How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?

[mariner4life]

You cantabs are hilarious

Todd, whitelock and Taufua? Jesus.

Bunch of Mark Carters

[Chris B.]

@mariner4life Hey - it's not us suggesting to play Cane at 6 or 8 to accommodate Todd!

[mariner4life]

@Chris-B. Me either! Jesus.

[Chris B.]

Luckily ACT is most likely right in that Read and Kaino will be lining up for the first test with 6 and 8 on their backs.

[ACT Crusader]

I've never been on the Taufua bandwagon. I like his game at Super level and what he brings for the Saders, but he's not test material in my eyes.

Todd has the tackling, stamina and support game that the AB coaches seem to really like. So I'm not surprised he's there or thereabouts. Just ask Canes4Life....

S. Whitelock to blindside, nup no need.

On those pushing Scott Barrett, he's developing nicely but I think just like last year he'll only get in if there are injuries to our four frontline locks. He has some work ons.

[jegga]

Ladbrokes are paying $1.20 for an ab series win still

https://m.ladbrokes.com.au/sports/rugby-union/9989953-series-betting-2017-british-irish-lions-tour-of-new-zealand/9989953-series-betting-2017-british-irish-lions-tour-of-new-zealand/

[akan004]

The one positive about the injuries to Read, Kaino and Coles and the likely suspension of Whitelock is that our forwards will be bloody fresh going into the first test. If these guys can recover in time for the first test, I think their freshness will give them an edge over what must be a jaded Lions pack.

[Tim]

So who are we most likely to see in the first test, should injury recoveries not go to plan?

1. Moody
2. Coltman
3. Franks
4. Retallick
5. Whitelock
6. Squire
7. Cane
8. Luatua
9. TJP
10. Barrett
11. R Ioane
12. Crotty
13. ALB
14. J Savea
15. Smith

Reserves:

16. Taylor
17. Crockett
18. Faumuina
19. S. Barrett
20. A. Savea
21. A. Smith
22. A. Cruden
23. SBW

[booboo]

@Tim said in How are the AB's tracking heading into the BIL series?:

So who are we most likely to see in the first test, should injury recoveries not go to plan?

1. Moody
2. Coltman
3. Franks
4. Retallick
5. Whitelock
6. Squire
7. Cane
8. Luatua
9. TJP
10. Barrett
11. R Ioane
12. Crotty
13. ALB
14. J Savea
15. Smith

Coltman? Hmmm

I'd swap 6 and 8

Dagg not expected back?

[Tim]

@booboo Yeah, assuming Dagg is unavailable.

[Toddy]

Ben Smith is injured

[Tim]

@Toddy It's just a sprain, so I've counted him in. If he and Dagg are out then who plays fullback? McKenzie?

[taniwharugby]

@Tim BB and Cruden starts at 10?

[Stargazer]

@Tim I understand from last week's interviews that Dagg is expected to return against the Hurricanes on 13 May, so I'd expect him in the 14 jersey and Julian Savea at 11. In absence of Dagg, it would be either Rieko Ioane or Naholo in the 14 jersey.

If Ben Smith is still injured, Dagg will play 15, obviously.

I think Taylor will start, not Coltman.

[Bovidae]

@taniwharugby

For once Marshall was right (re: taping the outside of your boot never works) and once Smith warmed down the pain and swelling would have kicked in.

[Tim]

@taniwharugby I'd be loath to move our best back from his most effective position.

[Bovidae]

@Tim A Smith will be the starting halfback.

Luatua is on the outside looking in after his signing debacle last year. I don't think Hansen will select him even if his form warrants selection.

[taniwharugby]

@Tim not ideal, but if no Smith or Dagg, then I'd have him at 15...we need a miracle cure for all these fornt line injuries!

[Tim]

@taniwharugby Yeah, the other options aren't so great:

Nanai hasn't been playing at 15 this year, and would be making his debut.
MacKenzie still seems a bit small.
Jordie Barrett has a way to go before he's a test quality 15.
Havili is playing his best football but is still not at that level.
Faddes ... nope.

[Billy Tell]

Does anyone else think NMS should just harden up? I mean pffft broken foot. Didn't stop Ritchie...