Lions 2021

[JayC2]

After getting mullered in the second half last week, we all hoped WG would make some changes but it's barely a tinker.

Owens and vdMerwe shouldn't be in the 23 and bringing Aki in smacks of desperation. His midfield options are severely limited by the squad he picked but expecting Russell to come on and win the game in the last 20 with the bench we have and no recent game time under his belt is ridiculous.

Tight five and back row needed some new faces - thank goodness Wyn Jones is fit and pleased for Beard too.

Heart wants the win, but head says no chance.

At least Wiese has another opportunity to nail down the 8 jersey for SA...

[mightymouse]

I see testimony was given by Mostert on the biting incident.. he probably said it didn’t happen just to keep Sinkler in the side!

[JP14]

I see testimony was given by Mostert on the biting incident.. he probably said it didn’t happen just to keep Sinkler in the side!

Crazier things have happened.

[JP14]

How about Morné Steyn on the bench…

[kk20gb30]

Although playing at home with a great deal of bench strength to call upon, the match could well end up being decided as much by who is not playing as it is by who has been selected.Momentum from the Second Test still with the Springboks but they will certainly miss De Klerk and Du Toit .

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rug ... 95906.html

Neither should one underestimate the massive emotional/psychological toll last weeks victory took out of the Springboks.They psyched themselves to massive levels last time out facing a first off series defeat as World Champions - now they have to do so again or come into the match 'flat'.
The Lions too have issues to address as to whether they have recovered physically and mentally from last weeks comprehensive defeat (31/7/21).Should be a fascinating match.
Hoping for a Lions win , of course.

[kk20gb30]

Although with obvious defensive questions to answer himself , some very interesting stats re Duhan Van der Merwe.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/why-duha ... the-lions/

[Old Hob]

SA also very carefully and skilfully controlled the clock so that the Lions' superior fitness was no longer a factor.

That’s new one on me
Is that like in the first test when Owen Farrell was taking 90 seconds for kicks?

From "The Times" Wed 4th August : "Warren Gatland will urge the referee to clamp down on South Africa's strategic injury breaks and go-slow tactics in the deciding third Test in Cape Town on Saturday... (He) is due to meet Mathieu Raynal over the next 48 hours and he will impress upon the French referee his desire for a fast-paced game, which he believes would suit the fitness levels of the Lions more than South Africa."

[Scott1]

SA also very carefully and skilfully controlled the clock so that the Lions' superior fitness was no longer a factor.

That’s new one on me
Is that like in the first test when Owen Farrell was taking 90 seconds for kicks?

From "The Times" Wed 4th August : "Warren Gatland will urge the referee to clamp down on South Africa's strategic injury breaks and go-slow tactics in the deciding third Test in Cape Town on Saturday... (He) is due to meet Mathieu Raynal over the next 48 hours and he will impress upon the French referee his desire for a fast-paced game, which he believes would suit the fitness levels of the Lions more than South Africa."

Yes,the first half was ridiculously long!

[Dangerous4]

i think the Lions have picked a weaker side than they did last time! Defeat is really on the cards now.

[kk20gb30]

Rassie the Waterboy ; Woodward makes a valid point (for me) :

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/woodward ... g-offence/

[Scott1]

Seems no one's bothered!

[Jimmy Skitz]

Haven’t even seen the team

[Scott1]

Looks like Russell is on after 10 minutes,no rugby in 5 weeks and Farrell dropped. Could be disastrous! Then again....

Great hit Weise,Williams knocked on then. Poor call

[Scott1]

Greenwood starting flat nose bingo,how is he employed?!

[SthrnTiger]

So much better with Russell at 10.