Rugby Union

Would be worried about Webb and Biggar at 9 and 10, to be honest. If it's a tight game then Laidlaw for the last 15-20 to calm things down would be good.

 

Tuipulotu dumped from the Blues' bench for missing the start of training, will be a blow to his hopes of pushing for a spot in the 33-man ABs squad.

 

I'll take it

We need all the help we can get.

I don't mind Webb so much, he's a stroppy git but that's not such a bad thing when he's on your side. He winds the opposition up and he's very quick on the break, he'll go for any little opening. Sexton will be chomping at the bit, he's got a fair bit of ground to make up after his poor (by his standards) game on Saturday.

 

Yeah, can see where you're coming from. Just really resent the Welsh influence in this squad.

Sitting here watching the build up and choking for a beer but have a 9am exam to study for

 

Yep, smacks of the old boys club just like the last time the Lions toured NZ.

Have a virtual beer, like me. I'm officially working

 

Boom, great start from Ioane.

 

Blues lead 12-10 at HT.

 

What a * try from West and the whole team. 22-16 Blues.

 

Look on Gatland's face is filthy after that. Good win for the Blues.

 

Good win for Blues, but another sub standard Lions performance. Sinckler again very good when he came on, Itoje played well.

Sexton, Nowell among those who played themselves out of contention for a test start. Farrell is a shoe in for 10.

Rhys Webb was anonymous and then all we were playing was far too slow.

 

Never saw it, too busy. Seems like the Lions have some work to do and it's going to get worse.

In my opinion, not enough Scots Nah, kidding but I think Finn Russell could have brought something to stand-off and big Hamish would have kicked a few arses.

Big game on Saturday.

 

Crusaders team to face B&I Lions named.

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Luke Romano
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Jordan Taufua
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. David Havili
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Seta Tamanivalu
15. Israel Dagg

16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Quinten Strange
20. Jed Brown
21. Mitchell Drummond
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Tim Bateman

 

Will wait and see the Lions squad for this but that already looks like a win for the Crusaders

 

Big test up for the Lions next. Crusaders have won all 14 of their Super Rugby matches this season and must be the favourites.

Lions squad to play Crusaders:

Team: S Hogg; G North, J Davies; B Te'o, L Williams; O Farrell; C Murray; M Vunipola, J George, T Furlong; AW Jones (capt), G Kruis; P O'Mahony, S O'Brien, T Faletau

Replacements: K Owens, J McGrath, D Cole, M Itoje, CJ Stander, R Webb, J Sexton, A Watson

 

This years competition has just ended and they've already made the draw for next seasons Champions Cup:

Some quite tasty looking matches lined up including this seasons winners & runners up (Saracens & Clermont) in the same pool.

Warriors with Exeter, Leinster & Montpellier.

 

Just watched the match vs The Blues, they weren't that bad but need to focus on putting their chances away. Blues definitely looked like a team who've played together compared to the Lions who were very disjointed by comparison.

Biggar had a shocker, replacement Sexton wasn't up to much either. Can see Finn or George Ford getting the call.

 

Scrappy game. Ref is *.

 

Thought it was quite good myself

Full time - Crusaders 3 Lions 12. First defeat for Crusaders this season.

Thought the Lions bossed it, forced Crusaders back into their own half. Considering this team have most of the AB pack, that's a big statement. Lions dominated scrums & line outs.

I thought Farrell, Murray and Faletau were outstanding and their test places must be assured. Hogg took a smack to the coupon from Murray and had to go off after about 20 mins, hope he's alright. He seemed to be trying too hard, his replacement, Watson had a decent game.

Maybe it will get a bit easier now as the AB squad will be assembling and the other teams will lose their internationalists.

Definite progress.

 

Decent win for Scotland vs Italy in Singapore - 34-13. Nice to see some free flowing rugby, Russell superb - check the 3rd & 4th tries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40233474

 

England and Argentina having a fantastic game just now. 31-31 each 75 mins gone.