Wallabies v Lions Game 2 MCG 26 July

[Derpus]

Your posts are generally quite good but this is poor. You and TomThumb should go and start a negativity thread and hopefully drag in a few of these other trolls with you.

Nah fuck em. Im finally… finally done with them.

 

[KOB1987]

Yeah you’re right, we should be thankful for the pool stage exit at the World cup, not sniffing the Bledisole for 25 years and being one game away from being the only host nation in modern history to lose every tour game to the Lions

I understand trying to be positive, but at a certain point we need to acknowledge this is professional sport and winning actually matters

Yeah, Aus rugby has been on a decline since 2003 and hit rock bottom in 2023. You also have to acknowledge we aren’t going to go from #10 to #1 in 2 years. The alternative was to maintain the decline and become a tier 2 nation, we at least have avoided that. We’re now back to #6 and putting up a good fight against 3.5 countries playing as one. So the trajectory is at least in the right direction.

You’ve already conceded defeat against the Saffers, and yes it’s going to be a tough ask to go over there and win. But at least we will have some good footy behind us which hopefully will narrow the gap.

Also, not concerned about the tour games, they generally only drop 1 and if they let us pick our own teams they would have this time as well.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I thought it was a fantastic game, at a pumping 'G' .. plenty of tries and edge of the seat stuff if you were at the ground or watching on the tv. The referees missed a golden opportunity though to send the series into a decider in Sydney on a very dubious 50/50 call. No feel for the game. Sure, the Wallabies let the roaring Lions back but to lose in a dodgy ref call is heartbreaking. This side is building though and will be much better by the RWC. I'm proud of all our team. Now regroup and go out in Sydney and win the final Test. The Lions aren't as good as they have been talked up.

That’s the part pissing a lot of people off. These Lions aren’t as good as other recent series and they are odds on to go undefeated.

 

[KOB1987]

Nah fuck em. Im finally… finally done with them.

Ok bye.

 

[Yoda]

Yeah start Donaldson or even JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) next week. Bell to start and bring Tupou off the bench. Porecki was good, Leave Tizzano out and back to a 5-3 with Kellaway and Pietsch coming in.

KOB. With all due respect, why in God's name would you start JOC (James O'Connor)? The series is gone, he's off to England and he hasn't started or played a full game all year? I agree that Donaldson should start and have Lynagh off the bench. We need them both revolving the starting role moving toward RWC.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

Im assuming Valetini was injured otherwise he and skipper off was a mistake and they should’ve done another 10-15
While lions resurgent in that last 10 minute period we still had some possession and attack. It was all lions in the second half but gees a couple moments change a lot

Yeah, Aus rugby has been on a decline since 2003 and hit rock bottom in 2023. You also have to acknowledge we aren’t going to go from #10 to #1 in 2 years. The alternative was to maintain the decline and become a tier 2 nation, we at least have avoided that. We’re now back to #6 and putting up a good fight against 3.5 countries playing as one. So the trajectory is at least in the right direction.

You’ve already conceded defeat against the Saffers, and yes it’s going to be a tough ask to go over there and win. But at least we will have some good footy behind us which hopefully will narrow the gap.

Also, not concerned about the tour games, they generally only drop 1 and if they let us pick our own teams they would have this time as well.

And keep in mind all South African non test matches were blowouts to lions in 2021.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

Imagine what the critics would be saying if it was Noah that missed those kicks!! Lynagh went ok but he really needs to offer more in attack. He never looked like threatening the line. Too much shovelling standing still which never worried the defensive line.

I just think we need a better 10 in general. Noah better but has some gaps for sure.
I did like what I think Jake Gordon could have become. Thanks, Eddie!

 

[Yoda]

I just think we need a better 10 in general. Noah better but has some gaps for sure.
I did like what I think Jake Gordon could have become. Thanks, Eddie!

Lynagh missing touch off a penalty kick some 5 minutes from full time a big miss. Nothing really said? Lolesio or Donaldson do that and they would be crucified! Gifting the Lions possession. Aus win that line out and possibly the match.

 

[KOB1987]

KOB. With all due respect, why in God's name would you start JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)? The series is gone, he's off to England and he hasn't started or played a full game all year? I agree that Donaldson should start and have Lynagh off the bench. We need them both revolving the starting role moving toward RWC.

Fair call, I only mentioned JOC (James O'Connor) because he’s the only other alternative in the squad.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Game 3 ain’t a pity party to give guys a shot like JOC (James O'Connor). He knew his role was a backup. Unless injuries require it let Tommy go out have a crack with a bit of the shackles off.

Let them run it back and show their worth. We can only bash their confidence if they are dropped in a rare chance to get a Lions Test under their belt with no trophy on the line. Getting JOC (James O'Connor) another game does nothing for Australian Rugby long term.

 

[KOB1987]

I agree with that, I explained it in the post before yours.

 

[Yoda]

Game 3 ain’t a pity party to give guys a shot like JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor). He knew his role was a backup. Unless injuries require it let Tommy go out have a crack with a bit of the shackles off.

Let them run it back and show their worth. We can only bash their confidence if they are dropped in a rare chance to get a Lions Test under their belt with no trophy on the line. Getting JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) another game does nothing for Australian Rugby long term.

Tommy has had two shots. Donno to start.

 

[Linerunner2023]

Schmidt certainly has a lot to answer for in selections, but we've tried Paisami so many times without success at 12

Yes I don’t rate Paisami at all
More wanting Kerevi
Or at least Sua'ali'i at 12 to reduce defence issues and Lenny back to 13

 

[Linerunner2023]

Amazing how the lions were carrying on last night
Wallabies were 8th in the world a few weeks ago
It’s like they just beat SA or NZ
But won but an annoying 50/50 penalty

tbh very average lions side if you ask me

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Tommy has had two shots. Donno to start.

Fine with that over not picking JOC (James O'Connor) which is my point. We can’t reach back to guys who won’t help us compete at the WC.

 

[Yoda]

Fine with that over not picking JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) which is my point. We can’t reach back to guys who won’t help us compete at the WC.

100%

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Amazing how the lions were carrying on last night
Wallabies were 8th in the world a few weeks ago
It’s like they just beat SA or NZ
But won but an annoying 50/50 penalty

tbh very average lions side if you ask me

Can’t begrudge them celebrating. Job was to get the trophy and they did it.

Itoje speaking makes me want to shit in my hands and clap though. Most unaware twat I’ve heard for a while. Wait, no Eddie fits that bill.

 

[HooperPocockSmith]

Amazing how the lions were carrying on last night
Wallabies were 8th in the world a few weeks ago
It’s like they just beat SA or NZ
But won but an annoying 50/50 penalty

tbh very average lions side if you ask me

Perhaps in terms of performance so far. Certainly not when it comes to personnel. You’ve got the nucleus + coach of an Irish side that’s been the most consistent performing team over the last 5 years. A few very good English players and a Scottish 10 that has been in sublime form in Europe. I think we’re quick to forget their bench players would probably start in our 15. Yes, a very disappointing result. But it’s got to be kept in perspective.

 

[Tomthumb]

Yeah, Aus rugby has been on a decline since 2003 and hit rock bottom in 2023. You also have to acknowledge we aren’t going to go from #10 to #1 in 2 years. The alternative was to maintain the decline and become a tier 2 nation, we at least have avoided that. We’re now back to #6 and putting up a good fight against 3.5 countries playing as one. So the trajectory is at least in the right direction.

You’ve already conceded defeat against the Saffers, and yes it’s going to be a tough ask to go over there and win. But at least we will have some good footy behind us which hopefully will narrow the gap.

Also, not concerned about the tour games, they generally only drop 1 and if they let us pick our own teams they would have this time as well.

We keep telling ourselves it takes so long to improve, but I don’t think it does. England post 2015 World Cup debacle became one of if not the best team in the World 12 months later, and the Springboks lost 57-0 to NZ 18 months before they won the World Cup

 

[maxdacat]

View attachment 22826

Taken from Reddit. Says everything that needs to be said.

Did the ref say "player is wrapping"? How could he be wrapping if his hand is on the ground?