Next Lions game
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Humpty
Well-known member
I thought the ref was quite on point to be fair. Certainly wasn’t something I thought effected the outcome of the game. You just hold your hands up and say SA were dominant. Particularly in the pack.
Nero
Well-known member
Credit to South Africa they were massively physical in the second half. The Lions couldn't get going and it was like watching the 2019 World Cup Final again.
I thought the game was impossible for the officials and it showed. Erasmus is a disgrace for the pressure he put on them.
For next week there's a few things the coaches must look at. I thought Hogg was poor and Liam Williams must start at full back. Van Der Merwe was lucky to avoid a yellow and poor with high balls so needs replacing too. Elliot Daly is best on the wing so I'd play him there.
I just hope next week has officials prepared to let the game flow. It was too stop start and allowed South Africa too much recovery time.
I thought the game was impossible for the officials and it showed. Erasmus is a disgrace for the pressure he put on them.
For next week there's a few things the coaches must look at. I thought Hogg was poor and Liam Williams must start at full back. Van Der Merwe was lucky to avoid a yellow and poor with high balls so needs replacing too. Elliot Daly is best on the wing so I'd play him there.
I just hope next week has officials prepared to let the game flow. It was too stop start and allowed South Africa too much recovery time.
Abel Tasman
Well-known member
Just watched the game on playback.
From an NZ point of view thought the Lions were very disappointing tactically. All Blacks success against the Boks is not get into a wrestling match but it seems Gatland wants his troops to do just that.
The plan to bombard Pollard and give up possession time and time again was clearly not working to their advantage. In the end the Boks forwards took over.
It was a horrid game to watch. That first half took an hour with all the stoppages and TMOs. There are eyebrows raised here about Erasmus being allowed to effectively coach the team as a waterboy and influence the game. I am very surprised the Lions haven’t questioned it.
From an NZ point of view thought the Lions were very disappointing tactically. All Blacks success against the Boks is not get into a wrestling match but it seems Gatland wants his troops to do just that.
The plan to bombard Pollard and give up possession time and time again was clearly not working to their advantage. In the end the Boks forwards took over.
It was a horrid game to watch. That first half took an hour with all the stoppages and TMOs. There are eyebrows raised here about Erasmus being allowed to effectively coach the team as a waterboy and influence the game. I am very surprised the Lions haven’t questioned it.
Cardiffdaffs
Well-known member
Abel think you’ve said everything that needed to be said on the game. As you say not a great advert for free flowing rugby In my opinion.
We deserved to lose they completely dominated the second half but 3 dangerous play decisions went their way including where their yellow should have been a red.
Why wasn't their scrum halfs no arms tackle called?
If the game is serious about protecting players they need to be called... more so at the highest level to set the standards
Nero
Well-known member
Both valid points. In real time I thought De Klerk's tackle was dangerous so I'm surprised it was quickly discounted.
The Kolbe yellow could have easily been red and I think Erasmus's behaviour influenced that. If he hadn't ranted all week Kolbe could have been sent off.
The second try was also marginal. On commentary Nigel Owens explained why it wasn't a grounding but it was given. It wouldn't have made a difference though as the Lions were blitzed in the second half.
And I agree with a few others.... it was a terrible game.
Would I have said that if we'd won? Probably.
Hope the decider is more expansive but I fully expect more of the same from the Boks. Forward domination slowing the game down and playing right on the edge.
Erasmus influence was huge. From the effect of his video rant through to his line out tactical change.
Gotta say he has the edge on Gatland
This week's lead up should be interesting.
Would I have said that if we'd won? Probably.
Hope the decider is more expansive but I fully expect more of the same from the Boks. Forward domination slowing the game down and playing right on the edge.
Erasmus influence was huge. From the effect of his video rant through to his line out tactical change.
Gotta say he has the edge on Gatland
This week's lead up should be interesting.
Cardiffdaffs
Well-known member
He has the edge on Gatland because whereas the coaches stay in the teams technical boxes in the stand, Erasmus, the effective real coach, is on the pitch with the water and instructions.
Nero
Well-known member
The best coaches let the players call the shots, but I do wonder what information Erasmus is able to pass on during so called water breaks.
SmallTown
Well-known member
This is is the dark side of this tour: coaches saying stuff that pressures and seems to influence the referees: Gatland did it before the first test and we got the rub of the TMO decisions. Erasmus did it this week and they then get favour. It’s not rightLions got lucky with the disallowed offside try last week, so swings and roundabouts really
Abel Tasman
Well-known member
Yes as I say here in NZ many people have seen this as very strange and surprised it’s allowed.
Anton_Berg
Well-known member
Lions backs haven't looked like scoring a try in the series and still don't.
Cecil J McTumshie
Active member
Need to play a more attacking line up next week
my team would be
Williams
Adams
Harris
Henshaw
Van De Merwe
Russell
Murray/Price
Sutherland
Cowan-Dickie
Furlong
Itoje
AWJ
Beirne
Watson
Faletau
my team would be
Williams
Adams
Harris
Henshaw
Van De Merwe
Russell
Murray/Price
Sutherland
Cowan-Dickie
Furlong
Itoje
AWJ
Beirne
Watson
Faletau
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Abel Tasman
Well-known member
They rarely get their hands on the ball.
Nero
Well-known member
Exactly. It's hard to do anything without the ball.
Cecil J McTumshie
Active member
so we need Finn Russell at standoff
Nero
Well-known member
Perhaps but I can't see Gatland making massive changes next week, so don't expect Russell to be in the 23 at all.
The Lions struggled once South Africa upped their physical game. Forwards win rugby union games and that's where the team has to improve. I don't think any forward will be happy with their second half performance.