v Blues

[Mellsblue]

Team:

Halfpenny; Nowell, Payne, Henshaw, Daly; Biggar, Webb; McGrath, Owens (captain), Cole, Itoje, Lawes, Haskell, Tipuric, Stander

Replacements: Best, Marler, Sinckler, Henderson, O'Mahony, Laidlaw, Sexton, L Williams


How much captaincy experience does Owens have?

[bruce]

Last 2 or 3 seasons as Scarlets captain.

[zer0]

Marginal calls aside, the Blues will be fielding their best available side.

1. Tu'ungafasi
2. Parsons
3. Faumuina
4. Cowley-Tuioti
5. Scrafton
6. A. Ioane
7. Gibson
8. Luatua
9. Pulu
10. Perofeta
11. R. Ioane
12. SBW/Faiane
13. Moala
14. Duffy
15. Collins

16. Faiva
17. Hodgman
18. Mafileo
19. Tuipulotu
20. K Pryor
21. Nock
22. West
23. Faiane/Nanai

[cashead]

Not sure if Perofeta qualifies as being in the "best side," seeing as how he's only just played, like, 1 game. Nanai would also be on the wing with Ioane moving over to 13 to pair SBW.

Of course, I wonder how SBW will look on Wednesday, coming off a concussion-forced lay-off plus being right smack in the middle of Ramadan.

[Mellsblue]

Last 2 or 3 seasons as Scarlets captain.

Cheers. Clearly the best man for the job, after Haskell obviously. I assume he turned it down to concentrate on dominating the opposition.

[Digby]

Not sure if Perofeta qualifies as being in the "best side," seeing as how he's only just played, like, 1 game. Nanai would also be on the wing with Ioane moving over to 13 to pair SBW.

Of course, I wonder how SBW will look on Wednesday, coming off a concussion-forced lay-off plus being right smack in the middle of Ramadan.

No obligation on SBW to observe Ramadan given his career. Has he confirmed he is observing the obligations in full? One would think it'd be quite dangerous to go 10 hours fasting and taking on no fluids and then cramming both food and drink just 2-3 hours before kick-off

[cashead]

Not sure if Perofeta qualifies as being in the "best side," seeing as how he's only just played, like, 1 game. Nanai would also be on the wing with Ioane moving over to 13 to pair SBW.

Of course, I wonder how SBW will look on Wednesday, coming off a concussion-forced lay-off plus being right smack in the middle of Ramadan.

No obligation on SBW to observe Ramadan given his career. Has he confirmed he is observing the obligations in full? One would think it'd be quite dangerous to go 10 hours fasting and taking on no fluids and then cramming both food and drink just 2-3 hours before kick-off

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/ar ... d=11870002

[Digby]

He's an odd chap

[Timbo]

Just scanning through that Blues 23, they're a big, athletic team aren't they. Don't see much of a physical edge for the Lions anywhere.

[Spy]

Just scanning through that Blues 23, they're a big, athletic team aren't they. Don't see much of a physical edge for the Lions anywhere.

Blues teams generally manage to underwhelm physically, and it's cold and wet in Auckland at the moment. We like it fast and loose.

[ALunpg]

What is the pitch condition/ weather expected at Eden Park for the match .?

[Lizard]

The pitch will be fine. Eden Park's turf drains very well. There could well be some rain but probably only showers, certainly some dew. You can expect maybe 11-13 degrees. That said, Auckland is surrounded by oceans and fucking anything can happen at any time, weather wise.

[jared_7]

The last few days here it has been a mixture of sunshine and the odd spot of rain, the Eden Park pitch is the best around and its not too cold.

[Spy]

You home for the Lions, Jared?

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[Eugene Wrayburn]

Not sure whether this or the Maori represent our best chance of another win. The Blues do have an incredible ability to implode.

[Lizard]

I'm not sure about that. The Blues are the worst NZ Super team this season but they will be near full-strength. The Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs will be without their All Blacks so might be a better chance.

I expect that the Maori side selected will be as strong as possible (a la 2005).

[stud muffin]

Howley has been interviewed saying he doesn't understand what "Warrenball" is and where it's come from!! Holy cr@p we're so screwed!

[Son of Mathonwy]

Howley has been interviewed saying he doesn't understand what "Warrenball" is and where it's come from!! Holy cr@p we're so screwed!

He's still trying to work out what Howleyball is. Let's not expect too much too soon.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

I'm not sure about that. The Blues are the worst NZ Super team this season but they will be near full-strength. The Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs will be without their All Blacks so might be a better chance.

I expect that the Maori side selected will be as strong as possible (a la 2005).

We're playing the highlanders, Chiefs and Canes midweek so whilst they may be without their ABs we're going to be running our B side. Actually with Gatland's selectorial abilities that may be better players but they'll still be playing his gameplan and they will be even less suited to it.

[canta_brian]

I'm not sure about that. The Blues are the worst NZ Super team this season but they will be near full-strength. The Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs will be without their All Blacks so might be a better chance.

I expect that the Maori side selected will be as strong as possible (a la 2005).

We're playing the highlanders, Chiefs and Canes midweek so whilst they may be without their ABs we're going to be running our B side. Actually with Gatland's selectorial abilities that may be better players but they'll still be playing his gameplan and they will be even less suited to it.

Sounds like you've written the loins off already Eug. What would constitute a successful tour for you?

[J Dory]

Ok, predictions time, lets have 'em.

Blues by 15.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

I'm not sure about that. The Blues are the worst NZ Super team this season but they will be near full-strength. The Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs will be without their All Blacks so might be a better chance.

I expect that the Maori side selected will be as strong as possible (a la 2005).

We're playing the highlanders, Chiefs and Canes midweek so whilst they may be without their ABs we're going to be running our B side. Actually with Gatland's selectorial abilities that may be better players but they'll still be playing his gameplan and they will be even less suited to it.

Sounds like you've written the loins off already Eug. What would constitute a successful tour for you?

A succesful tour would be winning the series. A tour in which we win a live Test would be more successful than I remotely expect. One in which we win 2 more games would be not as disastrous as I fear.

[morepork]

Blues will be 2 points behind at 80, will win a penalty in front of the posts. They opt to kick for touch, but put it out over the in goal.

[Puja]

This is a much better side than Saturday's and I still suspect that the Kiwis are being too smug over their bottom team versus some of our best internationals (and Haskell). Lions by 8.

Puja

[jared_7]

You home for the Lions, Jared?

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Just one week for family reasons, unfortunately, mate. Will see the Blues and Crusaders games, hopefully at least one win in there.