Hurricanes v B&I Lions
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@Chris-B. you'd have to think a few more of the mid-week squad will be in with a shout for the 2nd test too, so a lot to play for.
Similarly, I'd of thought Jordie would be a good bet for a bench spot if Smith doesn't come right, Laumape a bench option too.
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@taniwharugby Yeah - plenty for them to play for. Test spots, otherwise for many it will be their last ever game for the Lions. Chance to ensure at worst a 5-5 tour record. And they've had a few games together to get combinations working.
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@Chris-B. I was talking about players who could play in the match not those out with injuries.
For the same reason I'm not claiming that the Chiefs were missing Graham and Weber either. The latter was sitting in front of me at the Chiefs-Lions game.
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I'm going to this game. Only game of the tour I got tickets for. I'm very very happy that the fringe ABs have been released, that's a pretty good team.
I'd have been gutted if we'd put out a pathetic Chiefs-like team. I didn't really consider that it was midweek between tests when I bought the tickets (which I actually think are good value $wise).
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@Bovidae said in Hurricanes v B&I Lions:
No excuses for the Canes as only BB, TJP and Ardie are missing. I am ignoring Coles as a longterm absentee.
The Chiefs were really weakened by having no ABs released and the Maori game only 3 days earlier.
Yes, only those 3 easily replaceable and not at all key players
I know what you mean, but those 3 plus Coles are probably the most important in the team.
Still, they'll be in a much better condition that the Chiefs were.
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Can't see the Canes scrum standing up enough. The Lions have worked how to use it as an exit strategy and point generator. If they can get that going this week, they'll win comfortably. I'm not sure if that Hurricanes 5 (8) can front up. If so, this could be a super fun game to watch. I'm planning to knock off work early anyway
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@gt12 said in Hurricanes v B&I Lions:
Can't see the Canes scrum standing up enough. The Lions have worked how to use it as an exit strategy and point generator. If they can get that going this week, they'll win comfortably. I'm not sure if that Hurricanes 5 (8) can front up. If so, this could be a super fun game to watch. I'm planning to knock off work early anyway
Probably. But not 100% sure.
The Lions scrum has been seriously unimpressive on the tighthead side imo all tour.
May, who got dominated in the Moari game while playing TH is playing LH for the Canes. So he will be up against what has been the weakest side so far for the Lions.
Unless Cole has improved immensely and/or is gunning for a test spot like a man possessed.
Will be a good test for JTA on the TH side up against the more impressive Lions looseheads.
Certainly would expect the Lions scrum to dominate by the time the subs come on though, at least.
Edit. Actually gone and looked up tbe teamsheets. Lions subs are the controversial geographically handy add ons. Canes subs are alright. Will be interesting, dominance at sub time not a given.
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Halfpenny comes onto the bench in place of Payne for this one, after the latter reported having a headache.
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@Rancid-Schnitzel said in Hurricanes v B&I Lions:
@Bovidae said in Hurricanes v B&I Lions:
No excuses for the Canes as only BB, TJP and Ardie are missing. I am ignoring Coles as a longterm absentee.
The Chiefs were really weakened by having no ABs released and the Maori game only 3 days earlier.
Yes, only those 3 easily replaceable and not at all key players
I know what you mean, but those 3 plus Coles are probably the most important in the team.
Still, they'll be in a much better condition that the Chiefs were.
You seem to have forgotten Fatialofa. Without him, the Canes pack is much weaker.
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If those Canes midfield backs were offside, Lions will be offside at every ruck tonight
