Wallabies v Lions Game 2 MCG 26 July

[PhilClinton]

I don't think anyone is going to die on a hill screaming for LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to be picked or declaring he's the best lock in OZ.

BUT he has clearly shown that for whatever reason he really hates these pasty pricks and has been under their skin the whole time. He would be considered a bit of a wild, but inspired, selection still at this point and Schmidt clearly doesn't intent to do anything too wild.

 

[Strewthcobber]

LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) only went OK against the test lock lineup in the Red's match, and did better against the dirt trackers but at 0-3 match results and 31-133 scoreline I don't think Schmidt would be thinking too hard about anyone from those three matches breaking into his lineup.

 

[Sword of Justice]

I do feel a bit for Swain. If he’d kept a cooler head a few times earlier in his career I think he’d probably have locked down a spot in the 23 and be running out on 50 caps against the Lions.

 

[PhilClinton]

LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) only went OK against the test lock lineup in the Red's match, and did better against the dirt trackers but at 0-3 match results and 31-133 scoreline I don't think Schmidt would be thinking too hard about anyone from those three matches breaking into his lineup.

I think that is a bit harsh.

There are clearly blokes from all of the losing tour matches who played a level above and would easily add some value to the Wallabies squad.

Gamble and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) are ones who come to mind and if Lynagh/Donno/JOC (James O'Connor) went down I reckon Debracenzi would be getting a tap on the shoulder into the squad based on the way he played.

If Schmidt is just looking at scorelines and then putting a redline through blokes, I'd be surprised.

 

[drewprint]

If it is the deciding test, I wonder if there would be any unforced changes to the team at all? Not saying he doesn't warrant a spot in the XXIII, but if the Wallabies win in Melbourne it would make it hard for an outsider to displace one of the incumbents.

True. But also it'd be a hell of a statement of intent to bring him in for a decider. Harsh on whoever misses out but a freshen up and rotation might be needed anyway.

 

[Slim 293]

Williams has probably been Schmidt's favourite lock over his tenure, and rightfully so, but I feel he needs a big performance this week...

 

[Strewthcobber]

I think that is a bit harsh.

There are clearly blokes from all of the losing tour matches who played a level above and would easily add some value to the Wallabies squad.

Gamble and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) are ones who come to mind and if Lynagh/Donno/JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) went down I reckon Debracenzi would be getting a tap on the shoulder into the squad based on the way he played.

If Schmidt is just looking at scorelines and then putting a redline through blokes, I'd be surprised.

Of course. I guess my point is Schmidt made his choice. None of the matches LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) has played in have been anywhere near Lions test standard, and the opposition lineup closest to it, for the Reds, they were flogged, and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) didn't stand out, and outplayed by Itoje at least.

 

[rugbyAU]

Who gives a flying fuck about the title of the side you play.

Exactly, especially considering the fact that the Lions have only won about 30% of all test series

 

[Tomthumb]

Exactly, especially considering the fact that the Lions have only won about 30% of all test series

They have won 80% of the series against us though

 

[Yoda]

Every Kiwi I have ever met knows a lot about rugby. Another one of my neighbours told me once "every mother in New Zealand knows the Laws of the Game".

Maybe a slight exaggeration. But the chap I quoted about Lynagh is the real deal. He has told me things that only a rugby insider would known about.

So ALL Kiwis are rugby experts beyond question? Answer. No.

 

[Yoda]

I think that is a bit harsh.

There are clearly blokes from all of the losing tour matches who played a level above and would easily add some value to the Wallabies squad.

Gamble and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) are ones who come to mind and if Lynagh/Donno/JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) went down I reckon Debracenzi would be getting a tap on the shoulder into the squad based on the way he played.

If Schmidt is just looking at scorelines and then putting a redline through blokes, I'd be surprised.

Are you kidding me? Debreczini made a break and was like a snail on a bad day! Edmed would be next cab off the rank as he has been in the squad and made his debut last year.

 

[drewprint]

Of course. I guess my point is Schmidt made his choice. None of the matches LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) has played in have been anywhere near Lions test standard, and the opposition lineup closest to it, for the Reds, they were flogged, and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) didn't stand out, and outplayed by Itoje at least.

I honestly disagree. The Reds stunk it up that night, but LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) was probably the sole warrior out there, had Itojes measure, and was into him every chance he got. It was when he went off that Itoje really kicked up a gear.

 

[wamberal99]

So ALL Kiwis are rugby experts beyond question? Answer. No.

That's not quite what I said.

 

[rugbyAU]

They have won 80% of the series against us though

Yeah but overall they’ve underperformed

 

[rugbyAU]

Wallabies team dropping at 1.30

 

[PhilClinton]

Are you kidding me? Debreczini made a break and was like a snail on a bad day! Edmed would be next cab off the rank as he has been in the squad and made his debut last year.

Popgun boots don't help us.

If there is one thing to takeaway from all of the games so far it is:

1. We have been far too small
2. We need to be able to keep the Lions in their half as long as possible

I thought Deb's tactical kicking was pretty good in the FNP game and was one of the reasons they kept in the game. The Lions were more skillful but the kicking game was able to keep turning them around.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

If Jack Deb didn't have a consistent howler play in him he'd be undeniable with his boot. The problem he has is with every 60m kick comes an attempted cut out to no one that skips over the sideline. Nobody has been able to eliminate that from his game.

 

[Slim 293]

Wallabies team to play British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Saturday July 26 at 7:45pm AEST

1. James Slipper (145 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates

2. David Porecki (20 Tests) - #952; Seaforth Raiders

3. Allan Ala'alatoa (82 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors

4. Nick Frost (27 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions

5. Will Skelton (32 Tests) - #883; The Hills Sports High School

6. Rob Valetini (52 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club

7. Fraser McReight (27 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson (c) (24 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Jake Gordon (30 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors

10. Tom Lynagh (4 Tests) - #977; University of Queensland

11. Harry Potter (4 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams

12. Len Ikitau (41 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings

13. Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i (6 Tests) – #988; The Kings School

14. Max Jorgensen (9 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves

15. Tom Wright (39 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles

Substitutes

16. Billy Pollard (8 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club

17. Angus Bell (38 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club

18. Tom Robertson (32 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club

19. Jeremy Williams (12 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers

20. Langi Gleeson (15 Tests) - #960; Harbord Harlequins

21. Carlo Tizzano (7 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia

22. Tate McDermott (43 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club

23. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles

 

[Yoda]

Popgun boots don't help us.

If there is one thing to takeaway from all of the games so far it is:

1. We have been far too small
2. We need to be able to keep the Lions in their half as long as possible

I thought Deb's tactical kicking was pretty good in the FNP game and was one of the reasons they kept in the game. The Lions were more skillful but the kicking game was able to keep turning them around.

It was disappointing to see young Tom put on his pop gun boots last Saturday. Hopefully he puts on the right ones on this Saturday... that is what he is apparently there for.

 

[Sword of Justice]

Absolutely must inject the bomb squad bench earlier than we did against Fiji.