**Official** 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand

[Tim]

Typical British rugby...killing the ball, and starting up fights

 

[James]

and I'm starting to have second thoughts on putting $50 on the Lions to win the series....

 

[Blaze]

and I'm starting to have second thoughts on putting $50 on the Lions to win the series....

Save that bet until you have seen them play the maori

 

[James]

Paying $3.60 at the TAB - good money.

I think there's about a 80% chance of awful weather for the Christchurch and Wellington tests and if there is it will come down to forward play and goal kicking where we all know the Lions are superior.

 

[Tim]

I also think it is too early to write them off, but I think they will still need to beat the Maori team convincingly. And at this stage I can't see that happening considering the Maori side have a number of former or current AB's and quality Super 12 players.

 

[Blaze]

Paying $3.60 at the TAB - good money.

I think there's about a 80% chance of awful weather for the Christchurch and Wellington tests and if there is it will come down to forward play and goal kicking where we all know the Lions are superior.

IMO the Lions don't even have a great forward pack. It's a good forward pack but NZ can match it IMO

 

[Tim]

We're definately even, if not better with the flankers..Locking is a problem, but Jack is world-class.
Up-front is the concern..I think thats where we could lose out against the Lions.

 

[BoyBrumby]

O'Gara's having a shocker, he's missed about every tackle he's tried to make so far. The Lions hit their straps early, but they just allowed The B of P back into the game. Williams looks a pretty decent 1st 5/8th for them & I'm impressed with the big lad with the dreads. Bunting?

Dallaglio's ankle looks serious too. If it's not busted it may be ligament damage.

Hopefully SCW reading the riot act as I type....

 

[marc71178]

The Lions are getting killed in mid-field and on the wings. They are going to have to improve a truckload in that area if they are going to have any hope against Carter, Umaga, Sivivatu, Howlett etc.

Looking at the side, I'm not sure how true it is to the starting line-up come Test time.

 

[Tim]

The BOP have about 6 Super 12 players, a couple of junior AB's and a couple of sevens players so they do have a decent side..but compared to Auckland, Canterbury etc they are way behind.

Although I will say that they probably are the most spirited side in the NPC, and will guts out good wins.

 

[Tim]

Kevin Senio has been awesome at scrum-half..he looks a good talent.
Cashmore has used all his experience at fullback too to good effect.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Finally! Good strength from Richard Hill to make the initial break, a slight suspicion of a double-movement from Shanklin but we can't afford to be too fussy!!

Another missed conv tho, I've seen quite enough of them this year!!!

 

[Tim]

lol BOP just destroyed the Lions scrum.

 

[James]

22-20 - how close is this!

Off Topic, Tim - did you receive my email?

 

[Tim]

Yes, I have added you to msn.

 

[Tim]

O'Gara is crap. There's no way he'll play ahead of Johnny Wilkinson or Stephen Jones.

 

[BoyBrumby]

O'Gara's been playing like a kind of inferior Wilkinson, kicking well from hand (not from place kicks mind) but without Jonny's defence.

Nice to see Thompson & Sheridan adding a bit of beef to the front-row. They created Peel's try. With Bulloch throwing like a drain Wally looks more & more the call for the Lions no. 2 jersey. Still too close for comfort tho.

 

[marc71178]

5 tries, 1 converted - thank god he won't be kicking in any game that matters!

 

[Tim]

They've played well in the last 10 minutes, but there are definately things to work on.
The Maori team is going to be a big test.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Couple of good line out steals from O'Connell. & then a great break from Lewsey & v unselfish play from a man on 2 tries to put D'Arcy over. Think that's the ball game, but it's been a curate's egg of a performance.