• Welcome to the forums of Green & Gold Rugby.
    We have recently made some changes to the amount of discussions boards on the forum.
    Over the coming months we will continue to make more changes to make the forum more user friendly for all to use.
    Thanks, Admin.

Australia v British & Irish Lions, 3rd Test (Sydney)

Status
Not open for further replies.

Scotty

David Codey (61)
Lots of discussion about the problems of the Wallaby bench. On reflection, the biggest potential problem for the Wallabies is if Moore is injured. I don't even want to think about what could happen - surely Smith can't cover that option as well?;)

Not that I want Finger playing a full game but if he came on with 15 to go I believe he could make an impact. The smith/hooper combo would love coming in behind his grass cutter tackles to pilfer the ball. His defense is generally very effective.
 

Scotty

David Codey (61)
You would almost be tempted to put Gill on the Bench.

Does the 3 bench fatties have to be specialists or just capable of safely indulging in the front row dark arts at scrum time?

Squeaky will last the 80, or we are cactus anyway. Why not take a risk with the bench and get some extra loosie cover?

With the new 3 front row bench I think we could see some hybrid players emerging in the future. But they have to be able to scrum to fulfil that requirement.

We could see a bench that has a hooker/prop (eg Anae) and a hooker/loosie (eg Bismark). That would give some flexibility with additional forward cover if you have the right blokes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tex

Badger

Bill McLean (32)
For any Lions fans still to get their gear for the game, Rebel Sport stores in the Sydney CBD have started to discount the Lions jersey and reduced them to $99.

When you purchase a jersey, you can also get the cap and/or scarf for an additional $5 each. Alternatively, scarves and caps are $10-$15 each depending on which Rebel store you go to.
 

Tex

Greg Davis (50)
With the new 3 front row bench I think we could see some hybrid players emerging in the future. But they have to be able to scrum to fulfil that requirement.

We could see a bench that has a hooker/prop (eg Anae) and a hooker/loosie (eg Bismark). That would give some flexibility with additional forward cover if you have the right blokes.

Deon Fourie is a great example at the moment. Earned me big fantasy points last round as a hooker playing openside;)
 

Brumbieman

Dick Tooth (41)
Not that I want Finger playing a full game but if he came on with 15 to go I believe he could make an impact. The smith/hooper combo would love coming in behind his grass cutter tackles to pilfer the ball. His defense is generally very effective.




Exactly. He's the 3rd best hooker in the country why so much hate?

I'd love to see some stats of his from this season, I reckon people would find out that his lineout throwing is better than TPN's, and if people stopped judjing his scrummaging on the few test he played in 2010 between Daley and Ma'afood, he'd suddenly be quite a decent option.

His tackling is certainly very destructive and creates a lot of opportunities. How many of Liam Gill's pilfers/penalty wins the last two season have come off the back of a Fainga'a twins tackle? I reckon there'd be quite a high percentage.
 

Quick Hands

David Wilson (68)
Exactly. He's the 3rd best hooker in the country why so much hate?

I'd love to see some stats of his from this season, I reckon people would find out that his lineout throwing is better than TPN's, and if people stopped judjing his scrummaging on the few test he played in 2010 between Daley and Ma'afood, he'd suddenly be quite a decent option.

His tackling is certainly very destructive and creates a lot of opportunities. How many of Liam Gill's pilfers/penalty wins the last two season have come off the back of a Fainga'a twins tackle? I reckon there'd be quite a high percentage.
There's no hate, there's just a very big gap between Moore and the rest.
 

barbarian

Phil Kearns (64)
Staff member
Exactly. He's the 3rd best hooker in the country why so much hate?

I'd love to see some stats of his from this season, I reckon people would find out that his lineout throwing is better than TPN's, and if people stopped judjing his scrummaging on the few test he played in 2010 between Daley and Ma'afood, he'd suddenly be quite a decent option.

His tackling is certainly very destructive and creates a lot of opportunities. How many of Liam Gill's pilfers/penalty wins the last two season have come off the back of a Fainga'a twins tackle? I reckon there'd be quite a high percentage.

I'm not too down on Saia, although I do still harbour a bit of ill-feeling thanks to that time he came on with 15 to go in a 3N game and proceeded to get yellow carded for a stupid tackle.
.
 

madflyhalf

Stan Wickham (3)
Finally, for the third time in 20 days, my health will be seriously threatened by a rugby match, tomorrow at lunch time here in Italy.

I can say, finally, because the waiting is what's really killing me! :D

I haven't read the match-threads here, due to the little time I have, I'm gonna say a few things that surely have already been said.

Just 5 thoughts on this last match.

First
I'm a big Liam Gill fan. He's one of the smartest player I've ever seen, and I think he could become a new Richie McCaw... and obviously I'm gutted for him, because honestly he didn't do nothing to be dropped for the showdown.
But I'm also a big George Smith fan, and if Gill had to be dropped, let be the 110-test cap veteran the responsible of that omission. It's hard to accept, but I trust this Deans choice.
The mind game RD is playing is not just only "Hey Lions look, while I'm selecting a rugby legend, your coach has dropped the most experienced and cold blooded man in your team."; the mind game he's playing is firstly with his young, a bit unexperienced, but extremely enthusiastic side.
He's said to the Wallabies: "You're gonna play alongside with a legend. I trust him and I trust you, because you're all up to the task. He's a legend, you all could become legends" and I'm sure that if there's a man that can lift the boys performance tomorrow, is George Smith himself!


Second
They are big as mountains. They will come harder and harder. Because it's the only thing left to them, as they have no other plans but hammering all time, playing for 1/2c's foot.
And despite the Wallabies won't have the same phisicality of them (who would?!), I'm not too worried.
This Lions are going to play exactly like the Springboks, almost with the same type of players in the same key spots: a non-fetcher 7, great scrummagers in the XV with high-workrated players to come later, big straightners in midfield, a hitman to take kicking duties.
Wallabies has already successfully challenged this kind of teams, also recently in 2012 (Springboks, England).
Nothing to be worried too much!


Third
Lions n. 13: I've already written it in the comments to some articles here in the past, especially when BOD picked up injuries last year.
The best thing that can happen to the Wallabies attack is the Lions selecting Jonathan Davies in the starting XV.
I've read many analysis here on his abitilies in defence, creating "blitz defence" to stop the attack out wide, and I've always contested it.
Jonathan Davies is an istinctive and ill-disciplinated defender, because he doesn't do an actually organized "blitz defence", he just uses to be attracted by the ball carrier, leaving the defensive line and opening big gates.
He did in RWC 2011 bronze final (Barnes try); he did in 2012 6N a couple of times; he did in june 2012 series against the Wallabies and a couple of times he has been explored (unfortunately without a try).
Again, he did it 7 days ago.
He didn't trust BOD, he's got drawed by O'Connor, leaving a fucking Brandeburg Gate in front of Adam Ashley-Cooper!!
Jonathan Davies is not a bad tackler, he's a terrible defender, which is much better!!!

By that time I've thought: "We won't see him anymore; with Roberts returning, say bye to some midfield holes"

When I read about BOD dropping I wouldn't believe. I couldn't.

So, I hope Dingo has noted it, and with every single good front foot ball, throw V2-Bomb in that channel!
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) of course, but also Beale and Tomane, and please the alien in n. 14 jersey!


Fourth
I'm worried by the 6-2 split with no outside centre cover. I don't want to imagine who's gonna be stuck there if AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) should be replaced.


Fifth
Again, to every Wallabies supporter reading here who will attend the match in Sydney: shout your soul out!
Make sure the Lions fans will be silenced, shout louder, shut them up!!!!


They could be the B&I Lions.

WE ARE GOLD!


Let's fucking do this.

So I could take heart pills for the rest of my life!
 

gold heart

Ted Fahey (11)
I was confident earlier in the week;

Horwill cleared - critical
Smith back - fantastic
Bench sucks - but i got over this
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) - 100% FIT - dubious but ok good

As it gets closer to the game and reflect on how tight the first two were - im friggin nervous - ok but that happens before every game

Most punters here and abroad, at least what I have seen, seem to pick the wallabies anywhere from a close won victory to a bit of a blowout as we run the big red men off their feet - oh crap this is when we normally lose and the game plan goes off.

BUT tonight as I pull on my classic wallaby jersey from the 2001 and start on a few bundys i just seem to grow everywhere - ten foot tall and bullet proof, and I am gold. Before the game I listen to John Williamson's live version of Waltzing Matilda that was recorded for the 2003 world cup.... gives me goose bumps..... then it all starts.... my beloved wallabies this is your chance to become something truly special - rip into the anthem - really rip into it. When they start holding each other tight and swaying together during the anthem that is when you know it is the real deal!
 

Ruggo

Mark Ella (57)
Exactly. He's the 3rd best hooker in the country why so much hate?

I'd love to see some stats of his from this season, I reckon people would find out that his lineout throwing is better than TPN's, and if people stopped judjing his scrummaging on the few test he played in 2010 between Daley and Ma'afood, he'd suddenly be quite a decent option.

His tackling is certainly very destructive and creates a lot of opportunities. How many of Liam Gill's pilfers/penalty wins the last two season have come off the back of a Fainga'a twins tackle? I reckon there'd be quite a high percentage.


Agree

Regarding the 2010 scrum situation, people need to be aiming at the wonder coach for putting three green players all in the front row. Three bloody years ago now and does anybody actually consider players develop as their careers progress? It really is pathetic.


A base line fact is that players don't make the elite level without talent. The same can't be said for the internet as any unknowledgeable Tom, Dick or Harry can rant some piss and dribble hiding behind a computer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gel

cyclopath

George Smith (75)
Staff member
Agree

Regarding the 2010 scrum situation, people need to be aiming at the wonder coach for putting three green players all in the front row. Three bloody years ago now and does anybody actually consider players develop as their careers progress? It really is pathetic.


A base line fact is that players don't make the elite level without talent. The same can't be said for the internet as any unknowledgeable Tom, Dick or Harry can rant some piss and dribble hiding behind a computer.
Is that you, Burkie? :p
It doesn't help Fainga'a's cause that he usually will get on with reserve props and possibly locks, seeing a scrum already de-powered.
 

Ruggo

Mark Ella (57)
Nah I'm not Burkey. :) I just think players should be judged on merit rather than twisted preconceived conceptions. I think their efforts deserve more respect than that.

That goes for all players in all franchises.
 

Badger

Bill McLean (32)
Just checked Ticketek and they have released some more Platinum seats for the game. Pretty good seats too. Section 410.
 

Mr Doug

Dick Tooth (41)
Who usually presents the trophy at this event?
I'm expecting to see plenty of vision of KRUDD tonight adorned with a Wallabies scarf. It's not beyond him to threaten to withhold visiting IRB officials' passports to get the gig!
 

KOB1987

John Eales (66)
Who usually presents the trophy at this event?
I'm expecting to see plenty of vision of KRUDD tonight adorned with a Wallabies scarf. It's not beyond him to threaten to withhold visiting IRB officials' passports to get the gig!

pity he didnt get stuck in Indonesia...
 

barbarian

Phil Kearns (64)
Staff member
Who usually presents the trophy at this event?
I'm expecting to see plenty of vision of KRUDD tonight adorned with a Wallabies scarf. It's not beyond him to threaten to withhold visiting IRB officials' passports to get the gig!

Yeah he is presenting. Will be interesting to see his reception.
.
 

Hugh Jarse

Rocky Elsom (76)
^^^ Olympic Park surface is soft at the best of times.

The weather has been awesome all week in Olde Sydney Towne but I reckon the track will still cut up pretty badly.

The Men in Gold will need to be wearing their long studs tonight.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top