Next Lions game

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.
I agree the forwards were poor esp second half
Vunipola is better coming off bench second half
our best hooker Owens had a nightmare
back row was totally awful-Lawes living off 1st test second half performance,Curry did nowt and Conan in and out
 
I agree the forwards were poor esp second half
Vunipola is better coming off bench second half
our best hooker Owens had a nightmare
back row was totally awful-Lawes living off 1st test second half performance,Curry did nowt and Conan in and out
Definitely agree about Vunipola. I thought it was a mistake starting him, as he had a great impact off the bench in the first game. The bench yesterday had no impact at all.
 
Really hope this isn't true but it wouldnt suprise me.

Find out tomorrow. It was brought to ref's attention at the time, but he said it would be looked at after the game. He'd be a big miss in an area where the South Africans seem to be getting a bit stronger. The return of Vermeulen to the SA squad isn't good news either!
 
Team for last Test. Looks stronger in most ways with a good bench. Adam Beard will neutralise the SA lineout dominance at the end of the game. Surprised no changes to the back row and van der Merwe keeping his place.

15. Liam Williams
14. Josh Adams
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Dan Biggar
9. Ali Price

1. Wyn Jones
2. Ken Owens
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Courtney Lawes
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Mako Vunipola
18. *Kyle Sinckler – subject to outcome of disciplinary hearing.
19. Adam Beard
20. Sam Simmonds
21. Conor Murray
22. Finn Russell
23. Elliot Daly
 
Not sure how I feel about this after Owens poor showing in the last test. Although I did think Wyn Jones should have been starting over Mako.

also would have liked to have seen Russell in the backs
 
Sinckler will be a massive loss if not available. He's going to be a vital part of our forwards not being beasted again in the 2nd half when SA bring on the big guns.
 
Not sure how I feel about this after Owens poor showing in the last test. Although I did think Wyn Jones should have been starting over Mako.

also would have liked to have seen Russell in the backs
Owens problem was De Jager coming on and totally disrupting any decent ball. The short throws couldn't have been practiced. He's got a bit more drive and energy in the loose, if not the power of Dickie.

Biggar was clearly told to kick after the second half of the first test was won that way; we won't see as much of that and there's a finisher on the wing now if Van der Merwe / Liam Williams come into the line.

Hamish Watson unlucky to not get a look in.
 
I'm not surprised that Hogg is out completely but definitely surprised van der Merwe retains his place. I thought he was just as bad as Hogg last week. He could have easily been yellow carded before he actually was and looked dodgy with high balls.

Sam Simmonds on the bench is an interesting one. Does that indicate the Lions are going to try and play a bit of rugby instead of trying to out South Africa, South Africa?
 
Sam Simmonds on the bench is an interesting one. Does that indicate the Lions are going to try and play a bit of rugby instead of trying to out South Africa, South Africa?
Maybe, but Falatau could be said to provide the same thing. It did worry me on saturday how little impact the subs made. This lot could come of the bench and change things: Simmons and Russell dynamically and sinks and mako physically
 
Team for last Test. Looks stronger in most ways with a good bench. Adam Beard will neutralise the SA lineout dominance at the end of the game. Surprised no changes to the back row and van der Merwe keeping his place.

15. Liam Williams
14. Josh Adams
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Dan Biggar
9. Ali Price

1. Wyn Jones
2. Ken Owens
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Courtney Lawes
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan

Replacements:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Mako Vunipola
18. *Kyle Sinckler – subject to outcome of disciplinary hearing.
19. Adam Beard
20. Sam Simmonds
21. Conor Murray
22. Finn Russell
23. Elliot Daly
Thought Hogg deserced to go but I agree, van de Merwe is a lucky guy to make the squad. He really needs to tighten up his discipline. Thought Farrell unlucky to not make the squad but thats probably my English blinkers. I'd have started with Murray.

If we're 10-15 points down with 10 to go I can see Russell coming on but he's a bit of a luxury not being aggressive in defence.
 
Farrell has been average this tour(as he was in 6nations)
Harris is better than Aki
Jones is best prop
Russell should start before Biggar
Curry is living on reputation rather than performances-Watson should be playing

Agree with other changes
 
Gatland proposing that extra time should be played if a draw at 80 minutes.
Not sure that's wise. Although it gives me more time on the Guinness so yes, lets go for it! As a quins fans with memories of Bristanbul this year, I'm a big fan!
 
Not sure that's wise. Although it gives me more time on the Guinness so yes, lets go for it! As a quins fans with memories of Bristanbul this year, I'm a big fan!
It was in response to the question. Apparently after the third NZ test, the players didn't know if there'd be extra time. I guess he's thinking of it's all square after 80, the Lions may have the energy to get over the line.
 
So..........
We never caught a single ball..... WTF
Williams at back was a disaster call.... did nothing and missed a try pass
Shocking choices at pens........... 9 easy points missed by going for the corner.
Finn Russell......... magical.

But what a series. The LIONS are still alive.
 
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