Warm Up Match 7: Hurricanes v British & Irish Lions (Wellington)

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

My XV for Saturday now:
1. Vunipola - Would've actually liked Marler but he's just played the full 80 so no chance. McGrath just isn't in good enough form IMO.
2. Owens - Gets around more than George, George to be an impact sub.
3. Furlong - Cole is just poor, Sinckler not ready to start.
4. Itoje - Needs no explaining.
5. Lawes - Has been in fantastic form and well deserving of a starting place.
6. O'Mahony (c) - A real work horse which is well needed ATM.
7. O'Brien - Possibly player of the tour so far.
8. Faletau - Has been better than Stander.
9. Murray - Has received criticism but still by far our best 9.
10. Sexton - Farrell isn't a 10 at this level. Biggar did alright today but yea nah.
11. North - Daly's not a winger.
12. Te'o - Was immense on Saturday. With Henshaw likely out the only other option is Faz but the team hasn't really played with 2 play makers. It's too late to completely change the formula of the back line.
13. Davies - Our MOTM on Saturday. Needs to pass though.
14. Watson - Winger of the tour so far.
15. Williams - His ability under the high ball is a concern but we need his counter attack.

16. George
17. McGrath
18. Sinckler
19. Henderson - Definitely earned his place today.
20. Tipuric -Will be Warbs but we can dream.
21. Webb
22. Farrell
23. Daly

 

[Penne Rara]

I know what youre saying but Im talking about my criteria for greatness for guys like BOD who DONT play in the All Blacks. Thats basically what Im talking about. Picking out an All Black to say he didnt beat the ABs is just looking for a loophole in my criteria lol.

But all the other comments are rather spot on. As good as you are, if your team is lame you will never be able to beat the All Blacks. Individually, BOD was phenomenal. However, his influence may have not been enough to make other players around him shine. He was all razzle dazzle and scored many tries, but what if he was more than that?

 

[Truth]

In the 1990's Ireland beat tier 1 opposition 9 times, less than one win a year, BOD debuted in 2000 and saw Ireland win four triple crowns, a grand slam, beat all three world champions of the decade etc... he won another 6 nations, beat an SH side in the SH for the first time in 40 years (of Irish rugby) and won three Heineken cups. He, himself, didn't beat the best but he was the main catalyst to bring a **** poor rugby union to place where they would, that's as good as if you ask me.

Yeah fair enough. How I see greatness is more. Michael Jordan many see as great cos he achieved it all. BOD was fantastic and I watched Ireland for BOD and Keith Wood. I just dont think BOD was the greatest player in the world.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Ian McGeechan doesn't know modern rugby.

FTFY

 

[Truth]

But all the other comments are rather spot on. As good as you are, if your team is lame you will never be able to beat the All Blacks. Individually, BOD was phenomenal. However, his influence may have not been enough to make other players around him shine. He was all razzle dazzle and scored many tries, but what if he was more than that?

Then he would be the greatest. Something you and me agree he isnt, remember?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Ian McGeechan doesn't know rugby.

The game passed him by decades ago

 

[Truth]

But all the other comments are rather spot on. As good as you are, if your team is lame you will never be able to beat the All Blacks.

LOL 'lame'. Your use of words.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

But all the other comments are rather spot on. As good as you are, if your team is lame you will never be able to beat the All Blacks. Individually, BOD was phenomenal. However, his influence may have not been enough to make other players around him shine. He was all razzle dazzle and scored many tries, but what if he was more than that?

BOD made it look like ROG could run a backline, gave Gordan D'Arcy the ability to unlock defences on his own, allowed Felipe Contepomi control games from 10 with a mediocre pack, made Jamie Roberts look like Sonny Bill Williams etc... Every 10 and 12 to play with him was allowed flourish due to his influence.

 

[Papsmear]

Good game. Got a feeling there could be a whipping this weekend. If not, it gonna be the 3rd test.

Umaga and Mealamu didn't do anything wrong.

 

[Maverick1987]

Good game. Got a feeling there could be a whipping this weekend. If not, it gonna be the 3rd test.

Umaga and Mealamu didn't do anything wrong.

Good game. Got a feeling there could be a whipping this weekend. If not, it gonna be the 3rd test.

Umaga and Mealamu didn't do anything wrong.

Look there's a reason why you have 15 negative votes and 2 positive . This post falls in the former ....

 

[Saint Matt]

Weird game. Pretty open for large periods, the Lions pulled away either side of half time in terms of the context of the play but you have to have more composure than that. Totally collapsed when Henderson went off the field, some really questionable defence and work at the breakdown and they capitalised on that. I guess that when you're still a relatively new side, one mismatch in the structure creates bigger problems than it would normally but still, disappointing to lose.

Thought Henderson and Lawes were both good, Biggar did well, Tiperic had some nice touches, Nowell started really well at 15 but was quieter on the wing (I thought he'd really shine at 15 tonight, shame Henshaw went off) and North put a shift in as well. Was hoping Henshaw would offer something tonight in relation to Saturday but as I say, unfortunate injury.

I don't watch too much Super Rugby but their back three was impressive. Barrett was pretty quiet but he's clearly a good footballer, nice hands, confident, good feet etc. Savea's line and pass in the build up to one of their tries in the second half was class as well. The 12 ran bloody hard as well, took some stopping.

 

[smartcooky]

How dare you call the greatest back to play the game turtle head .....

Meh! Mike Gibson was a better centre (the best I have seen in my lifetime anyway) than his countryman O'Driscoll ever was.

 

[Penne Rara]

Then he would be the greatest. Something you and me agree he isnt, remember?

I think he's not, yes

 

[smartcooky]

Without Henderson getting himself sin binned, the game would have been won.

And who does he have to blame for that?

 

[TommiG88]

And who does he have to blame for that?

Himself. No arguments from me.

 

[Ground We Won]

Canes;

• Laumape was immense, I love that kids running game, really powerful runner with vision, I hope he gets a bench spot this weekend.
• Fifita was pretty good, justifying an AB call up.
  
• Jordie played well
• Black was decent
• Apart from the assist for Laumapes try, Savea didn't give any reason for Hansen to select him over Naholo
• NMS still trying to find his feet after injury
• Tight 5 struggled, but did better than I thought

Lions

• Call me mad, but I think Biggar has been the form 1st 5 this tour. I'd give him a run ahead of Farrell who has been pretty average.
• Lawes and Henderson really impressed, no idea why Lawes wasn't in the test squad originally, I was genuinely surprised and some what relieved he wasn't.
• Joseph and North were good, North finally finding some form.
• Seymour does some good, then something bad, if he'd cut out those errors he'd likely be in the test team.
• Laidlaw probably had his best game of the tour.
• AWJ should be no where near the test team.
• Hendersen was MotM until that stupid yellow card

Overall all I thought this was a great match. The referee was ridiculously inconsistent, but at least it didn't ruin the game. A draw was a fair result in the end. The turning point was Hendersens brain fart, which let the Canes back in it.. Great match though, a classic. Not too concerned for this weekend though, the Lions lack a killer edge and direction at times, there's not much chance for them beating the All Blacks now.

 

[Truth]

Great rehearsal for the 'Canes on their way to retaining their Super ***le. Don't underestimate their forward pack - even without Ardie it is arguably the best defensive pack in the comp as the stats clearly show. They also do surprisingly well at set pieces when Abbot is playing. The
Maori reps TT and OT at 9 and 10 are pretty handy subs and the rest of the backs are either All Blacks or (Aso) very close. I would have Laumape any day ahead of SBW. Laumape can do anything SBW can do but is a far better line breaker/finisher and defender. As for Jordie, hopefully this is a workout for the 2nd Test. The public of NZ deserve to see TJ at 9, BB at 10 and Jordie at 15 - the best performed super rugby players playing where they belong. I'm in Brisbane but the Reds make me see red! C'mon "Canes - show the Lions and the AB selectors just how exciting rugby should always be when the best are on display.

Well your TT had a poor game.

Laumape kind of cost the Hurricanes the game in the end with a unnecessary neck roll which relieved the pressure on the Lions who were just meters out from their own line with 5 minutes to go. Laumape is a very good player but luckily Hansen hadn't picked him up too early as we saw in his first taste against the midweek Lions. Unlike SBW, he didn't have that match winning performance SBW had for the Blues nor did we see a work rate from Laumape like SBW had for the All Blacks. Test match footy can really get to a rookie and so I think Hansen made the right call with SBW and tonights game reinforced that. Theres a difference between Super and internationals and its good we got Hansen who can recognise those things some of us can't see.

 

[Penne Rara]

Well your TT had a poor game.

Laumape kind of cost the Hurricanes the game in the end with a unnecessary neck roll which relieved the pressure on the Lions who were just meters out from their own line with 5 minutes to go. Laumape is a very good player but luckily Hansen hadn't picked him up too early as we saw in his first taste against the midweek Lions. Unlike SBW, he didn't have that match winning performance SBW had for the Blues nor did we see a work rate from Laumape like SBW had for the All Blacks. Test match footy can really get to a rookie and so I think Hansen made the right call with SBW and tonights game reinforced that. Theres a difference between Super and internationals and its good we got Hansen who can recognise those things some of us can't see.

Te Toiroa played poorly. It's a shame because he can potentially be a good player. This match only highlighted the fact that he doesn't play enough, Perenara being the incumbent (and immovable) Canes halfback

 

[Groundhog]

Good game. Got a feeling there could be a whipping this weekend. If not, it gonna be the 3rd test.

Umaga and Mealamu didn't do anything wrong.

Well, hey if you got the Umaga/Mealamu treatment at least severe brain damage has already been taken off the table so they wouldn't need to worry about that.

Lions

• Call me mad, but I think Biggar has been the form 1st 5 this tour. I'd give him a run ahead of Farrell who has been pretty average.
• Lawes and Henderson really impressed, no idea why Lawes wasn't in the test squad originally, I was genuinely surprised and some what relieved he wasn't.
• Joseph and North were good, North finally finding some form.
• Seymour does some good, then something bad, if he'd cut out those errors he'd likely be in the test team.
• Laidlaw probably had his best game of the tour.
• AWJ should be no where near the test team.
• Hendersen was MotM until that stupid yellow card

Overall all I thought this was a great match. The referee was ridiculously inconsistent, but at least it didn't ruin the game. A draw was a fair result in the end. The turning point was Hendersens brain fart, which let the Canes back in it.. Great match though, a classic. Not too concerned for this weekend though, the Lions lack a killer edge and direction at times, there's not much chance for them beating the All Blacks now.

Biggar is really not that good. He kicks aimlessly and with poor distance so often, and doesn't bring his players into the game. He's nowhere near Sexton's level, who I maintain should start I'm willing to say Laidlaw had a good game, although he really needs to put the ball in front of players and hit them in stride. There was one stage today Haskell tried to pick a line, Laidlaw was too slow so Haskell had to go back and start again. Also got charged down but it happens. Still great headsup for the great try we scored.
Lawes and Hendo were class. Hendo's yellow was the right call, but non-malicious. He was still my MOTM, although his mistake made us suffer. Seymour won't be near the team, but he certainly has a great strike rate. AWJ sadly is gassed.
Agreed on the quality of the game as a spectacle. Really great rugby by both sides, despite the bittersweet result. I also wouldn't be worried about the weekend if I were you. This squad is so disjointed and poorly managed in a number of ways and we'd need to be 120% with a bunch of luck to win.

 

[Caitlyn Jenner]

Scumaga and co. took out the best player on the opposition side and arguably the world in the 1st, one was pre-meditated the other was a rugby incident.

Premeditated? You really think that the ABs went out there with a set purpose to injure BOD? I'm sorry but that's crap. I can assure you that trying to injure BOD would've been the last thing on their minds going into that game. More likely they would've been thinking about stuff like err, idk, maybe trying to execute a game-plan, nailing their set-pieces, playing better rugby than the Lions?....... something along those lines....... just a guess.

No one's denying that it was a horrendous incident and went wrongly unpunished at the time... but personal attacks on Umaga, suggesting that they wanted to injure BOD etc. is just nonsense. It WAS a very poorly executed clean-out by two players who didn't show enough care for the well-being of their opposition, which unfortunately resulted in an injury to the Lions' skipper.
It was NOT a malicious, premeditated attack on a specific individual with the sole purpose to 'take out' said individual. That's just bitter bullshit. I really do think it's time we moved on.