British & Irish Lions - Weekly Wallaby Watch (Ioane & McCabe out of series, Barnes out of 2nd test:)

First topic message reminder :

Inevitably, there's been a ma-hoosive over-focus on these boards about whom the tourists are likely to be and little, if anything, on who the Australian test team are likely to be.

The point of this thread is to report week to week upon the players which the Sydney Morning Herald believes are the best Aussie players in each round of the Super 15, to discuss how this changes and to comment in light of these performances who the form test starters are likely to be for the Wallabies.

The Wallaby squad will be removed for all Super 15 matches on 7, 8 and 9 June in order to be 'quarantined' for 3 weeks leading up to the first test on June 22nd.

SUPER 15 MATCHES REMAINING FOR WALLABIES SQUAD UNTIL THE FIRST TEST: 0

A. WALLABIES SQUAD:

Ben Alexander	Prop	Brumbies	28	48
Adam Ashley-Cooper	Fullback-Wing-Midfield	NSW Waratahs	29	77
Berrick Barnes	Flyhalf/Inside Centre/Fullback	NSW Waratahs	27	50
Nick Cummins	Wing	Western Force	25	6
Dave Dennis	Loose Forward	NSW Waratahs	27	15
Kane Douglas	Lock	NSW Waratah	27	6
Saia Fainga’a	Hooker	Queensland Reds	26	18
Israel Folau	Fullback-Wing	NSW Waratahs	23	Uncapped
Will Genia	Halfback	Queensland Reds	25	41
Liam Gill	Flanker	Queensland Reds	20	8
Michael Hooper	Flanker	NSW Waratahs	21	13
Rob Horne	Inside Centre	NSW Waratahs	23	14
James Horwill	Lock	Queensland Reds	27	35
Sekope Kepu	Prop	NSW Waratahs	27	23
Christian Leali’ifano	Flyhalf/Inside Centre	Brumbies	25	Uncapped
Ben McCalman	Loose Forward	Western Force	25	21
Stephen Moore	Hooker	Brumbies	30	76
Ben Mowen	Loose Forward	Brumbies	28	Uncapped
James O’Connor	Flyhalf/Wing	Melbourne Rebels	22	37
Wycliff Palu	No 8	NSW Waratahs	30	46
Nick Phipps	Halfback	Melbourne Rebels	24	12
Benn Robinson	Prop	NSW Waratahs	28	56
Rob Simmons	Lock	Queensland Reds	24	23
James Slipper	Prop	Queensland Reds	23	34
Luke Morahan	Wing	Reds	23	1

B. CURRENT S15 TEAM STANDINGS (AUSTRALIA)
TeamPWLDBFA /-BnsPts

1. Brumbies	14	9	3	2	2	376	257	119	6	54
2. Reds	15	9	4	2	1	307	284	23	6	50
3. Waratahs	14	7	7	0	2	371	344	27	4	40
4. Rebels	14	4	10	0	2	327	439	-112	8	32
5. Force	14	3	10	1	2	233	323	-90	5	27

c. AUSSIE TEAM S15 RESULTS

Round 16
Crusaders v Waratahs, Full Time 23-22
Brumbies v Hurricanes, Full Time 30-23
Reds v Rebels, Full Time 33-20

Round 15
Rebels v Waratahs, Full Time 24-22
Blues v Brumbies, Full Time 13-20
Force v Highlanders, Full Time 19-18
Stormers v Reds, Full Time 20-15

Round 14
Rebels v Stormers, Full Time 30-21
Force v Sharks, Full Time 13-23
Waratahs v Brumbies, Full Time 28-22
Cheetahs v Reds, Full Time 27-13

Round 13
Chiefs v Force, Full Time 22-21
Reds v Sharks, Full Time 32-17
Blues v Rebels, Full Time 36-32
Waratahs v Stormers, Full Time 21-15

Round 12
Rebels v Chiefs, Full Time 33-39
Force v Reds, Full Time 11-11
Kings v Waratahs, Full Time 10-72
Brumbies v Crusaders, Full Time 23-30

Round 11
Reds v Blues, Full Time 12-11
Brumbies v Force, Full Time 41-7
Bulls v Waratahs, Full Time 30-19
Crusaders v Rebels, Full Time 30-26

Round 10
Hurricanes v Force, Full Time 22-16
Waratahs v Chiefs, Full Time 25-20
Reds v Brumbies, Full Time 17-17

Round 9
Highlanders v Brumbies, Full Time 19-30
Chiefs v Reds, Full Time 23-31
Rebels v Kings, Full Time 27-30
Force v Crusaders, Full Time 16-14

Round 8
Brumbies v Kings, Full Time 28-28
Hurricanes v Waratahs, Full Time 41-29
Force v Rebels, Full Time 23-30

Round 7
Highlanders v Reds, Full Time 33-34
Brumbies v Bulls, Full Time 23-20
Cheetahs v Rebels, Full Time 34-16
Waratahs v Force, Full Time 23-19

Round 6
Reds v Bulls, Full Time 23-18
Force v Cheetahs, Full Time 10-19
Sharks v Rebels, Full Time 64-7
Stormers v Brumbies, Full Time 35-22
Waratahs v Blues, Full Time 30-27

Round 5
Waratahs v Cheetahs, Full Time 26-27
Reds v Force, Full Time 12-19
Sharks v Brumbies, Full Time 10-29

Round 4
Rebels v Reds, Full Time 13-23
Brumbies v Waratahs, Full Time 35-6

Round 3
Waratahs v Rebels, Full Time 31-26
Reds v Hurricanes, Full Time 18-12
Bulls v Force, Full Time 36-26

Round 2
Rebels v Brumbies, Full Time 13-30
Reds v Waratahs, Full Time 25-17

Round 1
Rebels v Force, Full Time 30-23
Brumbies v Reds, Full Time 24-6

D. AUSSIE TEAMS OF THE WEEK

27 February 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ed Quirk (Reds)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

7 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Nathan Charles (Force)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Angus Cottrell (Force)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nick Phipps (Rebels)
10. James O'Connor (Rebels)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Nick Cummins (Force)
15. Ben Volavola (Waratahs)

11 March 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Anthony Faingaa (Reds)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

17 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Fotu Auelua (Brumbies)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

24 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Paddy Ryan (Waratahs)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Drew Mitchell (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

31 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

9 April 2013
1. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
2. Ged Robinson (Rebels)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Luke Jones (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Jason Woodward (Rebels)
15. Richard Kingi (Rebels)

14 April 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Rob Simmons (Reds)
5. James Horwill (Reds)
6. George Smith (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Rod Davies (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Junior Rasolea (Force)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jayden Hayward (Force)

21 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Heath Tessman (Force)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Liam Gill (Reds)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

28 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Faingaa (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Sam Carter (Brumbies)
6. Jarrod Saffy (Rebels)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

05 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Chris Alcock (Force)
8. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs)
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Cam Crawford (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

13 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga'a (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs)
5. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Rod Davies (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

20 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Laurie Weeks (Rebels)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Berrick Barnes (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Peter Betham (Waratahs)
15. Luke Morahan (Reds)

27 May 2013
1. Nic Henderson (Rebels)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
6. Chris Alcock (Force)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Tom English (Rebels)
15. Jason Woodward (Rebels)

E. SELECTED AQ PLAYER STATS TO DATE

Most Points
1. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 181
2. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 163
3. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 158
4. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 150
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 142
6. Joe Pietersen (Stormers) 140
7. Quade Cooper (Reds) 138
8. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 122
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 120
10. James O'Connor (Rebels) 106
11. Colin Slade (Highlanders) 85
12. Chris Noakes (Blues) 76
13. Daniel Carter (Crusaders) 70
14. Sias Ebersohn (Force) 63
15. Burton Francis (Cheetahs) 62
16. Jayden Hayward (Force) 60
17. Tyler Bleyendaal (Crusaders) 58
18. Tom Taylor (Crusaders) 52
19. Jason Woodward (Rebels) 51
20. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 50

Most Tries
1. Frank Halai (Blues) 8
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 8
3. Henry Speight (Brumbies) 7
4. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 6
4. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) 6
6. Alfie Mafi (Force) 5
6. Cam Crawford (Waratahs) 5
6. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 5
6. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 5
6. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) 5
6. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 5
6. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 5
6. Rod Davies (Reds) 5
6. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes) 5
6. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 5
16. Akona Ndungane (Bulls) 4
16. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 4
16. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 4
16. Jean de Villiers (Stormers) 4
16. Peter Betham (Waratahs) 4

Most Tackles Made
1. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 214
2. Wimpie van der Walt (Kings) 198
3. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 179
4. Ed Quirk (Reds) 176
5. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 174
6. Matt Todd (Crusaders) 167
7. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 163
8. John Hardie (Highlanders) 161
9. Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs) 160
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 160
9. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 160
9. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 160
13. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) 156
13. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 156
15. Liam Gill (Reds) 153
16. Francois Uys (Cheetahs) 152
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 146
18. Cornell du Preez (Kings) 145
19. George Smith (Brumbies) 144
20. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 142

Most Runs
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 126
2. Charles Piutau (Blues) 119
3. Digby Ioane (Reds) 114
4. Peter Saili (Blues) 107
5. Luke Braid (Blues) 106
6. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 105
7. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 104
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 104
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 101
9. TJ Ioane (Highlanders) 101
11. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 100
11. Tom Marshall (Crusaders) 100
13. Ben McCalman (Force) 96
14. Jake Schatz (Reds) 95
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) 93
15. George Whitelock (Crusaders) 93
17. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 92
17. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 92
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 92
17. Steven Luatua (Blues) 92

Most Try Assists
1. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 11
2. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 7
3. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 5
3. James O'Connor (Rebels) 5
3. Quade Cooper (Reds) 5
3. Rene Ranger (Blues) 5
3. Will Genia (Reds) 5
8. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 4
8. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 4
8. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 4
11. Elton Jantjies (Stormers) 3
11. Francis Saili (Blues) 3
11. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 3
11. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 3
11. Johann Sadie (Cheetahs) 3
11. Matt Toomua (Brumbies) 3
11. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 3
11. Nic White (Brumbies) 3
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 3
11. Winston Stanley (Force) 3

Most Offloads
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 30
3. Luke Braid (Blues) 22
4. Rene Ranger (Blues) 21
5. Ben Smith (Highlanders) 20
6. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 17
6. Robert Fruean (Crusaders) 17
8. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 16
8. Francois Steyn (Sharks) 16
10. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 15
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 14
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 14
11. James O'Connor (Rebels) 14
14. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 13
14. Charles Piutau (Blues) 13
14. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 13
14. Kyle Godwin (Force) 13
14. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 13
19. John Hardie (Highlanders) 12
19. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) 12

Most Pilfers Made
1. Liam Gill (Reds) 9
2. Rene Ranger (Blues) 8
2. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 8
4. George Smith (Brumbies) 7
5. Chris Alcock (Force) 6
5. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 6
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 5
7. Luke Braid (Blues) 5
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 5
7. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 5
11. Alby Mathewson (Force) 4
11. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 4
11. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 4
11. Jacques Botes (Sharks) 4
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 4
11. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 4
11. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) 4
18. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 3
18. Michael Fitzgerald (Chiefs) 3
18. Saia Faingaa (Reds) 3

Most Penalties Conceded
1. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders) 26
2. Ben Mowen (Brumbies) 20
2. Greg Holmes (Reds) 20
4. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 19
5. Ben Alexander (Brumbies) 18
6. Ali Williams (Blues) 17
6. Ben Franks (Hurricanes) 17
6. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) 17
9. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 16
10. Schalk Ferreira (Kings) 15
10. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 15
12. Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs) 14
12. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 14
12. Laurie Weeks (Rebels) 14
12. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 14
12. Sam Carter (Brumbies) 14
12. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 14
18. Angus Ta'avao (Blues) 13
19. Deon Stegmann (Bulls) 12
19. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 12

Most Turnovers Conceded
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) 34
3. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs) 29
4. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 28
5. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 27
6. Charles Piutau (Blues) 25
7. Heath Tessmann (Force) 24
7. Rene Ranger (Blues) 24
9. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 23
9. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 23
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 22
12. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 21
12. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 21
12. Hikawera Elliot (Chiefs) 21
12. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 21
12. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 21
12. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 21
12. Nathan Charles (Force) 21
12. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 21
12. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 21

Most Missed Tackles
1. Chris Noakes (Blues) 31
1. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 31
3. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 30
4. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 29
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 27
6. Mitch Inman (Rebels) 25
7. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 23
7. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 23
7. Pierre Spies (Bulls) 23
10. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 22
10. Brad Shields (Hurricanes) 22
10. Kyle Godwin (Force) 22
10. Sergeal Petersen (Kings) 22
10. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 22
15. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 21
15. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 21
15. JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls) 21
15. Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs) 21
15. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 21
15. Ronnie Cooke (Kings) 21

Not sure of Gatland's thinking having Lydiate on the bench. Tipuric or O'Brien would have had a much bigger impact in the last 20 minutes in my opinion. I wonder how many times Tom Youngs will throw to Croft...or is that a ploy to free up O'Connell and AWJ.

Well I wasn't far off with my selections for the pack, very happy with choices there. Backs look good too, I am confident this wallabies side can do the business on the Lions tomorrow. The Lions stink of Wales, as was expected, and this could well be déjà Vu of last years summer tour in aus.

My prediction is a slog of a game, wallabies battering the Lions strong defence, asking lots of questions with some good footy and forwards working hard to prevent Lions pack doing damage.

 I still think that the Wallabies side is simply better and will win in the end. A more potent backline, a better 10 in JOC and arguably the worlds best 9 in Genia. Some great young players combined with some solid experienced ones. The lions side has youth and lack of experience in the wrong positions. 

My prediction was that Gatland had to have an attacking, creative backline to give the wallabies a hard time. Yet they've supplied a welsh backline with BOD and Sexton. Very conservative backline with a strange pack. Warburton, corbisero and lydiate on the bench. It's fu**ing weird if you ask me. But FairPlay if that pack does well tomorrow, dingo has selected a decent wallabies pack. I am really interested to see how the backrow does.. Potential there to totally dominate. But I'll shut up now before I eat my own words tomorrow

Wallabies 27 - Lions 22

Gonna be a cracker! I'll be watching from an Aussie bar in Helsinki

I've been of the same opinion bsando...up until match day. Oz have been without recent matchplay and have new combinations right throught the side.

If Gatlands thinking is to keep constant pressure without expanse he could throttle them, and Oz have for the last two seasons not won first up. This is much tougher even if not an ambush look to it. For those reasons I think the Lions will sneak it...not flashy, but solid.

True Talylorman, but I just don't think the Wallabies are a side that can be throttled. Wales couldnt quite do it last year, and now with a pretty strong wallabies team sleceted, it'll be even harder. What happens if Wallabies start scoring try's in first half? It could be be pretty bad for the Lions. But one thing I will give Gatlands men credit for is the ability to never say die. Plus Maitland on the bench could come on and really shake things ups a bit, you just never know. It's gonna be intrperesting. Can't wait!

Yes but Scotland did and Samoa the year before...all I'm saying is Oz are presently slow starters and they need to be able to attack to win which means players out of position clicking.. Thats harder than winning through attrition, percentages and low risk. I think Oz will click, just not until tests 2 and 3- as in 2001. But as you say...you just never know...the beauty of this one.

George Smith, "Big" Jesse Mogg and Ben Tapuai have been called up as injury cover. This from stuff.co.nz:

Reinforcements called in for injured Wallabies

Brumbies flanker George Smith is among three players called up to join the injury-ravaged Wallabies ahead of Saturday night's must-win second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Smith, his Brumbies teammate Jesse Mogg and Queensland Reds centre Ben Tapuai have been added to the squad following Saturday night's 23-21 loss in the opening Tom Richards Cup Test in Brisbane.

Reinforcement was called on Sunday due to injuries that have placed inside centre Pat McCabe (neck), winger Digby Ioane (shoulder), centre Adam Ashley-Cooper (shoulder) and fullback Berrick Barnes (head knock) in doubt.

All four players were sent for scans after the game with their selection prospects for the second Test against the Lions to be determined in the early part of the week.

The status of inside centre Christian Leali'ifano, who was knocked out in the opening tackle of the night at Suncorp Stadium, will also be reviewed further once the Wallabies settle in Melbourne.

Tapuai, 24, who last appeared for Australia on last year's Spring Tour, is comfortable at both inside and outside centre and has played seven Tests for the Wallabies since debuting against Wales in 2011.

Six of those matches came last year.

Mogg is uncapped, but was involved in the Wallabies' preliminary squad last year after a rookie Super Rugby season which saw him appear in all but two of the matches the Brumbies played.

The 24-year-old fullback has again been a standout this season, helping the Brumbies to the top of the Australian conference.

Smith, who returned to Australia this year on a short-term contract with the Brumbies, last represented his country against Wales in Cardiff in 2009 during a match the Wallabies won 33-12.

That was the 110th Test of a stellar career which saw him end as his country's most capped forward, although he has since been overtaken by lock Nathan Sharpe, who retired last year with 116 appearances.

Four years after his last Test, he is still Australia's third most capped player behind his former Brumbies and Wallabies captain George Gregan, who appeared in 139 Tests.

Smith, who is based with Japanese club Suntory, was cleared by the Australian Rugby Union to play in the Lions series after extending his contract with the Brumbies through until the end of the Super Rugby competition.

However a knee injury sustained during the Brumbies' loss to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney last month, put the hopes of a Test return on hold while he underwent rehabilitation.

Now back running, Smith has been called into camp so that the Wallabies coaching and medical staff can assess his readiness for a Test return, with no decision on potential availability for Saturday's second Test to be made until later in the week.

- AAP

I don't get why they needed to call up Smith?

bsando wrote:Well I wasn't far off with my selections for the pack, very happy with choices there. Backs look good too, I am confident this wallabies side can do the business on the Lions tomorrow. The Lions stink of Wales, as was expected, and this could well be déjà Vu of last years summer tour in aus.

And thank god the Lions stank of Wales because our players scored all of the points . Least you got more reason to continue your hate of Mike Phillips though, that's probably the only positive you could take out of the Lions win.

Saint, let's not get cocky about that win. We barely deserved it and even more barely managed it and Phillips was hardly at his best

I'm quite tired of the same cliché's being churned out from the same posters. It's been going on for months, I believe that poster's most recent article before the tour was more of the same bullsh*t. Not sure why there is such a bitter resentment towards Wales (well actually, I can guess why if you're Scottish), so there's nothing wrong with letting someone know when your boyo's have done well . #goLions

ChequeredJersey wrote:I don't get why they needed to call up Smith?

BEcause he's still a dam fine player. Also, maybe they are thinking of Hooper at 12 again

yeah theyre just short of quality experience and international level players. With Smith form is the only issue...and where to play him, and others.

Taylorman wrote:yeah theyre just short of quality experience and international level players. With Smith form is the only issue...and where to play him, and others.

I'd say 6 but Mowen had a stormer. Maybe move Mowen to 8 and drop Palu?

littlejohn wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:I don't get why they needed to call up Smith?

BEcause he's still a dam fine player. Also, maybe they are thinking of Hooper at 12 again

.........and he is very effective at the breakdown.

doctor_grey wrote:

littlejohn wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:I don't get why they needed to call up Smith?

BEcause he's still a dam fine player. Also, maybe they are thinking of Hooper at 12 again

.........and he is very effective at the breakdown.

So is Gill. And Mowen. And Hooper. They can't play all 4 unless Hooper plays 12!

Play Hooper at 10...........

Smith played centre for Stade Francais I think it was.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Smith played centre for Stade Francais I think it was.

Yeah but only very briefly. Though he did OK.

Better emergency cover than Hooper during a game was all I meamt.

George Carlin wrote:George Smith, "Big" Jesse Mogg and Ben Tapuai have been called up as injury cover. This from stuff.co.nz:

Reinforcements called in for injured Wallabies

Brumbies flanker George Smith is among three players called up to join the injury-ravaged Wallabies ahead of Saturday night's must-win second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Smith, his Brumbies teammate Jesse Mogg and Queensland Reds centre Ben Tapuai have been added to the squad following Saturday night's 23-21 loss in the opening Tom Richards Cup Test in Brisbane.

Reinforcement was called on Sunday due to injuries that have placed inside centre Pat McCabe (neck), winger Digby Ioane (shoulder), centre Adam Ashley-Cooper (shoulder) and fullback Berrick Barnes (head knock) in doubt.

All four players were sent for scans after the game with their selection prospects for the second Test against the Lions to be determined in the early part of the week.

The status of inside centre Christian Leali'ifano, who was knocked out in the opening tackle of the night at Suncorp Stadium, will also be reviewed further once the Wallabies settle in Melbourne.

Tapuai, 24, who last appeared for Australia on last year's Spring Tour, is comfortable at both inside and outside centre and has played seven Tests for the Wallabies since debuting against Wales in 2011.

Six of those matches came last year.

Mogg is uncapped, but was involved in the Wallabies' preliminary squad last year after a rookie Super Rugby season which saw him appear in all but two of the matches the Brumbies played.

The 24-year-old fullback has again been a standout this season, helping the Brumbies to the top of the Australian conference.

Smith, who returned to Australia this year on a short-term contract with the Brumbies, last represented his country against Wales in Cardiff in 2009 during a match the Wallabies won 33-12.

That was the 110th Test of a stellar career which saw him end as his country's most capped forward, although he has since been overtaken by lock Nathan Sharpe, who retired last year with 116 appearances.

Four years after his last Test, he is still Australia's third most capped player behind his former Brumbies and Wallabies captain George Gregan, who appeared in 139 Tests.

Smith, who is based with Japanese club Suntory, was cleared by the Australian Rugby Union to play in the Lions series after extending his contract with the Brumbies through until the end of the Super Rugby competition.

However a knee injury sustained during the Brumbies' loss to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney last month, put the hopes of a Test return on hold while he underwent rehabilitation.

Now back running, Smith has been called into camp so that the Wallabies coaching and medical staff can assess his readiness for a Test return, with no decision on potential availability for Saturday's second Test to be made until later in the week.

- AAP

Mogg is a class player and gives a nice attacking threat. Doubt this would happen but if Deans did go for Beale at 10 would it be too much to play JOC at 12, given McCabe and Lealifano are both likely out? Then you woud play Mogg at FB.

Another scenario is keep JOC at 10, Tapuai at 12 and Beale at fb. Haven't seen much from Tapuai in the second half of S15, but he has great footwork and lovely off loading skills when on fire.

At this stage it feels like the whole remaining backline have to get injured before Cooper gets a callup!

Blotted his copybook with the toxic comments.

A lot of blazers would take a very dim view of that sort of thing.

They'll take a dimmer view of losing a once in 12 year series.  And Deans will be 'resigning due to wanting to spend more time with his family' if the Aussies lose too.

So........  "where's that bausterd Cooper's phone number.  I suppose he'd gonna make me grovel"

Not that I'd personally see Cooper as saviour.  I think Gatland would like to see him on the side.  Yes, dangerous skill but also an ability to be flakey too.

True...just like Lions fans thought Folau being in the side was too inexerienced/ too untried for this...oop...didnt see that one coming...

LLF has been passed fit to play, having satisfied the requirements of the concussion protocol but Pat McCabe looks unlikely to be able to play:
http://www.lionsrugby.com/news/12270.php

Whoever takes the 12 shirt for the Lions is going to have to be on top of his considerable bag of tricks and more importantly than that, Australia has its first choice goalkicker back.

Even if JOC starts at 10 again (not ideal for AUS), he will play a very different game with LLF actually outside him and taking the kicks. And his team-mate Beale at 15. I'm going to go and put a bet on him putting in redeeming, match-winning performance, the kind that will make me cry when I watch it on Saturday.

Taylorman wrote:True...just like Lions fans thought Folau being in the side was too inexerienced/ too untried for this...oop...didnt see that one coming...

Oh I knew what he could do, Taylor.  I checked out his YouTube tribute   Everyone shines in those things but you still could see that yep, that's the kinda guy that could shine just about anywhere, against any opposition.

The Lions won't be so foolish next time though... look out for the black clad lads on the stadium roof.  Nope they're not cleaners...well, of the bucket and mop sort anyway ...

Getting worse for the Wallabies - Ioane and McCabe out for the series, Barnes out for the next test:

From Torygraph:

Lions 2013: Digby Ioane and Pat McCabe ruled out of Australia squad for final two Tests through injury

Australia backs Digby Ioane and Pat McCabe have been ruled out of the remaining two Tests against the British and Irish Lions.

Ioane and McCabe suffered shoulder and neck injuries respectively during Saturday's 23-21 defeat in Brisbane and the Australian Rugby Union has announced that they will play no further part in the series.

Berrick Barnes will miss the second Test in Melbourne with concussion, but Christian Leali'ifano could feature after recovering well from his concussion.

Adam Ashley-Cooper is also on course for selection against the Lions this weekend after making encouraging progress with his shoulder problem.

It is a mixed injury update for Australia, who played the final quarter of the first Test with a patched-up backline that featured flanker Michael Hooper at inside-centre.

They endured a terrible succession of injuries - Leali'ifano, Barnes and McCabe were carried off on a stretcher - and the loss of Ioane in particular will be keenly felt.

The wing had only just returned from knee surgery and is one of the Wallabies' main strike weapons. Centre McCabe started Saturday on the bench but came on after just 50 seconds once Leali'ifano had been knocked unconscious.

"Ioane suffered internal damage to his right shoulder and will also require further follow up scans with surgery a possibility," an ARU statement read.

"McCabe re-injured his neck in a similar location to an injury first sustained last year. He will be seeing specialists in Sydney in the coming days to ascertain the way forward following further scans."

Barnes' recovery is being managed according to concussion guidelines and he has a strong of chance of being available for the final Test in Sydney on July 6

Leali'ifano has made good progress and is expected to be considered for Saturday, while scans revealed that Ashley-Cooper's shoulder should heal in time for his participation.

The Wallabies name their team on Thursday as they seek to level the series with victory in Melbourne.

(Edited by Ben Bloom)

Having missed a recent court date I think Ioane might have been ruled out for having brused brain more than anything.

Shame to see so many injuries for both sides though. Lets not forget the Lions injury list is also quite bad:

Healy
POC
Tuilagi
Bowe
Roberts
Jenkins
Corbisiero

All of the Lions guys that are/were injured are/were test prospects. Hopefully Roberts, Bowe and Tuilagi will be back for the 2nd or 3rd test.

Add in Corbs

Isn't Tuilagi playing tomorrow? Suggests he's in reasonable shape I hope.

Looks like Lealiifano and AAC will be ok to play. While McCabe, Barnes and Ioane are confirmed out, I think that gives a good opportunity to pick a better or more balanced and in form backline.

My backline for the second test would be:

9. Genia
10. Beale
11. O'Connor
12. Lealiifano
13. AAC
14. Folau
15. Mogg

The O'Connor experiment failed - he does not have the experience to run the backline. His individualistic style he brings is better suited if he gets some space, he has no kicking game from 10, nor the vision to release outside backs into holes and space. He is ineffective closer to the ruck. The biggest call there is bringing Mogg into the starting team having not been a part of the 3 week camp. I was not a fan, but having watched him for the Brumbies against the Lions he looks the goods. He is good in defence, good under the high ball, a massive and intelligent kicker and would probably be the fastest bloke on the field. It is a gamble but it is a pretty safe bet and Deans has to gamble now as this may be his last chance to keep hold of his job. Does he give O'Connor another crack? He probably will but it may well bring about his own downfall.

I like that backline Rob B, hope Deans has the courage to go with it

Yeah Beales a genuine playmaker, still prefer him from the back and would have gone for Cooper- the wide pass and better kick/ placement to the wings- no Oz 10 has anything like that- would have by far suited this side despite his other shortcomings- charge downs and stuff like that you can fix, defence not so much.

But that wide pass and his ability to link with the Beales, JOC's and Ioanes, the potential for kicks Folau's way as well as the relationship with Genia makes Cooper obvious to me. Real pity its not gonna happen.

Not really a Mogg fan for this series.

Rob B wrote:Looks like Lealiifano and AAC will be ok to play. While McCabe, Barnes and Ioane are confirmed out, I think that gives a good opportunity to pick a better or more balanced and in form backline.

My backline for the second test would be:

9. Genia
10. Beale
11. O'Connor
12. Lealiifano
13. AAC
14. Folau
15. Mogg

The O'Connor experiment failed - he does not have the experience to run the backline. His individualistic style he brings is better suited if he gets some space, he has no kicking game from 10, nor the vision to release outside backs into holes and space. He is ineffective closer to the ruck. The biggest call there is bringing Mogg into the starting team having not been a part of the 3 week camp. I was not a fan, but having watched him for the Brumbies against the Lions he looks the goods. He is good in defence, good under the high ball, a massive and intelligent kicker and would probably be the fastest bloke on the field. It is a gamble but it is a pretty safe bet and Deans has to gamble now as this may be his last chance to keep hold of his job. Does he give O'Connor another crack? He probably will but it may well bring about his own downfall.

Unusually Rob, not only do I think that's what the backline should be (leaving aside the enfant terrible Cooper question) but I also think that's what it will be. The only real gambles are LLF and Mogg but even if only one of those pays off, the Wallaby backline is still in a better place than it would be if Horne or McCabe were playing.

LLF isn't really a new gamble as Deans picked him last week anyway, so long as he has recovered from the concussion. Wouldn't want him to get another, that could genuinely ruin his career which would be very sad

ChequeredJersey wrote:LLF isn't really a new gamble as Deans picked him last week anyway, so long as he has recovered from the concussion. Wouldn't want him to get another, that could genuinely ruin his career which would be very sad

Mogg would be the gamble.

Suspect Deans will stick with O'Connor at 10, Beale to 15, and find a new winger - Cummins or Tomane [Both ok , nothing that will worry the Lions]. Mogg on the bench.

I think Cummins is a very good winger and will more than likely make the team. Hes not gonna let anyone down.

9.Gregan2
10.JOC
11.Folau
12. Leilifano
13. AAC
14.Cummins
15. Beale

That will be the team.