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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TopTen2003" data-source="post: 859930" data-attributes="member: 75257">Well, Gatland does surprise us with a few big calls, and he has said all tour that they have to keep some things back. I do think they have wanted to go for an element of surprise against the ABs and it is interesting that they waited until the final warm-up game to show anything like some structure and ambition in the back line. The back 3 combo here tells me they are looking for the ball and I expect to see them doing some Bryan Habana and becoming second receiver between the 10-12 channel. Why? Because Gats has set NZ up for a SBW v Te'o collision and I think we might see some real variety from the Lions on Saturday.Farrell starts at 10 but of course has the option to move out to 12 if the Lions want to adopt a different game plan. I thought they would play Sexton and Farrell and play a really tight kicking game but this lineup does not scream that at all. I don't think Owen has been electric at 10 for England if I'm honest but he is world class and has to show it this week.I know the Te'o/Davies midfield doesn't set anyones pulses racing right now but I think Te'o might cause these ABs some problems and he is undoubtedly the only centre who has stood out on each occasion. Like I say though- I think he will be a decoy and Watson, Daly, and Williams will all be heavily involved more than it looks on paper <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />OF course, before any of that becomes reality, the forwards have to get some ball. Can't argue with the starting back row. I think Tipuric is very unlucky not to be on the bench. Tight 5 is fine bar Alun Wyn. He was a fabulous leader for the Lions in that 3rd Test in Australia but he hasn't imposed himself at all this tour and in fact, I only seem to remember him being knocked backwards when ball carrying. That said, Gatland is adamant that his bench needs to be world class and have impact and I think it mostly has that. Tipuric maybe deserves to edge it over Warburton but surely Warburton can raise his game for an absolute animal spell of 30 minutes. He has to be brilliant off the bench or else he won't be in the 23 for the 2nd and 3rd Tests. The only issue for me being Halfpenny- can he bring any magic to the table off the bench after that unbelievable tour he had 4 years ago? It's not my IDEAL 23 but it's a lot better than I thought. It's brave in some areas, it's trusting in others.It is now over to that squad of 23 players to try to find a way of making history. Over to you boys. Go Lions.</blockquote>

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