I watched the Kiwi thread and apart from a couple of one eyed comments they were very fair, which was a surprise. Key players for them were AWJ, Vinopolu, Falatau, Farrell, North for his intelligent defense and their MOM Connor Murray. Sam Whitelock wore his chips with pride after the game though. Didn't congratulate us on our victory, or give us any mention at all even when prompted by the interviewer. Just ignorantly said the Crusaders 'gave' us the game through errors and poor play. A classless captain but Alun-Wynn had enough for both in his interview. Just think how good we'd be if we could actually pass and catch the ball though. We couldn't get any forward momentum because our basic skills were so poor. The All-Blacks will take advantage of this if we don't improve. Handling aside I thought we bossed the game. We topped the stats all over the pitch but our scrum is a big worry. We were in the Crusaders faces all game and smothered the the most potent provincial side in NZ who average 5 trys per game, to zero trys for the first time in their history the commentator said. Happy today but we need to back it up and keep the momentum going on Tuesday.
Totally agree as they live offside and get away with it. I do wonder sometimes what the touch judges are doing, they are looking straight along the offside line at rucks, mauls, scrums and lineouts, but never call it.
Crusaders had 8 all blacks in their side so it was a good test for the lions. We put out a strong side but i dont think it will be the side we will play in the test matches but a lot of them will play is my guess....The result was not that important in my view but the performance was and a win is a bonus....
Just looking through some old stuff as the rugby has been on and came across this again. it is brilliant. Apologise for putting up again, but made me snigger this morning. With all the **** going on, was a nice change.
A pre tour story. At a Lions dinner in London just before the party set off. Q. Warren. Will you win the series 3 nil? WG. No mate Q. Isn't that a bit defeatist? WG. No mate. If we're 2-0 up we're all going on the piss.
Quite interesting as poor refereeing continues to influence the Lions results. It is a shame that the standard is so poor for such big games. Have a look at this. https://www.rugbypass.com/article/video-refereeing-decisions-gift-highlanders-victory-lions
I would call up is Gareth Davies who I still think is the best scrum half in the UK after Connor Murray.
I was really looking forward to this tour, But the coverage and commentary hasn't been the best for me, the rugby has been boring and the refereeing an absolute joke. Just cant get into the 8am starts as the game isn't the same without a few pints. all in all very disappointing.
How ****ing thick are props, just heard the ref clearly shout 3 times hands away 3. What did he do **** all and gave the penalty away. Then he looks like he has done nothing wrong, it is just embarrassing.
Good result today - but need to raise the bar by another 30-40% at least to trouble the ABs. Think Owens will play Hooker instead of George. Can't see AWJ displacing Otoje and/or Kruis. Starting back row deserves to be selected. Got a feeling Gats will annoy the Paddys again by picking Farrrell ahead of Sexton. Centres will be unchanged, as will Halfpenny at FB. On the wing, wonder if Williams will displace North?
Great result today against the hardest side so far, Gatland must have his preferred side penciled in by now. I still think NZ will play running rugby and will win comfortably by 10 points or more. The trouble with Gatland is he is very predictable in the style he likes to play and that will be the Lions downfall......I still of an opinion that Jones should have been the No1 head coach over Gatland but that's just my opinion. ...26 - 10 NZ
