Warm Up Match 1: New Zealand Barbarians v British & Irish Lions (Whangarei)

[The Jones Boy]

The Lions are going to walk the first game. It's being played about a kilometre down the hill from my house.
I hope they pan the camera around so i can see if the tenants are keeping the garden nicely...

 

[Goodey]

Payne out with a dodgy calf. Daly to play on the bench.

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Payne out with a dodgy calf. Daly to play on the bench.

Wow that's a shame...

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Who'll likely be doing the goal kicking for the Lions? Sexton or Laidlaw?

 

[Goodey]

Sexton because he's likely to do it in a Test. Will want to practise.

Laidlaw is just as good a kicker, but I find Sexton underrated as a kicker just because of that one kick against NZ.

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Sexton because he's likely to do it in a Test. Will want to practise.

Laidlaw is just as good a kicker, but I find Sexton underrated as a kicker just because of that one kick against NZ.

Aight I hope you're right, fantasy points on the line!

 

[General Melchett]

Sexton because he's likely to do it in a Test. Will want to practise.

Laidlaw is just as good a kicker, but I find Sexton underrated as a kicker just because of that one kick against NZ.

Given the opposition I can see them kicking into touch a fair bit as opposed to going for the posts particularly once the Lions build up a lead.

Laidlaw is a world class goal kicker who very rarely misses. He delivers under pressure and although I dont have stats to hand his record at international level must be right up there. When on form I'd say Farrell, 1/2P and Laidlaw are the top three goal kickers in the squad.

 

[dunney77]

Tempted to put a bet on at -35pts handicap

Thoughts?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I've got tonsillitis and haven't been able to sleep yet, unsure of whether to just power through until after the game (got nothing planned for Saturday morning/early afternoon) or risk trying to get a couple of hours in/risk missing my alarm
My sleep deprived brain is aching

 

[The Jones Boy]

Hang tough, the Lions are going to look good today.

 

[Regan]

Tempted to put a bet on at -35pts handicap

Thoughts?

Do it, the bookies opened at -30 and I was telling people to put their houses on it. They definitely have value going into it. Still value at -35 imo

 

[Ground We Won]

Strong Lions team, the BaaBaa's likely to get a thrashing. Looking forward to the game though.

 

[General Melchett]

Expecting some Hollywood rugby from the Lions today. Hope Gatland let's the flair players play and following their attacking instincts rather than holding them back.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Has the rain cleared up?
From the players social media it was proper hammering it down earlier today

 

[Bluemoon]

Nicely balanced lions side. With the number of fixtures, I guess we are going to see test players like sexton, stander, warbs etc playing in these games. Could be good for the tour minus injuries.

Judging by some of the assessment of the NZ babas on this thread, I'm guessing the lions should really be looking for a decent score by the end of this. Possibly the only 'easy-ish' game they'll have all tour.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Great start.....

 

[Brabander]

Shaky. The Barbarians starts intensely.

 

[Bluemoon]

Bit or nerves maybe from that initial kick off , missing it with very little pressure, and the babas really put the pressure on early.

Such a contrast in styles. Good for the lions to get used to this type/intensity of rugby early.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Why have sky not had Barnes put down yet?
He's useless

 

[Groundhog]

Barnes talking about going for the corner being the wrong decision. They're here to play rugby mate, not nickle and dime a win.