didn't deserve to win .. a hodge podge arbitrary Lions selection just can't compete with ultra professional NZ teams which have been together for a long time, even though this game was close, at least the result if not the respective performances..
t b h, I have thought for quite a while that the Lions, although a worthy and honourable concept, is outdated .. they might just beat Australia, but against NZ there is just not enough time to mould a totally together and coherent team to take on the very best and in selecting 'the best' Lions side, there will always be too much compromise .. individual national teams have a much better chance, e.g. Ireland last year (a rare occurrence) .. national teams are accustomed to playing together and organising tactics in what is an increasingly pre-rehearsed and complicated sport
Now then, I hope that the Lions go on to prove me totally wrong and
Agree with Lincs...could be a very long month or so for our lads.
Was in NZ in December and the shirts were on sale in all the sports shops even then. The Lions continue because they are big money makers for the Souuthern hemisphere countries.
But a couple of weeks together, a ridiculous schedule, finishing with three test matches against the very best...all off the end of a bruising season. Bonkers.
The Kiwis were rubbing their hands with glee. They are lovely people, but they don't do losing in their own backyard.
They just might surprise a few, very good run out yesterday against a very, very good Crusaders team, also stopped them scoring a try which is remarkable given the Crusdaers form last 2 years.
Match against the Highlanders can be followed on www.stuff.co.nz. It's 10-10 coming up to half time and a much better game than last Saturday (thanks to the ref)
And that's how it ended. Enterprising rugby from both sides. In fact the Lions out scored the Highlanders three tries to two. Otago (Highlanders) have a rich history of wins against the Lions going back to the 1950s and tonight was no different. Bugger.
It was cold in the stadium but as said no wind and rain to deal with, no real snow just a few thick bits of rain every now and then. Good atmosphere with plenty of friendly banter. Shame about the missed penalties at the end. There's gona be a lot of thick heads in the morning
34-6 to the Lions who were given a drubbing against the same side in 1994. Quite close in the first half but the Lions scored good tries for their convincing win. Onwards and upwards for the 1st Test on Saturday (and even more so for the following Test Saturday week which I'm going to)
Daly and Williams playing themselves right into form today. Would be happy to see either replace North for Saturday, North looks half the player of 4 years ago.
I've watched every game so far and have yet to see a team performance that sets the pulse racing. Defensively we are very good but offensively I'm seeing way too many unforced handling errors. We can only hope that on the day we raise our game, because we bloody well need to! I don't think The All Blacks set up have seen anything from us thus far that gives them much cause for concern.......but who knows, maybe that will work in our favour.
Very happy, and surprised, with the team he's picked. Would prefer Itoje to start with Lawes off the bench, but Wyn-Jones is still a class player, and would probably be asking for a bit too much for him to go without North, Warburton, Wyn-Jones and Halfpenny!
Comments
t b h, I have thought for quite a while that the Lions, although a worthy and honourable concept, is outdated ..
they might just beat Australia, but against NZ there is just not enough time to mould a totally together and coherent team to take on the very best and in selecting 'the best' Lions side, there will always be too much compromise ..
individual national teams have a much better chance, e.g. Ireland last year (a rare occurrence) .. national teams are accustomed to playing together and organising tactics in what is an increasingly pre-rehearsed and complicated sport
Now then, I hope that the Lions go on to prove me totally wrong and
Was in NZ in December and the shirts were on sale in all the sports shops even then. The Lions continue because they are big money makers for the Souuthern hemisphere countries.
But a couple of weeks together, a ridiculous schedule, finishing with three test matches against the very best...all off the end of a bruising season. Bonkers.
The Kiwis were rubbing their hands with glee. They are lovely people, but they don't do losing in their own backyard.
What about the Scots winning in Australia?
Watched the other mobs Haka this morning and it scared the life out of me!
Where are you watching the first test?
I'm in Belushis in Greenwich.
Once the Kiwis get a head of steam up at home they have so many attacking options that they are close to unbeatable.
How many other countries could field PROVINCIAL teams that can handily beat a combined team of four COUNTRIES?
Incredible.
Quite surprised at the starting line up.
http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40361354
Defensively we are very good but offensively I'm seeing way too many unforced handling errors.
We can only hope that on the day we raise our game, because we bloody well need to!
I don't think The All Blacks set up have seen anything from us thus far that gives them much cause for concern.......but who knows, maybe that will work in our favour.
I'm good mates with an ex Lion who played alongside BOD in 2001 and he has just flown out and reckons 0-3 and a proper hiding