British and Irish Lions Tour of NZ

[Ecky]

Probably best to ask Ecky from his behind the posts view.

Surprising as it may seem I didn't have a behind the posts view. But there will be a recording of one, usually available to the teams, but commonly available to all World Rugby members via a specific website. Much like the AMS site here in Aus. Usually used for coaching purposes/

[choice]

I find myself barracking for the British Lions, guess I'm just over the arrogance of NZ rugby.

Really, what a dumb arse thing to say. Stop parroting whinging sports writers and get over yourself.

[valzc]

Not sure if this headline is a misprint or meant to be funny?

Warburton returns as captain for All Blacks
TODAY AT 12:38 PM INTERNATIONAL

Sam Warburton will captains the Lions in their must win Test against the All Blacks. Photo: AFP
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AFP
by AFP
The Welshman was one of three personnel changes coach Warren Gatland made Thursday to the starting side that lost the first Test 30-15, including calling in Johnny Sexton at fly-half.

Gatland also picked Maro Itoje to start at lock at the expense of George Kruis, praising his impact off the bench in the first Test.

Sexton's inclusion sees Owen Farrell move to inside centre, forcing Ben Te'o onto the replacements' bench.

Peter O'Mahony, who captained in the first Test, was not even included in the matchday 23 as Gatland called up Warburton and preferred CJ Stander on the bench.

Courtney Lawes was also included in the replacements after a strong performance in the 31-31 draw against the Hurricanes on Tuesday and Jack Nowell replaces Leigh Halfpenny on the bench.

Johnny Sexton returns for the Lions. Photo: AFP
Gatland said he had to make some tough decisions as the Lions seek to level the three-Test series.

"We saw Maro's impact in the first Test and he will bring an edge and a physicality, as will Sam Warburton in terms of pressure on the ball," he said.

"It's tough on Peter O'Mahony who has done a brilliant job for us. We had to look at the bench and we felt that CJ Stander's ball-carrying and defence was the right choice for the bench."

He said the Sexton-Farrell combination in the backline increased the Lions' attacking arsenal.

"Both have played well and it gives us that attacking option in the 10-12 channel," he said.

"We created opportunities in the first Test and there were a few that we didn't finish."

George North will return to Wales due to injury. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, Welsh winger George North and Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw have both been ruled out of the rest of the British and Irish Lions tour in New Zealand with injuries, officials said Thursday.

The Lions said North and Henshaw both picked up the injuries during their team's 31-all draw with the Wellington Hurricanes on Tuesday and would return home.

North tore a hamstring and Henshaw ripped a pectoral muscle.

The Hurricanes game was the last of the Lions' mid-week matches, with only two Tests remaining on the tour, including one in Wellington this Saturday.

North scored a try against the Hurricanes and the giant winger was considered an outside chance of figuring in the remaining Tests as coach Warren Gatland looks for a greater physical presence.

from rugby.com

[todd4]

Really, what a dumb arse thing to say. Stop parroting whinging sports writers and get over yourself.

Bit touchy bro??

[blueandblack]

ABs are beatable...apparently by themselves though....or their high paid crosscode stars.

[zed]

Very poor from SBW.

[Ralto]

ABs are beatable...apparently by themselves though....or their high paid crosscode stars.

turned it off after the vunipola decision - not right or wrong - just inconsistent.

[Alison]

Does the red mean he won't be able to play next week?

[BeeJay]

So hilarious, and just a little bit irritating, to see the All Blicks complain about stuff off the ball, when it is their modus operandi. TJ Perenara a case in point.

They made it difficult for themselves - and would have blown a chance in a lifetime if they had lost - but the Lions did well to score those 2 tries and get over the line.

A lot will be made of the All Blacks hanging in there for 55 minutes, and how the Lions were not clever enough to capitalise earlier, but the red card was well deserved, and you have to deal with the consequences you make for yourself.

[sandgroperrugby]

Does the red mean he won't be able to play next week?

Will still have to go to the disciplinary review panel for a decision on if the card in the game was enough punishment or if more time off is required. Reckon he will get another week off.

[zed]

turned it off after the vunipola decision - not right or wrong - just inconsistent.

I thought for a minute you were trying to compare Vunipola's cleanout to SBW's "tackle". You weren't were you?

[blueandblack]

Will still have to go to the disciplinary review panel for a decision on if the card in the game was enough punishment or if more time off is required. Reckon he will get another week off.

doubt it. it was dealt with quickly andd firmly by onfoeld ref. dont think the Lion was out of action for too long (apoarently went off for assessment). i think it will stand as is

[Ralto]

I thought for a minute you were trying to compare Vunipola's cleanout to SBW's "tackle". You weren't were you?

No, just pissed of at the refereeing inconsistencies. Even Warburton could be heard to comment, words to the effect - "you're just evening things up".

[zed]

No, just pissed of at the refereeing inconsistencies. Even Warburton could be heard to comment, words to the effect - "you're just evening things up".

Gotcha.

[westies man]

I'm happy to be proven wrong and thought the Lions really stood up yesterday. I have never rated SBW and his shoulder charge was a cowardly piss weak act that warrants at least a 6 week suspension.
Attacking the head of an opponent who had no chance to defend himself is a bloody disgrace and embarrasses the jersey.

I have replayed Vunipola's shoulder hit on Barrett several times and although Barrett milked it can anyone tell me why that was also not a red card.
Sean O'briens swinging forearm that forced Nahalo off has been cited, not even a penalty.
This last game is going to be an absolute ripper and I just hope it will not be remembered for the referee's performance because as Ralto pointed out there has been bugger all consistency and it seems to be a totally different interpretation across the board to what we're used to.

If anyone is about to be tackled is there a new rule where you jump in the air and receive a penalty. Will they be playing offsides this weekend or not worry about it.

I await Ecky's report from the cheap seats.
Should be an absolute bloodbath next weekend. I just hope the man in the middle doesn't make any decisions or non decisions that have any bearing on the final result.

Quite ironic that the guy that posts on here as Sonny Bill Williams was handing out his own cards on Sat to a Baysie player.