The Rugby Thread

[PeteC]

Thanks, I thought that way as well. AWJ's 148 caps has now tied him with Richie McCaw for top all time, and I'm sure he's good for more before he's done.

[pharvey]

British & Irish Lions Team Selection to Play Emirates Lions: -
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[PeteC]

All Blacks vs Tonga: 102-0.

Yes, a clinic, but the depth of the All Blacks is remarkable. They're not the AB's of pre-Covid but much better. They're going to be a lot to handle going forward, primarily because of the new generation of players on the team now.

One thing they won't like about today is the penalties, 13 to 4.

[dtaai-maai]

It's early days, but I'm looking forward to this. That's an attack-minded lineup, so hopefully it will be an entertaining game and a good positive start to the tour.

[pharvey]

All Blacks vs Tonga: 102-0.

Yes, a clinic, but the depth of the All Blacks is remarkable. They're not the AB's of pre-Covid but much better. They're going to be a lot to handle going forward, primarily because of the new generation of players on the team now.

One thing they won't like about today is the penalties, 13 to 4.

Well, the AB's are an incredible rugby outfit, but 102-0 certainly does nothing to help Tonga - that said, Tonga put out 9 un capped players (13 in the squad)..... What will they learn from a hammering like that? Probably less physical than a training session for the AB's

It's early days, but I'm looking forward to this. That's an attack-minded lineup, so hopefully it will be an entertaining game and a good positive start to the tour.

Agreed - "should" be a comfortable win for the B&I Lions and a chance for players to put a marker down for the Test side. It's a very mobile pack with a exciting backline - let's hope they're as good on the pitch as they are on paper!!

Absolutely amazed Cowan-Dickie has been selected (beit on the bench) - the guy was out cold on the pitch a week ago. I'm assuming he has also been in "full contact" training - surely he needs more recovery time

[pharvey]

With all the sport on today, I was late on catching this and missed the first 20 mins - have thoroughly enjoyed the following 30 mins or so. Cracking match so far (being shown on CH4 UK).

[dtaai-maai]

I'm watching Ireland-Japan. Some lovely rugby from the Japanese, I'm delighted for them. This has to be good for the international game, unlike the silly Tonga result.

[pharvey]

I'm watching Ireland-Japan. Some lovely rugby from the Japanese, I'm delighted for them. This has to be good for the international game, unlike the silly Tonga result.

Yep - should have actually mentioned I was watching Ireland vs Japan!! Cracking stuff....

[dtaai-maai]

Oh Canada!

(Devasted for Halfpenny though... )

EDIT: Zero entertainment value unless you're Welsh. No challenge involved. I stopped watching after 25 minutes.

[pharvey]

Oh Canada!

(Devasted for Halfpenny though... )

Nope, hardly a good first 4 minutes for Wales - Halfpenny off with an ACL injury, followed by a try by Canada. Absolutely gut wrenching and heartbreaking for Halfpenny with his 100th international appearance ending after 90 seconds! Tragically, I can see this as the end of his international career.....

As for the 1st half, some good stuff from Wales but let's be fair they are playing a young and inexperienced Canadian side. Wales have looked scrappy at times with some very poor handling - yet at times they are executing things very well. Thomas Williams at 9 annoys the cr@p out of me at times with his showboating (he gave away 60m with a pointless "reverse pass") and not getting into position at the loose at times.... That said, quick thinking produced a try

Not many positives for Canada unfortunately.... Again, are these matches/team selections good for Canadian rugby?

Realistically, Canada should have received a couple of Yellow Cards for continual infringements close to their try line - thankfully the referee has not reached for his pocket..... Canada have let in 6 tries with a full compliment of 15 men after all.

This is looking like going from bad to worse for Canada and the 3rd quarter could be pretty devestating. Hoping Wales make a fair few changes for the 2nd half.....

[pharvey]

Lawes has been superb - if you take away the last couple of minutes where he should have got a Yellow Card... silly, silly move which cost a B&I Lions Try...

Can't say I'm impressed with Russel (though the commentators love him), Farrel not having a great game at Center IMHO. Hamish Watson at 7 having a very good half.

Obviously some problems with different tactics/different countries/different playing colleagues.... That said, pretty good start!

[pharvey]

Very good win for the Lions to start the tour - Oh and how many tries for the Welsh contingent hey DM !!

Hamish named as "Man Of The Match" and fair play to him, but quite honestly I would have to go with Lawes - absolutely superb game in the loose, Lineout, great speed across the field and a nightmare in the maul.

Despite a few good plays and SKY Sports love of the man, Russell should be nowhere near the No.10 shirt for the Tests. I don't believe Farrell should be in the Test squad either based on that display or recent form.

Sinkler had a good game when he came on, but I've still worries with his temperament which the Boks will look to exploit. The Exeter Lock Johnny Hill looked good also.

Let's see what the next game looks like - next Wednesday!!

[dtaai-maai]

Lawes has been superb

And continued to be right through the game. I wouldn't say he was underrated (he's playing for the Lions FFS! ), but I don't think he always gets the credit he deserves. Seems to have been around forever!

Can't say I'm impressed with Russel (though the commentators love him), start!

Yes, a tricky one - some outstanding moments (the crosskick for the try being one), but just as many potentially dangerous errors. I don't think he'll be starting ahead of Biggar.

It was pretty clear in the first half that they weren't quite gelling as a unit yet, but that's hardly surprising, and things improved in the 2nd half. I think it was Will Greenwood who said he'd like to see them being a bit more pragmatic in their approach, treating the game as if it were a test match, which is after all what they're here for, and I could see the logic in that.

A number of encouraging performances - Hogg (apart from a silly quick throw-in right at the end), George (particularly at the lineout), Sinckler, Lawes, Adams (though to be fair his tries were mostly gifts), Watson (man of the match, but will it be enough to get him a test cap?). Farrell won't have an easier kicking day!

A good performance overall, and an ideal start to the tour. It was interesting to hear Nigel Owens' comments during the game. One of the most impressive moments of the game was when the commentator managed to work in the word 'peripatetic'...!

[pharvey]

Highlights of the first tour match - Emirates Lions vs British & Irish Lions: -
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Great start, but a lot of work to do....

[pharvey]

You can certainly see what type of game the Lions want to play - would be great to see...

"Warren Gatland says fans can expect Tom Curry, Josh Navidi and Sam Simmonds to link up in the back row next week."

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