Australia vs British and Irish Lions - 1st Test (Brisbane)

[Richo]

You don't think Ben Youngs has done enough to crack the bench? I thought when he came on last night he was much more dangerous than Murray, but perhaps that was simply against the tired defense of the Tahs.

 

[Paradox]

I'm leaning towards selecting Barnes at 10 over Beale or JOC (James O'Connor). I want JOC (James O'Connor) to be available on the wing, and Folau at 15. A Barnes/Lilo 10/12 should be strong defensively as well.

 

[Zander]

You don't think Ben Youngs has done enough to crack the bench? I thought when he came on last night he was much more dangerous than Murray, but perhaps that was simply against the tired defense of the Tahs.

I was just basing that off the team named for the Brumbies. It looks like the bench players will be on the bench for the Brisbane Test. Could be wrong of course. Personally I'd have Hibbard starting over Youngs, Youngs over Murray and O'Brien over Lydiate. Also North, Roberts and Tuilagi's fitness in question.

 

[Tangawizi]

There's been a final release of Tickets for this Test match so if you're keen and still haven't sorted it out, get on to Ticketek now.

Pretty much all classes except Bronze available. Think Silver will be gone soon though.

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WALLABIE13&v=SUN

 

[fatprop]

There's been a final release of Tickets for this Test match so if you're keen and still haven't sorted it out, get on to Ticketek now.

Pretty much all classes except Bronze available. Think Silver will be gone soon though.

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WALLABIE13&v=SUN

and Sydney, I just got a couple, you f*ckin beauty

 

[drewprint]

Righto, just spent a mint on Gold tickets for this match. Going with the old man and my brother. See you there Queenslanders!

 

[Scotty]

Was Ioane officially ruled out of the game? I am hearing rumours that might indicate otherwise.

 

[Ash]

Yeah, rumours that the wings will be Ioane and Folau. Beale likely at fullback?

From what is likely of Gatland's rumoured selections, it shows some Welsh bias. How Cuthbert could be starting is beyond me. The way Phillips is playing he isn't anywhere near the top halfback, either.

I think that the starting centres will either be Davies / BOD or Tuilagi / BOD, depending on Manu's fitness. The way Roberts was playing his loss will not be any big loss.

Hope North and Ioane will both be alright to play.

 

[lewisr]

When do they announce the team?

 

[Scotty]

Barnes FB, Beale on bench. I think that is the right decision as Beale can super sub at 10 or 15 (Barnes likely goes off in either scenario unless he is having a blinder).

 

[Athilnaur]

My biggest concern of a quite long list is that to be really effective against the Lions' rushing defense we will need good kicking options and the two of our best kicking halves aren't in the squad. (read: White and Mogg!)

 

[Scotty]

Long kicking halves isn't going to affect a rush defense.

We will limit this by quick recycle and getting the ball wider when there are openings. Looks like we are glowing to have three playmakers on the field at any one time - JOC (James O'Connor), Lilo and Barnes then Beale.

I am feeling more positive about our game plan.

 

[Scotty]

When do they announce the team?

Thursday I believe.

 

[Bairdy]

I never thought I would say this, but I would start Barnes over O'Connor at flyhalf. Purely so Barnes doesn't take up the position of fullback, where we could have Folau, and then slot O'Connor to wing.

O'Connor for me doesn't cut the mustard for the Rebels in Super Rugby, as even Hill prefers the leaguie over him.

 

[light]

I'm leaning towards selecting Barnes at 10 over Beale or JOC (James O'Connor). I want JOC (James O'Connor) to be available on the wing, and Folau at 15. A Barnes/Lilo 10/12 should be strong defensively as well.

Hmm..

10 Barnes
11 Digby
12 Lilo
13 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14 JOC (James O'Connor)
15 Folau/Beale

That would be quite entertaining!

 

[Scotty]

10 JOC (James O'Connor)
11 Diggers
12 Lilo
13 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14 Folau
15 Barnes

If Barnes effectively utilises his wingers on counter and Lilo has a good debut that backline is good enough to do the job.

 

[JSRF10]

Weather forecast so far is for a dry day, will Robbie have thought up a decent wet day strategy in case it buckets unexpectedly?

 

[dillyboy]

Weather forecast so far is for a dry day, will Robbie have thought up a decent wet day strategy in case it buckets unexpectedly?

is it presumptuous to assume that we'll have a strategy of any kind.....

 

[cyclopath]

Deans has a strategy. He has game plans. The fact that people might disagree with them is another issue. But the repeated assertions there is no plan / strategy is a bit tiresome.

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

Barnes looms as super-sub: http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8675834

So from the word around it seems Beale at 15, McCabe at 12, JOC (James O'Connor) at 10 and Folau on the wing.

SO are we looking at a starting 15 of:

1/ Robinson
2/ Moore
3/ Alexander
4/ Douglas
5/ Horwill
6/ Mowen
7/ Hooper
8/ Palu
9/ Genia
10/ JOC (James O'Connor)
11/ Digby (or Cummins)
12/ McCabe
13/ AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14/ Folau
15/ Beale

Not bad, but Lilo should be starting at 12.