Australia vs British and Irish Lions 2nd Test (Melbourne)

[KOB1987]

shouldn't the entire page of this thread be in the one titled 'Horwill's Stamping Charge"? Or the First Test thread? Has no bearing on the 2nd test except he's going to be pretty fired up.

 

[terry j]

look on the bright side fellas!

There is precedent, evidently Thompson has his case reviewed and as a result had his punishment doubled.

Win win.

Let them really make a stand and quadruple the punishment for horwill, all walk away happy!

 

[BDA]

Georgina Robinson's article said that this is a first. They once (!) appealed the length of ban imposed but never a not guilty verdict.

Well then surely this is a hugely controversial decision. In the criminal justice system, the Crown can only appeal against sentence, not against non-conviction. I do not think it is fair for the IRB to appeal the not guilty verdict for the same reason. It essentially gives the IRB 2 bites at the cherry in respect of every charge it brings.

Furthermore, I'm surprised that serious charges such as stamping, biting, etc are not judged on the criminal standard of proof, rather than the balance of probabilities. This whole situation has a bad smell about it. I don't like Horwill's chances at all.

 

[JSRF10]

Right, lets get this thread back on track. Heres a few area where I think the Lions can attack the Wallabies:

- Lineout, Stephen Moores throwing and Ben Mowans calling were both flawless last week, and the Lions have lose their line out specialist and 3rd centre Tom Croft. However i think Geoff Parling could cause some issues for the Wobs. He is lighter than POC and quicker across the ground, so if the Lions have been working all week on deciphering the calls Parling is the man to take advantage

- The Lions have their strongest back 3 on the park, Bowe is on another planet to Cuthbert, who seems to only be able to run in a straight line. Bowe runs better lines, is a smarter footballer, safer under the high ball and a better defender.

- The selection of Ben Youngs means the Lions are going to try and go around the Aussies. Jonny Sexton could make hay if the back row can secure so quick ball. If Youngs implodes Sexton is the kind of fly half you'd want beside him, he has the tactical kicking game and temperament to deal with Hooper et al getting in his face. If Sexton has a big game I think the Lions will win.

- Goalkicking. Don't need to elaborate much on this however one thing that is making me nervous is that Halfpenny usually has one shocker every series, hopefully it isn't tomorrow.

- Sean "The Tullow Tank" O'Brien. Yes he is only on the bench but expect him to be unleashed after 30 minutes. He has been the Lions best ball carrier on tour and will chomping at the bit to make an impression. He has only given away 3 penalties on tour by my count so his discipline problems are exaggerated IMO. The Wallabies will remember him from Auckland 2011 and will probably be happy he isn't starting.

I think the Lions are very vulnerable in the scrum, and if they throw beyond the first man in the lineout I think they could cough up possession. Their biggest weakness' are numbers 1,6,7,9. The two back rowers still look unfit and neither look near top form, that said all Lydiate does is tackle so form isn't really required for that but fitness is. Youngs is the ultimate bi-polar scrum half when he is good he is very good, when he is bad he is woeful and usually ends up in tears on the bench. I'd expect Hooper and Mowen to be in his face early and often. Youngs (like Croft) needs his pack to be on the front foot all game to make a big impression, and I can't see the Lions getting this I'm nervous. That said he does have form against Australia.

I think SOB aside the benches are quite even, although the Lions are very unbalanced, if a lock goes down they are screwed. The Lions need Sexton and Adam Jones to play 80 minutes as well. Still leaning towards Australia by a score, courtesy of their stronger pack.

 

[Jets]

From where I sit I think the Lions will have this one by 12. I like all the changes they have made, with the exception of O'Connell who out injured and the decision not to have a lock on the bench.
While I think the Wallabies have a more rounded team with Beale at 15 I'm not sure they can get the win. Folau kept them in the first game with 2 tries and the try saver on North. If he's required to do that every week to keep us in the game then I think we're in trouble.
Also I thought the Lions centres were a bit quiet last week. I think BOD will be up for this game and will have a huge influence.

 

[BDA]

From where I sit I think the Lions will have this one by 12. I like all the changes they have made, with the exception of O'Connell who out injured and the decision not to have a lock on the bench.
While I think the Wallabies have a more rounded team with Beale at 15 I'm not sure they can get the win. Folau kept them in the first game with 2 tries and the try saver on North. If he's required to do that every week to keep us in the game then I think we're in trouble.
Also I thought the Lions centres were a bit quiet last week. I think BOD will be up for this game and will have a huge influence.

Well that's not true at all. We left 14 points on the park with missed kicks. If we had made the majority of our kicks we could well be sitting here saying that Goerge North's try kept the Lions in the game.

 

[jollyswagman]

Have to agree with Jets on this one. As much as I want the boys to pull one out and keep the series alive, I have a gut feeling this could get ugly. I think the team looks good on paper with the two exceptions of Simmons and JOC (James O'Connor) at 10. For mine, Simmons is a liability. I just don't think he is a "smart" footballer and he is always good for a couple of silly penalties - or a brain fart like last week when he stood over the ball staring at it behind the ruck. Sure he can jump, but like Palu he can be guilty of just making up the numbers on the park. Like many, I feel Kimlin or MMM would have bought a lot to the team and added a bit more stoush that will be needed if we are going to get on top this weekend. My biggest concern is the disconnect at 10. We have the firepower up front and on the outside with Folau & Tomane but if we can't get the ball to them when they need it then it will be a huge waste of talent. Those two are our best chance to break through the Lions out wide but O'Connor is simply too green at 10 to be able to see the opportunities and capitalize.

The boys are going to be fired up knowing what is at stake and I think that passion is going to translate into penalties against us early on. I expect that if we are going to win this one, we are going to have to come from behind. If this one gets away from us, I am genuine when I say that we should start a petition to have Deans removed. Like they say in mungo ball - "this is our game," and we the supporters have simply had enough of RD. How many times does the guy have to spit in the face of good reason and logic before someone calls him out on his shit! RD vacating his coaching position is the only thing that could bring some hope back for the future if things don't go our way this weekend.

 

[KOB1987]

For mine, Simmons is a liability. I just don't think he is a "smart" footballer and he is always good for a couple of silly penalties - or a brain fart like last week when he stood over the ball staring at it behind the ruck. Sure he can jump, but like Palu he can be guilty of just making up the numbers on the park.

I don't disagree but I think he is only on the bench as a back-up lineout jumper in the event that 4,5 or 6 come off with an injury. He won't be used as a sub, the other 3 will play the full 80 if possible.

 

[BDA]

Lilo is goalkicker on Saturday

 

[Dan54]

That was the point I was making.

'
Sorry mate didn't read your post properly

 

[Pete King]

From where I sit I think the Lions will have this one by 12. I like all the changes they have made, with the exception of O'Connell who out injured and the decision not to have a lock on the bench.
While I think the Wallabies have a more rounded team with Beale at 15 I'm not sure they can get the win. Folau kept them in the first game with 2 tries and the try saver on North. If he's required to do that every week to keep us in the game then I think we're in trouble.
Also I thought the Lions centres were a bit quiet last week. I think BOD will be up for this game and will have a huge influence.

Im willing to challenge this and say the Wallabies by 12. Whilst Folau was magnificent it cant be said that he kept us in the game! Wallabies missed the result but in my opinion were the better side and go into game two with a stronger side to game 1 (site back three)

 

[Tex]

I agree Pete. The Wallabies were on the receiving end of a perfect storm of injuries and were playing on their back foot from the first minute.

I'm interested to see what O'Brien adds off the bench as he's been magnificent so this tour. Apart from the questions about JOC (James O'Connor) at 10 (which I think will be answered by having a fit Lilo and KB (Kurtley Beale) alternating at first receiver), I'd say the Wallabies are stronger across the board.

I'll fess up to my ignorance of Tommy Bowe - is he the star he's being talked up to be? Is there any footage of him you'd recommend watching to get an idea?

EDIT: Pete, not Peter..

 

[JSRF10]

I'll fess up to my ignorance of Tommy Bowe - is he the star he's being talked up to be? Is there any footage of him you'd recommend watching to get an idea?

Youtube would be your friend for seeing any examples of him, can't post any because I'm in work though.

He's probably been Ireland's best back over the past 5 years, very classy footballer and scores a lot of tries. He is one of the most complete players available to the Lions and he can switch into 13 and 15 quite easily. Also he was one of the stars of the last Lions series.

 

[jollyswagman]

...... Apart from the questions about JOC (James O'Connor) at 10 (which I think will be answered by having a fit Lilo and KB (Kurtley Beale) alternating at first receiver.......

In other words, JOC (James O'Connor)'s success at 10 depends on Lilo & KB (Kurtley Beale)'s ability to do his job for him.

I know it's a gee-up but I couldn't resist. I just don't buy the whole arguments that JOC (James O'Connor) sucked at 10 last week because who was playing beside him. He sucked - period, and I am not expecting anything different from him this week sadly. What's the old saying defining stupid?

 

[jollyswagman]

.....He's probably been Ireland's best back over the past 5 years, very classy footballer and scores a lot of tries. He is one of the most complete players available to the Lions and he can switch into 13 and 15 quite easily. Also he was one of the stars of the last Lions series.

Couldn't agree more. He is consistently good. For me, when someone mentions Irish rugby, I think if two names - BOD and Tommy Bowe.

 

[Jets]

He's big, fast and strong. Made a good early break in the Force game and was a threat against the Reds too. From memory he's been very good against the Wallabies in the past.

Here's some highlights.

 

[Tex]

In other words, JOC (James O'Connor)'s success at 10 depends on Lilo & KB (Kurtley Beale)'s ability to does his job for him.

I know it's a gee-up but I couldn't resist. I just don't buy the whole arguments that JOC (James O'Connor) sucked at 10 last week because who was playing beside him. He sucked - period, and I am not expecting anything different from him this week sadly. What's the old saying defining stupid?

Of course not. I agree he was poo and am not expecting much more tomorrow. I guess i'm trying to look at the backline holistically, and think that the two other ball-players out there will have a role to play at first receiver (as was the intention last week, imo).

 

[Sully]

You can add Genia to the list of players covering flyhalf as well.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Jets]

While JOC (James O'Connor) wasn't much of a 10 I thought he ran a great support line and cut inside at the perfect time for the first try when Genia dropped the ball on his boot.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

While JOC (James O'Connor) wasn't much of a 10 I thought he ran a great support line and cut inside at the perfect time for the first try when Genia dropped the ball on his boot.

agreed. It seems his best contribution to the game was not getting the ball