I agree. I can't see an easy solution either. It was certainly a problem though that the Lions were obviously trying to capitalize on from the start of the match.
Wallabies v Lions Game 2 MCG 26 July
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I agree. I can't see an easy solution either. It was certainly a problem though that the Lions were obviously trying to capitalize on from the start of the match.
Tomthumb
Ken Catchpole (46)
If only we had a 10 in the squad that was experienced in defending out the back…
Yes and no. He would have had the pace to get Wilson’s grubber. Sooner or later we do need to select him to find out if he’s good enough at the level. Probably not in a must win lions game though.
Maybe Schmidt switches to Donaldson but he's also more suited to the bench role versus Lynagh. I don't think we are going to see a lot of changes though.
Slim 293
George Smith (75)
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Ken Catchpole (46)
Why are we so worried about the bench when we were down by 19 points after 42 minutes
Start the best man and go from there
Yoda
Arch Winning (36)
Agree. The 10 shouldn't really come off imo. If they are the best in the coaches opinion they should only come off if they are injured.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Not too many positive comments about our approach by any of the NH pundits
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Interestingly, Lynagh has only ever played 5 x 80 min matches in his pro career and only twice since May 2023.
Uh huh
Ted Thorn (20)
Oh I don't think he's remotely likely to get picked, and I agree that the chances of him getting into space on the end of the current backline are slim. If he were picked, I think the main advantage that he would bring is that he makes every box kick and kick off significantly more effective, leading to better field position. He allows the kicker to go deeper and hits the catcher at pace nine times out of ten (sometimes he even does it legally).
chiraag
Fred Wood (13)
And Donaldson has played the full 80 in the majority of the Force's matches this year. I really don't get the argument of him being better suited to the bench because of his ability to cover 15. He can do that when starting at 10 as well.
Tomthumb
Ken Catchpole (46)
Honestly Schmidt has really done Lynagh a disservice here. Throwing him in the deep end after barely using him last year and not even taking him on the end of year tour
If Eddie did this we would all be rightly ropeable, It's an illogical decision and I hope it doesn't stunt the kids growth. Schmidt did butcher 2 world cups with Ireland so maybe prepping for big events is a big weak point for him
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
What's Schmidt meant to have done, he had limited time to prep his #1 flyhalf, Lolesio, already. Lolesio needed all the time possible, he got injured, we go to the next, Lyangh who's been in camp training etc.
Serge
Jimmy Flynn (14)
At least Michael Hooper gets it
www.nine.com.au
Hooper's sweeping Wallabies changes to keep Lions series alive
Sua'ali'i switch among multiple moves for second Test
www.nine.com.au
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Ken Catchpole (46)
But Lynagh wasn't the next, that the point. Donaldson was, he started 2 games last year along with many bench cameos. Lynagh was the 3rd and then 4th string 10 last year with 0 starts
Donaldson also has far more experience as a pro, has been (and played pretty well) to a World Cup and was Schmidt's backup 10 all last year
Like I said, it's an illogical decision
I think this is more due to Donaldson's style of play being more likely to provide impact off the bench (and potentially being useful in another position) than Lynagh.
I would have picked Donaldson at 10 in the first test. Now that the decision has been made to pick Lynagh I'm not sure he'll change tack for the second test.
Tomthumb
Ken Catchpole (46)
Then why f'n pick him?