B&I Lions v Western Force

[Banquo]

Beginning to think when Itoje does next play, maybe give him a run out at 6 rather than lock? Second row’s frankly looking better without him if this is anything to go by.

What you mean apart from the shambolic lineout and restarts? He’s a world class second row-are you saying Cummings is better than him?

[Banquo]

So despite Greenwood’s ludicrous comment earlier about sides going for years without claiming a restart, the lions are having a few issues there.

Despite your later comment re itoje, this area is where he is great.
I’m mystified why you and jngf don’t think he should be starting at lock. He’s a very average 6 btw, even at club level.

[Which Tyler]

Comical yellow. The warning was 20 mins plus ago

For me, it wasn't a penalty. But if it was, then I'm fine with the yellow.
I dislike that final warnings so often come with a time limit.
I also dislike when final warnings are merely the first of three "I really mean it this time" warnings, before the actual card might emerge

We will have to disagree. Gave away 4 in 15 mins, but then 2 in rest of half. IMO it’s contextual.

No problem at all, I know it's an unpopular opinion, just a pet peeve really

[jngf]

So despite Greenwood’s ludicrous comment earlier about sides going for years without claiming a restart, the lions are having a few issues there.

Despite your later comment re itoje, this area is where he is great.
I’m mystified why you and jngf don’t think he should be starting at lock. He’s a very average 6 btw, even at club level.

Simply because he was a very average lock against Argentina and we’ve seen combinations which work better without him since. Given he will play tests being captain, he may slot in better at 6 so that we retain more ballast and carrying power in the second row whilst also keeping Itoje’s own strengths of fetching and lineout jumping (frankly both of which were conspicuous by their absence in the Argentina game! )

[Banquo]

For me, it wasn't a penalty. But if it was, then I'm fine with the yellow.
I dislike that final warnings so often come with a time limit.
I also dislike when final warnings are merely the first of three "I really mean it this time" warnings, before the actual card might emerge

We will have to disagree. Gave away 4 in 15 mins, but then 2 in rest of half. IMO it’s contextual.

No problem at all, I know it's an unpopular opinion, just a pet peeve really

I do agree that they often bottle it, but imo in this case the warning worked in the relevant passage of play and several subsequent.

[Banquo]

So despite Greenwood’s ludicrous comment earlier about sides going for years without claiming a restart, the lions are having a few issues there.

Despite your later comment re itoje, this area is where he is great.
I’m mystified why you and jngf don’t think he should be starting at lock. He’s a very average 6 btw, even at club level.

Simply because he was a very average lock against Argentina and we’ve seen combinations which work better without him.Given he will play tests being captain, he may slot in better at 6 so that have some ballast and carrying power in the second row but retain Itoje’s strengths of fetching and lineout jumping (frankly both of which were conspicuous by their absence in the Aregebtina game! )

Have we? Lineout and restarts a shambles. I don’t think pairing Itoje with Beirne helped either of them. I like Itoje and McCarthy as a potl combo.
He’s not a good 6, and we have options aplenty.

[Which Tyler]

Suggesting Itoje at 6 is just insanity.
Hell, it's pretty crazy at club level, a proven failure internationally, and insanity at Lions level

[Banquo]

Suggesting Itoje at 6 is just insanity.
Hell, it's pretty crazy at club level, a proven failure internationally, and insanity at Lions level

Yes. Personally I thought he was fine v Argentina despite being flogged to death all season.

[jngf]

For me 4 Chessum and 5 McCarthy/Cummings would be a better balanced Lions test lock pairing than anything currently featuring Itoje - he really needs a pick up in form sooner rather than later imo

[Banquo]

Mitchell gone well, Daly continues to impress

[Banquo]

For me 4 Chessum and 5 McCarthy/Cummings would be a better balanced Lions test lock pairing than anything featuring Itoje - he really needs a pick up in form sooner rather than later imo

Hard disagree, alongside every coach . Let’s move on.

[jngf]

For me 4 Chessum and 5 McCarthy/Cummings would be a better balanced Lions test lock pairing than anything featuring Itoje - he really needs a pick up in form sooner rather than later imo

Hard disagree. Let’s move on.

Agreed

[Banquo]

Two things- O Keefe not allowing anything like a jackal and looks like not bothered about suspicious looking line speeds ie backfoot offsides

[Which Tyler]

For me 4 Chessum and 5 McCarthy/Cummings would be a better balanced Lions test lock pairing than anything currently featuring Itoje - he really needs a pick up in form sooner rather than later imo

I disagree, but if Farrell agrees, then the solution is Itoje to the bench, not 6.

It's "Itoje at 6" that's insane, not "Itoje is knackered and needs a break"

[Banquo]

Fair play Hansen good last 30 or so.

Scrappy set piece and defence looks like it needs a lot of work- communication probably.

[Sandydragon]

Despite your later comment re itoje, this area is where he is great.
I’m mystified why you and jngf don’t think he should be starting at lock. He’s a very average 6 btw, even at club level.

Simply because he was a very average lock against Argentina and we’ve seen combinations which work better without him.Given he will play tests being captain, he may slot in better at 6 so that have some ballast and carrying power in the second row but retain Itoje’s strengths of fetching and lineout jumping (frankly both of which were conspicuous by their absence in the Aregebtina game! )

Have we? Lineout and restarts a shambles. I don’t think pairing Itoje with Beirne helped either of them. I like Itoje and McCarthy as a potl combo.
He’s not a good 6, and we have options aplenty.

To be clear, there’s no way I would pick Itoje at blindside. But he has real competition for a second row space at the moment

[Oakboy]

Despite your later comment re itoje, this area is where he is great.
I’m mystified why you and jngf don’t think he should be starting at lock. He’s a very average 6 btw, even at club level.

Simply because he was a very average lock against Argentina and we’ve seen combinations which work better without him.Given he will play tests being captain, he may slot in better at 6 so that have some ballast and carrying power in the second row but retain Itoje’s strengths of fetching and lineout jumping (frankly both of which were conspicuous by their absence in the Aregebtina game! )

Have we? Lineout and restarts a shambles. I don’t think pairing Itoje with Beirne helped either of them. I like Itoje and McCarthy as a potl combo.
He’s not a good 6, and we have options aplenty.

Itoje and McCarthy seems the obvious 2nd row combination to me.

[Sandydragon]

Really competitive first half and some clear area for improvement, notably restarts. Most of the lions issues still seem to be unfamiliarity based, but the centre pairing seemed more balanced than previously.

Fitness a huge factor in second half, but good composure to keep to the game plan and put 50 points past the opposition.

The lack of hackle penalty was interesting and unusual. But play the ref.

[Sandydragon]

Simply because he was a very average lock against Argentina and we’ve seen combinations which work better without him.Given he will play tests being captain, he may slot in better at 6 so that have some ballast and carrying power in the second row but retain Itoje’s strengths of fetching and lineout jumping (frankly both of which were conspicuous by their absence in the Aregebtina game! )

Have we? Lineout and restarts a shambles. I don’t think pairing Itoje with Beirne helped either of them. I like Itoje and McCarthy as a potl combo.
He’s not a good 6, and we have options aplenty.

Itoje and McCarthy seems the obvious 2nd row combination to me.

McCarthy out his hand up today.

Back row is far from clear. Beirne at blindside is a mixed bag.

[Lizard]

See? I told you the Force were poos.

[Spiffy]

Disappointed to see that Lions decided not to contest the line out.Their tackling was also a tad on the weak side. They were in the right spot to make the tackle, made contact but allowed the carrier to make metres time and again.
Who said Finn Russell couldn't defend - he was putting himself about in the first half. James Lowe looks overweight. McCarthy and Chessum great. Daly sound and smart. Cruel luck for Tomas - hope it's not serious. I was betting on him for the test team.

[Big D]

Short tour tho

Yeah, and they will need a backup if Tomos is in any way doubtful for Wednesday.

Not sure jgp is near fit

Ben White will be around NZ right now, or due to fly soon. Should be told to redirect to Brisbane.

[Galfon]

Comment from WF skip, White:

Henry Pollock was certainly up to the hype. From 50 minutes plus they kept the intensity and he came into his own.

if he had a USP that may be it.Earned his corn today, though showed the rough on his diamond bits that wouldn't be unexpected.

[switchskier]

Such a relief after the turgid nature of the last tour.

Still lots to work on, especially in defence. Two different players have been exposed in the 13 channel now, something's not quite right or they're not quite getting how the system is meant to work.

Hansen did have a good last 20 but before that I was thinking justice for Darcy. We do look short of top end gas.

[BaldiePete]

Yeah, and they will need a backup if Tomos is in any way doubtful for Wednesday.

Not sure jgp is near fit

Ben White will be around NZ right now, or due to fly soon. Should be told to redirect to Brisbane.

Scottish Rugby Facebook page has photos of their first training session in New Zealand, so it would be a relatively short flight for him to get to Brisbane.