1ST TEST

[Sandydragon]

Positives were...

Sheehan, who was excellent, the backrow first half, the Scottish three in midfield.

OKs were Genge, who was shafted by his best friend Beno at times, Furlong, Itoje, McCarthy, Conan second half, JGP, Freeman, Chessum, Mitchell, Smith, Ali, Stuart.

Poor were Keenan, the flanks second half, Porter, Kelleher, Earl.

If Kinghorn is fit, he surely has to come in to the XV. I'd also think about swapping around the backrow a bit, though not averse to the same again. I would personally give serious thought to dropping Lowe...but Farrell hasn't picked any decent wings. And the bench needs to change. I'm not a Schoeman fan, but I thought Porter was very poor. George would be straight into that 16 shirt for me, as I feel he's the closest we have to Sheehan in ability. I'd probably pick Morgan on the bench if he's not starting. If he starts...pick Pollock. And I'd love to see someone else in the 23 shirt...but that's a tough one as there's again no-one who can cover across.

We showed the same problems NH teams have against our SH counterparts in the second half: an inability to get the ball and keep hold of it. We need to solve for that, as Aus won't be as bad as they were first half again.

The lack of any jackle threat was noticeable in the second half when the game op bed up a little and Beirne tired. Not sure what Earl was trying to achieve, but the hulk smash tactic got figured out at half time.

[Spiffy]

I know that Darcy Graham is a makeweight, late call up, but I'd love to see him straight into the test team ahead of Lowe and possibly even Freeman. I also know it ain't gonna happen.

[Sandydragon]

I know that Darcy Graham is a makeweight, late call up, but I'd love to see him straight into the test team ahead of Lowe and possibly even Freeman. I also know it ain't gonna happen.

Agreed. Lowe is looking a bit sluggish and Freeman can be a bit hot and cold.

But Farrell clearly wants a power game regardless of any other options. Provided the Lions can dominate again next week it will work, but there’s not much of a plan B apparent.

[Stom]

I know that Darcy Graham is a makeweight, late call up, but I'd love to see him straight into the test team ahead of Lowe and possibly even Freeman. I also know it ain't gonna happen.

I thought Freeman was good all told. But yeah, I didn't think much of Lowe. But Graham is only there as "training cover". Not keen on any of the other wing options, tbh.

[Oakboy]

But Farrell clearly wants a power game regardless of any other options. Provided the Lions can dominate again next week it will work, but there’s not much of a plan B apparent.

Agreed. It is limited, effective and boring. Does 'winning is all' truly reflect Lions principles? Is 'better than previous tours' proper justification? Dare anyone mention words like flair, entertainment or excitement?

In terms of the relative squad strengths, I'd have thought this tour represented one of the best ever opportunities to 'go for it'.

Take Russell out and there's not much to thrill. It is simply disappointing.

[Danno]

I know that Darcy Graham is a makeweight, late call up, but I'd love to see him straight into the test team ahead of Lowe and possibly even Freeman. I also know it ain't gonna happen.

I thought Freeman was good all told. But yeah, I didn't think much of Lowe. But Graham is only there as "training cover". Not keen on any of the other wing options, tbh.

I've only seen one other player kick away that much ball, Lowe was terrible.

[R3dders]

Some serious spoofing about curry in commentary imo, definitely should have had 1 yellow thought he was average best

Doesn't deserve to be there over Morgan

I hope aus play like the last 15 minutes and give a proper test next week

Curry was the clear motm.

[switchskier]

I know that Darcy Graham is a makeweight, late call up, but I'd love to see him straight into the test team ahead of Lowe and possibly even Freeman. I also know it ain't gonna happen.

I thought Freeman was good all told. But yeah, I didn't think much of Lowe. But Graham is only there as "training cover". Not keen on any of the other wing options, tbh.

I've only seen one other player kick away that much ball, Lowe was terrible.

And kick it poorly too. The first Aussie try came from him kicking it straight to Lynagh. He's supposedly got this huge boot but the only one he connected cleanly on went dead.

[bruce]

Some serious spoofing about curry in commentary imo, definitely should have had 1 yellow thought he was average best

Doesn't deserve to be there over Morgan

I hope aus play like the last 15 minutes and give a proper test next week

Curry was the clear motm.

Assume this is a pisstake. Thought I'd watch the game after seeing the jizzfest and headlines like Immense Curry with World Class Performance, and apart from a big hit early on and his try, the only other highlight was a tackle in the air. Otherwise fairly meh which seems to be backed up by his stats.

[BaldiePete]

I thought Freeman was good all told. But yeah, I didn't think much of Lowe. But Graham is only there as "training cover". Not keen on any of the other wing options, tbh.

I've only seen one other player kick away that much ball, Lowe was terrible.

And kick it poorly too. The first Aussie try came from him kicking it straight to Lynagh. He's supposedly got this huge boot but the only one he connected cleanly on went dead.

See, this is why they need Duhan, you don’t see him making poor kicks because he never kicks.

[Cameo]

Duhan's confidence looks a bit low, but there is a serious point in here. If you pick wings for their all round game rsther than game breaking, it really puts the onus on them to make good decisions and execute. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kinghorn on a wing next week, but he's a bit wasted there.

Back row was good. I am in the middle on Curry. Best he's played all tour and definitely a good game, but not as good as the hype. Beirne for me was as impactful, if not more. The big issue in the backrow was the drop off after half time. I'd still start Morgan but, failing that, let's put him on the bench.

I don't really get the chat about them being boring. Seems to me they are quite ambitious.

[Banquo]

Duhan's confidence looks a bit low, but there is a serious point in here. If you pick wings for their all round game rsther than game breaking, it really puts the onus on them to make good decisions and execute. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kinghorn on a wing next week, but he's a bit wasted there.

Back row was good. I am in the middle on Curry. Best he's played all tour and definitely a good game, but not as good as the hype. Beirne for me was as impactful, if not more. The big issue in the backrow was the drop off after half time. I'd still start Morgan but, failing that, let's put him on the bench.

I don't really get the chat about them being boring. Seems to me they are quite ambitious.

Back three is definitely sketchy, including other option tbh.
Pack performance fell off a cliff when MCCarthy, Curry, Genge and Sheehan disappeared and Beirne and Itoje tired. Back row was superb for 50 mins, and Curry was a huge part of it.
Agreed- ball in hand, we looked pretty dangerous and ambitious until the pack ceased to exist

[Sandydragon]

Some serious spoofing about curry in commentary imo, definitely should have had 1 yellow thought he was average best

Doesn't deserve to be there over Morgan

I hope aus play like the last 15 minutes and give a proper test next week

Curry was the clear motm.

Assume this is a pisstake. Thought I'd watch the game after seeing the jizzfest and headlines like Immense Curry with World Class Performance, and apart from a big hit early on and his try, the only other highlight was a tackle in the air. Otherwise fairly meh which seems to be backed up by his stats.

There was always going to be a huge backlash after the controversy. Curry was goo, but not 11/10 amazing as some commentators seem to suggest. Not even a 9/10.

Some big smash hits, a try and a great pass for another. All good. Some poorly timed hits and very close to a yellow, not so great. And he was plainly knackered by 50 mins.

Compared to Beirne who was going the full 80 and deserved the plaudits of a very good performance.


Backrow need a think since if Curry can’t last the full 80 then we need someone who can retrieve the ball in the second half. I’m not sure the total power game will work as well next week with a strong er Aussie pack.

[BaldiePete]

Duhan's confidence looks a bit low, but there is a serious point in here. If you pick wings for their all round game rsther than game breaking, it really puts the onus on them to make good decisions and execute. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kinghorn on a wing next week, but he's a bit wasted there.

Kinghorn mostly plays on the wing for Toulouse because they have Ramos at full back. It’s a position he plays a lot more than full back, he would be a good wing selection. Coaches tend not to change a team that wins unless they have to due to injury so I’d expect Lowe to start again next week but I’d hope Kinghorn will at least make the bench on Saturday.

[Banquo]

Duhan's confidence looks a bit low, but there is a serious point in here. If you pick wings for their all round game rsther than game breaking, it really puts the onus on them to make good decisions and execute. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kinghorn on a wing next week, but he's a bit wasted there.

Kinghorn mostly plays on the wing for Toulouse because they have Ramos at full back. It’s a position he plays a lot more than full back, he would be a good wing selection. Coaches tend not to change a team that wins unless they have to due to injury so I’d expect Lowe to start again next week but I’d hope Kinghorn will at least make the bench on Saturday.

I think if Kinghorn is to make the bench you’d need 10 AND 12 cover. And that means…..

[Banquo]

Curry was the clear motm.

Assume this is a pisstake. Thought I'd watch the game after seeing the jizzfest and headlines like Immense Curry with World Class Performance, and apart from a big hit early on and his try, the only other highlight was a tackle in the air. Otherwise fairly meh which seems to be backed up by his stats.

There was always going to be a huge backlash after the controversy. Curry was goo, but not 11/10 amazing as some commentators seem to suggest. Not even a 9/10.

Some big smash hits, a try and a great pass for another. All good. Some poorly timed hits and very close to a yellow, not so great. And he was plainly knackered by 50 mins.

Compared to Beirne who was going the full 80 and deserved the plaudits of a very good performance.


Backrow need a think since if Curry can’t last the full 80 then we need someone who can retrieve the ball in the second half. I’m not sure the total power game will work as well next week with a strong er Aussie pack.

I think the intensity of the first 50 mins took its toll on those who played 80, and the bench was a huge downgrade in the front row especially and at 7.

Imo Curry set the tone in terms of work rate, physicality and energy. Beirne was more influential esp come lineout but also faded.

[pjm1]

Curry was the clear motm.

Assume this is a pisstake. Thought I'd watch the game after seeing the jizzfest and headlines like Immense Curry with World Class Performance, and apart from a big hit early on and his try, the only other highlight was a tackle in the air. Otherwise fairly meh which seems to be backed up by his stats.

There was always going to be a huge backlash after the controversy. Curry was goo, but not 11/10 amazing as some commentators seem to suggest. Not even a 9/10.

Some big smash hits, a try and a great pass for another. All good. Some poorly timed hits and very close to a yellow, not so great. And he was plainly knackered by 50 mins.

Compared to Beirne who was going the full 80 and deserved the plaudits of a very good performance.


Backrow need a think since if Curry can’t last the full 80 then we need someone who can retrieve the ball in the second half. I’m not sure the total power game will work as well next week with a strong er Aussie pack.

I’m with you 100%. Curry did well (but had a couple of nearly-mares) but I wouldn’t start him next week. However, I think that would be a brave call in terms of media reaction given his highlights reel. But for me the fact he struggles to last much past half time is a big issue and almost requires a 6-2 bench.

If McCarthy is out we will suffer in the heft department although Cummings has been good. In spite of his poor performance, I could sort of see an argument for Earl at 7. But my preference would be Morgan with the requisite need to manage his time on Tuesday - has the team been announced?

Otherwise suspect the only other potential change will be Hansen for Freeman - or none.

[BaldiePete]

Duhan's confidence looks a bit low, but there is a serious point in here. If you pick wings for their all round game rsther than game breaking, it really puts the onus on them to make good decisions and execute. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kinghorn on a wing next week, but he's a bit wasted there.

Kinghorn mostly plays on the wing for Toulouse because they have Ramos at full back. It’s a position he plays a lot more than full back, he would be a good wing selection. Coaches tend not to change a team that wins unless they have to due to injury so I’d expect Lowe to start again next week but I’d hope Kinghorn will at least make the bench on Saturday.

I think if Kinghorn is to make the bench you’d need 10 AND 12 cover. And that means…..

Kinghorn can also play 10. He’s done it for Edinburgh, Toulouse and Scotland. Definitely not his strongest position though and his place kicking is flaky.

[Banquo]

Kinghorn mostly plays on the wing for Toulouse because they have Ramos at full back. It’s a position he plays a lot more than full back, he would be a good wing selection. Coaches tend not to change a team that wins unless they have to due to injury so I’d expect Lowe to start again next week but I’d hope Kinghorn will at least make the bench on Saturday.

I think if Kinghorn is to make the bench you’d need 10 AND 12 cover. And that means…..

Kinghorn can also play 10. He’s done it for Edinburgh, Toulouse and Scotland. Definitely not his strongest position though and his place kicking is flaky.

fair point! Phew.

[paddy no 11]

Some serious spoofing about curry in commentary imo, definitely should have had 1 yellow thought he was average best

Doesn't deserve to be there over Morgan

I hope aus play like the last 15 minutes and give a proper test next week

Curry was the clear motm.

Assume this is a pisstake. Thought I'd watch the game after seeing the jizzfest and headlines like Immense Curry with World Class Performance, and apart from a big hit early on and his try, the only other highlight was a tackle in the air. Otherwise fairly meh which seems to be backed up by his stats.

Exactly, and playing a guy who's clearly injured/unfit is a major risk, especially when we know the guy replacing him is pants. Morgan should be there for 80 minutes

[Big D]

Kinghorn mostly plays on the wing for Toulouse because they have Ramos at full back. It’s a position he plays a lot more than full back, he would be a good wing selection. Coaches tend not to change a team that wins unless they have to due to injury so I’d expect Lowe to start again next week but I’d hope Kinghorn will at least make the bench on Saturday.

I think if Kinghorn is to make the bench you’d need 10 AND 12 cover. And that means…..

Kinghorn can also play 10. He’s done it for Edinburgh, Toulouse and Scotland. Definitely not his strongest position though and his place kicking is flaky.

Hasn't his place kicking been decent for Toulouse when called upon?

[Big D]

I think there has to be changes to the bench. Kelleher and Porter were poor.

Depending on injuries, George, Schoeman, Cummings, Ringrose and Kinghorn all have reasonable shouts for inclusion on the bench (I'd start Kinghorn).

[Which Tyler]

I watched the first 60-70 mostly on fast forward, and was only caught up with about 15ish minutes to play.

That looked like a match that was won in the opening 20 minutes, and confirmed by half time. Thereafter... whilst the Aussies improved their play, and clung on to the ball for longer, there also seemed less intensity from the Lions - not sure if that was a matter of complacency, or protecting of bodies, knowing they're already knackered (travel and mid-week games), and have 2 more tests to go.
But a win, playing badly, that could have ended up being a route with a little more vim and vigour is... kinda what I was expecting if I'm honest.

[Banquo]

I watched the first 60-70 mostly on fast forward, and was only caught up with about 15ish minutes to play.

That looked like a match that was won in the opening 20 minutes, and confirmed by half time. Thereafter... whilst the Aussies improved their play, and clung on to the ball for longer, there also seemed less intensity from the Lions - not sure if that was a matter of complacency, or protecting of bodies, knowing they're already knackered (travel and mid-week games), and have 2 more tests to go.
But a win, playing badly, that could have ended up being a route with a little more vim and vigour is... kinda what I was expecting if I'm honest.

I think they went flat out for 50 mins and a mix of tiredness, post adrenaline rush, complacency and poor replacement efforts then happened. They actually played pretty well in the first 40, though finishing was mega sloppy as was the backfield; two tries clearly butchered and repelled from the red zone a fair few times.

[Sandydragon]

I watched the first 60-70 mostly on fast forward, and was only caught up with about 15ish minutes to play.

That looked like a match that was won in the opening 20 minutes, and confirmed by half time. Thereafter... whilst the Aussies improved their play, and clung on to the ball for longer, there also seemed less intensity from the Lions - not sure if that was a matter of complacency, or protecting of bodies, knowing they're already knackered (travel and mid-week games), and have 2 more tests to go.
But a win, playing badly, that could have ended up being a route with a little more vim and vigour is... kinda what I was expecting if I'm honest.

I think they went flat out for 50 mins and a mix of tiredness, post adrenaline rush, complacency and poor replacement efforts then happened. They actually played pretty well in the first 40, though finishing was mega sloppy as was the backfield; two tries clearly butchered and repelled from the red zone a fair few times.

Aussies will be improve next weekend, so if the tactic is to go full on to win the game in the first half, we will probably need a bigger lead. That means we need a more clinical approach than that we witnessed.