Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions - Wednesday, 2 July 8:00pm

[Major Tom]

Heard they're expecting close to 50k.

 

[Ignoto]

With 4 locks in the 23 I'm not sure that part matters too much though.

No backrow cover is the only issue Wilso.

I haven't tracked whether Seru has played any club matches, but he's had a lengthy spell on the bench. So carrying two 2 locks means you need Uru to last the full 80.

Given we struggled competing at the breakdown at the Crusaders, I can see us needing fresh legs coming on to help sure up the rucks in the 50th+ minutes. Hard to say whether that means LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is on the bench or Uru is to cover that 6 / 8 spot?

 

[drewprint]

Uru has played a couple of games recently for Souths.

 

[Wilson]

We've run that 4 lock setup a few times this year with Smith ending up at 6 (I think). I'd back him as backrow cover over Vest, who is the only other option in the squad

 

[Reds Rick]

Think it was usually Canham ending up at 6 but could be wrong

 

[Brumby Runner]

Does the Fiji test earn ranking points? If so I'd be surprised if he went experimental.

 

[Brumby Runner]

That looks like 3 LHPs Wilson. Very slim chance Nonggorr would be made available but is there not another THP to support JTA (Jeffery Toomaga-Allen)?

 

[Sword of Justice]

It’s our only warm up for the Lions so frankly I’d be disappointed if it’s not Schmidt’s first choice team, allowing for some 50-50ish calls.

 

[Wilson]

Fa'agase plays both sides and has done so throughout his career. The alternative is a 21 year old Bloomfield and I don't think he's up to Fa'agase's level there yet.

 

[JRugby2]

I think the Reds are probably the best chance we have of a Super Rugby victory over the Lions.

And the 2025 Super Rugby title according to me in February.

Anyway - this is the type of parochial QLD arrogance that pumps through my veins and I'm here for it. Can't see the kittens getting within 30.

 

[Adam84]

Yeah but our set-piece didn't exactly go too well during those games did they, lineout was woeful.
I think Kiss see's strong potential in both as a pairing, and that's reflected by the fact that they're both signed beyond this season compared to the others, but Smith/Blyth IMO offer a bit more in terms of set-piece fundamentals, whereas LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Canham are more athletic.

 

[Wilson]

For the Salakaia-Loto/Canham pairing it was only really an issue at home against the Force, outside of that it ran above 80%, with two games at 100% (Blues, tahs).

We also had 100% scum success across 3 of the 5 games where Salakaia-Loto and Canham started together (Blues, tahs, Force). Unfortunately I don't have stats specifically for when they were on the field together though.

 

[liquor box]

I wonder if we will have a backup for HMP on the bench?

 

[Wilson]

Henry/Campbell will be the cover for mine. I just don't see anyone else offering more then Henry could from the bench.

 

[Strewthcobber]

80% is still woeful.

85% is a pass mark and they weren't there

 

[Wilson]

To be clear the lineout success for those games was:

55% v the Force
82% v the Chiefs
92% v the Brumbies
100% v the Blues
100% v the tahs

Which for the most part looks a bit like problem solved after some initial hiccups.

 

[Adam84]

Stats are part of the analysis, sure, against the Force they completely fell apart so i don't think you can exclude that stat. They lost 9 lineouts that match alone.

In either case, i just don't think either of these two are strong lineout practitioner's, this role fell to Blyth/Smith when they were on the field, and neither are particularly strong tighthead scrummagers. What they do well is outside of these areas, hence my comment about off-setting these two.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Fair call. In any case only way these two get better is by playing together. Bring it on

 

[Brumby Runner]

Also the parochial arrogance that pumps up over-the-top responses from the more belligerent fans of other teams. The Reds might well have a good chance of toppling the Lions next week, but many would also question it being "the best".

Still, go you Reds. I hope we can all put up competitive performances against them and better still snag few wins.

 

[drewprint]

I think you need to be able to identify the tongue in cheek ‘arrogance’ and the genuine arrogance. It’s hard on a forum I appreciate, but it’s almost always the former BR.