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Completely agree here. I think with Naholo his game looks artificially better by playing under the roof - i'm not so sure that would translate to a wet Eden Park on Saturday. While Rieko didn't play particularly well for the Maori - I think it is good experience getting him ready for this...

DMac isnt in the AB squad or even the 5 injury cover players so he's not in contention for Eden Park unless he buys a ticket.

Lions way too strong. Like the Crusaders game Murray was sensational. The Lions forwards completely dominated and played to their strengths very smartly. On the other hand the Maori were very poor. The only Maori player to enhance their reputation was Akira Ioane. He was very strong in a...

Bait is a little bit too obvious

That Maori backline is certainly not going the conservative route. Wow.

Its a little unclear whether the Tonga v Wales game is going to be shown on Fox? It doesn't seem to be on any of the main channels but perhaps it will be one of those red button pop up channels. Anyone have any info on this?

I think you should read this article. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/93515832/lions-tour-rotorua-to-attempt-haka-world-record-ahead-of-lions-match Lions tour: Maori kaumatua Luke Crawford explains eligibility process Luke Crawford has heard every possible question when it...

They didn't play the Super teams in 05 they played provinces. Also - I disagree - the loss to the Maori is a huge part of what that tour is remembered for - the first Lions loss on their tour and a huge turning point in the tour in the leadup to the test series. Also - the Mckenzies do have...

It's not the only time the Maori team play in NZ. Since the last Lions tour the Maori played at home in 2008, 2010 and 2015. How exactly have NZ devalued the Maori side?

The Maori win over the Lions in 2005 is hugely important in NZ rugby circles. It is a win held in more esteem than the 2005 3rd Lions test AB win i'd say.

Maori tight 5 on paper aren't going to be the best. If they can get anything close to parity the Maori backs should really trouble the Lions but that's a big if. The Maori should draft in that Highlanders lock Hemopo - he was excellent.

I thought Connor Murray was outstanding. Lions controlled the pace of the game really well. Their forwards really dominated obviously. Teo and Watson were impressive. Sexton better. A few Crusaders looked decidedly ordinary when playing behind a tight 5 getting beaten. Taufua, Bedwell-Curtis...

Stoked with that. Favourite Blues win since Carlos owned the Crusaders in 04. As per Dismal's prophecy 2018 Designated Messiah Mr Perofeta with the assist goalpost rebound for 2017 Designated Messiah SBW to swoop in and score.

Bear in mind this is a full strength Blues team (with ABs) and the likes of the Highlanders, Chiefs and Canes won't have their ABs for their Lions clashes. Of the Blues 6 losses this season, only 1 was comprehensive, and that was when Luatua got red carded in the first half v the Chiefs when...

Also Ofa T has been fine his last few games at loosehead. Traditionally he's been better at tighthead but has improved his loosehead play this season.

Blues named for Lions. 2017/2018 designated Messiah Stephen Perofeta (Perofuture) named at 10. Full strength (including All Blacks) except for Collins at 15.... who I assume has some sort of leverage or blackmail scheme on Tana..... it seems to be the only sort of reasonable explanation for...

A winnable game for the Reds. The back 3 is dangerous for the Blues but Ranger has shown nothing for 2 years, I believe this is Nock's first start, Tupou at 6 is weak. Blues best lock this season Scrafton is also missing. For the Blues hopefully Perofeta gets to finally debut.

Blues named. Hopefully Perofeta actually gets some gametime this week. No point giving Piers extra practice to play for England. Unfortunately for the Reds Michael Collins isn't starting at fullback or even on the bench. The Blues team is: 1 Alex Hodgman, 2. James Parsons (c), 3. Sione...

Very excited to see Perofeta debut. He's scored 5 tries in the last two weeks of club rugby. It balances out the frustration of seeing Collins start and Nanai not in the 23.

Taking a Dismal post to heart I see. Interesting approach. Not surprisingly taking the teams out of it, the level of officiating last night was woeful. There were dud calls all over the place. At least the Stormers look like they are going to be v tough to beat in their home quarterfinal...