Agreed Warburton's defense was suspect. I'd like to see Youngs, O'Brien and Tipuric come in. To replace them.

connachtexile wrote: Didn't think Phillips did well at all

He stank the place out alright. Youngs should be in for the next test. Didn't think Croft or Warburton were a whole lot better.

Man were we lucky. 3 bad injuries for the Ozzies and some bad misses by O'Connor and Beale. You had to feel for he poor guy after slipping and missing that last kick.

As for criticism I think the Lions didn't play the ref well. Yes you can say (rightfully) that he was harsh on us in the breakdown but they should have had enough nous to realise hanging onto the ball at the end of the scrum was not a smart idea. Didn't think Phillips did well at all and either Youngs or Murray ought to replace him in the next match. Apart from that it was a good performance by everyone.

I think they will from henceforth forever be known as the lucky lucky lions!
Phew!

Why deans hasn't found it necessary to accomadate a top placekicker continues to be one of sports great mysteries.

That should have read Super Rugby experience only saw the omission now!

connachtexile wrote: Apparently Maitland was picked because of his Rugby Experience. Thats what the guys in the know are saying. Think it's a gamble as Maitland's form hasn't being fantastic on tour.

"Rugby Experience"? The implication being what exactly, that they play Rugby in the Southern Hemisphere and some version of the Eton Wall Game north of the equator?

As Rossie pointed out though, there's damn all to choose between Maitland, Hogg and Zebo. There are some great impact options on the bench - Vunipola, Cole, Parling - and if the Lions lose because the replacement scrumhalf or hooker aren't up to scratch, it's not like there are a whole lot of options out there.

The bench options where Gatland makes himself a hostage to fortune are flyhalf, where the failure to have a real 3rd option was made weeks ago, and back row, where the omission of SOB beggars belief.

I reckon would have been much happier picking Lydiate or Tipuric (with Warburton at 6) to start and SOB on the bench, but then Croft's form (or flat-track bullying) and the hookers lack thereof forced his hand.

Apparently Maitland was picked because of his Rugby Experience. Thats what the guys in the know are saying. Think it's a gamble as Maitland's form hasn't being fantastic on tour.

He's never started on wing but has covered there. He's considered a back three player. He never started 10 before this tour either as a pro but was used there this tour. He has every right to feel disappointed IMO. Maitland can count himself a very lucky boy.

He's never played wing to the best of my knowledge, nor according to wiki and espn. I'm sure he could potentially play wing but coming on in a lions game for your first go at it wouldn't be the best way to try it.

Hogg can play wing as well.

I don't think Maitland is tokenism at all, he covers 11-15 and has a decent level of experience in almost all those positions (perhaps not 12). Fair enough I don't think he has shown his best form but he was ahead of zebo from the start of the tour. Also North would be the main injury concern so selecting Hogg or Kearney wouldn't have made sense imo, too much rejigging of the backs required.

I may be mistaken on this, but if I am, someone out there will probably correct me.

I think the Test on Sat will be the 1st time in Lions history that 3 Series Captains (BOD, POC and S Warburton) will actually be in the starting 15 for the Test match.

I know others have been Captin for one off matches and may have played in the Test matchs but I do not think 3 Series Captains have ever done it.

I agree about Scottish-ish tokenism but if he had dropped the second fish and selected Hogg on bench instead few could argue IMO as he's a top player( at fb).

Few surprises there once Tipuric had a mediocre game this week.

One surprise is that Rossie hasn't called out Zebo not making the bench, so I will: Maitland's inclusion smacks of (Scottish-ish) tokenism.

The only real clanger is having Lydiate on the bench instead of SOB.

Halfpenny, Cuthbert, bod, Davies, north, sexton, Phillips.
Corbisiero, Young's, jones, poc, jones, croft, Warburton, heaslip.
Subs- Hibbard, anikolo, Cole, parking, lydiate, Young's, Farrell, Maitland.

Very strong team in all vital areas. Scrum, lineout, maul etc.

Some will be disappointed like sob, Murray and Hogg but its a very good team.

Looking forward to Saturday now.

Roberts out and North looking doubtful and suddenly the Lions are looking vulnerable.