Wallabies v Lions, 19 July Suncorp

[Uh huh]

Ben OK game finished and swept under the rug. That tackle on Lynagh from Curry was one of the most blatant card moments I’ve seen in a long time. Ben Earl shoulder charged/ axed JAS in half without any consequence, as well as wealths of forward passes, denied pilfering opportunities and offside ignorance.

I don’t want to sound the panic alarm. But if we introduce a 6-2 bench split, it should counteract everything the lions throw at us. If we select this team, we should start strong with front forward ball carriers such as bell, Skelton, Valetini. Try to weigh the lions down in the first 50 minutes, match physicality and hopefully pressure will translate to early points, or Lions mistakes. This would allow Lynagh more time to feed it out to JAS and Wright, who can then utilise the space out wide to full effect. That was a problem met tonight, where our pack never got out onto the front foot And couldn’t create a platform for Lynagh to work off. Bring on a strong platform off the bench while the lions get tired, McDermott to work around the ruck and Donaldson pushing it wide to create opportunities further out, and that would spell a massive task for the lions. Could even swap Tizz for Gleeson. Daugunu for centre coverage also.

Here’s what I’d have:
1. Bell
2. Faessler
3. Alaatoa
4. Frost
5. Skelton
6. BobbyV
7. Mcreight
8. Wilson
9. Gordon
10. Lynagh
11. Jorgo
12. Ikitau
13. JAS
14. Daugunu
15. Wright
16. Pollard
17. Slips
18. Robertson
19. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
20. Hooper
21. Tizzano
22. McDermott
23. Donaldson

I know it may seem to far, but to win a series against a team of 4 nations, risks are needed to be taken.

I like a lot of this, but I'm starting Slipper and Pollard. I want better line-out security in the first half, and I want Bell coming on at halftime.

Also Daugunu, bless him, is not fast enough anymore. Pietsch is the better choice.

 

[Yoda]

All I will say on this is I’m not sure it was fair on Lynagh to start him in this game at his home ground in his fourth test when he is under done in fitness and it’s such a big occasion. Because some of that story and pressure was evident in his play and kicking. (Particularly his chip kick.) But he will be better for it and has a bright future ahead.

I agree with that. He definitely is a good player. Just hadn't played for over a month, never with Gordon and it showed. It wasn't fair on him.

 

[Derpus]

Oooh yeah. I guess its probably a result of no gainline ball but our attack broke down after 2-3 carries and they all started tripping over each other. Was weird.

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

We should use him (Joseph S) for his capacity under the high ball for the first 50- then use him to sweep in behind or attract defenders running AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) lines for last 30.

 

[molman]

I respect that. But Gordon is not the guy. Bring lonergan in then

What is it about Gordon's performance that you specifically think wasn't up to standard? Passing? Kicking? Speed to ruck? Direction of team in setup of defence, attack? His own defensive efforts?...

I'm not sure that was his highlight game, but I don't think he was particularly poor in the context of the team.

The poor guy was working with a mess of a ruck where the Lions were dominating the collision and often getting away with a bit, so he had slow ball that he was then serving static pods with a set Lions defence ready to rush. I like Lonergan, but I don't think that was a particularly poor game by Gordon.

 

[drewprint]

Um, I'm not saying he's a wrecking ball. He's a big body who offloads well, so have him hit the line flat at pace and offload - he will attract at least 1 defender each time. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was not not big, but did this job well. It's about timing, not smashing.

This is Marce using a new account Cyclo so wouldn’t expect much of a coherent discussion.

 

[Major Tom]

Seriously where are the arguments for lynagh starting next week ? I'm not sure if dono would be better but we have to try. Lynagh had mostly a shocker. I'm not saying he isn't the future 10 but it's not now. He looked like a child out there as well.

No ball in the first half.
He got targeted with the high ball and I’d say he came away even.
About the only thing I could say I was disappointed with was the missed touch line kick on half time. Went for a fraction too much.
He may look like a child but he’s as tough and brave as any man.
Id back him again easily. And I like donno coming off the bench when it gets loose. Same with Tate.
You put bobby V in that starting team and we’re winning a lot more collisions and we’re getting over the ad line a lot easier.
I do think Skelton coming in makes our scrum very dangerous.
I liked what CDC brought. I’d have him on the bench instead of Tizzano because I think he gives you the same but more dominant tackles.
Or Gleeson, who gives you power late in the game.
Our bench really stood up, we just let them get a quick start.
I’d be tempted to start white instead of Gordon who seemed like a passenger most the time.

 

[BDA]

I didn't think gordon had a bad game but watching live i really felt schmidt brought on tate at least 10 minutes too late...there was clearly gaps opening up in the defensive line when we were pressing them in the second half and i think we would have scored earlier if tate was brought in earlier.

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

No ball in the first half.
He got targeted with the high ball and I’d say he came away even.
About the only thing I could say I was disappointed with was the missed touch line kick on half time. Went for a fraction too much.

Did you enjoy his chip kick? Noah does it and people want blood!
They targeted him, so we should put Sualii there to take them next time instead?

 

[Shiggins]

What is it about Gordon's performance that you specifically think wasn't up to standard? Passing? Kicking? Speed to ruck? Direction of team in setup of defence, attack? His own defensive efforts?...

I'm not sure that was his highlight game, but I don't think he was particularly poor in the context of the team.

The poor guy was working with a mess of a ruck where the Lions were dominating the collision and often getting away with a bit, so he had slow ball that he was then serving static pods with a set Lions defence ready to rush. I like Lonergan, but I don't think that was a particularly poor game by Gordon.

All of it. His box kicks were average and he had no plan B. I get what your saying about the pack not getting good ball but he can't adapt. I like Gordon. That was one of his worst games I've seen. So when does Tate get a chance? If he is so good off the bench why doesn't he get a chance to show what he can do over 60 min. He has played more tests off the bench because we go with a 9 who can box kick and "make good decisions".

 

[Major Tom]

Did you enjoy his chip kick? Noah does it and people want blood!
They targeted him, so we should put Sualii there to take them next time instead?

Chip kick? When?

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

Chip kick?

In the first half, he kicked it too far and gave away the possession. It’s a set play they were going to use for JS. Didn’t execute. But a tough play under pressure with Lions line speed.(designed to combat said line speed).

 

[rugbyAU]

Team changes - not many.

Valetini to #6, CdC can argue with McReight for #7. Possibly doesn't get there.
Kellaway is a waste at #23 when we have #22 Donaldson. I'd look for a #12/#13 on the bench instead.
Skelton to #5. I haven't thought through the linout though.

Otherwise I think the line up had strengths.

Yep, although CdC at 7 would be out of position as showed in the Force v Lions game, Tizzano should maybe get a crack

Paisami might be a better option at 23 given he covers 12 and 13 and then Donaldson covers 10 and 15

 

[liquor box]

Seriously where are the arguments for lynagh starting next week ? I'm not sure if dono would be better but we have to try. Lynagh had mostly a shocker. I'm not saying he isn't the future 10 but it's not now. He looked like a child out there as well.

He was playing most of his game concussed, watch the replay, after he tried to tackle and copped a hip to the head he was a bit shaky. I was surprised he wasn't given a HIA.

I think shocker is a bit too far.

 

[Derpus]

Team I'd be rolling out if I was master of the universe:

1. Bell
2. Pollard
3. 7As (Allan Ala'alatoa)
4. Swain (best lineout lock all year, criminal he's overlooked)
5. Skelton
6. Hooper (lineout and carrying power)
7. McReight
8. Valetini (please god, please)
9. McD (don't rate him as a starter but if Lynagh is playing may as well. Gordon sucked).
10. Lynagh (might as well stick now)
11. Toole? I dunno, Potter sucked (although I think he can play much better than he has).
12. Ikitau
13. JAS
14. Jorgo (legend)
15. Wright

16. Faesler
17. Slips'
18. Tupou (fuck it, lets roll)
19. Williams
20. Gleeson
21. White (still rate him even though others don't)
22. Dono
23. Kellaway (looked alright when he came on)

 

[Super Hooper]

Um, I'm not saying he's a wrecking ball. He's a big body who offloads well, so have him hit the line flat at pace and offload - he will attract at least 1 defender each time. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was not not big, but did this job well. It's about timing, not smashing.

I agree. He could be a top class 13 or 15 but still. You need a wrecking ball in your backline. Every top class team has one, Australia has none. It's the same case of Scotland and Ireland some years ago. They didn't have wrecking ball in their countries so they bought them oversas. Bundee Aki (NZ) and Tuipulotu (OZ). That's what RA needs. Australia is like Japan nowadays, have to find big bodies in other markers, that's what Japan does

 

[Major Tom]

In the first half, he kicked it too far and gave away the possession. It’s a set play they were going to use for JS. Didn’t execute. But a tough play under pressure with Lions line speed.(designed to combat said line speed).

I don’t remember lynagh putting any chip kicks whilst just on or outside our own 22 on the stroke of half time.

 

[Shiggins]

He was playing most of his game concussed, watch the replay, after he tried to tackle and copped a hip to the head he was a bit shaky. I was surprised he wasn't given a HIA.

I think shocker is a bit too far.

Mate. If that's the case he shouldn't play next week any. How many is that for the year. My comment on page 1 if this thread was about him getting another concussion. I did notice him stumble when he got up but he seemed to be ok

 

[BDA]

I few post game thoughts:
I thought it was a decent effort from our boys...unfortunately we let in a few easy tries which we cant afford to do against a team of this quality.
The lose of Valetini was definitely felt in the first half.
We chose a mobile pack and i think that paid dividend as the game went on..had we not let them score easy points in the first half we might have been a chance.
Our tight five were very competitive...scrum and maul work was strong. for me this was proof we dont need skelton in the starting side

 

[Major Tom]

Mate. If that's the case he shouldn't play next week any. How many is that for the year. My comment on page 1 if this thread was about him getting another concussion. I did notice him stumble when he got up but he seemed to be ok

He seemed alright.
He was up and barking orders pretty much straight away.
He should have gone to 1 knee, vaguely lifted his arms and used his body as a ramp.