Australia

[Cameo]

Thought we should get a thread on how Australia are shaping up.

Overall, I think they'll be reasonably competitive because they are at home and they are well coached, but ultimately they have some weaknesses which are likely to cost them. Super Rugby teams have been doing well, but the schedule means it is slightly misleading - I still think three of the four best teams are the kiwi ones.

As a summary, from where I see it:

- Front row: Bell is very good. Tupou can be but rarely is. Hookers are okay but a bit average. Backup props generally struggle.

- Second row: Fine but not world beaters. If Skelton plays and is on form, that could make a bit difference.

- Backrow: I think the main area they will think they have an advantage. Polledri, McReight, Wilson, and Valentini looks like a better balanced group than the Lions can put out, though as ever a lot depends on the ref. There'll be no bad players on show.

- Scrum half: Not quite sure who's in pole position. I've never been a Nic White fan. Jake Gordon is in a similar mould but has something about him. McDermott is a good bench option but hasn't really stepped up at international level.

- Fly half: A big weakness for me. Lolesio is quite likeable but still comes across as a nervous newbie despite about 4 years of regular gametime. Good goalkicker and has the odd good game but I'm not convinced. The rest all seem okay but not really dominant. The fact O'Connor apparently could come back into the squad on the back of looking composed off the bench for the Crusaders is saying something.

- Centres: A good collection of talent but not sure there is a settled partnership yet. Looks like Suaalii is focusing on 15.

- Wings: Wright and Kellaway are both good and there are some very talented youngsters.

- Fullback: Wright might play 15 and is very dangerous there but if they want to play Suaalii it looks like it will be here. Some say he has starred in Super Rugby but I would say he has shown flashes. Amazing athlete with good instincts and good hands, but has missed quite a lot of games (bad concussion on Friday night).

With Schmidt and the players there, I don't think they'll get blown away but it is not like they are a well settled team that can just rely on cohesion to beat the Lions.

[Mr Mwenda]

Interesting, thanks!

[Cameo]

And now Loleseo stretchered off with a spinal injury. Moving arms and legs so hopefully not as bad as could be.

[Cameo]

Suaalii has a broken jaw and is having surgery. Out for rest of Super Rugby, but should be fit for Lions. Not exactly the season he would have wanted to establish himself in Union.

[Cameo]

Wallabies squad for Fiji test (their one warmup)

Largely ad expected I think, though some thought O'Connor (or perhaps even Foley) would sneak in. Corey Toole is an interesting one. Absolutely rapid.

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

[Cameo]

Beat Fiji with a try with two minutes to go. Loleseo concussed again. They are all over the place at 10.

I think their main hope is at the breakdown. Very good set of backrow forwards. But Lions big favourites I'd say, whether they select my favourites or not.

[Cameo]

Loleseo out. Neck injury needed surgery. That leaves Donaldson and Lynagh (who's currently injured) as their 10 options in the squad.

They could call up O'Connor, who is okay, but despite the writeups was third choice for Crusaders this season and was only brought on for about 2 minutes of the final.

Bernard Foleybis the other, more interesting option, but he's been away for a long while.

[jngf]

Thought we should get a thread on how Australia are shaping up.

Overall, I think they'll be reasonably competitive because they are at home and they are well coached, but ultimately they have some weaknesses which are likely to cost them. Super Rugby teams have been doing well, but the schedule means it is slightly misleading - I still think three of the four best teams are the kiwi ones.

As a summary, from where I see it:

- Front row: Bell is very good. Tupou can be but rarely is. Hookers are okay but a bit average. Backup props generally struggle.

- Second row: Fine but not world beaters. If Skelton plays and is on form, that could make a bit difference.

- Backrow: I think the main area they will think they have an advantage. Polledri, McReight, Wilson, and Valentini looks like a better balanced group than the Lions can put out, though as ever a lot depends on the ref. There'll be no bad players on show.

- Scrum half: Not quite sure who's in pole position. I've never been a Nic White fan. Jake Gordon is in a similar mould but has something about him. McDermott is a good bench option but hasn't really stepped up at international level.

- Fly half: A big weakness for me. Lolesio is quite likeable but still comes across as a nervous newbie despite about 4 years of regular gametime. Good goalkicker and has the odd good game but I'm not convinced. The rest all seem okay but not really dominant. The fact O'Connor apparently could come back into the squad on the back of looking composed off the bench for the Crusaders is saying something.

- Centres: A good collection of talent but not sure there is a settled partnership yet. Looks like Suaalii is focusing on 15.

- Wings: Wright and Kellaway are both good and there are some very talented youngsters.

- Fullback: Wright might play 15 and is very dangerous there but if they want to play Suaalii it looks like it will be here. Some say he has starred in Super Rugby but I would say he has shown flashes. Amazing athlete with good instincts and good hands, but has missed quite a lot of games (bad concussion on Friday night).

With Schmidt and the players there, I don't think they'll get blown away but it is not like they are a well settled team that can just rely on cohesion to beat the Lions.

Australia have the advantage of picking at least one no.8 in their squad