The Lions 2013

[Rosco]

I think it's time we go for broke. The ball carrying up front hasn't been great, the lineout isn't going to be great whoever we put in it. So lets put a grafting, ball carrying pack on the field. The game plan hasn't worked at all, we need to take the ball out of the scrum halves hands as much as possible and give Sexton quick ball so the midfield are given a chance to get over the gain line.


Corbs - Youngs - Jones

--AW--- Gray ----

Lydiate --- O'Brien --- Tipuric

Youngs ---- Sexton


--North ----- Roberts --- Davies --- Bowe

--------------------1/2p

 

[Judge Jules]

Is it actually the IRB which has cleared him though? I don't know the process in detail, but can't see how it could involve them appealing against a decision which they themselves had the power to overturn.

Whoever made the decision, it's garbage.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

My choice:

Corbs (pleaqse let him be fit)
Youngs
Jones
AW Jones
Evans
Lydiate
O'Brien
Falatue
Phillips
Sexton
Roberts
Davies
North
Bowe
Halfpenny

Reps: Cole, Vunipola, Hibbard, Croft, Gray, Youngs, Farrel and Tuilagi

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Very much a forwards based game please Mr Gatland.

 

[Ryan]

WOW.

Alun Wyn Jones to captain Lions team as Brian O'Driscoll misses out

• Wales forward to replace Sam Warburton
• Brian O'Driscoll not in matchday 23​

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• Paul Rees in Sydney
• guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 3 July 2013 12.49 AEST
• Jump to comments (28)

Brian O'Driscoll (left) will miss out on a Lions side captained by Alun Wyn Jones. Photograph: Action Images/AAP
Warren Gatland has chosen 10 Wales players for Saturday's final Test against Australia in Sydney with the 134-cap Brian O'Driscoll among the casualties. Alun Wyn Jones will lead a side containing seven changes, one positional, from last weekend's defeat.
O'Driscoll, who is on his fourth and last Lions tour, was the leading candidate to replace the injured captain Sam Warburton, not least because he was in charge of the team in 2005 and has worn the armband twice on this tour. But with the bid for the series being overwhelmingly Welsh, Jones – who led Wales in Italy in 2009 under Gatland but has been overlooked since for the permanent position – is charged with invoking the spirit that took the men in red to the Six Nations title against England in Cardiff last March.
Jonathan Davies is moved to outside-centre to accommodate Jamie Roberts, who missed the first two Tests because of a hamstring injury. Mike Phillips returns at scrum-half after missing Melbourne because of a knee complaint, while the front and back rows are beefed up.
Alex Corbisiero returns at prop, Richard Hibbard starts his first Test at hooker, while in the back row Sean O'Brien takes over from Warburton on the open-side with Toby Faletau ousting Jamie Heaslip at No8. Geoff Parling held on in the second row, although Richie Gray has been promoted to the bench.
The emphasis will be on power with Roberts, Phillips, Hibbard, Faletau and O'Brien all giving ball-carrying options to a side that did not make one line break in Melbourne. The emphasis will be on getting over the gainline and moving the ball quickly: Justin Tipuric and Manu Tuilagi are on the bench to offer thrust in the final quarter, a period when Australia have been the stronger in the series.
"It all comes down to Saturday," said Gatland. "Winner takes all. We know we can leave nothing in the tank and that only a complete performance will get us across the line. Picking this team was not easy and ultimately with several players available after recovering from injury the head overruled the heart in many selection decisions.
"It has been a challenging tour and we have had our fair share of injuries but we always knew that would be the case. Brian O'Driscoll is a great player and has had a wonderful career but for the final Test in Sydney we just felt Jamie Roberts's presence offered us something more. Mike Phillips and Alex Corbisiero were first Test selections and would probably have played in the second Test if not for injury. Richard Hibbard, Toby Faletau and Sean O'Brien have also earned their starting places."
Davies has been preferred to O'Driscoll, reward for his form here, although the Irishman formed a successful partnership with Roberts in South Africa four years ago. If Melbourne proves to be the end of his 14-year international career, it would be an anticlimactic way for one of the outstanding players of any era to exit.
Gatland has never been one for sentiment. Selection this tour has appeared to be a collaborative process but Saturday's team, with the exception of Parling, the leader of the line-out in the second Test, has the New Zealander's stamp. The Lions will take on Australia physically and look to grind them down, knowing that the referee Romain Poite will allow them to scrummage and be less fussy than the two previous referees at the breakdown.
"The Lions will be different with Roberts," said the Australia flanker Ben Mowen. "He offers a different threat with ball in hand to what we have come up against so far, but our defensive organisation is one of the biggest strengths of our game and we always back ourselves."
The Test is a sell-out with the Australian Rugby Union trying to persuade the ANZ Stadium authorities to add some more seats to take the capacity up to 84,000.
"The demand is incredible and 390,000 fans will have paid to have watched the Lions this tour," said Bill Pulver, the ARU chief executive. "That is 30% up on 2001 and shows how popular this series is."
British and Irish Lions team to play Australia

15-Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), 14-Tommy Bowe (Ireland), 13-Jonathan Davies (Wales), 12-Jamie Roberts (Wales), 11-George North (Wales), 10-Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), 9-Mike Phillips (Wales), 8-Toby Faletau (Wales), 7-Sean O'Brien (Ireland), 6-Dan Lydiate (Wales), 5-Geoff Parling (England), 4-Alun Wyn Jones (captain, Wales), 3-Adam Jones (Wales), 2-Richard Hibbard (Wales), 1-Alex Corbisiero (England)
Replacements - 16-Tom Youngs (England), Mako Vunipola (England), 18-Dan Cole (England), 19-Richie Gray (Scotland), 20-
Justin Tipuric (Wales), 21-Conor Murray (Ireland), 22-Owen Farrell (England), 23-Manu Tuilagi (England)​

 

[Jürgen4PM]

That's a powerful looking side.

Hopefully with a northern hemisphere ref we'll now be allowed to scrum, and with Hibbard and Corbs back in the lineup we should dominate this area of the game.

With Faletau and O'Brien in we have two physical lumps, who will add some much needed ball carrying ability to the team.

Phillips needs a big game. He simply can't choose to make his runs when we take front ball from the lineout (he'll get smashed again). A smart game please, feed your forwards, feed your backs and break when the Aussie back row are not there waiting for you.

Roberts is in to get over the gain line it's as simple as that (it's also why tuilagi is on the bench instead of BOD imo). The lineout was dodgy when we tried to go to the back in the second test, sso I fully expect us to go short much more again in this test and simply use Roberts as a battering ram in order to bring our backs into play. He doesn't need to make clean breaks, just enough to put the aussie defence on the backfoot. If he's not doing it well enough or his hammy goes, then we have a ready made replacement the bench.

Phillips in for Youngs was always going to happen if Mike was fit. Phillips has had some shocking runs of form in a welsh shirt, but Gatland has always stuck with him. Hopefully Phillips repays the faith that Gatland has shown in him.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

The players knew what the team was before they had a training session today. At the end of the session BOD went straight over to Roberts and Davies ands asked if they'd like to do any extras.

Not only was he a superb player, but he's obviously a top bloke as well.

 

[Ryan]

I'm no rugby expert, but I do know that pinning every last hope you've got on the Welsh is not a fullproof strategy.

Gatland's gonna look like the biggest fucking chump in history if this backfires.

 

[LarryHagman]

I think it's a better looking line-up but don't forget the Aussies beat Wales 3-0 last year. Albeit in 3 close games.

Not been particularly impressed with this Lions team/squad to be honest. NZ & SA would have put 30-odd+ on the Aussies last week.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

What selections don't you agree with Ryan?

 

[Rosco]

I'm no rugby expert, but I do know that pinning every last hope you've got on the Welsh is not a fullproof strategy.

Gatland's gonna look like the biggest fucking chump in history if this backfires.

I think he already looks like a chump. This is the most winnable Lions tour for years, but he's had it wrong for the first two tests.

 

[Judge Jules]

In the engine-room I might well have gone for Gray or Evans instead of Parling, who was anonymous last Saturday.

Jones by contrast was on fire and could be an inspired choice.

 

[Rosco]

Keith Wood on Gatlands approach:

“It’s entirely built around power,” he said. A huge amount rests on Jamie Roberts’ shoulders and they were crying out for him in the last two weeks. I just think Brian’s subtlety off him would have worked.
“You can say (Gatland is) picking on form but he’s picked an unbelievably direct team with very little guile in it, specifically to play this game plan.
“You’re asking them to pulverise a team. The Lions are at the end of virtually 12 months of the season, all these guys are pretty tired and you’re looking for the absolute maximum for it to work for them.
“It can happen, I want it to happen, I’m just a little bit disappointed at the manner in which I think the tradition has been treated.
“The Lions is about getting the best quality out of the players of these islands, not having an intransigent game plan. We’re not seeing that spark that we’re used to seeing from the Lions because it’s a game plan doesn’t suit an awful lot of the players.
“It suits the Welsh players, that’s why there’s 10 of them playing. We’re not seeing the blend of four teams. That’s what the Lions is about, that’s what makes it so phenomenal.”

 

[Leo]

Graham Henry mk 2
C'mon the Wallabies.

 

[Ryan]

What selections don't you agree with Ryan?

It's less the individual player selections, and more the fact that this looks like a complete fucking gamble based on hope rather than any defined strategy.

He's had years to plan for this series with an infinitely better array of players at his disposal than Deans, and has managed to throw 3 entirely different sides and approaches out in the three biggest games in 4 years.

Players that werent even in the squad for the first test 10 days ago are now seemingly encharged with winning the biggest game of Gatland's life.

His only hope is that he gets lucky, because not one bit of planning has gone into this debacle. It's a roll of the dice, and nothing less.

 

[Jack D Rips]

Prompt reaction from Hitler


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deg1bQt1rzQ

 

[Jürgen4PM]

LOL.

Rosco is Gatland bashing once again.

I think his dislike for Gatland (which stems from his time with Ireland) seriously rivals his dislike for Keane.

 

[Judge Jules]

On the radio they've just been saying the Lions have lengthened considerably in the betting and Australia are favourites now.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

I know all the talk is about 10 Welshman starting and BOD being dropped, but do any of you lot really have a issue with the side that's been selected?

4 of the six changes were made due to players returning from injury or players being ruled out due to injury. Everyone knew that welsh players would dominate the side, numerous six nations/grand slams and a good showing at the world cup backs this up. BOD has been dropped, but really he can have no complaints after his two showings so far.

You only have to have a quick look at the Lions history to know how difficult it is to win a test series, yet here we are at 1-1 with a great chance to add to our victories. if you look at our last two tours we've been dead and buried at this stage.

 

[Judge Jules]

Not a large number of issues for me (aside from the one over Parling which I've mentioned above) but the O'Driscoll call is a very big one. Hopefully with a Northern hemisphere ref on Saturday he wouldn't have got pinged anything like as often at the breakdown and, although he hasn't been playing sparkling rugby, the Wallabies couldn't rely on him remaining quiet for ever. Now they don't have that to worry about, and their defence last weekend was pretty good. Gatland's put all his eggs in one basket and that's always a risk. Was it worth taking?

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Yes it's brutal, but Gatland was RIGHT to drop O'Driscoll (He should still be on the bench though...)

By Sir Clive Woodward




A head coach cannot afford to be sentimental. Dropping Brian O’Driscoll is the right decision based on his form and the way the Lions need to play to win this series.
This is the first time O’Driscoll has been dropped in a decade of Test rugby, and in his own head he will be devastated. Publicly Brian will be professional and very supportive of his fellow Lions. He is a private man, and only he and his family will know how shattered he is.
The announcement of the final Test team on a Lions tour is a strange time for any squad. I have been there twice as a player and once as a head coach. For the starting XV there is great excitement, for the guys on the bench there is the feeling of being involved, but for those not picked it is one of the saddest days in their professional careers.

Agony: Brian O'Driscoll trained with the Lions squad in Noosa knowing he has been left out of the final Test team

Agony: Brian O'Driscoll trained with the Lions squad in Noosa knowing he has been left out of the final Test team

Let's play 'Warrenball': The Lions coach (centre) has opted for the Wales power game in Sydney


You know you have to act in the right way, say the right things, but inside you are hurting. There’s a mixture of anger, confusion, disappointment and even embarrassment. It is a feeling that stays with you for ever. Players also have to deal with the endless ‘bad luck’ comments, even from total strangers.
The plane back home feels as if it is still a million miles away.
The way the whole squad reacts in the next two days will define the outcome of this match — and O’Driscoll’s exclusion cannot become a distraction that affects the team.
I was dropped for the final Lions Test against South Africa in


1980 after playing in the previous two. I have never forgotten the feeling: lying on my bed staring at the ceiling, dreading ringing your family because they will want to say all the right things. Deep down you know it is you. For that moment in time, you have failed — and it hurts.








With England we set a clear protocol for how players should operate after the team was picked: say the right things to the press, shake hands with the guy who had taken your place and don’t hassle or question me. After all that, they were free to go back to their hotel room, lock the door and punch the walls down.

Ecstasy and agony: O'Driscoll has helped the Lions to a win in Brisbane (above) and a narrow defeat in Melbourne (below) on this tour... but must now face up to being dropped for a Test for the first time in a decade

I agree with dropping O’Driscoll from the team, but he should not have been left out of the match-day squad. I would much rather have the 125 caps and game-changing intelligence of O’Driscoll to call upon in the final 20 minutes of a must-win Test than the inexperience of Manu Tuilagi.
Brian was my captain in 2005, and from the moment I picked him up from Heathrow airport and brought him home for dinner to discuss the tour, I knew he was the man to lead the Lions. He did not disappoint. I remember watching him in a defensive drill and Phil Larder and I looked at each other in disbelief because of how good he was.

Natural leader: Sir Clive named O'Driscoll as his Lions captain for the tour to New Zealand in 2005

Memories: Woodward (back row, third right) with the England team in 1980, the year he went on tour with the Lions. He was dropped from the team for the final Test in Pretoria, which the Lions won but lost the series
I admire Warren Gatland for making this call. When you are under pressure as a coach you go back to what you know, and for Gatland that means the Welsh power game. But I hope his choices on the bench do not come back to haunt him as there is a lack of real impact players.
With the exception of leaving out Alex Cuthbert — the only decision I would seriously question — the head coach has named the most intimidating line-up at his disposal. Not the most skilful — and not necessarily the best — but certainly the most powerful. The average Lions back is 6ft 2in and 16st, while the average forward is an inch taller and a monster 17st 13lb.


The third Test will be a fascinating contrast between the heavy artillery of the Lions and the guile, speed and cunning of the Wallabies. Here is my verdict on the six changes Gatland has made:
Jamie Roberts for Brian O'Driscoll (Inside centre)
For five years, Roberts has been Gatland’s go-to man for getting over the gainline. He might be predictable but try playing against him if the team are on the front foot. At full tilt, he will make some big dents in an Australian midfield protected by the relatively small James O’Connor and Christian Leali’ifano.
If the Wallabies go head first against his 17st 6lb frame then they will get hurt again. Roberts will lead the defensive line out when the dangerous Wallaby playmakers have their hands on the ball and his selection also frees up Jonathan Davies to bring the Lions wingers into the game.

Wrecking ball: Jamie Roberts (right) will look to smash his way through the Wallabies' midfield
Mike Phillips for Ben Youngs (Scrum-half)
Phillips (6ft 3in, 16st 5lb) towers over Youngs (5ft 10in, 14st 5lb) and he brings a more abrasive approach to the role. He will happily get stuck into a breakdown or pull a Wallaby lock out the way. Phillips is also used to playing behind Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau, particularly at the base of the scrum.
Youngs is the perfect sort of sniping nuisance — quicker and more agile — who you would want to bring on at No 9 with 20 minutes to play if you need a try so I am surprised by the decision to drop him and have Connor Murray on the bench. It looks like a decision based on out-and-out size, which is harsh on Youngs.

Playmakers: Mike Phillips (left) will look to feed quick ball to Jonathan Sexton (right) in Sydney
Alex Corbisiero for Mako Vunipola (Prop)
The set-piece is at the heart of ‘Warrenball’, and Vunipola was penalised heavily at the scrum in the second Test. Gatland has picked the beefiest, most powerful engines he can put out.
Corbisiero is technically far superior to Vunipola and the referee for the third Test, Romain Poite, will take note of the change in the front row, even if that is just a psychological plus.
The Australian scrum is better than it used to be — but there is a chink in the armour and the Lions should have the edge in Sydney.

Technician: England prop Alex Corbisiero returns to the front row after missing the defeat in Melbourne
Richard Hibbard for Tom Youngs (Hooker)
This is another call to add real weight to the front row and a selection that epitomises the way Gatland has taken every opportunity to beef up his team.
Hibbard is well over a stone heavier than Tom Youngs and although he does not carry the ball so much in the tight, he hits breakdowns with a ferocious intent.
If there is any danger in this selection it is at the line-out. Hibbard favours throwing to the first man, which buys the Wallabies defence time to come up on the line and defend ahead of the gainline. But Youngs is a good impact player as a muscular ball-carrier who will not let you down at the set-piece. He has had a magnificent tour.

British beef: Richard Hibbard has been brought in to shore up the scrum but his line-out throwing is suspect
Toby Faletau for Jamie Heaslip (No 8)
Heaslip never got going in the second Test and Faletau is quicker and more destructive. The decision is very tough on Heaslip but one that had to be made. In a match like this where gain line is king, the Wales player possesses a rare ability to receive the ball on the back foot, and, under pressure from defenders, find a way to muscle and bully his way forward.

Bully: Toby Faletau can help bash holes in the Australian defence - even when under pressure
Sean O’Brien for Sam Warburton (Flanker)
The only enforced change after captain Warburton was ruled out with a hamstring tear. I wonder if, with 10 Welshmen already in the side, Gatland felt he couldn’t pick Justin Tipuric.
O’Brien is more of a running player than a breakdown flanker and in that way more of a natural six than a scavenging openside.
Tom Croft must feel absolutely gutted not to warrant a place on the bench. He will be captaining the team of Lions who will be inwardly seething at their non-involvement. He started the first Test, played well and the Lions won. Two weeks later he cannot get into the squad. Sport can be very cruel at times.

Big shoes to fill: Sean O'Brien is more of a natural No 6 rather than a scavenger like Sam Warburton

 

[Rosco]

It's not so much the dropping of BOD but the fact that as Ryan said there isn't any semblance of a plan in place.

JJ Wlliams was interviewed last night and pointed out that despite the preference for size as strength the scrum and lineout haven't worked well. And the backline hasn't made a line break in the tests. There is no imagination in the way the team plays. It's really easy for the Aussies to telegraph everything we do.

That's the big problem with Gatlands approach. Not dropping O'Driscoll.

I personally don't have a problem with that but I can see why others would question it. Apart from a good game against the Waratahs, Davies has done little and was at fault for the try last weekend. Roberts and Tuilagi have done nothing on tour.

 

[Rosco]

Guardian staff and agencies
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 3 July 2013 16.15 BST

Brian O'Driscoll looks dejected during training after he was dropped by the Lions for the final Test against the Wallabies. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images
Warren Gatland's decision to drop Brian O'Driscoll for the third Lions Test has brought shock and, largely, condemnation among the rugby world.

David Campese

Former Australia wing via Twitter

"Sorry but you have just handed the series to Australia. 7 changes and still no real match winner"

Willie John McBride

Legendary Lions series-winning captain via BBC R4 interview

"I was absolutely gutted. The first thing that came into my mind was that Robbie Deans, the Australia coach, must be laughing all the way. The Australian media and others have convinced him [Gatland] to drop O'Driscoll, which I find amazing, I must say. He was the guy I would have picked as captain of the tour. He has been superb and his influence on the tour has been terrific; but you live and die by the team you pick so we will see what Saturday brings."

Stuart Barnes

Former England fly-half via Sky Sports interview

"Now they have no real leadership ... I'm really concerned if it's tight and the heat comes on after 60-65 minutes. There won't be anyone to go to"

Keith Wood

Former Ireland and Lions hooker via BBC 5Live interview

"Gatland has made a terrible mistake ... [and is] missing what the Lions is about. Leadership is the most important thing. BOD has been quiet in the two Tests but at every stage he has been the clarion call once Paul O'Connell got injured."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker via Twitter

"BOD not even being on the bench is a strange call. No player is an automatic Test pick. For me the issue is over the relative captaincy experience with so short prep time."

Ben Foden

England and Northampton full-back via Twitter

"Very surprised to see @BrianODriscoll out of the squad for saturdays big game, good to see @Jamiehuwroberts back in the mix tho! #bigcalls"

Dan Carter

New Zealand fly-half via Twitter

"There must be some angry Irish out there waking up to see @BrianODriscoll not playing this weekend. #ShouldBeTheCaptain"

Freddie Burns

England and Gloucester fly-half via Twitter

"Scratching my head over Lions selection. Either a stroke of genius or a massive mistake. Only time will tell. More than capable team though!"

Will Greenwood

Former England and Lions centre via Twitter

"Incredible range of opinions re Selection … Gatland will do his own explaining but "Ballsy" re BOD is an understatement"

George Hook

Irish broadcaster and pundit

"BOD should have retired in May – this was no way for the greatest player of his generation to end his career at the hands of a crap coach."

Austin Healey

Former England and Lions scrum-half/wing via Twitter

"I actually thought BOD played well last week made some decisive big tackles ... big call has Gatland panicked?"

Jeremy Guscott

Former England and Lions centre, whose drop goal won the 1997 series in South Africa, via Twitter

"Well done WG, bold and brave selection that was required to beat this improving Aussie team"

"Lets not start whinging about who is in and who is out, get behind the Lions, those left out will be, that's the way of the Lions"

Lawrence Dallaglio

Former England and Lions No8 via Twitter

"Powerful and bold selections from Gatland."

 

[Athens]

He should be dropped from any rugby squad for that camp pose

 

[Rosco]

Australia:
15-Kurtley Beale
14-Israel Folau
13-Adam Ashley-Cooper
12-Christian Leali’ifano
11-Joe Tomane
10-James O’Connor
9-Will Genia
8-Wycliff Palu
7-George Smith
6-Ben Mowen
5-James Horwill (captain)
4-Kane Douglas
3-Ben Alexander
2-Stephen Moore
1-Benn Robinson

Replacements:
16-Saia Fainga’a
17-James Slipper
18-Sekope Kepu
19-Rob Simmons
20-Ben McCalman
21-Michael Hooper
22-Nick Phipps
23-Jesse Mogg

 

[Rosco]

 

[doctor_mac]

It's not so much the dropping of BOD but the fact that as Ryan said there isn't any semblance of a plan in place.

JJ Wlliams was interviewed last night and pointed out that despite the preference for size as strength the scrum and lineout haven't worked well. And the backline hasn't made a line break in the tests. There is no imagination in the way the team plays. It's really easy for the Aussies to telegraph everything we do.

That's the big problem with Gatlands approach. Not dropping O'Driscoll.

I personally don't have a problem with that but I can see why others would question it. Apart from a good game against the Waratahs, Davies has done little and was at fault for the try last weekend. Roberts and Tuilagi have done nothing on tour.

I agree. The 'power' game has made us look like a neanderthal team, rather than one blessed with any guile. The tactic has failed twice, why keep doing the same? The freedom the Lions played with in the opening tour game has been disciplined out of them. Win or lose, this has been a horrible way to see the Lions play. Horrible.

 

[Rosco]

It'll be interesting to see what is said by the players if we lose this weekend.

The fact that Roberts is being hailed as such a key to success just shows how limited Gatlands coaching is. Now don't get me wrong, if I had my choice of 12's Roberts is exactly the sort of player I want there, but if you can't figure a way to get over the gain line without him then you're lacking imagination.
The easy thing to do is to get your back row running into the 10 and 12 channels , but we picked a back row that doesn't do that well in the first two tests. Heaslip and Croft like to hang out wide and work in space.

We've now got Faletau and O'Brien to do that. And Roberts. If we can use them as the battering rams and recycle quickly off them we'll score tries.

I haven't seen George Smith play for ages but if he is anything like what he used to be, he'll cause us problems.
I'm hoping Deans gamble on just 2 backs on the bench backfires too.

 

[Judge Jules]

George Smith will indeed cause problems if he's anywhere close to the George Smith of four years ago when he retired from international rugby, though Hooper can count himself unlucky.

Their going for Smith suggests to me that they have even more than the usual degree of skulduggery planned for the breakdown. He's another McCaw in terms of his overall approach.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

LOL at all the Irish posters having a good old whinge.

Just a few quick points:

It's 1-1 so our tactics haven't failed twice.

Who are these backs with guile that we could have selected? BOD and Sexton were picked to do this for us, Sexton has played quite well whilst BOD has failed to deliver. You could make a case for Kearney playing, but other than that we've seen the best backs that we can put out on the pitch.

All this 'we don't have a plan' stuff is simply lazy BS. Due to injuries, having little time to gel and key players not performing on occasions it might not have worked as we'd all like, but anybody who is not bitter can see what we're trying to do.

The scrum was working very well in the first test, until Corbs went off injured. Now if Healy and Jenkins had still been on tour I doubt that would have taken place. It came as no surprise that we struggled in the scrum in the second test when we were down to our fourth choice prop. Corbs is back alongside Hibbard and Jones, expect us to dominate this area once again.

The lineout was basic in the first test yet we still won 100% of our own ball. Paul O'Connel was about the 15th lion to suffer an injury and was ruled out and we suffered in this area. It wasn't just because of O'Connell being out that we were poor in the lineout, we tried to go longer in order to give our backs some better ball and it failed. The only reason we were forced into this change of tactic was because our centres failed to get over the gain line in the first test, why was that? Oh that's right our two battering rams (Tuilagi and Roberts) were both out injured.

The rugby on display in the first test was great viewing and of a very good quality, if you struggled to enjoy that game then I wonder what you want from the sport.

If we win the third test I fully expect a load of you to still moan about the fashion we did it in and how we were lucky. it'll be reminiscent of those threads that said Benitez was jammy to win the CL