Weirdly finding myself getting more and more meh about the Lions the closer we’ve got to the first test. Think it’s probably because it’s been quite clear for a while that nobody is playing their way into the side. Injuries the only selection variable.
Bit nervous how the Aussies and the press are playing down the Wallabies chances. I think Schmidt will try and play it close, going through 10+ close phase possessions and then kick for land. If the Lions 6, 7 & 8 can resist rucking, then it may force the Aussies to open up.
Yep, they will be smart, probably drilled to kick early and deep, think it’s been pretty wet there. Muddle through in the scrums. Use turnovers as easy ins to the 22, and Sua'ali'i contesting in the air.
The Lions back three aren't great kickers of the ball so the Aussie read will be that the Lions will counter to the 22, phase, phase then the box kick or deep kick from Russell. The forwards will have to jam away from the sidelines because like we say, the Aus will look to pressure the close phase
Nervous about the amount of shit stirring the Aussies are doing about off field stuff which doesn’t matter … it’s a distraction technique
Same. It would have saved a lot of trouble/ time if we just picked a “Farrell and Friends XV” vs Aus over three matches and that way Jac could have played against Japan and Ben White against Fiji.
Maybe next time, to get round all the pretence bollocks, the squad selection should just be made using the national lottery ball machine. 70 known players, and 5 randoms gives you a final squad selected by machine, that the coach has to make a team out of.
Imagine the TV. “So Andy. Tough draw. 35 players. 12 Loose Head props. No Locks. Kim Kardashian as the bolter who is”… (checks notes) “a hooker? And the bonus ball gave you Austin Healey as captain. So hard lines there. But at least you got Tom Curry”