So, with the Wallabies’ hopefuls having had the rule run
over them in Part 1 of RuckedOver’s guide to what awaits the Lions in the
barbaric country of Australia, let’s take a look at the other sides the Lions
will be playing in the non-Test games and who are the likely dangermen – keeping
in mind that they’ll be shorn of their Wallaby stars for the build up games. Of
course, RuckedOver will be doing full previews – but here’s a little taster...
Who are they? You don’t know who the Barbarians
are? Get out. Imagine if the A-Team played rugby and drank
everything within a 1km radius – there, you have the Barbarians.
Key Player? Obviously dependant on who they pick on
the day, but with speed merchant Tagudzwa Ngwenya in their ranks, you know that
they won’t be lacking for wheels out wide.
Chances? Good – the Barbarians are probably the
only side in the world who would be more disorganised than the Lions in the
early stages of their tour.
Who are they? Perth’s very finest and a relatively new
addition to Super Rugby, having only joined in 2006. They’re currently bottom of the Australian
conference but are capable of giving anyone a game on their day.
Key Player? Ben McCalman. The big number 8 is an experienced Wallaby and
one of the most physical defenders around – useful if you fancy a free
chiropractic session.
Chances? As long as the Lions have got over jet
lag and have settled into some basic patterns, this should be a game the
tourists will win.
Who are they? The Queenslanders are one of the
strongest Super Rugby sides around and one the tournament as recently as
2011. Currently 2nd in the
Australian Conference but they remain brilliant in patches.
Key Player? Chris Feauai-Sautia. Think Manu Tuilagi but
without the 2 years of exposure to the international game. This kid is raw speed and power, but is prone
to the odd howler.
Chances? This is the first real test for the Lions
but, shorn of their Wallaby stars, the Reds looked vulnerable at the beginning
of the season. It may be enough to tip
the scales in the hosts favour.
Who are they? I’ll be honest. No idea.
I assume some invitational side filled with some half-decent players who
fancy a game against the Lions and a truck load of free grog.
Key Player? Er...the most sober bloke they can field.
Chances? These invitational games are usually just
fillers but the Lions should pay heed to 4 years ago when they were given a
scare by a ‘Presidents XV’ in South Africa.
Should still be easy pickings for the tourists though.
Who are they? The Yin to the Red’s Yan, the Tahs are
NSW’s provincial side who are currently undergoing a renaissance following a
disappointing few seasons. 3rd
in the Aussie Conference but pushing the top 2 pretty hard, they’ve got the
capacity to blow teams away through speed and power.
Key Player? Bernard Foley. The relatively unknown playmaker has been a
genius this year and should not be underrated – his eye for a gap and ability
to pick out opportunities with his hands or feet make him a real danger
man. Plus he’s called Bernard. Worth watching.
Chances? The Lions should be in full swing by the
time this one comes around and, although I can see it being close, a full
strength side should turn over a Waratahs side denied it’s international
contingent. It’ll be entertaining even
if there is no Duncan McRae nowadays.
Who are they? A team full of kids from Australia Capital
Territory...who are ripping it up in Super Rugby this year. Top of the Australian conference, their
explosively fast brand of rugby has seen them take some huge scalps this year.
Key Player? Jesse Mogg. He may well get picked for the Test squad but
if he doesn’t the Lions should beware.
Despite looking like an accountant, the young full back has serious
wheels and a glorious Geordan Murphy-esque running style that bamboozles
defenders at every turn.
Chances? I genuinely think this will be the most
difficult non-Test match for the Lions.
With the first test looming, this will very much be the ‘extras’ who
will be trying to piece together their confidence in the knowledge they won’t
be getting a Test spot. That, coupled
with the fact that the Brumbies aren’t really a team full of stars and as such
won’t be missing too many key individuals to Wallaby call ups, makes the
exciting young hosts favourites in my opinion.
Who are they? Australia’s last addition to Super Rugby
are the Rebels, and they’ve spent big on star names since their inception in
2011. It seems to be slowly having an
effect – despite suffering from inconsistency, the Rebels are 4th in
the Australian Conference and have turned over some big names this season.
Key Player? Assuming the magician that is Kurtley
Beale hasn’t come back from his sabbatical, the Lions could do with keeping an
eye on lock Hugh Pyle. The 6 foot 7 lock
has used his powerful frame and inspector gadget arms to wriggle over for 3
tries already this year and is a pest in the lineout.
Chances? Depending on which Rebels side shows up,
this should be a game the Lions win. The
Melbourne outfit have looked in trouble when under physical pressure at times
this year, so that would be the way for the Lions to go.
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