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**Official** 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand
- Thread starter Tim
- Start date
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
Eh???Tim said:
Let's bear in mind the Lions still have to play Southland (who is still looking for a locking combination and any form of attacking backs) and Manawatu (a mid-table second division side). I cannot even fathom how you reached this conclusion. And bear in mind I'm an Otago supporter who also supports Southland...
Taranaki finished 5th-6th last year in the NPC.
As for the game, I was very impressed by the Lions backs in the second half - Murphy in particular. Hodgson was reeling off some massive punts that broke the Naki hearts early in the second half, particularly after they had been camped in the Lions 22.
The Lions pack was, for the most part, abysmal - certainly in the scrums and breakdowns at least. Hayes isn't a prop's a**hole and Grewcock seems to be getting by on niggle alone. Corry and Owen were probably the only forwards to come out with credit - due in no small part to their excellent support play. Of course, I wouldn't expect anyone from that front row to be in Lions test contention, so there's no real concern there for Sir Clive Woodwhinge.
BoyBrumby
Englishman
I was very disappointed with Moody at the breakdowns. I think you have to give credit to Taranaki for making it hard for The Lions in that area. Not always by legitimate means, mind. A binning was overdue, it just happned to be Hore. Unless Back plays something special when his ban's up Williams looks warm favourite for our 7 shirt now. Hill will be nailed on @ 6, so that leaves Corry or Owen at 8. Unless, of course, he partners one of them with O'Connell at Lock.
Murphy & Lewsey have both made strong cases for a test spot &, almost by default, Thompson looks favourite for the hooker now. Ironically his throwing against the BoP has looked the soundest of anyone's.
Murphy & Lewsey have both made strong cases for a test spot &, almost by default, Thompson looks favourite for the hooker now. Ironically his throwing against the BoP has looked the soundest of anyone's.
The ABs handed out the Fijians a True mauling in the First half 50-0 at half time. Couldn't bear to watch a very one sided Test , But what was the final score ?
ABs showed absolute class , if they can show even a third of this class against the quality of Lions - the Lions will be sunk in deep sh*t !!
*Lions must be quaking in their boots watching this methinks *
ABs showed absolute class , if they can show even a third of this class against the quality of Lions - the Lions will be sunk in deep sh*t !!
*Lions must be quaking in their boots watching this methinks *
Sir Redman
State Vice-Captain
91-0, but the second half was pretty scrappy with players out of position.
And I don't really think the Lions will read too much into it - the Fijian's were woeful and their horrible defence contributed more to the result than All Black briliance
And I don't really think the Lions will read too much into it - the Fijian's were woeful and their horrible defence contributed more to the result than All Black briliance
You are probably right. Fijian defence was non existent or so weak even my Granny may have scored a try !!Sir Redman said:
But still Lions must be panicking a little seeing the quality of the ABs performance and knowing, some of these players are likely to be replaced by even better players !!
Sir Redman
State Vice-Captain
Yeah I suppose the Fijian's only narrowly lost to the Maori, and many people are expecting the Maori to at least push the LionsJASON said:You are probably right. Fijian defence was non existent or so weak even my Granny may have scored a try !!
But still Lions must be panicking a little seeing the quality of the ABs performance and knowing, some of these players are likely to be replaced by even better players !!
BoyBrumby
Englishman
I see Fiji were without Caucau, I heard there'd been another toy-throwing incident. Not that one player would've made much of a difference to the result. One or two interesting picks for the ABs, Whitcombe ahead of Mealamu & Kelleher ahead of Marshall. As a Lions fan I'd be quite chuffed to see those picks repeated against us!
Although suspect Oliver will get the nod at hooker when he's fully fit.
Although suspect Oliver will get the nod at hooker when he's fully fit.
Smudge
Hall of Fame Member
Can't read too much into those selections. I think Mealamu would start in front of Witcombe, and besides, I hope like hell that Oliver will be back. Kelleher over Marshall may be more likely to set our lightning backline off.BoyBrumby said:
The worst thing about Fiji's performance was their ball handling - they're so well known as such a skilful backline and then they turn up with mammary glands for hands.
Ryan's pass off the deck was sheer class. And might I add, I tagged him as a future All Black when I watched a colts club game in Dunedin back in 2001 - I have the article I wrote to prove it.
BoyBrumby
Englishman
Think the Maori have probably just shaded the first half. Martyn Williams has been having a mare at the breakdown, think I've counted 3 pens against him personally. 7 looking a problem spot for us. Tupoki (sp?) having a v good game in the centre for the Maori.
Sheridan a lucky boy. If his swing had connected he coulda seen red rather than yellow.
Sheridan a lucky boy. If his swing had connected he coulda seen red rather than yellow.