Warm Up Match 3: Crusaders v British & Irish Lions (Christchurch)

[Bluemoon]

Yep that is pretty close to the test team at the moment. A lot of impact players that can come from the bench and add something.

Couple of players need to find their feet and quickly. Hogg has to find his form and AWJ needs to get some gamete under his belt. He wasn't at his best with the Wales captaincy, although is a good captain for the O's so I'm a bit torn. I wonder whether it would of been better to give the armband to O'Mahony for this game and let AWJ focus on his game.

We know that the Crusaders are an excellent team and probably will be the toughest of all the super teams that the Lions play. The media are having a frenzy after the Blues game, and it's their job to sell papers. I don't think the Lions should be seeing it that way, disappointing to lose but part of a bigger process and respect to the Blues team for what they did. I just want to see the Lions improve and get themselves ready for a competitive shot at the tests.

 

[Penne Rara]

I still haven't had the opportunity to watch Havili play at 12 so it's gonna be exciting

 

[Skylinerd1]

Matt Todd was like the lone ranger the last time a totally depleted Crusaders played I think England or some team like that a few years back I cant even remember what fixture it actually was England tour?... not sure.

Im expecting a massive game from him on the weekend and going with his other recent AB performance I reckon he's actually a better choice than Kane to start at 7 in the tests.

 

[Nubiwan]

Hmmm, another Welsh captain...

I swear to god it's designed to rub it into Scotsmen all over the world. Look, I picked another Welshman despite you beating us.......

AW Jones needs to pull his finger out his arse and be counted against two very accomplished locks in Romano and Whitelock. This will not be the NZ baa baas vacation. I think Lawes and Itoje should have been tested in this match, but perhaps not a plan to go 2 games back to back. Probably a good call.

All things said, it's a pretty decent lions side. Going to be a barnstormer.

 

[Nubiwan]

That's a mighty Lions side, but I'm a bit worried about AWJ, he was blowing hard in the Barbarians game first up. I don't know if he has the gas to keep up anymore.
He has been a mighty servant for Wales and the Lions in the past and he does have boat loads of experience, but he has questions to answer regarding his ability to keep going to the well.
Itoje is waiting in the wings, he's athletic, young, fast, fit and much better suited to keeping up with the tempo
I'm a fan of Courtney Lawes, I would have him in the mix as well. He's also very quick and athletic.
I would like to see him prove me wrong but I can see him being dragged on the 60 minute mark.

You are at it again... Reading my mind.

 

[Reiser99]

I'd say this is close to full strength allowing that some players had to start...Still worried about Jones though.

 

[Nubiwan]

Think we can stick a fork in Farrell playing centre. Played twice at 10 with Te'o/Henshaw getting 80 minutes at 12.

With the exception of the back row I think this is close to the test team.

Play well in this match and you might as well book your spot in the first test. This will be their hardest game outside the All Blacks in my opinion.

 

[The Jones Boy]

The Lions are still building, it's going to take more time than a few games. Results may go against them but if they can keep building they will come through it stronger and better and still mount a serious challenge for the tests.
We need the Lions to show a real hunger and that is down to Gatland to get his players fired up.

 

[Nubiwan]

I'm very interested to see if Dagg will start. Last week suggests that Robinson doesn't see him fitting into his current strongest starting side, and for that to change he'd have to drop Goodhue, Tamanivalu, Havili or maybe Bridge, which I don't see him doing.
It's interesting because Dagg really needs to justify his ABs selection and put his case forward for the starting 14 role that he has surely been picked for, but for him to do that he needs to start this game... I wonder if Shag will have a word to Razor or have any influence in that selection. It wouldn't surprise me, but it'd be really tough on whoever has to make way for Dagg.

what is it with the NZ love in for dagg? I find him somewhat overrated among NZ pundits. Ben Smith head and shoulders above him, but seen ABs selectors opt for smith on the wing at the expense of Dagg at 15. I don't get it. Not like NZ don't have exciting enough wingers to afford smith his proper role at 15. You fella's love Dagg.

 

[Nubiwan]

Outside their last minute cock up, the lions line out was pretty much clockwork against the blues. Be interesting to see how they fare against the Cru in that department. Have to agree, this looks like a test side in the making for the lions. Fair to say that a decent game here might get your name on the test opener.

 

[The Jones Boy]

I'm not a fan of Dagg but if Hansen keeps getting results (and he certainly has done that) I'm not going to point the finger and start getting anti-

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Really happy with that lions team on the whole.

The back row should be a lot more aggressive in the rucks.

 

[SomeOke]

Should be a good game, the Crusaders team looks really strong, with the only potential weakness being Havilli at 12, a position he hasn't played at all this year.

This and the hurricanes will undoubtedly be the biggest tests for the Lions before the actual AB games, time enough for them to sort out their line-up and cut a bit of the dead wood. I think it'll be in the Lions best interest if AWJ has a bad game.

 

[The Jones Boy]

Don't count the Maori's out mate, they have a Saturday game and they will be just like a test match for the Lions.
NZ is their land and they will put on a very strong showing don't worry about.
The Maori are proud, fierce and talented. They will give the Lions a fierce battle, don't worry about that bro'.

 

[Groundhog]

If Lions lose to Maori I can officially say Munster>Lions, although I already believe that to be honest.

 

[The Jones Boy]

If Lions lose to Maori I can officially say Munster>Lions, although I already believe that to be honest.

I'm not sure what that means, but ... ok.
Long as you're happy.

 

[TommiG88]

If Lions lose to Maori I can officially say Munster>Lions, although I already believe that to be honest.

The worrying thing.... Many Teams > Munster

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

what is it with the NZ love in for dagg? I find him somewhat overrated among NZ pundits. Ben Smith head and shoulders above him, but seen ABs selectors opt for smith on the wing at the expense of Dagg at 15. I don't get it. Not like NZ don't have exciting enough wingers to afford smith his proper role at 15. You fella's love Dagg.

Ummm maybe you have the wrong idea... Literally nobody in NZ thinks that Dagg is a better 15 than Smith, or even close, nor do we think that Dagg should be at 15 and Smith on the wing. Dagg has been selected purely as a winger and back up 15 if required. He played on the wing for us all year last year and was outstanding. That's why we have faith that he will be good there again.
Saying that, I personally wouldn't pick Dagg... I'd have NMS starting instead, but he's not even in the squad lol. I am still happy with Dagg though, he's a classy player and has all the tools to deal with and exploit the Lions.

 

[Groundhog]

I'm not sure what that means, but ... ok.
Long as you're happy.

Greatest show on turf mate. Nothing like a wet night in Thomond.

 

[MikeTheNative]

Not exactly excited with a Teo/Davies partnership but I'll give them a chance, other centre's haven't exactly set the world alight. Jones and I think Hogg need big games after the first game. Hopefully North get's some good ball to attack with but with the centre partnership I'm not sure about that. While not the back row I would start the first test with I'm still looking forward to seeing them play.