong about?

From what I've read about everything you have ever posted would be a start.

Is that right?

AWJ- carrying, no.
AWJ- biggest lock, no.
Nowell- pace, none.

[theo]

Now it looks like he has too many players to choose from .. and been on tour for too long .

As an AB fan Farrell at 12 has me smiling ... he has been your weakest link, but almost as if no one is allowed to say a bad word against him .

The other changes all add a different element .


But hey Gatts .. bro ... thanks again for Farrell

In what way has he been a weak link?

[DragsterDriver]

Now it looks like he has too many players to choose from .. and been on tour for too long .

As an AB fan Farrell at 12 has me smiling ... he has been your weakest link, but almost as if no one is allowed to say a bad word against him .

The other changes all add a different element .


But hey Gatts .. bro ... thanks again for Farrell

In what way has he been a weak link?

We've had some shit individual performances on tour but to say Farrell has been the weakest link Hairyway can't have watched a game

[nardol]

I would still have Farrell at 10 this Saturday if the choice was mine.

Just tell the pack to man the f up.

[penguin]

I would still have Farrell at 10 this Saturday if the choice was mine.

Just tell the pack to man the f up.

[Keith]

Gatland is now in panic mode Bellend

[PornDog]

I think all things being equal, on paper, the picked squad is fine. But all things aren't equal...

Both locks were shite last week and I think it would have been a bit much to replace both of them. I personally would have retained Kruis, but only because of the George-Itoje-Saracens link, so its much of a muchness. AWJ has to put in a huge performance on Saturday or its nails in the coffin time for his career, but he's well capable of it.

POM's unlucky, but somebody had to be. I do think its f**king nuts having Stander on the bench after playing the full 80 on Tuesday - what happens if there's an injury early on? I suppose he could bring on Lawes instead, after all he only played 54 minutes on Tuesday! (Not to get sidetracked, but surely one of the Grays were geographically convenient and could of come in instead of Corey Haim)

Sexton-Farrell is my preferred 10-12 combo, although neither is setting the world alight unfortunately. Is it really too much to ask for a 13 with a complete skillset? Apparently so, but that's our lot.

Edit: Oh and forgot to mention - I do think that the changes made, especially Sexton-Farrell which Gatland has consistently discounted, and the POM out entirely after being Captain, gives an air of a rudderless ship. He doesn't seem to have a clear picture in his own head of how he wants the team to play, or, he has decided during the week that he's going to change it entirely. Neither is encouraging.

[Brazil]

Feels like a team picked in hope rather than reality...I hope Warburton and AWJ find form, I hope Stander has an impact off the bench, I hope Sexton and Farrell can work together.

Not much evidence of any of those things - it's not that any are ridiculous in themselves, but it leaves the team with a lot to do.

Indeed, with everyone on form you'd think this team stood a chance, yet under the circumstances it looks set to be another kicking because not enough of the players at the top of their game, the tactics don't seem to be clear, and there hasn't been enough time for the team to gel. Bit of a shame really.

That said, Gatland must really be regretting leaving Launchbury behind now. Actually, probably not, badger-wigged twat that he is...

[redderneck]

I hope Warburton has a stormer. I expect he will slow ball down better than any of last weeks backrowers managed to do.

However, I'd wager any of last weeks backrowers would be far more effective at the breakdowns this week than they were last week thanks in the main to having half the 2nd row shitshow addressed and thanks also to having a ref with whom we are more familiar this time. How much better could our backrow performance be if the 2nd row shitshow had been solved in its entirety? And turned even more favourable by picking Henderson on the bench?

Gatland has shat the bed. Kruis-style.

[Hareaway]

Now it looks like he has too many players to choose from .. and been on tour for too long .

As an AB fan Farrell at 12 has me smiling ... he has been your weakest link, but almost as if no one is allowed to say a bad word against him .

The other changes all add a different element .


But hey Gatts .. bro ... thanks again for Farrell

In what way has he been a weak link?

Crikey in the first test he was terrible . I guess i will wait to see if he improves at 12 .
He seems very lateral, with an unwillingness to trust himself to go beyond his obvious abilities .
You guys clearly all rate him highly , i have watched him against us for a few years now and cant share your enthusiasm.

Always takes the field with a formidable haircut but

[Lorthern Nights]

On paper pre-tour that backline would look fine, the problem here is Teo and Jiffy Jnr have both played well, whilst JJ has underwhelmed and i am unconvinced the Sexton/Farrell combo will work on the evidence so far but then they haven't had that much time together so they may well click.

No major surprises in the pack when you know who is picking the team, they may well raise their game to silence the doubters.

[JM2K6]

I think all things being equal, on paper, the picked squad is fine. But all things aren't equal...

Both locks were shite last week and I think it would have been a bit much to replace both of them. I personally would have retained Kruis, but only because of the George-Itoje-Saracens link, so its much of a muchness. AWJ has to put in a huge performance on Saturday or its nails in the coffin time for his career, but he's well capable of it.

POM's unlucky, but somebody had to be. I do think its f**king nuts having Stander on the bench after playing the full 80 on Tuesday - what happens if there's an injury early on? I suppose he could bring on Lawes instead, after all he only played 54 minutes on Tuesday! (Not to get sidetracked, but surely one of the Grays were geographically convenient and could of come in instead of Corey Haim)

Sexton-Farrell is my preferred 10-12 combo, although neither is setting the world alight unfortunately. Is it really too much to ask for a 13 with a complete skillset? Apparently so, but that's our lot.

Edit: Oh and forgot to mention - I do think that the changes made, especially Sexton-Farrell which Gatland has consistently discounted, and the POM out entirely after being Captain, gives an air of a rudderless ship. He doesn't seem to have a clear picture in his own head of how he wants the team to play, or, he has decided during the week that he's going to change it entirely. Neither is encouraging.

A reminder that he took the year off to prepare for the Lions and ended up selecting THIS touring squad and with these tactics, such as they are.

[MrJonno]

I think Gat's problem is that these pesky tests are interfering with his important mid week matches and have cost him some big results. Now that the tour is officially over and he is devastated with the loses and then the draw on Tues, with just a couple of friendly's left his heart's not in it and he's just seeing it out.



If somehow the Lions win the series, does Gats become a genius?

[penguin]

Feels like a team picked in hope rather than reality...I hope Warburton and AWJ find form, I hope Stander has an impact off the bench, I hope Sexton and Farrell can work together.

Not much evidence of any of those things - it's not that any are ridiculous in themselves, but it leaves the team with a lot to do.

Indeed, with everyone on form you'd think this team stood a chance, yet under the circumstances it looks set to be another kicking because not enough of the players at the top of their game, the tactics don't seem to be clear, and there hasn't been enough time for the team to gel. Bit of a shame really.

That said, Gatland must really be regretting leaving Launchbury behind now. Actually, probably not, badger-wigged twat that he is...

It's all about speed up front - last week the pack were too slow in thought and action. Launchbury might have helped but I doubt it. Itoje is about the fastest of the group of locks on tour, and faster than Launchbury, but he didn't have much impact when he came on. They need to be quicker as a unit.

[Hareaway]

If somehow the Lions win the series, does Gats become a genius?

Probably not the word i will use

[Brazil]

I think Gat's problem is that these pesky tests are interfering with his important mid week matches and have cost him some big results. Now that the tour is officially over and he is devastated with the loses and then the draw on Tues, with just a couple of friendly's left his heart's not in it and he's just seeing it out.



If somehow the Lions win the series, does Gats become a genius?

In the same way Brian Ashton did after England's 2007 World Cup run

[DragsterDriver]

You guys clearly all rate him highly , i have watched him against us for a few years now and cant share your enthusiasm.

Not that highly- how many times have you watched him play nz?

[slick]

Bottom line is that we're going to lose no matter who he picks. But he is all over the shop.

Yeah, the argument of win the test and it'll all be forgotten seems at this stage an unlikely scenario.

Despite everything - in particular the utter farce over the back up picks and the lack of Scots - I still hope they can do it. Gatland is a tough man to like though, and common sense says the AB's will fancy asserting their control in a big way

Should read this, makes you remember that they are all just people trying to do their best, we could do with remembering that sometimes.

http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/ ... per-abroad

Although I still want to kick his shins.

[jezzer]

Totally fücked up management of the squad by Gats has tied his hands for this test.

He should be bringing in a fresh Tipuric, Stander, Henderson and Seymour into the 23, but he flogged them all making sure he didn't lose another meaningless midweek game.

He has no 12 in the entire squad of any quality. Te'o isn't a 12 at all and Henshaw (now out) is in shite form. Farrell is the best next option so can't complain and Sexton gives best chance of opening holes in the D.

With total lack of fullbacks in the side also (1/2p is a spent force, Payne an injured mess, Hogg out) I can see why Nowell is on the bench, plus he has played much better than he's getting credit for.

How Itoje and Lawes aren't the starting locks with Hendo on the bench I don't know. George lucky to start over Owen imo. Best rarely puts 2 good games together and his set piece is a fairground ride. Mako and Tadgh lucky to be starting over Jack and Sinckler/Cole (Dan was a trojan on Tues but also flogged for a facile draw).

Tipuric should be starting with Stander and Toby. SOB'S slowness to breakdown and handling errors not compensated by his occasional line break and poach. Not mad he's in at 6 but would have preferred Stander on form.

Warren playing Schmidtball is at least a welcome change from Warrenball, but still not innovative enough to crack open Kiwis.

Vuni
Owens
Tadgh
Itoje
Lawes
Stander
Tipuric
Faletau

Murray
Sexton
Watson
Farrell
Davies
Seymour
Williams

George
McGrath
Sinckler
Henderson
SOB
Rees
Te'o
Nowell