Preview - The First Test - Australia v British & Irish Lions

I attended a business course today about managing client relationships.  It was one of those courses that you sort of initially view as essentially a sort of extra day’s holiday – paid for by work – before you realise that there is some actually some pretty useful stuff buried in there.  One aspect of it was called ‘Expectation Management’.  Now this, I’ve comes to realise, goes beyond making self-depreciating remarks to women who have, for some reason, taken an interest in you, but can actually be applied in all sorts of everyday situations.  The First Test of a Lions Tour is, of course, not an everyday situation, but I nonetheless tried to think of a suitable way to utilise these ‘expectation management’ skills in relation to tomorrow’s match.

I failed.  Miserably.  It’s a Lions tour for goodness sake.  The First Test.  I’m so excited that shares in underwear manufacturers have skyrocketed over the last week and nothing I see or read, about injuries or weather conditions, can change my mind about that.  The English press have gone into even more extravagant realm of hyperbole, the Aussie commentators have reached a new peak of their already boisterous excitement (see below) and it seems that everyone from the UK, Ireland and Australia are somehow emotionally invested in the outcome.  People have their own views on what the best place for a Lions tour is but, in my opinion, nowhere comes close to Australia when it comes to quality banter (borderlining on offensive most of the time, of course).

 

So what can we expect in this match up?  The Wallabies look almost as mix-and-match as the tourists, throwing 3 blokes in for their debut against the Lions and ignoring experienced campaigners for starting spots like Quade Cooper and Drew Mitchell.  They’re also facing arguments of being undercooked, having not played any warm-up games, but I don’t buy into that.  Guys like Moore, Horwill, Genia, O’Connor and Ashley-Cooper have all played countless games against top-level opposition and can at least know roughly what to expect at kick off, despite the intensity generally going up another notch for Lions Tests.  They will also have used their time hidden away in training to analyse each and every trick up Gatland’s sleeve.  The Wallabies will know that the kiwi loves simple one-out passes off the breakdown and big runners up the middle – but they will also know this is the Welsh style of play that they have dealt with before and if they chop the Lions’ runners down early, there is every chance the tourists will panic and kick the ball back towards the intelligent Berrick Barnes, the mercurial Israel Folau and the irrepressible Digby Ione, and that’s the sort of situation the Wallabies thrive on.

The Lions will be missing the ultra-physical presence of either Jamie Roberts or Manu Tuilagi at 12, so Jonathan Davies will be charged with making yards.  But this isn’t his forte – he’s not weak, by any stretch of the imagination, but his real strengths lie in creating space for others and hitting superb support lines.  Gatland demonstrated against the Brumbies that he will try and get his sides playing the same way even if he doesn’t have the correct personnel to execute that game plan – Twelvetrees is another example of a centre that can hold his own, but why was he exclusively used on a crash when he’s one of the best passers of the ball around.  Hopefully, the Lions will adapt their game plan, or at least use the size and speed of George North and Alex Cuthbert in the middle of the park more often they have been in order to make sure that yards can still be made in the middle of the park.  But the tourists have looked sharp on several occasions – most notably against the Waratahs – and are more than capable of playing some sexy rugby, provided the set piece holds up and captain Sam Warburton can get his pack dominating the contact off the initial phases.

Of course, most of the above will probably go out of the window tomorrow morning.  This is a Lions Test Match, and games are won by blood, sweat, determination and timeless moments of brilliance that will resonate for generations to come; they’re not won by theories on a piece of paper.  For us mortal fans, we can sit happily in the knowledge that history will be made tomorrow in a game that already has the word epic scrawled all over it – and that is an expectation I have no intention of managing.

Australia Team News

Brumbies pair Ben Mowen and Christian Leali'ifano, alongside New South Wales Waratahs back Israel Folau, will all make their international debuts in Saturday's opening Test of the British & Irish Lions tour at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.   Leali'ifano, who starts at inside-centre, and Folau, wing, join an exciting backline which sees the Gold Coast-raised James O'Connor team with Queensland scrum-half Will Genia as the halves combination.

Starting Line up:  Berrick Barnes; Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Digby Ioane; James O'Connor, Will Genia; Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander; Kane Douglas, James Horwill (captain); Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu.

Subs: Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Liam Gill, Nick Phipps, Pat McCabe, Kurtley Beale.

Key Player

Will Genia.  I still reckon it’s a mistake not to have Quade Cooper in the side, but the extra creative responsibility will not bother Genia one jot – if anything, it will take his performance to another level.  The Reds’ maestro is lightening fast and the best-decision maker in the game, as well as being surprisingly physical; he is, in my book, the best scrum half in world rugby.  The Lions have banked on Phillips getting under his skin in order to stop the Wallaby momentum at source, but George Gregan’s successor will know how to handle the big Welshman and very rarely lets himself get ruffled by extra ‘physical attention’.  If he can shrug off the advances of the Phillips then the Lions will have to contend not only with a running threat around the fringes, but also a lightning fast service to a very dangerous backline.

Lions Team News

Sam Warburton will lead out the British & Irish Lions against the Wallabies on Saturday in the first Test of the 2013 series.  The side features eight players making their Lions Test debut with the line-up also including two former captains, Brian O'Driscoll who led the team in 2005 and Paul O'Connell in 2009. Perhaps the most noticeable inclusion is Alex Corbisiero who is named at loose-head having not been named in the original 37-man squad. Corbisiero was included after Cian Healy was ruled out through injury following the Western Force game.

Starting Line up: Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Brian O'Driscoll, Jonathan Davies, George North, Jonathan Sexton, Mike Phillips; Alex Corbisiero, Tom Youngs, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Paul O'Connell, Tom Croft, Sam Warburton (captain), Jamie Heaslip

Subs: Richard Hibbard, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Sean Maitland

Key Player

Tom Youngs.  A lot of focus has been on the surprise call up of his England colleague, Alex Corbisiero, but Youngs will have by far the more critical role.  He’s been the form hooker on this tour with his carrying and defensive work – topping the tackling charts for a tight-5 forward – and his throwing has been solid, but the lineout is an area which the Aussies will really target.  He has his old mucker Tom Croft to aim for, but James Horwill and company will look to congest the middle of the lineout and force Youngs to throw long – an option we haven’t seen him take on this tour.  It’s a big test for the ex-centre, but one he shouldn’t be daunted by – he threw 100% the last time England played Australia.  If he can lead not only a safe lineout, but an enterprising one, then the Lions will have secured one of the major pieces of ‘unstable ground’ in the Test.

Key Battle

Michael Hooper v Sam Warburton.  Yes, everyone seems to have been banging on about Genia and Phillips, but for me the real battle is between the 2 opensides.  Hooper has big boots (and bicep-sleeves) to fill when he where’s the 7 shirt, with the terminator David Pocock and the legendary George Smith both out injured.  But Hooper is a phenomenal athlete and he certainly offers more in attack than either of the 2 more experienced candidates – he hits a centre’s lines, and showed he had the pace and footwork to round Israel Dagg the other week in Super Rugby.  But he will need to take his groundwork to another level against the Lions – he’s shown how effective he can be for the Waratahs, but now he needs to earn that ‘nuisance tag’ in a Green and Gold jersey.  Sam Warburton, meanwhile, has been looking sharp this tour, doing a lot of the dirty work – which is especially important when you have 2 ‘flash’ backrowers like Croft and Heaslip alongside you.  He needs to match Hooper’s energy and beat him to the first phase breakdown – if he manages to secure quick ball, the Lions will look very dangerous.  If Hooper is first to the scene, then the Lions will be forced to play off slow ball and probably kick – and with the back 3 the Wallabies have, that’s never a good option to resort to.

Prediction

This is it.  A Test Match 12 years in the making.  And, to some extent, it’s impossible to predict what will happen – with colossal battles all over the pitch that could go either way and potentially decide the outcome of this game or even, potentially, the series.  The Wallabies actually go into this one as more of an unknown quantity than the Lions, but it could actually end up working to their advantage.  Behind closed doors, the players pulling on the Green and Gold jersey will have been doing their homework and they will realise that this side will adopt the Welsh style of play – and it is a style they know they can handle and defeat.  Of course, so much depends on how their new boys – Folau, Mowen and Lealiifano – settle in to the side, but I have a suspicion that the element of surprise may be critical in this encounter; there's no chance of them being shellshocked like they were in 2001 though.  I still maintain that the Lions will need to adopt a faster, smarter style of play than simply the bash-it-up-in-the-middle technique and that actually gets me leaning towards a win for the hosts against a battle-hardened Lions outfit - especially at Suncorp, a real bearpit of a home ground for the Wallabies of late.  Wallabies by 2.
 

RuckedOver's Lions XV for the First Test v Wallabies

And so, with the first Lions Test announcement just hours away, here’s a very quick (for once) rundown on who RuckedOver would have facing up to the Wallabies in Brisbane – injuries permitting, of course...

Starting Line Up

 

1.  Mako Vunipola – Ignore the garbage about his scrummaging, he has more than held his own so far this tour.  His carrying and work rate, and overall intensity, is colossal and he will be a key yard maker for the Lions.  Corbisiero can always come on if the set piece is looking shakey.

2. Tom Youngs – By a fair way, the form hooker on tour.  Carrying and defensive work has never been doubted, but his throwing-in has been on the money too – even if he has kept it relatively simple.  I don’t care, Tom, the way the lineouts have gone on this tour, just chuck it to the bloke at the front.

3.  Adam Jones – He’s had a quiet tour and his place doesn’t look quite as well-cemented now, but his know-how and solidarity will be key in the opening exchanges.  An absolute rock in the set piece but he will need to get his nasty-face on if the Lions are to dominate up front.

4.  Alun Wyn Jones – After a sensational game against England and an even better one against the Waratahs, it looks as if the Welshman can now be classed as a ‘big game player’.  His aggression, intensity and work at the breakdown have him nailed on for a starting spot.

5.  Paul O’Connell – Like his second row partner, another to really hit his straps in this tour.  Will fire up the troops and provide a rallying point, but he’s also discovered a useful pinching ability over the ball at the breakdown over the last couple of games.

6.  Tom Croft – A blinding end to the season for Leicester was followed up by a stunning performance in Sydney.  He’s shone against South Africa in the red shirt, he’ll be keen to do it again against Australia and is a man who can really dominate those wider channels.

7.  Sam Warburton – Understated but classy, the Captain seems to be finding his feet again.  A couple of sharp turnovers have impressed already this tour but it’s his physicality in defence that make him such a key performer for the Lions.

8.  Jamie Heaslip – Such a tight call.  Faletau looked good against the Brumbies but it was a case of too little, too late – plus he played a full 80 and so would be jaded for this one.  Heaslip has been impressive on the gallop but will have to make sure he puts in the graft as well.

9.  Mike Phillips – Another close call.  If Ben Youngs had shone against the Brumbies then I would have gone for him, as I think he’s looked sharp on tour and would link up well with Sexton.  But Gatland hasn’t tested that partnership, so Phillips gets the nod – plus his abrasive ‘qualities’ may well put Genia off his game.

10.  Johnny Sexton – Despite Farrell improving game by game, Sexton is still streets ahead – a classy operator who stands flat and has an ability to beautifully disguise his passes.  He’ll be looking to really pressurise the Aussie 10 channel.

11.  George North – I’ve not quite bought into the whole media (and Rob Howley) induced circus surrounding him, but he’s still an absolute machine and a key attacking component for the Lions.  The more he gets involved, the more dangerous the tourists’ attack will be.

12.  Manu Tuilagi – A ridiculously harsh call on Davies, who was utterly class against the Waratahs, but seeing as how Gatland wants to play – plus the fact that debutant Christian Lealiifano will be starting at 12 for the Wallabies – I think Manu would be the best bet.  His carrying ability and his promising partnership with O’Driscoll are the sellers for me...but in all likelihood he’ll be injured so Davies will start anyway.

13.  Brian O’Driscoll – Again, harsh on Davies, but O’Driscoll has had a fine tour well.  A touch of class amongst all that power is required and he provides a focal point amongst an otherwise pretty young backline.  He won’t be overawed by the occasion...and he has a score to settle.

14.  Simon Zebo – Alex Cuthbert is unlucky but, in my mind, is too similar to North and has looked a little lethargic and defensively fragile on this tour.  Zebo is a fine footballer who loves stepping in at second receiver and trying to make things happen, and will complement North superbly.

15.  Leigh Halfpenny – No contest.  Poor Stuart Hogg has been pressed into service at full back so Halfpenny has taken the chance to make the jersey his own with his near-flawless goal kicking and ever-improving running threat when joining the line.

 

Subs

16.  Richard Hibbard – He has been solid this tour and his aggression and physicality will be useful late on or if the scrum is looking wobbly.

17.  Alex Corbisiero – He’s looking very strong and will sure up the set piece if needed.

18.  Dan Cole – A world class scrummager with the ability to scavenge for the ball is not a bad option to have on the bench.

19.  Geoff Parling – A real surprise package this tour.  He’s been mobile in the park and a real powerhouse in the lineout.

20.  Justin Tipuric – A difficult one but I think I would rather have the option of bringing Tipuric’s energy on – especially if the Lions are losing the battle of the breakdown.

21.  Ben Youngs – Has looked very dangerous on tour and will expose tiring fringe defences.

22.  Owen Farrell – Ever improving, with decent distribution and kicking, and is a more-than-useful goalkicker if (God forbid) Halfpenny can’t continue.

23.  Jonathan Davies – Unlucky not to be starting, but his intelligent ball-playing will be useful to bring on if more finesse is needed in the middle or if good old BOD is worn out.

Who would you pick to start the first Test?

Review - ACT Brumbies 14 - 12 British & Irish Lions

My predictions in rugby are a little hit-and-miss to put it nicely.  I’d like to think that I have better foresight than, say, Jeremy Guscott, who consistently seems to be playing a game of opposites, but I’m not exactly Mystic Meg.  But I am proud to say that one of my many ‘prophecies’ has come to pass – although, as a fan of the Lions, it was a bitter sweet moment.

Actually, it was just a bitter moment.  The Lions usually lose a couple of games – at least – every tour, but it’s still frustrating when it happens and even more so when it’s done in the manner of a disorganised school team.  Which, in Tuesday’s case, was understandable, considering that 2 of the players had just enjoyed a 36 hour trip from Argentina, one had popped over from a holiday in the USA and the other had come out of retirement and flew in from the land of the rising sun.  Now, if there’s a lesson to be learned here, it’s this:  if you think you’re in with a shout of getting called up for the Lions in case of injury, go on holiday to where the Lions are touring.  Preferably in the same hotels.  It will make life much easier.

But I had the Brumbies down as winning this one because of the way they go about their rugby.  They may have been missing a few key players like Ben Mowen and Christian Lealiifano, but they haven’t been particularly hard hit by the Wallaby squad call ups because they aren’t a team of star individuals – rather a collective of very smart, very skilful players who are technically perfectly attuned to each others’ style of play and have the team spirit and commitment to the Brumbies’ cause to go out there and put their bodies on the line for one another every game.  This attitude was obvious from the pre-match changing room shots – there was Peter Kimlin, with his men around him, firing up his troops and preparing them for their date with destiny.  In contrast, there was the Lions changing room, with players ambling around getting physios to tape them up, and captain Rory Best standing there quietly.  In fact, the only player who seemed to show any emotion was a certain Welsh winger, who was suppressing an overjoyed smirk as he ran onto the field wearing a jersey he must have thought he would never wear again.

If Shane Williams thought it was great just to be wearing the Lions shirt again, it very nearly got a whole lot better for the diminutive winger.  Following a kick out on the full from the usually-excellent Jesse Mogg, Richie Gray tapped down to Ben Youngs, who burst through a gap and fed Christian Wade.  The young winger was hauled down short of the line, but the ball was flung left where Williams stepped inside 2 metres from the line before being clobbered into touch.  It was a frantic start and, unfortunately for the tourists, it was to prove to be as close as they would come to scoring a try all night.

Instead, it was the hosts who struck first with a try that sums up everything that’s good about Brumbies rugby – it was fast, powerful and, above all, clinical.  After Stuart Hogg had cleaned up a loose kick which Williams had made a mess out of, Youngs hammered a clearance box kick down field.  The kick didn’t find touch, and the chase was poor – a bad combination.  The ACT outfit flung the ball left to Tevita Kuridrani, who got on the outside of Hogg before brushing off an ineffective tackle from Christian Wade and stepping inside a disinterested Rob Kearney to touchdown for a fine solo try.  Unfortunately, Ian Prior missed the conversion, but it was first blood to the Super Rugby leaders.

Half the Lions’ backline had just got off the plane in Australia, and the vast majority hadn’t trained together until the day before the match – and it showed, as the tourists made basic error after basic error.  A Youngs turnover gave them a promising situation, only for Wade to drop a smart inside ball from Hogg, before Twelvetrees was hammered back in a tackle from Kuridrani as the Lions tried to build the phases once more.  To make matters worse, the Achilles heel of this Lions tour – the lineout – was once again misfiring, with Captain Rory Best seemingly throwing it anywhere except a) straight, or b) into a Lions player’s hands. 

The biggest difference between the 2 sides though, was the level of intensity.  Brumbies skipper Peter Kimlin looked like a man with a point to prove as he pinched pill of his illustrious opposition in the lineout and made a number of telling carries to get his side on the front foot.  He was backed up well by the likes of Colby Faingaa, Scott Fardy and Sam Carter, who were literally hammering into every breakdown to ensure quick ball for Matt Toomua and his backline.  Without the ball as well, the Brumbies were winning all the collisions, with Kuridrani taking a particular shine to Twelvetrees whenever the poor centre took a (usually hospital) pass. 

The hosts deserved to be well out in front, but it wasn’t until Mogg slammed over a long range penalty 2 minutes from half time, following an earlier miss from the full back and another miss from Prior, that the Brumbies actually extended their lead.  The 8 point advantage didn’t last long however, as the Lions finally built some phases (despite the ball being slow and scrappy) to apply a bit of pressure, forcing the penalty which Hogg managed to slot, having cannoned one off the posts from an easier position earlier.  It gave the Lions a scarcely-deserved 3 points, and left the score at 8 – 3 to the hosts at the break.

Andy Farrell was pictured giving the tourists a right royal b*llocking in the changing rooms at half time, but it can be assumed that whatever he said did not have the desired effect.  Rory Best opened the half with another skewed throw before chucking his next one straight to the excellent Kimlin – much to the visible disgust of a frustrated Youngs – before Sean O’Brien lay all over the ball to concede another 3 pointer to the boot of Mogg.  Things then got even worse for the tourists as the Aussies pumped them in the scrum (you read that correctly) before conceding a penalty thanks to Ryan Grant’s moronic attempt to remove Scott Sio from a maul by his face.  Mogg once again obliged with the 3 points.

Thankfully, for the Lions, good work from Sean O’Brien at the breakdown managed to win a 3 pointer for Hogg and stem the tide of garbage flowing from the men in red shirts, before Warren Gatland finally rang the changes and sent on an entirely new front row.  The change worked instantly, with the Brumbies scrum getting a pasting, but Hogg missed the resulting penalty in an act that was to be his last of the game, as Owen Farrell made his introductions.  And at an important time too, with Richard Hibbard winning another penalty attempt following a decent trundle in midfield.  Farrell did his usual crazy-eyes routine and made it a 5 point game with 20 minutes to go.

Although the intensity had been upped – with Geoff Parling having a particularly positive effect in the lineout and Simon Zebo popping up everywhere – the Brumbies were still showing real brutality in the contact.  Matt Toomua put in one particularly powerful hit on Alex Corbisiero before Twelvetrees took yet another hammering – although, it should be said, he had done well to hang on to the ball every time he got clattered.  Perhaps a little overeager in defence, Colby Faingaa conceded a penalty which Farrell slotted from range.  2 points in it, 8 minutes to go.

Surely the Lions could grind out a dramatic comeback?  It looked to be on the cards when the tireless Toby Faletau made good yardage to get the Lions within range, only for Conor Murray to get isolated and get turned over by a good combination of Toomua and Faingaa.  Then the Lions had a scrum after the Brumbies stalled at their ensuing lineout – and they could almost taste the ensuing penalty after Corbisiero, Hibbard and Dan Cole had turned the heat up on the hosts in the set piece.  But instead, the ball came miraculously back on the Brumbies’ side.  The hosts cleared, the visitors ran out of ideas, the clock ran out of time, and the Brumbies ran out famous winners.

Beating the Lions is always a nice surprise.  But for those in the know, they shouldn’t be too stunned by this result.  Even missing several front line players, this Brumbies side have shown a resilience, team spirit and ambition that has taken sides apart throughout this year.  I called this as the tour game the Lions would lose before the tour had started – this was a tremendous victory, a sweet win that will be cherished and a triumph that will live long in the memory; it may have been all those things, but it was not a shock.  The Brumbies are better than that.

Brumbies Player Ratings

Jesse Mogg – 6 – Not at his incisive best, and had a couple of wayward kicks early on, but became a reliable get-out-clause as his side were pressurised during the second half.

Henry Speight – 6 – No decent ball in space due to the attritional nature of the game, but what he did do, he did effectively
Tevita Kuridrani – 9 – A superbly taken score from the big centre and seemed to enjoy eating Billy Twelvetrees for breakfast every time the English centre got the ball
Andrew Smith – 7 – Not as conspicuous as his centre colleague but part of an aggressive defensive effort that had the Lions on the back foot all day.
Clyde Rathbone – 6 – Like Speight, wasn’t called on too much, but he tackled well and chased kicks with conviction.  Still great to see him back out on the rugby field again.
Matt Toomua – 8 – When you can smash a prop forward as a fly half, you’re doing something right.  Solid distribution and kicking, but it was his defence and ruck work that caught the eye.
Ian Prior – 6 – A couple of missed kicks may have been costly and sometimes his service was wayward, but his chat kept his side’s intensity up throughout
Ruan Smith – 7 – Comfortably held Matt Stevens at bay in the tight and showed impressive mobility around the park.
Siliva Siliva – 7 – Lineout was a key difference, especially for the first 60 minutes, so the hooker has to take a large slice of the credit for helping his side get the upper hand in a key area
Scott Sio – 8 – Shunted Ryan Grant backwards on occasion and impressed with a couple of bulldozing carries.
Leon Power – 7 – I wish I could come up with a pun on his name without cringing, but he did exactly what it says on the tin.  Was a real workhorse for a dominant pack.
Sam Carter – 7 – Abrasive and relentlessly physical, the lock got in the faces of the Lions early on and didn’t take a backwards step.
Scott Fardy – 8 – The blindside flanker was a real menace in the loose, turning over ball on several occasions and chucking in some rib-shaking hits as well.
Colby Faingaa – 7 – Another to impress with brutal defence.  A little over-eager at times – leading to penalties – but his intensity was something that the Lions were lacking throughout.
Peter Kimlin (c) – 9 – May just have forced his way into the Wallabies squad.  A dominant figure in the tight and an inspiration to his side throughout, carrying time after time into the guts of the Lions’ defence.  Man of the Match.

Subs Used:

Josh Mann-Rea – 5 – Lineout started to creak upon his introduction but his energetic work in defence was invaluable late on.
Etienne Oosthuizen – Not enough time to make an impact.
Jordan Smiler – Not enough time to make an impact.
Robbie Coleman – Not enough time to make an impact.
Zack Holmes – Not enough time to make an impact.

 

Lions Player Ratings

Rob Kearney – 6 – A solid full return for the Irishman.  The full back was solid under the high ball and kicked well, but couldn’t add the thrust needed in attack.
Christian Wade – 4 – Felt sorry for him as he saw no space and was generally shackled very well.  Probably still jetlagged – I’ve not seen him miss many tackles like the one he missed for the try.
Brad Barritt – 5 – As usual, he was solid, but utterly anonymous in attack.  Probably because the ball never reached him, though.
Billy Twelvetrees – 4 – Billy Choppedtrees may be more appropriate, considering how hard he was felled every time he touched the ball.  His lines weren’t as crisp as usual and he rarely made yards...but that’s not what he’s good at.
Shane Williams – 6 – A respectable display from the great winger.  Got little space but a couple of nice steps reminded us of the magic he used to produce on a regular basis.
Stuart Hogg – 5 – Looked shaken by the aggressive defence.  Was not helped by painfully slow ball but was far too deep and static.  Kicked well from hand, though.
Ben Youngs – 6 – Very mixed.  On one hand, probably the Lions’ best running threat, on the other, was guilty of some sloppy service and not finding touch with a key kick.  That said, he had no chance to shine due to the awful quality of ball left for him by his pack.
Ryan Grant – 4 – Hammered in the scrum as the game went on and nowhere near as omnipresent as he has been for Scotland.  Gave away a stupid penalty as well.
Rory Best (capt) – 3 – A real stinker from the Irishman.  Throws were either not straight or hopelessly slow, and his carries were pretty ineffectual.  Did nothing to inspire his troops.
Matt Stevens – 5 – At least held his side of the scrum.  Didn’t look remotely energetic enough around the park though.
Ian Evans – 5 – I presume he was calling the lineouts, in which case he takes a fair slice of the blame.  He was also another to be guilty of looking lethargic when it came to hitting rucks.
Richie Gray – 6 – Stole a couple of lineouts late on but it was too late really.  His carrying was fine but his willingness to do the graft could be questioned. 
Sean O'Brien – 6 – Made a couple of turnovers but gave a couple of daft penalties away too.  Happy to run with it, not so happy to hit rucks on the night for some reason.
Justin Tipuric – 6 – Lacked the intensity he’s shown on tour so far, but in fairness it must be hard to get yourself going when half your pack is trotting around like a group of old ladies at a supermarket.

Toby Faletau – 7 – Comfortably the Lions’ best player.  Never stopped working and made some decent yards on the carry.

Subs Used:

Richard Hibbard – 6 – Lineout improved with his introduction but still managed one foul up and another penalty.  Carried well though.

Alex Corbisiero – 6 – Did well in the scrum but will not enjoy getting laid out by a fly half.  Matt Toomua will haunt his dreams for years to come.
Dan Cole – 6 – Another solid display in the scrum which one the Lions a couple of penalties.
Geoff Parling – 7 – He’s really impressed this tour.  No coincidence that the Lions went from losing their ball to stealing the opposition’s when he came on.
Dan Lydiate – 6 – Probably a reason the Lions managed to build some continuity late on – he actually likes doing the dirty work
Conor Murray – 5 – Gave improved service but his kicking was too long and got isolated at a key time
Owen Farrell – 7 – Showed the value of a proper fly half.  Looked unflustered and kicked well from hand and off the tee.
Simon Zebo – 6 – Tried to make things happen and nearly broke through on the odd occasion, but it didn’t quite come off.

Preview - ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions

One of the reasons we love sport is because you can never be 100% sure what’s going to happen; it’s the shock factor.  The only thing is that, in the vast majority of situations, the ‘unexpected’ outcome is at least on the cards before the event starts.  Take Wigan beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final as an example – nobody gave them a fart in the wind’s chance of emerging victorious, but instead they turned over the reigning Premiership champions to cause one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup Final history.  But it was still a possibility – at least a remote one – before the game that Wigan would turn up trumps; that outcome was at least on the table.  And that’s why, in my view, the call of Shane Williams to the Lions squad is one of the biggest shocks in professional sport I can recall.

Upon waking up and reading the news on the internet, my first reaction was to double check that I had not dreamt the last 2 months and that it wasn’t April the 1^st.  Who honestly had Shane Williams down as having even the remotest possibility of pulling on a Lions shirt this year?  There are guys who have played regular international rugby who you’d expect to see on the waiting list – players like Tim Visser, Craig Gilroy or even Chris Ashton (although he may admittedly have been waiting a long time).  Even guys who you don’t see on the international circuit who have been tearing it up at club level in Britain and Ireland would have been deemed as potential ‘bolters’ – think of Christian Wade, Tom Varndell or Eli Walker.  These guys may have all created varying degrees of shock if they were selected, but at least their names were on the table to some degree.  So if you confidently predicted that a 36 year old who is 2 years retired from the international game and currently making a living playing 2^nd Division rugby in Japan was going to get a call up, I demand that you provide me with your picks for next weekend’s lottery numbers.

But there is something gloriously romantic in Shane’s call up that is a classic throwback to the amateur era of touring – where, if the coaches were in a tight spot, they’d check to see who was on holiday nearby and if they could squeeze into the spare set of size 10s they had available.  I’d love to have been a fly on the wall when the idea of calling up Shane Williams was first mooted:

Gats:  “Cr*p, we’re running out of wingers.  Is there anyone half-decent nearby who can get here in under 12 hours?”

Howley: “I think Shane Williams is about to pop over on a commentary gig, and I know for a fact that he takes his Lions stash and boots everywhere with him.”
Gats:  “Shane Williams?  Behave.  Who knows what kind of shape he’s in, the amount of sushi they have over there.  Surely there’s somebody else.”
Howley:  “Well, Gerald Davies says he’s more than happy to put his shorts on again.”
Gats:  “Call Shane.  Now.”

Of course, Williams is a consummate professional, and I have no doubt he will give a strong account of himself.  But this isn’t like playing the Combined Country XV – he will be up against Henry Speight, try-scorer extraordinaire for the premier team in Australian rugby currently.  The Brumbies may be missing some of their key players to Wallaby call ups, but this side is not about the star players – they are a tight knit squad whose teamwork and effectiveness outweighs the sum of their parts.  This young side has once again surprised pundits and fans by proving themselves more than capable of dealing with pressure and turning over big teams like the Reds and the Blues with style and panache.  Their strength in depth is yet to be fully tested, however, and it will be interesting to see how they deal without key cogs such as centre Christian Lealiifano, number 8 Ben Mowen, scrum half Nic White and winger Joe Tomane, who are all either with the Wallabies or injured.  But you can bet that their style of play will not change – which means fast attacks around the fringes before flinging it wide with frightening speed.  It’s a tactic that has ripped many a side apart this year, with the likes of Speight, Jesse Mogg and Tomane all experts at finishing off half-chances.

That’s not to say that the Lions aren’t capable of exploiting some gaps themselves.  Williams may have hogged the headlines, but I’m genuinely excited to see what Christian Wade can do in a Lions shirt, and together the duo make a pocket-rocket pair who can scoot through the smallest of openings if the Brumbies are foolish enough to allow them space.  Of course, with Gatland’s game plan about power off the wings and in the centres, and with the talented playmaker Twelvetrees also getting a call up, it will be interesting to see what game plan this Lions side adapt since the Kiwi’s standard bish-bash-bosh approach clearly won’t fit.  That said, the pack at least looks very mobile and powerful and far less of a random concoction than the backline, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Lions’ gameplan – especially with Stuart Hogg playing 10 for only the second time – is to keep the ball tight and try to grind their less experienced opponents down.  If they can manage that, then they have a good chance of keeping their 100% record going.

But let’s get one thing clear – the biggest shock has occurred before the game has even started, and the Lions will be well aware that an ‘upset’ – a home victory – is very definitely on the table.

 

Brumbies Team News

Wallabies squad members Peter Kimlin and Scott Sio will lift an under-strength Brumbies line-up for the tour match against the British and Irish Lions.  The duo were given permission to leave the Wallabies' training camp, ahead of the first Test in Brisbane next week.  Utility forward Kimlin will skipper the Australian Super Rugby conference leaders, who will be without six other Wallabies squad members.  Ben Alexander, Ben Mowen, Stephen Moore, Pat McCabe, and Christian Lealiifano remain in the national side's camp, while Joe Tomane (toe) is injured.  The Brumbies will also miss their regular half-back Nic White, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Starting Line up:  Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Andrew Smith, Clyde Rathbone; Matt Toomua, Ian Prior; Ruan Smith Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio; Leon Power, Sam Carter; Scott Fardy, Colby Faingaa, Peter Kimlin (c).

Subs: Josh Mann-Rea, Jean-Pierre Smith, Chris Cocca, Etienne Oosthuizen, Jordan Smiler, Mark Swanepoel, Robbie Coleman, Zack Holmes

Key Player

Jesse Mogg.  One of the most dangerous runners in the game will be desperate to show what Robbie Deans is missing out on, having been overlooked in favour of Israel Folau.  The young full back may look like an archaeology student, but don't let that fool you – his lanky frame is surprisingly strong and his turn of speed and change of direction is devastating.  The only questions to be asked of Mogg are around his kicking game, which can be a little bit aimless at times – if the Lions put in a good chase that negates running options, Mogg will need to be more accurate because there will be a pretty nippy back 3 waiting to return poor kicks with interest.  On the flip side, this is a chance for him to shine so he'll need to exploit any poor chases and join the line as much as possible.

 

Lions Team News

Former Wales wing Shane Williams has been drafted into the British and Irish Lions team for Tuesday's final warm-up game against ACT Brumbies in Canberra.  Wales' record try-scorer, the 36-year-old is currently playing in Japan after quitting international rugby in 2011.  The shock call-up sees him feature in a team that also includes England backs Christian Wade and Brad Barritt, who have been called up as injury cover and will arrive in Australia on Monday.   Ireland's Rory Best will captain a side that also sees Rob Kearney and Ryan Grant start for the first time on tour and Stuart Hogg reprises his role as a make-shift fly half.

Starting Line up:  Rob Kearney, Christian Wade, Brad Barritt, Billy Twelvetrees, Shane Williams, Stuart Hogg, Ben Youngs; Ryan Grant, Rory Best (capt), Matt Stevens, Ian Evans, Richie Gray, Sean O'Brien, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau

Subs: Richard Hibbard, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Simon Zebo

Key Player

Shane Williams.  I am sure I am not the only one who spat their morning coffee out when they saw that the ex-Welsh wizard had been called up to 'lend the Lions a hand' against the Brumbies.  In his pomp, the former Ospreys man was bamboozlingly brilliant, with his quick feet only matched by his even-quicker rugby brain.  How he will adapt from playing Japanese Division 2 rugby to taking on some of Super Rugby will be a key issue – for the Lions' sake, he will need to adapt quickly because he is marking the lightening Henry Speight, who's mixture of pace and power has seen him jointly-top the Super Rugby try-scoring charts this year.  If Shane can handle Speight, the Lions will have a chance – and who knows, maybe the old dog has picked up a few new tricks whilst he's been away.

 

Key Battle

Colby Faingaa v Justin Tipuric.  The Faingaa family is quickly becoming a rugby dynasty and the young openside is making a name for himself after the fairly notable losses of David Pocock and George Smith.  Losing such quality may have had a devastating effect on the Brumbies' Super XV hopes if it wasn't for the quick and aggressive Faingaa stepping up to the plate with remarkable ease and putting in a series of powerful performances that have really caught the eye.  Catching the eye will be the main goal of Justin Tipuric, who has looked in great nick on this tour but looks set to miss out on Test selection thanks to captain Sam Warburton hitting some decent form.  In a game where the Lions' pack may just have an edge, and a Brumbies backline that looks considerably more cohesive, the battle between the 2 opensides will be critical.  If Tipuric can slow down Brumbies' ball then it will make the defensive task of his slap-dash fairies out wide much easier, whilst if Faingaa can take Tipuric out of the game, then we will have a right royal battle on our hands.

Prediction

I had this pegged prior to the Tour as being potentially the toughest non-test game of the lot for the tourists, and that view hasn't changed.  The Brumbies are in great nick and look in ominously good form in Super Rugby – plus, because of their relative inexperience, many of their players have been overlooked for Test selection despite having sterling seasons so far.  Their unity and time together is in stark contrast to a Lions side that has more than a whiff of mix-and-match about it – especially in the back line.  Who knows how this Lions side will gel?  If it clicks, it might be happy sailing, but given that half the team only met up for the first time today, I can't see that being a likely outcome.  I reckon we'll see a prized scalp for the Australian conference leaders.   Brumbies by 4.
 

Review - New South Wales Waratahs 17 - 47 British & Irish Lions

Why are the Aussies so competitive with the British and Irish, and particularly the English?  Is it because of the colonial political and historical backdrop?  No.  Is it because of the harsh clash of lifestyles, with beaches, bikinis and barbeques on one hand, and drizzle, duffle coats and dodgy curry on the other?  Not even that.  It’s because actually, beneath all of the traded insults and jibes, we’re all really very similar.  We just hate to admit it.

The Aussies will hate that statement.  How could they be compared to the whinging Poms and co?  Well, the truth is, both nations are pretty competitive and both love a good moan, although the Aussies hate to admit it.  Take the last 7 days as an example – the Lions have sulked about the standard of opposition and alleged spying tactics, whilst the second most Australian-Australian ever (behind Steve Irwin) has declared that the Lions are only winning because they’re cheating.  I’m of course referring to Bob Dwyer, the ex-Wallaby coach, and his case was that the tourists are being coached to cheat and it’s basically a downright disgrace.  Remember in 1991, Bob, when Campo helped win you a final by deliberately knocking on a ball when England were certain to score?  Does that fall under your definition of cheating?

Anyway, after all that baloney, it was nice to finally get down to some rugby.  The Lions had fielded a strong side that looked like it might be ¾ of the Test line up, whilst the Tahs had done the best they could despite being shorn of 9 internationals thanks to the Wallaby training camp and injuries.  Despite that, they still had experienced internationals in the forms of Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne and Dave Dennis in their ranks, as well as quality club players such as Tom Carter, Bernard Foley and Paddy Ryan.  They were fired up as they marched out of the tunnel and there was little doubt for the sold out crowd at Sydney Football Stadium that this was going to be a real challenge for the tourists – a challenge that might have been daunting for the likes of Simon Zebo, who was making his first appearance in Lions colours.

Zebo was probably still tying his bootlaces when he got his hands on the ball after just 30 seconds.  Johnny Sexton pulled a beautiful pass back to Jonathan Davies, using Jamie Roberts as the decoy, and the Welshman drew his man to give Zebo a sprint for the line – only for the flamboyant Irishman to be tackled into touch by a sensational covering tackle by Wallaby Drew Mitchell.  It wasn’t the best of finishes – Zebo should arguably have dived earlier – but it was a phenomenal piece of defence from a player who has seen injury take him out of the international picture.

Luckily, for the Lions, they didn’t have to wait long to get the first points on the board, with Leigh Halfpenny spanking over a long range kick after 3 minutes, following a harsh penalty against tough centre Rob Horne for a dangerous tackle on Tom Youngs.  The current tackle laws really need looking at – sure, Youngs was taken beyond the ’90 degree threshold’, but Horne brought him down safely on his back in what was, in my view, a great hit.  A nonsense call from the referee was probably highlighted by the fact that you didn’t see any reaction from the Leicester hooker or any of his teammates.   Halfpenny then nearly grabbed a try of his own shortly after, charging down an almost slow-motion clearance from Peter Betham in the Waratahs’ 22, only for Mitchell to casually cover across and clear the immediate danger.

Unfortunately, Mitchell only succeeded in clearing the ball straight back to the Lions.  Zebo made amends for his poor finish 5 minutes earlier by putting Davies in space, and the Welshman got on the outside of the Paddy Ryan – with the tighthead prop covering the wing, for some reason – before passing back inside to Jonathan Sexton to give the fly half a clear run to the line.  Halfpenny converted, and the Lions had a perfect start at 10-0 after 7 minutes.

The Waratahs then began to try and get back into the game, with Bernard Foley dictating play nicely and Micthell making inroads, but they were constantly crunched by ferocious Lions defence – with Tom Croft and Alun Wyn Jones both smashing runners backwards and Paul O’Connell winning a smartly-taken turnover.  The hosts though, have shown in this Super Rugby season that they are capable of fighting back and striking from anywhere at any time.  Their comeback started when the giant figure of Will Skelton – 135kg of him to be precise – crashed into Johnny Sexton with a borderline late hit, to leave the fly half squashed like a bug on the Sydney turf.  When Zebo was tackled into touch, the Tahs took the lineout quickly and Foley, spotting space where Sexton was lying prone, sent a wobbly old kick over to the left hand touchline.  The bounce was kind for Betham, who skinned Sean Maitland before popping a delightful offload over the top to Tom Carter, allowing the experienced centre to shuffle his way over in the left hand corner.  Scrum half Brendan McKibbin added a sublime touchline conversion to leave the score 10-7.

Leigh Halfpenny nudged over a simple penalty for the tourists before Skelton went inches away from scoring off a lineout following a penalty for an early tackle against Adam Jones.  The giant lock came around the corner on the throw and thundered over the line, only to lose the ball under pressure from Mike Phillips and Croft.  It was a costly mistake as Halfpenny slammed over another long range penalty following a ruck infringement from the hosts, before the men in red went close to scoring a 5-pointer following a dominant scrum close to the Waratahs’ line, but they were let down by poor control at the base by Jamie Heaslip. 

The game was swinging to-and-fro and McKibbin slotted a penalty for the Tahs before Mitchell set up a promising attack with a hand off on Croft and a delightful offload to Crawford, but Croft made amends with a smart turnover on Dave Dennis and the Lions took their turn to take the game to the opposition.  And they did it with some style – Davies collecting a well-weighted Sexton chip, before Wyn Jones and O’Connell trucked the ball forward, sucking in the defence and allowing the ball to be spread wide to Halfpenny, with the full back touching down in acres of space.  One predictably perfect kick later, and the Lions had a 23-10 lead to take into half time.

The Lions started the second period like they finished the first – at pace.  Sexton created a hole for Jamie Roberts to rumble into, and the big centre offloaded to Davies who in turn fed the onrushing Halfpenny, allowing the man with grapefruit-sized biceps to scoot over on the left.  One monotonous kick later, and the Lions had a very healthy looking scoreline at 30-10.  Not for long – 2 minutes, to be precise.  Following a fumbled kick off, the hosts claimed a lineout close to the Lions’ line and Skelton wriggled out of the maul to shovel the ball onto Tom Carter, who crashed over the line for his second of the game.  McKibbin converted, and after 6 minutes of the half we had been treated to 14 points and 2 tries.  This was some game.

Halfpenny brought some calmness to proceedings with a simple penalty kick, before the Lions grabbed full control of the game with another try on 55 minutes.  Davies took advantage at a sluggish pass from McKibbin to claim an intercept and, when he was hauled down, the ball was hurled left into the hands of Croft, who palmed off substitute Tom Kingston before gassing his way over the line for a trademark score.  The try seemed to herald a mass-substitution, with the Lions emptying their bench and, although the rhythm of the game suffered slightly, it didn’t stop the tourists’ now relentless attack.  Firstly, Heaslip and Ben Youngs both made telling surges around the fringes, before Youngs found Davies free on the blindside, and the Welsh centre coasted his way over the line in the left hand corner.  Owen Farrell, sick of Halfpenny’s arrogance with the boot, slotted a conversion of his own to leave the score 17-47 for the Lions, which proved to be the final result – an overwhelmingly positive display that was only dampened by a hamstring injury to Jamie Roberts.

A 30 point winning margin didn’t do justice to a Waratahs side that was ambitious, physical and effective, with fine performances all over the park – but the Lions just had too much quality in their ranks.  And it was heartening to see, after the week we’ve had, not a single whinge after the game.  This was a match which all the participants could be proud of, and sets us up nicely for the Test match on Saturday – but don’t worry, I’m sure both sides will find something to moan about before then.  A week is a long time in rugby.

 

Waratahs Player Ratings

Drew Mitchell – 8 – A classy performance from the Wallaby.  Two try-saving tackles – one on Zebo and one on Roberts – were about experience as much as technique, and was threatening with the ball in hand all day.

Cam Crawford – 6 – Solid enough, but was quieter than he has been for a while – although a couple of good lines did catch the eye.
Rob Horne – 6 – Didn’t quite have the impact he would have liked, but was defensively sound – despite being harshly penalised for a great hit on Youngs.
Tom Carter – 8 – Two well taken tries for the New South Wales stalwart, and you could see what it meant to him.  A really gutsy display, and tackled well.
Peter Betham – 7 – A threat whenever he gets the ball, showing great pace and handling skills on the way to setting up his side’s first try.
Bernard Foley – 7 – The playmaker looked classy once again despite being behind a pack under pressure.  His distribution constantly threatened the Lions, especially in the wider channels.
Brendan McKibbin – 6 – A flawless kicking display, but also gave away a score with a lethargic pass in the second half.
Jeremy Tilse – 5 – Struggled in the scrum and couldn’t influence the game in the loose, despite some solid defending
John Ulugia – 4 – The lineout was a little wobbly and he gave away a couple of silly penalties to put his team under pressure.
Paddy Ryan – 4 – Under pressure in the scrum and ruined some good defensive work with several petulant displays that just served to make him look like a ginger-bearded berk.  
Will Skelton – 7 – What a giant talent (literally) this guy is.  Some powerful charges and deft offloads were a great indicator of his ability, although he may need to work on his conditioning – he was blowing and making mistakes towards the end.
Ollie Atkins – 6 – A quietly effective display which saw the lock slowing the ball down at many a breakdown.  Got stuck into the Lions’ halfbacks too.
Jed Holloway – 5 – Just a bit too quiet from the blindside.  Kept going to hit rucks but he didn’t hit hard enough at times which allowed the Lions to build momentum.
Pat McCutcheon – 7 – A really solid showing.  Made a real nuisance of himself in the loose and tackled anything at moved.
Dave Dennis – 6 – Not quite the barnstorming display he would have liked.  Got stuck in but struggled to leave any real mark on the game.

Subs

Luke Holmes – No time to make an impact.
Richard Aho – No time to make an impact.
Sam Talakai – No time to make an impact.
Lopeti Timani – 6 – A mobile and physical cameo display, although he didn’t quite get his hands on the ball enough.
AJ Gilbert – 5 – Relatively anonymous introduction and failed to influence the breakdown battle
Matt Lucas – No time to make an impact.  
Ben Volavola – No time to make an impact.  
Tom Kingston – 4 – No chance to show his pace off and missed a simple tackle for Croft’s try.

 

Lions Player Ratings

Leigh Halfpenny – 9 – A superb display of goalkicking, as usual, but this time he joined the line to great effect as well, which is what we’ve all been wanting to see this tour.

Sean Maitland – 5 – Disappointing.  This was a good opportunity for the kilted Kiwi but he struggled to contain Peter Betham and, despite some promising touches with the ball in hand, threw a couple of dodgy offloads.
Jonathan Davies – 9 – Another to really put his hand up.  The centre scored a deserved try and had a hand in each of the others as well.  The Waratahs struggled to contain the Llanelli man as he turned in a superb display.
Jamie Roberts – 6 – Another fairly quiet display until the big man left with a leg injury.  He ran some good decoy lines but once again he lost the ball in contact on a couple of occasions.
Simon Zebo – 7 – A poor finish early on but we can put that down to surprise.  Worked hard to get involved and caused problems on occasion.
Johnny Sexton – 7 – An early try and some sharp passes underlined the Irishman’s test match credentials.
Mike Phillips – 6 – Caught at the base a couple of times and still seems a bit lethargic, although his physical presence undoubtedly helped him deal with the extra ‘attention’ he was receiving.
Mako Vunipola – 7 – Carried well and scrimmaged pretty decently as well.  He’s probably just sealed his test spot.
Tom Youngs – 7 – Another who, in my book, sealed his test spot.  Hit all his lineouts, made plenty of tackles and carries...what more do you want from a hooker?
Adam Jones – 6 – Another quietly effective display.  Powerful scrummaging performance but still very quiet elsewhere.
Alun Wyn Jones – 10 – A magnificent showing.  Colossal in the lineout, in the tackle and on the carry, this was pretty much a perfect second row performance.  Under pressure for his place, the big aggressive Welshman duly delivered.  Man of the match.
Paul O’Connell – 9 – Was running Wyn Jones close before he was subbed.  Some lovely hands and key turnovers were highlights of yet another inspirational display.
Tom Croft – 8 – Questions answered in the back row.  In the first half he played more centrally (in the ‘traditional’ 6 role) and he carried effectively, smashed runners and made turnovers.  But it was in the second period, in the wider channels, when we really saw his ‘A’ game.  Will be gutted about one missed tackle on Mitchell though.
Sam Warburton – 7 – A damned good day in the office.  Some great work in the tackle and a couple of sharp turnovers underlined this guy’s class.
Jamie Heaslip – 6 – A great run in the second half and some  poor control at the base of a scrum made this a pretty hit and miss day for the number 8, but he was still dangerous with the ball in hand.

Subs

Richard Hibbard – 6 – Not quite as effective as Youngs around the park but a decent showing, despite one overthrow.

Alex Corbisiero – 7 – He had too little time to really push for Vunipola’s spot but he looked promising – stealing one ball and charging well, as well as remaining strong in the scrum.
Dan Cole – 6 – Got his hands on the ball a bit more and did well, especially in the set piece as usual.
Geoff Parling – 7 – The lineout guru reminded everyone that he shouldn’t be discounted from the test squad with a great lineout steal and some useful deck work as well.
Dan Lydiate – 6 – Made his tackles and a couple of decent charges, but lacked the X-Factor of Croft.
Ben Youngs – 6 – A missed tackle was made up for with a break and a sharp pass to set up Davies.  Looks in really promising form.
Owen Farrell – 7 – Once more, an encouraging display.  Decent passing and kicking should help the Lions selectors relax should he be forced to make an appearance in the Tests.
Rob Kearney – 6 – Quiet but solid.  Needs match time if he’s to be properly assessed.

Preview: New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions

I have a habit of being smug about being right, which is probably because it doesn’t happen very often.  But one thing I am especially proud of is the fact that, because I lived in Sydney for a year, I know a bit more about the Australian climate and the Aussies themselves than the average armchair fan.  Firstly, I had to hold myself from laughing when egotistical pundits announced, with bristling pomposity, that certain players should be selected for the Lions because they’d suit ‘the hard grounds of Australia’.  Sure, in the summer.  In Alice Springs.  The reality is that it’s a tropical climate and one which frequently leads to heavy downpours in the winter – remember the Scots’ magnificent victory last year?  They played in monsoon like rain and on a pitch which I think some women (and metrosexual gentlemen) desiring younger looking skin would have paid good money to bathe in.

And so I feel pretty smug about my meteorological knowledge of the Land Down under, but the real thing that tickles me is the stereotypical view of an Aussie as a laid-back, surfing pretty boy who’s more preoccupied with maintaining his wondrous blonde locks than causing anyone any damage.  I learned that assumption was wrong pretty quickly as well – mainly by having the sh*t kicked out of me with surprising enthusiasm on the rugby pitch.  I also know plenty of good blokes in Australia and, whilst they’re all heroes, they won’t mind me mentioning that most of them are nutters as well.  Just like you’re tragically more likely to know Jeremy Kyle than the Queen in the UK, the stereotypes of nice outback lads like Steve Irwin are fading away pretty rapidly.

But I guess if we think about it, we knew that one already.  The last 2 Lions tours to Australia, in 1989 and 2001, have been real slobberknockers, with fists flying at every opportunity.  And perhaps the most notorious example was in the same fixture taking place this Saturday on the last time the tourists were Down Under, where that big bully Ronan O’Gara facebutted the choirboy Duncan McRae’s closed fist 11 times in an unprovoked assault.  OK, this wasn’t an example of an Aussie being hard – firstly, the guy was prone on the ground, and secondly, it’s Ronan O’Gara – but it is a sign that these guys are up for it and will never take a backwards step, especially if you’re going for a win on their turf.

And that will continue tomorrow, although I’m sure in a way that’s less straining on a citing commissioner.  Captain Dave Dennis has issued a rallying cry to his Waratahs side, telling them to ‘knock off’ their illustrious opponents on Saturday – and by that of course, he means take on physically, rather than anything more sinister (I hope).  The Waratahs are without 11 internationals due to call ups and injuries, but there is power and physicality still all over the park, with Dennis providing the grunt in the backrow and John Ulugia providing a ball carrying menace in the close quarters – and that’s without mentioning Rob Horne in the centres.  The Wallabies man has been released from camp to play in this game and will not be daunted at all by the prospects of lining up against Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies – the 13 is one of the top tacklers in the game and shone in the 3-0 whitewash last year in the series between Australia and Wales, keeping his powerful opponents at bay and scoring twice himself. It's also worth having a look (you won't miss him) at Will Skelton.  6 foot 8 and 135 kg.  And he's 21.  He was part of a school pack that, at one stage, was heavier than the Waratahs pack.  They make 'em differently over there.  But there is some brain to complement all that brawn as well, with the classy Drew Mitchell adding some serious know-how from the 15 shirt and the sharp Bernard Foley pulling the strings at 10.

Guess which one is the school boy, and which is the international Number 8?

For the Lions, it has been a week of mounting injuries to some of their most physical performers.  Richie Gray, Manu Tuilagi, George North and Alex Cuthbert all have niggles that have ruled them out of this critical test leading into the Series, but there’s still enough power there to make a statement, with Mako Vunipola a revelation in the front row and Jamie Heaslip and Paul O’Connell adding aggression over the park.  The absence of the behemoth wingers may mean that the Lions have to try playing a slightly more open game to give their quick feet wingers – Sean Maitland and late call-up Simon Zebo – a chance to strut their stuff.  I’m particularly looking forward to seeing if the Irishman can take his opportunity.

So, whilst we know it will be a physical battle, where will the game be won or lost?  For the Waratahs, their game will come from pressurising the breakdown and forcing turnovers – the Lions looked vulnerable against the Combined Country and it is an area where the NSW side could pounce, with the speed of Peter Betham and Drew Mitchell outwide – not to mention Ben Volavola and Tom Kingston on the bench.  Dennis will also be looking to lead the way by getting stuck into the opposition lineout – Tom Young is statistically the best thrower at the moment, but his ‘wobblers’ are well documented and, without his mate Geoff Parling in the side, it will be interesting to see how he fares.  The Lions though will be playing a different kind of pressure game.  Foley is a confidence player, and if they can disrupt his supply, it would make their job so much easier.  Brendan McKibbin is a useful player who always gives his all, but his service is often laboured – especially under pressure – and that is something that the Lions will look to exploit, on top of their obvious advantage in the scrum.

So the next test for the Lions awaits in Sydney, with a rich history of some all-out scraps – unsightly but nonetheless compelling.  Here’s hoping that, this time tomorrow, we’ll be talking about that sparks that were flying, rather than the fists.  *Although, admit it, the odd punch up is good for a rugby player, isn’t it?

 

Waratahs Team News

Despite having been shorn of eight internationals, the Waratahs' starting line-up will feature two current Wallabies in No.8 Dave Dennis and outside centre Rob Horne who have been released from the for this game. Club captain Pat McCutcheon returns from a knee injury in the only other change to the side that claimed a Super Rugby victory over the Western Force last weekend. There is further Test experience in the form of fullback Drew Mitchell and prop Paddy Ryan. Australia 7s' Bernard Foley has also been released and will start at No.10 with his international team-mate Ben Lucas among those named on the bench. The bench has been padded out with three inexperienced club players in Richard Aho and AJ Gilbert - who have both made just one Super Rugby appearance - and prop Sam Talakai - who is yet to make his NSW debut.

Starting Line up: Drew Mitchell; Cam Crawford, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Peter Betham; Brendan Foley, Brendan McKibbin; Jeremy Tilse, John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan; Will Skelton, Ollie Atkins; Jed Holloway, Pat McCutcheon, Dave Dennis (capt).

Subs: Luke Holmes, Richard Aho, Sam Talakai, Lopeti Timani, AJ Gilbert, Matt Lucas, Ben Volavola, Tom Kingston.

Key Player

Bernard Foley.  It may seem like I always pick him, but that’s because he’s pretty much my favourite fly half in Super Rugby at the moment.  He may not have the footwork or the flakiness of Quade Cooper, but in terms of gut instincts on the rugby field, there are very few better.  With an eye for a gap, razor sharp passing, a cultured boot and almost telepathic vision, he has the ability to unlock any defence he’s faced with.  If he gets front foot ball on Saturday evening, he’ll be a big threat to the Lions.

Lions Team News

Warburton will captain a side that also includes other likely Test starters in prop Adam Jones, locks Paul O'Connell and Alun Wyn Jones and form No. 8 Jamie Heaslip. The backline boasts lock-in fullback Leigh Halfpenny, centre Jamie Roberts and scrum-half Mike Phillips plus Irish fly-half Jonathan Sexton. New arrival Simon Zebo gets a run on the left wing with Sean Maitland on the other while Jonathan Davies partners Roberts in midfield. Hooker Tom Youngs and loose-head Mako Vunipola complete the front row while Tom Croft starts at blindside. Fullback Rob Kearney has overcome a hamstring injury and is set for his first tour outing off the bench. Starting Line up: Leigh Halfpenny; Sean Maitland, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Simon Zebo; Jonathan Sexton, Mike Phillips; Mako Vunipola, Tom Youngs, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Paul O'Connell , Tom Croft, Sam Warburton (capt), Jamie Heaslip.

Subs:  Richard Hibbard, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Rob Kearney.

Key Player

Tom Croft.  All of the heat has been on Warburton, but with the balance of the back row being more important than the individuals it’s arguable that the lanky Leicester flanker has the biggest role to play.  We all know his strengths – dominant in the lineout, quick around the park and with supreme speed – but he’ll need to show some real physicality if he’s to make this potentially exciting back row with Warburton and Jamie Heaslip work.  On paper, the unit looks fast, smart and mobile, but Croft will need to get his mean face on and prove he has the sufficient grunt to make this trio Gatland’s Test selection.

Key Battle

Dave Dennis v Jamie Heaslip.  The Waratahs stalwart and Aussie international packs down in the 8 shirt for what should be a gut-bustingly physical and frantic contest with the Irishman.  Released from the Wallaby camp, the New South Wales captain will not only want to prove a point that he’s the man to fill in the 6 shirt in the Test series, but he’ll also be tasked with matching the Lions’ physicality around the fringes.  Heaslip may not have been quite as dominant against Combined Country as he was against the Force the other week, but his rampaging tendencies 1 or 2 passes away from the breakdown are a great source of front foot ball for the Tourists.  But if Dennis, rock solid all season, can meet him head on and stop his momentum, then this red machine might stall and he may be able to stir something special from his pack.

Prediction

The Tahs are an exciting outfit and this one is shaping up to be a close one with great clashes all over the park – especially in the backs.  The Lions look to have the edge up front though and the scrum should be an area of strength, but with the likes of Foley and Mitchell out wide, the hosts can strike from anywhere at any time, despite missing so many players.  I’m expecting another war – hopefully not Duncan McCrae style this time round – not dissimilar to the battle the Lions had in Brisbane last weekend, and again I think the tourists should just about hold the edge in terms of quality.  Lions by 10.