Warm Up Match 6: Waikato Chiefs v British & Irish Lions (Hamilton)

[valley commando]

Didn't he have Jamie Roberts in the 23 shirt for Wales quite a bit recently?
That said I do agree that JJ is very unlikely to make the 23. Wouldn't be surprised if he's given Williams the start at 15 to see whether he should overtake Daly.

I was thinking the same, Williams would offer a decent bench option at 11, 14 or 15.

 

[Larksea]

pretty much confirmed my fears from last week with the AB's and maori's missing from the chiefs it is very much a B team, Its pretty clear the Lions B team is vulnerable and the chiefs players dont lack ability but I dont like their chances.

 

[General Melchett]

I was thinking the same, Williams would offer a decent bench option at 11, 14 or 15.

He would if he was playing well. But I'm afraid he's been utter dogshit and arguably worse than Laidlaw.

Go ahead and dislike that. IDGAF.

 

[The Jones Boy]

It's a good chance for the Lions midweek team to pull a win out of the bag, they are overdue a midweek win.
That would give them serious momentum, just prior to the first test.
Don't count the Mooloos out though...

 

[BevelBob]

AWJ on the bench. Does that mean Krutoje start v ABs?

I hope so!

 

[BevelBob]

Yes that is he. Just watch the back line come to life when Russell and Davies come on for Biggar and Laidlaw (hopefully).

A bit unfair on Biggar, for me he'd be my bench 10 for the test (I think Farrell is the most overrated rugby player EVER, and if HP is kicking, it makes him redundant) Laidlaw on the other hand............

 

[MikeTheNative]

A bit unfair on Biggar, for me he'd be my bench 10 for the test (I think Farrell is the most overrated rugby player EVER, and if HP is kicking, it makes him redundant) Laidlaw on the other hand............

I don't think even the Welsh would have Biggar on the bench.

 

[Nubiwan]

A bit unfair on Biggar, for me he'd be my bench 10 for the test (I think Farrell is the most overrated rugby player EVER, and if HP is kicking, it makes him redundant) Laidlaw on the other hand............

Difficult to "overrate" players on a side that has won back to back European Cups and have otherwise been pivotal in their counties last two 6N championships. Indeed, pivotal for his countries backlinefor several years. There is plenty of overrating going on, in this lions squad, and I would not begin with Farrell. All a matter of opinion at the end of the day. I doubt farrell will start the first test, so that should make plenty of people happy. I suggest to you that he is underrated and a victim of his own diversity as a player. Not easy at all to transition between centre and fly half at any level, let alone full international.

 

[Nubiwan]

Duplicate !

 

[General Melchett]

A bit unfair on Biggar, for me he'd be my bench 10 for the test (I think Farrell is the most overrated rugby player EVER, and if HP is kicking, it makes him redundant) Laidlaw on the other hand............

I just find Biggar to be a safe, slow, dull and defensive fly half. Russell has far more ability to light up a game with his vision, speed and much improved offloading game. Let's see how they fair tomorrow.

 

[MikeTheNative]

I just find Biggar to be a safe, slow, dull and defensive fly half. Russell has far more ability to light up a game with his vision, speed and much improved offloading game. Let's see how they fair tomorrow.

With the game that the Lions play, Biggar is more suited to it than Russell. Unless the Lions high been hiding their expansive attacking rugby till the last minute.

 

[Nubiwan]

With the game that the Lions play, Biggar is more suited to it than Russell. Unless the Lions high been hiding their expansive attacking rugby till the last minute.

Yeah, just slip it in there for the tests.....

 

[valley commando]

Didn't he have Jamie Roberts in the 23 shirt for Wales quite a bit recently?
That said I do agree that JJ is very unlikely to make the 23. Wouldn't be surprised if he's given Williams the start at 15 to see whether he should overtake Daly.

I was thinking the same, Williams would offer a decent bench option at 11, 14 or 15.

He would if he was playing well. But I'm afraid he's been utter dogshit and arguably worse than Laidlaw.

Go ahead and dislike that. IDGAF.

I agree with you, however my proviso is dependent on Tuesdays performance, should he play a blinder which he is well capable of doing then I would have him in the 23 in place of North who has been as shite as Williams this tour.
I'm sorry to disappoint but I'm going to have to like your comment.

 

[Nubiwan]

Can JJ play wing? When was the last time he played on the Wing?

Would be amazed if Gatland would trust him to cover a area he hasn't played at all this tour.

He hasn't exactly shined this series so far.

More a question of coverage on the bench with minimal use of playing resources. Rather depends how you weight your bench with forwards over backs. Assuming you need a backup 9, then that's Webb. Farrell indeed covers 2 slots. Joseph centre or wing. Watson wing and full back. I am assuming Davies and T'eo will get nods to start. Sexton at 10. I have no idea who our wingers should be because none have impressed at all. North and 1/2 pint will start out of birthright, is my guess there

North needs to rediscover his 2014 Lions form. 1/2 pint can ... Well kick.

 

[MikeTheNative]

It's a shame about North, on his day i believe that he is the best wing in the NH. It's just those days don't seem to come around often anymore. Unless Williams has a stormer tomorrow and since Halfpenny seems nailed on for 15 I would have Watson and Daly on the wings.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

With the game that the Lions play, Biggar is more suited to it than Russell. Unless the Lions high been hiding their expansive attacking rugby till the last minute.

Maybe. I'm not sure it's so simple. Just because Fin Russell has more to offer doesn't mean he can't play a more conservative fly-half role when needed. Maybe defensive physicality is a point of difference, although Biggars defence has been inconsistent in the last 18 months you'd have to say. Also, there are always going to be opportunities to put the ball through the hands where you want your best attacking fly-half playing, regardless of what the core gameplay is. In fact I'm pretty sure we would have scored more points to the end of the Maori game if we had had Russell and one of the Welsh scrum halves on.

It's a shame about North, on his day i believe that he is the best wing in the NH. It's just those days don't seem to come around often anymore. Unless Williams has a stormer tomorrow and since Halfpenny seems nailed on for 15 I would have Watson and Daly on the wings.

Well It's been a while since he's been anywhere near his best. I don't think he's thrived at Northampton. Maybe a return to Saints would get him going through the right gears. I think Anthony Watson is currently the best winger in the Isles.

 

[Nubiwan]

It's a shame about North, on his day i believe that he is the best wing in the NH. It's just those days don't seem to come around often anymore. Unless Williams has a stormer tomorrow and since Halfpenny seems nailed on for 15 I would have Watson and Daly on the wings.

In terms of how we expect to play the test series, that is, with little expansive rugby, then my question is what does it really matter who plays on the wing? Why the fuss? Play the players who best defend the high ball, can read and defend the cross or chip kick, and tackle well. Actually having to run and beat your man likely being lower on the list of selection criteria.

Can those who absorb themselves in northern hem rugby tell me that if Gatland were not coaching the lions, would 1/2 p be such a nailed on for the tests? It's an honest question from someone not overly familiar with as many lions players than I am our opponents. We sure seem to carry players who have flattered to deceive, at least on the tour. Outside goal kicking, what does 1/2 p bring to the game? A serious question.

 

[valley commando]

It's a shame about North, on his day i believe that he is the best wing in the NH. It's just those days don't seem to come around often anymore. Unless Williams has a stormer tomorrow and since Halfpenny seems nailed on for 15 I would have Watson and Daly on the wings.

Has Norths lack of form and confidence been down to either he hasn't had the ball enough pretty much like all the wings on tour, or have Northampton coached the natural talent out of him ?
If as I have said previously Williams does play well tomorrow then I would agree with your wing choice and put Williams rather tan North on the bench.

 

[valley commando]

In terms of how we expect to play the test series, that is, with little expansive rugby, then my question is what does it really matter who plays on the wing? Why the fuss? Play the players who best defend the high ball, can read and defend the cross or chip kick, and tackle well. Actually having to run and beat your man likely being lower on the list of selection criteria.

Can those who absorb themselves in northern hem rugby tell me that if Gatland were not coaching the lions, would 1/2 p be such a nailed on for the tests? It's an honest question from someone not overly familiar with as many lions players than I am our opponents. We sure seem to carry players who have flattered to deceive, at least on the tour.

If as you allude to the wingers are more defensive than attack threats then Williams is certainly a better option to North, as an attacking kicker I would be directing a lot of kicks towards North, he lacks the authority in the air that Williams does. I will add again that I would only pick Williams in place of North providing he has a blinder tomorrow and even then it would probably be with a 23 on his back with Watson and Daly on the wings and North sat in the stands.

 

[MikeTheNative]

In terms of how we expect to play the test series, that is, with little expansive rugby, then my question is what does it really matter who plays on the wing? Why the fuss? Play the players who best defend the high ball, can read and defend the cross or chip kick, and tackle well. Actually having to run and beat your man likely being lower on the list of selection criteria.

Can those who absorb themselves in northern hem rugby tell me that if Gatland were not coaching the lions, would 1/2 p be such a nailed on for the tests? It's an honest question from someone not overly familiar with as many lions players than I am our opponents. We sure seem to carry players who have flattered to deceive, at least on the tour. Outside goal kicking, what does 1/2 p bring to the game? A serious question.

Gatland loving Halfpenny and Hogg's injury is exactly why he is nailed on. If I was coach, Williams would have had a chance at 15 before tomorrow and probably Watson would be my test 15 on form so far. Halfpenny is a good defender and good in the air, he's not crap but doesn't exactly offer much attacking threat with the ball in hand... quite similar to a lot of other test Welsh players to be honest.