B&I Lions 2017
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Shots fired, shots fired!
Makes some valid points, but dont tend to agree with the general tone, but happily accept the under dog status.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/30676/lions-will-bludgeon-to-blunt-the-rapier-uk-view
Lions will bludgeon to blunt the rapier - UK view
Getty Images
23 APR 2017 GETTY IMAGESNew Zealand won't be able to compete with the depth in the British & Irish Lions squad for the DHL New Zealand Lions series.
That's the view of Welsh rugby writer Andy Howell.He wrote on walesonline.co.uk that while New Zealand may have the best production line in world rugby, they won't be able to compete with the Lions.
"The decision by the Lions to allow [Warren] Gatland to take 41 players to the land of the long white cloud was a masterstroke," he said.
"That meant it was almost impossible for quality players not to make the squad."
Howell said the only position that concerned him was hooker where Ireland's Rory Best had been a let down when touring Australia four years ago while Welshman Ken Owens was on the most demanding assignment of his career and England's reserve hooker Jamie George had to show he was as effective starting as he was coming off the bench.
The biggest challenge for Gatland would be choosing his style of play.
He didn't think the Lions would look to move the ball because that choice would be playing into the hands of the All Blacks and their superior skills.
"Attempting to take on Steve Hansen's men at their favoured game would be asking for trouble with a capital T because the Lions would be unlikely to beat them at an off-the-cuff running game.
"Gatland's men will have to be smart, pragmatic and use the bludgeon to blunt the rapier," he said.
With this in mind first five-eighths Johnny Sexton would be crucial to the cause and if he succumbed to injury Owen Farrell was capable of stepping in.
"While New Zealand have the better skills, the Lions possess the power to cause any team problems.
"With Maro Itoje, Stander, Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, the Vunipola brothers, Tadhg Furlong, Jack McGrath, George Kruis, Alun Wyn Jones et al, the Lions have an array of riches to choose from.
"Crucially, it won't be just in their starting team but on the bench and that's where the series could be won and lost.
"New Zealand's lack of depth in the boilerhouse was highlighted when their world record winning streak came to an end against Ireland in Chicago last November," he said.
New Zealand had to do without Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in that Test and while the Lions could cover injuries to their locks he wasn't sure New Zealand could.
He also believed the Lions had the men to handle the breakdown and nullify Kieran Read and Ardie Savea while also getting the better of Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Matt Todd.
"Out-muscle the All Blacks in the front five and do a number on them at the breakdown and the Lions will be in business," he said.
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
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@taniwharugby said in B&I Lions 2017:
Shots fired, shots fired!
Makes some valid points, but dont tend to agree with the general tone, but happily accept the under dog status.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/30676/lions-will-bludgeon-to-blunt-the-rapier-uk-view
Lions will bludgeon to blunt the rapier - UK view
Getty Images
23 APR 2017 GETTY IMAGESNew Zealand won't be able to compete with the depth in the British & Irish Lions squad for the DHL New Zealand Lions series.
That's the view of Welsh rugby writer Andy Howell.He wrote on walesonline.co.uk that while New Zealand may have the best production line in world rugby, they won't be able to compete with the Lions.
"The decision by the Lions to allow [Warren] Gatland to take 41 players to the land of the long white cloud was a masterstroke," he said.
"That meant it was almost impossible for quality players not to make the squad."
Howell said the only position that concerned him was hooker where Ireland's Rory Best had been a let down when touring Australia four years ago while Welshman Ken Owens was on the most demanding assignment of his career and England's reserve hooker Jamie George had to show he was as effective starting as he was coming off the bench.
The biggest challenge for Gatland would be choosing his style of play.
He didn't think the Lions would look to move the ball because that choice would be playing into the hands of the All Blacks and their superior skills.
"Attempting to take on Steve Hansen's men at their favoured game would be asking for trouble with a capital T because the Lions would be unlikely to beat them at an off-the-cuff running game.
"Gatland's men will have to be smart, pragmatic and use the bludgeon to blunt the rapier," he said.
With this in mind first five-eighths Johnny Sexton would be crucial to the cause and if he succumbed to injury Owen Farrell was capable of stepping in.
"While New Zealand have the better skills, the Lions possess the power to cause any team problems.
"With Maro Itoje, Stander, Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, the Vunipola brothers, Tadhg Furlong, Jack McGrath, George Kruis, Alun Wyn Jones et al, the Lions have an array of riches to choose from.
"Crucially, it won't be just in their starting team but on the bench and that's where the series could be won and lost.
"New Zealand's lack of depth in the boilerhouse was highlighted when their world record winning streak came to an end against Ireland in Chicago last November," he said.
New Zealand had to do without Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in that Test and while the Lions could cover injuries to their locks he wasn't sure New Zealand could.
He also believed the Lions had the men to handle the breakdown and nullify Kieran Read and Ardie Savea while also getting the better of Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Matt Todd.
"Out-muscle the All Blacks in the front five and do a number on them at the breakdown and the Lions will be in business," he said.
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
That article reminds me of an article that was written just before the last Lions tour by Ackford ,
He said something along the lines of, the ABs are more skillful . but the Lions will be more sophisticated ( whatever that means )
I remembered it because I found it amusing
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@kiwiinmelb well there is a team made up of 3 of the top 5 ranked teams in the world and Wales, surely they should smash us!
Champion team vs team of Champions and all
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@kiwiinmelb said in B&I Lions 2017:
@taniwharugby said in B&I Lions 2017:
Shots fired, shots fired!
Makes some valid points, but dont tend to agree with the general tone, but happily accept the under dog status.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/30676/lions-will-bludgeon-to-blunt-the-rapier-uk-view
Lions will bludgeon to blunt the rapier - UK view
Getty Images
23 APR 2017 GETTY IMAGESNew Zealand won't be able to compete with the depth in the British & Irish Lions squad for the DHL New Zealand Lions series.
That's the view of Welsh rugby writer Andy Howell.He wrote on walesonline.co.uk that while New Zealand may have the best production line in world rugby, they won't be able to compete with the Lions.
"The decision by the Lions to allow [Warren] Gatland to take 41 players to the land of the long white cloud was a masterstroke," he said.
"That meant it was almost impossible for quality players not to make the squad."
Howell said the only position that concerned him was hooker where Ireland's Rory Best had been a let down when touring Australia four years ago while Welshman Ken Owens was on the most demanding assignment of his career and England's reserve hooker Jamie George had to show he was as effective starting as he was coming off the bench.
The biggest challenge for Gatland would be choosing his style of play.
He didn't think the Lions would look to move the ball because that choice would be playing into the hands of the All Blacks and their superior skills.
"Attempting to take on Steve Hansen's men at their favoured game would be asking for trouble with a capital T because the Lions would be unlikely to beat them at an off-the-cuff running game.
"Gatland's men will have to be smart, pragmatic and use the bludgeon to blunt the rapier," he said.
With this in mind first five-eighths Johnny Sexton would be crucial to the cause and if he succumbed to injury Owen Farrell was capable of stepping in.
"While New Zealand have the better skills, the Lions possess the power to cause any team problems.
"With Maro Itoje, Stander, Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, the Vunipola brothers, Tadhg Furlong, Jack McGrath, George Kruis, Alun Wyn Jones et al, the Lions have an array of riches to choose from.
"Crucially, it won't be just in their starting team but on the bench and that's where the series could be won and lost.
"New Zealand's lack of depth in the boilerhouse was highlighted when their world record winning streak came to an end against Ireland in Chicago last November," he said.
New Zealand had to do without Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in that Test and while the Lions could cover injuries to their locks he wasn't sure New Zealand could.
He also believed the Lions had the men to handle the breakdown and nullify Kieran Read and Ardie Savea while also getting the better of Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Matt Todd.
"Out-muscle the All Blacks in the front five and do a number on them at the breakdown and the Lions will be in business," he said.
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
That article reminds me of an article that was written just before the last Lions tour by Ackford ,
He said something along the lines of, the ABs are more skillful . but the Lions will be more sophisticated ( whatever that means )
I remembered it because I found it amusing
Andy Howell is a hack focussed on clickbait.
File in the ignore tray.
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@MiketheSnow oh no, don't you try that. He's right, and you're nailed on favourites. Anything less than an undefeated tour would be an underachievement.
#biltoobig #bluntedrapier #powerof3.2
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@kiwiinmelb said in B&I Lions 2017:
@taniwharugby said in B&I Lions 2017:
Shots fired, shots fired!
Makes some valid points, but dont tend to agree with the general tone, but happily accept the under dog status.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/30676/lions-will-bludgeon-to-blunt-the-rapier-uk-view
Lions will bludgeon to blunt the rapier - UK view
Getty Images
23 APR 2017 GETTY IMAGESNew Zealand won't be able to compete with the depth in the British & Irish Lions squad for the DHL New Zealand Lions series.
That's the view of Welsh rugby writer Andy Howell.He wrote on walesonline.co.uk that while New Zealand may have the best production line in world rugby, they won't be able to compete with the Lions.
"The decision by the Lions to allow [Warren] Gatland to take 41 players to the land of the long white cloud was a masterstroke," he said.
"That meant it was almost impossible for quality players not to make the squad."
Howell said the only position that concerned him was hooker where Ireland's Rory Best had been a let down when touring Australia four years ago while Welshman Ken Owens was on the most demanding assignment of his career and England's reserve hooker Jamie George had to show he was as effective starting as he was coming off the bench.
The biggest challenge for Gatland would be choosing his style of play.
He didn't think the Lions would look to move the ball because that choice would be playing into the hands of the All Blacks and their superior skills.
"Attempting to take on Steve Hansen's men at their favoured game would be asking for trouble with a capital T because the Lions would be unlikely to beat them at an off-the-cuff running game.
"Gatland's men will have to be smart, pragmatic and use the bludgeon to blunt the rapier," he said.
With this in mind first five-eighths Johnny Sexton would be crucial to the cause and if he succumbed to injury Owen Farrell was capable of stepping in.
"While New Zealand have the better skills, the Lions possess the power to cause any team problems.
"With Maro Itoje, Stander, Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, the Vunipola brothers, Tadhg Furlong, Jack McGrath, George Kruis, Alun Wyn Jones et al, the Lions have an array of riches to choose from.
"Crucially, it won't be just in their starting team but on the bench and that's where the series could be won and lost.
"New Zealand's lack of depth in the boilerhouse was highlighted when their world record winning streak came to an end against Ireland in Chicago last November," he said.
New Zealand had to do without Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in that Test and while the Lions could cover injuries to their locks he wasn't sure New Zealand could.
He also believed the Lions had the men to handle the breakdown and nullify Kieran Read and Ardie Savea while also getting the better of Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Matt Todd.
"Out-muscle the All Blacks in the front five and do a number on them at the breakdown and the Lions will be in business," he said.
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
That article reminds me of an article that was written just before the last Lions tour by Ackford ,
He said something along the lines of, the ABs are more skillful . but the Lions will be more sophisticated ( whatever that means )
I remembered it because I found it amusing
He probably used to make sense before this incident
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@MN5 that was a classic. A 6"6" Bambi on steroids.
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@Catogrande said in B&I Lions 2017:
@MN5 that was a classic. A 6"6" Bambi on steroids.
Fucken nasty cheapshot though to be fair. Surprised Dooley or one of the others didn't step in straight after.
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@taniwharugby said in B&I Lions 2017:
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
That's great stuff.
I'm not sure the Lions will be more experienced. If they select Itoje, Kruis, Stander etc they certainly won't be.
Big game experience is something else entirely. Is there even a single player in the Lions squad that has experience winning a WC playoff game? Maybe a couple of the Welshies.
Love how the Chicago match conveniently becomes a "big" game. And then if Dublin was a litmus test, wouldn't Barrett being named MOTM indicate he passed?
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@MiketheSnow said in B&I Lions 2017:
@kiwiinmelb said in B&I Lions 2017:
@taniwharugby said in B&I Lions 2017:
Shots fired, shots fired!
Makes some valid points, but dont tend to agree with the general tone, but happily accept the under dog status.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/30676/lions-will-bludgeon-to-blunt-the-rapier-uk-view
Lions will bludgeon to blunt the rapier - UK view
Getty Images
23 APR 2017 GETTY IMAGESNew Zealand won't be able to compete with the depth in the British & Irish Lions squad for the DHL New Zealand Lions series.
That's the view of Welsh rugby writer Andy Howell.He wrote on walesonline.co.uk that while New Zealand may have the best production line in world rugby, they won't be able to compete with the Lions.
"The decision by the Lions to allow [Warren] Gatland to take 41 players to the land of the long white cloud was a masterstroke," he said.
"That meant it was almost impossible for quality players not to make the squad."
Howell said the only position that concerned him was hooker where Ireland's Rory Best had been a let down when touring Australia four years ago while Welshman Ken Owens was on the most demanding assignment of his career and England's reserve hooker Jamie George had to show he was as effective starting as he was coming off the bench.
The biggest challenge for Gatland would be choosing his style of play.
He didn't think the Lions would look to move the ball because that choice would be playing into the hands of the All Blacks and their superior skills.
"Attempting to take on Steve Hansen's men at their favoured game would be asking for trouble with a capital T because the Lions would be unlikely to beat them at an off-the-cuff running game.
"Gatland's men will have to be smart, pragmatic and use the bludgeon to blunt the rapier," he said.
With this in mind first five-eighths Johnny Sexton would be crucial to the cause and if he succumbed to injury Owen Farrell was capable of stepping in.
"While New Zealand have the better skills, the Lions possess the power to cause any team problems.
"With Maro Itoje, Stander, Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, the Vunipola brothers, Tadhg Furlong, Jack McGrath, George Kruis, Alun Wyn Jones et al, the Lions have an array of riches to choose from.
"Crucially, it won't be just in their starting team but on the bench and that's where the series could be won and lost.
"New Zealand's lack of depth in the boilerhouse was highlighted when their world record winning streak came to an end against Ireland in Chicago last November," he said.
New Zealand had to do without Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in that Test and while the Lions could cover injuries to their locks he wasn't sure New Zealand could.
He also believed the Lions had the men to handle the breakdown and nullify Kieran Read and Ardie Savea while also getting the better of Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Matt Todd.
"Out-muscle the All Blacks in the front five and do a number on them at the breakdown and the Lions will be in business," he said.
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
That article reminds me of an article that was written just before the last Lions tour by Ackford ,
He said something along the lines of, the ABs are more skillful . but the Lions will be more sophisticated ( whatever that means )
I remembered it because I found it amusing
Andy Howell is a hack focussed on clickbait.
File in the ignore tray.
Heheh. Had never heard of him so assumed he was a leak eating version of Ratpoo. Seems I was right.
Regardless, Lions are overwhelming favourites. Too much depth. Too much strength. And our goal kicking is shite.
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Pffffft the world cup was so long ago, England have been reborn since then. What have we done lately? In june we'll be winless for 7 months, terrible form.
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@mariner4life said in B&I Lions 2017:
England have been reborn since then. What have we done lately? In june we'll be winless for 7 months, terrible form.
glass half full says we aint lost in 7 months!
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@booboo said in B&I Lions 2017:
@MiketheSnow said in B&I Lions 2017:
@kiwiinmelb said in B&I Lions 2017:
@taniwharugby said in B&I Lions 2017:
Shots fired, shots fired!
Makes some valid points, but dont tend to agree with the general tone, but happily accept the under dog status.
http://www.allblacks.com/News/30676/lions-will-bludgeon-to-blunt-the-rapier-uk-view
Lions will bludgeon to blunt the rapier - UK view
Getty Images
23 APR 2017 GETTY IMAGESNew Zealand won't be able to compete with the depth in the British & Irish Lions squad for the DHL New Zealand Lions series.
That's the view of Welsh rugby writer Andy Howell.He wrote on walesonline.co.uk that while New Zealand may have the best production line in world rugby, they won't be able to compete with the Lions.
"The decision by the Lions to allow [Warren] Gatland to take 41 players to the land of the long white cloud was a masterstroke," he said.
"That meant it was almost impossible for quality players not to make the squad."
Howell said the only position that concerned him was hooker where Ireland's Rory Best had been a let down when touring Australia four years ago while Welshman Ken Owens was on the most demanding assignment of his career and England's reserve hooker Jamie George had to show he was as effective starting as he was coming off the bench.
The biggest challenge for Gatland would be choosing his style of play.
He didn't think the Lions would look to move the ball because that choice would be playing into the hands of the All Blacks and their superior skills.
"Attempting to take on Steve Hansen's men at their favoured game would be asking for trouble with a capital T because the Lions would be unlikely to beat them at an off-the-cuff running game.
"Gatland's men will have to be smart, pragmatic and use the bludgeon to blunt the rapier," he said.
With this in mind first five-eighths Johnny Sexton would be crucial to the cause and if he succumbed to injury Owen Farrell was capable of stepping in.
"While New Zealand have the better skills, the Lions possess the power to cause any team problems.
"With Maro Itoje, Stander, Moriarty, Sean O'Brien, the Vunipola brothers, Tadhg Furlong, Jack McGrath, George Kruis, Alun Wyn Jones et al, the Lions have an array of riches to choose from.
"Crucially, it won't be just in their starting team but on the bench and that's where the series could be won and lost.
"New Zealand's lack of depth in the boilerhouse was highlighted when their world record winning streak came to an end against Ireland in Chicago last November," he said.
New Zealand had to do without Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in that Test and while the Lions could cover injuries to their locks he wasn't sure New Zealand could.
He also believed the Lions had the men to handle the breakdown and nullify Kieran Read and Ardie Savea while also getting the better of Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane and Matt Todd.
"Out-muscle the All Blacks in the front five and do a number on them at the breakdown and the Lions will be in business," he said.
Howell also believed the Lions would win in the experience stakes and brought up the departed All Blacks from the 2015 World Cup.
"New Zealand will be under more pressure than they have been, barring the two Tests with Ireland last autumn, at any time since they stood down.
"It will be interesting to see how the likes of Cane, [Beauden] Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown react when the pressure is really on," he said.
That article reminds me of an article that was written just before the last Lions tour by Ackford ,
He said something along the lines of, the ABs are more skillful . but the Lions will be more sophisticated ( whatever that means )
I remembered it because I found it amusing
Andy Howell is a hack focussed on clickbait.
File in the ignore tray.
Heheb. Had never heard of him so assumed he was a leak eating version of Ratpoo. Seems I was right.
Regardless, Lions are overwhelming favourites. Too much depth. Too much strength. And our goal kicking is shite.
Can we have an agreement on here that you Antipodeans do not ascribe such articles as representing the UK and Ireland view and we will grant you the same favour in re Ratpoo? Seems fair.
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@Catogrande said in B&I Lions 2017:
not ascribe such articles as representing the UK and Ireland view and we will grant you the same favour in re Ratpoo? Seems fair.
unfortunately our papers like to publish them, "get dem clicks bro!"
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The big news that I read today is that Hansen will be releasing some ABs to play for the Maori. It makes sense as you can use 2 games, the other being the AB test vs Samoa the night before, to give the AB players a match.
It makes even more sense as I'll be in Rotorua!
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@Bovidae said in B&I Lions 2017:
The big news that I read today is that Hansen will be releasing some ABs to play for the Maori. It makes sense as you can use 2 games, the other being the AB test vs Samoa the night before, to give the AB players a match.
It makes even more sense as I'll be in Rotorua!
That seems to point to the Samoa game being a hit out for a fully fledged first test team.
Released for the Maori game? Who is in that category? DMac?
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Chiefs are the meat in the sandwich aren't they?
No chance of their ABs turning out and probably lose a few to the Maori game as well.
Hope Codie Taylor plays for Maori as that will lessen the load on Hika Elliot who would probably look to back up on the midweek game.
Tough one would be if Ngatai returns with some form. Chiefs would need him in the midfield but may lose him to Maori.
