All Blacks v BI Lions Test #3
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A golden opportunity for the lions really ,
1-1 , ABs with a slightly disjointed looking side ,a french ref who they relate to better than us ,
still picking us to win, but not with alot of confidence , i think they go into this game in far better shape than we may have thought earlier
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To put a positive spin on the selections it is a bold move by Hansen and co, and they are hoping for some Canes magic. The result will determine if they are champs or chumps.
So we have a different midfield and back three in each test - I can't remember the last time that occurred, even allowing for the injuries.
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Laumape will be the key. He made large inroads against Sexton/Farrell. If SOB is tied up back marking him, it creates space elsewhere.
I'm surprised that Gatland didn't go with Te'o again - Farrell's defence is squeaky.
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@Bovidae said in All Blacks v BI Lions Test #3:
@Crucial Let's hope they stink on Sat night!
They will and NZ will be overcome with it.
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I still don't see the point of having S Barrett on the bench. If Squire is still not 100% fit than that decision is easier to make but I would expect both Whitelock and Retallick to play the full 80 mins so then it is loose forward cover you want. Ardie will replace Cane and Kaino will also be replaced at some stage despite only playing 70 mins across the 1st and 2nd tests. So to me Barrett is there more as injury cover than providing impact. The fact that he's only spent 12 mins on the field in the 2 tests proves this. I'd have been tempted to include Ioane in the reserves.
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@rotated no I was just mentioning it . Jordie will not kick a goal on Saturday
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@Wreck-Diver Don't be so sure. JB would the best option for a long range penalty.
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@Bovidae said in All Blacks v BI Lions Test #3:
@Wreck-Diver Don't be so sure. JB would the best option for a long range penalty.
Moreso than Dagg?
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@Bones On the other hand the tackling percentage of your FB doesnt matter so much if the forwards, and especially the midfield do their job. Don't allow a line break and you don't have to worry too much about JB's defence all he'd have to worry about is the high ball, which he's good at.
This series the ABs seem to have been playing the Canes configuration, with the wings pushing way up and only the FB staying back, whereas previously they've been leaving the right wing back too (just like all the other team I guess). At least Jordie is used to playing that way. And I'm much happier with Dagg and JB under the high ball.
My main concern is the inclusion of Cruden on the bench means if he is going to come on at all we end up putting our best 10 at the back, where he's hardly set the world alight.
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@Pot-Hale said in All Blacks v BI Lions Test #3:
Laumape will be the key. He made large inroads against Sexton/Farrell. If SOB is tied up back marking him, it creates space elsewhere.
I'm surprised that Gatland didn't go with Te'o again - Farrell's defence is squeaky.
Would Lions have scored those two tries on Saturday had they had Farrell/Teo on pitch instead of Sexton/Farrell? I suspect not, so I think the (relatively) weaker S/F defence is worth carrying
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@Disgusted-of-TW the selection of savea and Laumape would suggest to me that we'll be hitting that channel every time off set piece. Interesting times ahead.
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@Bovidae said in All Blacks v BI Lions Test #3:
I still don't see the point of having S Barrett on the bench. If Squire is still not 100% fit than that decision is easier to make but I would expect both Whitelock and Retallick to play the full 80 mins so then it is loose forward cover you want. Ardie will replace Cane and Kaino will also be replaced at some stage despite only playing 70 mins across the 1st and 2nd tests. So to me Barrett is there more as injury cover than providing impact. The fact that he's only spent 12 mins on the field in the 2 tests proves this. I'd have been tempted to include Ioane in the reserves.
I think with SB , they seem him as lock cover and capable of covering 6 if needed , and are concerned with losing a lock early .
But I get what you are saying , he hasn't provided much impact which goes against the trend of recent seasons ,
I think we have missed squire late in the game , he comes on and adds something different.
