Test Match 1: All Blacks v British & Irish Lions (Auckland)

[smartcooky]

I dont think Smith justified why hes starting above Perenara.

I think you have to look at the bigger picture Naki. There was nothing much wrong with Aaron Smith's game today. Remember, this was a higher pressure game than usual, so the odd mistake is likely. However, what TJP offers is a different style and way of playing which he uses to great effect as an impact player from the bench. In fact, I think he and Ardie have almost become specialist impact players. We all know that Ardie is a more dynamic player at 7 than Sam Cane, but Cane's work rate is just enormous

The bench is no longer a place for the spare players to sit in case/until they are needed. It is now an integral part of the tactics of the game. I don't believe that there is any coach in world rugby who uses the bench tactically as well as Shag does.

 

[Bluemoon]

Ferris feeling Best should be called up for the test. As well as brining in Tommy Bowe, Henderson and Ian Humphrys haha.

I think the back row has to change. The question is who do you rotate. I think Gatland will start Warbs.

 

[GoTheNaki]

I think you have to look at the bigger picture Naki. There was nothing much wrong with Aaron Smith's game today. Remember, this was a higher pressure game than usual, so the odd mistake is likely. However, what TJP offers is a different style and way of playing which he uses to great effect as an impact player from the bench. In fact, I think he and Ardie have almost become specialist impact players. We all know that Ardie is a more dynamic player at 7 than Sam Cane, but Cane's work rate is just enormous

The bench is no longer a place for the spare players to sit in case/until they are needed. It is now an integral part of the tactics of the game. I don't believe that there is any coach in world rugby who uses the bench tactically as well as Shag does.

I felt Aaron was poor tactically. He kept going short side where there were speed and potential out far... And he just did that far too often imo. His kicks werent great, he talks to the ref farrrrrrrrrrrr too much, i could add so many more "r's" onto that for emphasis. And because of this, he lets chances slip away through not just picking the ball up and going.

 

[smartcooky]

Curious where you got those stats from, because I'm sure Sky had the AB's with 11 missed tackles at the end of the first half alone. Not saying they were right, but would be curious s to how a big discrepancy came about.

I got them of the Sky TV ticker while Shag was being interviewed.

 

[Truth]

Im not sure of Smith is being punished by the god of his girlfriend he cheated on but ever since he got busted for cheating, he's not quite had the same success as an All Black as he had before where he was considered the worlds best.

 

[SelimNiai]

With those stats smartcooky posted, how does it calculate we made only 1 line break, feel we made more than that

 

[smartcooky]

I felt Aaron was poor tactically. He kept going short side where there were speed and potential out far...

That was a tactic though. It was one of the ploys the AB's used to try to beat the rush defence. It was quite noticeable that they kept their low-numbered first receivers (Retallick, Whitelock, Moody, Kaino etc) much closer to the ruck, the idea being that the rush defence doesn't have the time to get up, so consequently, the All Blacks make the gain line more easily

I don't have the stats, but I'll bet the Lions gain line concession rate was much higher in this game was in the last three or four games they have played.

 

[Big_Grumper]

That AB side are pretty useful!

I don't think the Lions played badly - granted, there were too many penalties and errors (forced/unforced) - but the 'black machine' simply stopped us playing.

They took their chances. We didn't.

It'll be interesting to see what changes are made for next Saturday.

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Would just like to get a kiwi opinion of Kyle Sinkler, in my mind he is the epitome of the modern forward, an ex centre, absolutely huge but so fast

 

[Truth]

Would just like to get a kiwi opinion of Kyle Sinkler, in my mind he is the epitome of the modern forward, an ex centre, absolutely huge but so fast

Thats what Im seeing - speed and big. He looks like a square shaped prop that runs hard and fast and to add to that, he runs lines like a centre. I can't really think of anyone down south to compare him to. I like him. I'd have him in my team.

 

[valley commando]

Very disappointed

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Very disappointed

Really? Why? and arent u from Wales?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Didn't get to watch it at all, stupid breakfasts.

Not surprised by the result or the analysis, hope Leinster's players get dropped. Need rest.

 

[General Melchett]

It really wouldn't surprise me if Gatland brings in Warburton for POM and moves Williams to the wing in place of Daly with 1/2P starting at 15. Not what I'd do mind.

 

[McTallshort]

Well sometimes you have to accept you were beaten by a far superior team.

I was pleased with some of the back play but the forwards from 1-8 have to man up. They were second best in the collisions today and didnt carry very well either.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Lions will keep the scores more respectable than the 4N sides last year, but will never look like scoring more than one try or ever competing for the victory. Something like.

34-13 NZ

Up until the 81st minute I wasn't too far off the money, although I'm happier with my predictions against the Crusaders and Blues.

Big improvements from the Lions but there is still too much "Warrenball" to be competitive. With selection of players who are good athletes who can defend, but simply can't consistently pass a good ball under pressure. You cannot expect to compete with the All Blacks if you do not heavily prioritise being able to pass the ball among your backs.

Botched opportunities as predicted by everyone and dare I say we see the true colours of players like Farrell, Teo and Daly when they do not enjoy the forward dominance they get in every game in the 6N. I'm not specifically ragging on England (although I'd add Joseph to the above list, he didn't play); their second XV in Argentina shows far more ability with ball in hand at centre, flyhalf and the backline. Admittedly it is a different opposition, but I'd wager those kids are going to turn out to be far better and more rounded rugby players than the English backs on this Lions tour (even if Teo did put in a good shift, having someone who can't pass all that well at 12 is suicidal).

Scotland with Finn Russell defeat Australia in Australia. Scotland without Russell just lost to Fiji. Given the lacklustre showings of Sexton and Farrell, will Gatland find the stones to make the call that is his only hope of securing a test victory or will he let the All Blacks get off "Scot free"?

Massive achievement for NZ. They were understandably rocking when Crotty and Smith went off, but managed to keep their heads and get into the shed to regroup. The second half was straightforward for them despite these adjustments and I admit I called it wrong about putting Barrett to 15 as Cruden really is a very capable stand in (even when banged up). It is hard to think of a combination of selections that Gatland and Hansen could make to make this anything other than a 3-0 victory for the All Blacks, primarily because their forwards are physically a match for the Lions (which I wasn't expecting). For Lions fans it is probably best to avoid thinking about how one sided this would have been if the All Blacks hadn't had those key injuries.

 

[Papsmear]

Lions played well in patches but their finishing needs work. Great try though.

All black bench superior and always knew they would come through in last 20. Line out need work.

Think the ABs will improve next week

 

[General Melchett]

Scotland with Finn Russell defeat Australia in Australia. Scotland without Russell just lost to Fiji. Given the lacklustre showings of Sexton and Farrell, will Gatland find the stones to make the call that is his only hope of securing a test victory or will he let the All Blacks get off "Scot free"?

Not a snowball's chance in hell. Biggar is ahead in Gatland's pecking order and will no doubt play 80 against the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Not a snowball's chance in hell. Biggar is ahead in Gatland's pecking order and will no doubt play 80 against the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Of course! Pretty much a rhetorical question. I'm not convinced Gatland had the slightest intention on playing any Scottish player in a test match, such is his obsession with physique uber alles.

 

[Shaggy]

Well BIL certainly scored the try of the match with their first one ... if they'd have capitalised on some of those other breaks, it could have been a different ball game.

I thought Sam Cane had a very good game for the ABs, and Kaino was pretty good too until he went off injured. I think Hansen was vindicated in his starting centre combinations, as the ABs started to come apart a bit when Crotty went off injured - he's probably gone for the series, as I think it was a hamstring injury. I have my doubts as to whether Ben Smith will be there next Saturday as well, as he's had a few head knocks recently ... it will be interesting to see if the move Dagg to fullback, and bring in Naholo, or if they perhaps start B.Barrett at FB, and Cruden at 10, and bring Jordie Barrett in on the bench (assuming ALB starts at 13).