Lions v Reds...

So who will play?

Jenkins
Youngs
Stevens
Parling
???
???
Warburton
???
Youngs
???
???
???
???
???
Kearney

If Gats is to be beleived these players HAVE to start, so who would you play and why?

I would like to see POC given another shot.
Lydiate will need gametime
Falatau to complete the back row
Sexton to give Youngs a better shout, but Farell will be fresher.
If sexton was playing I'd want to see Roberts/Tuilagi midfield, but I'd go with Davies at 12 Tuilagi at 13.
Maitland and Hogg either wing

It's difficult after a Wed game to select players for the saturday game.

Gatland has to start getting combinations together fast for his test team.

The first game where 16 odd players were not available was not ideal as it meant that some players will have to play 2 games in 5 days to get together.

The test side will want a final run out on Sat 16th vs. the Tahs. Thats next weekend. That means either he has to start puting some combinations together now against the reds.

I'd like to see Croft, Warburton and Heaslip play together and perhaps see if Halfpenny can play effectively on the wing perhaps with Hogg... if so it gives Gatland another option other than Halfpenny or Hogg.... if they play well why not Halfpenny AND Hogg.

Pretty sure Kearney has already been ruled out of the Reds game

Probably something like that, Gethin and Sam need a start. Mako is probably the front-runner at LH right now with Healy's ankle not looking too good. Aside from those two because it's their first game this weekends team will be almost identical to the test XV.

Jenkins, Youngs/Hibbard, Jones
Gray, POC/Parling
Lydiate, SOB, Warbs
Youngs/Phillips
Sexton
Roberts, BOD/Davies
Maitland, Hogg, Cuthbert

I think Croft is going to miss out on the test team to O'Brien, but perhaps make the bench depending on the form of other players. As excellent a player as Croft is I think RU is moving away from that type of No.6. I suspect Wood will be the England blindside from now on.

If Kearney has been ruled out the reds game he should be replaced. Not being mean, I think he's an awesome player but he is 3rd on the list of fullbacks already and missing the first 3 matches at least. After that its the tests already and no one not even Kearney will be able to force themselves onto the team with 1 match performance.

Would have been better if someone like Foden, Brown or Byrne came in.

fa0019 wrote:Gatland has to start getting combinations together fast for his test team.

The first game where 16 odd players were not available was not ideal as it meant that some players will have to play 2 games in 5 days to get together.

The test side will want a final run out on Sat 16th vs. the Tahs. Thats next weekend. That means either he has to start puting some combinations together now against the reds.

I'd like to see Croft, Warburton and Heaslip play together and perhaps see if Halfpenny can play effectively on the wing perhaps with Hogg... if so it gives Gatland another option other than Halfpenny or Hogg.... if they play well why not Halfpenny AND Hogg.

1/2p's running game was poor today, only beating the first chaser once, and he didn't play anyone else in, or offer any threat to the line at all. Not to mention hasn't played wing for Wales for years, plopping him on the wing would be a huge mistake IMO, and Bowe, North and Cuthbert are all better options than Hogg, who I suspect may play 10 v Reds, and be the bench option of the back 3/10.

I agree he has to start thinking combos, but he said every player to get a start by game 3, meaning those above have to start, and there will be certain players today who will need to be rested (can't imagine BOD being ready for another game sat)

Aslo a lot of people are talking test team start v the Tah's, I don't think so, I think as long as the key units have played together by then, and certain combinations are established then only a core number of players need to be showpeiced to the Aus media!

For example Phillips and Sexton may not play that game, especially if Falatau and BOD are going to be test players. Jones might not feature too.

Jenkins
Youngs
Stevens
Parling
POC
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Phillips
Sexton

Cuthbert
JD
Manu
Bowe

Kearney (if fit) Tuppence if not

Bold guaranteed to start if fit:

Jenkins
Youngs
Stevens
Parling
POC
Lydiate
Warburton
Faletau
Youngs
Farrell
Maitland
Roberts
Tuilagi
Cuthbert
Hogg (kearney won't be fit)

http://www.redsrugby.com.au/News/NewsArticles/tabid/581/ArticleID/9414/Default.aspx

St.George Queensland Reds team to play The British & Irish Lions
1. Ben Daley (58 Reds - 3 Wallabies)
2. James Hanson (50 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
3. Greg Holmes (103 Reds - 13 Wallabies)
4. Adam Wallace-Harrison (32 Reds)
5. Ed O’Donoghue (40 Reds)
6. Eddie Quirk (27 Reds)
7. Beau Robinson (35 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
8. Jake Schatz (47 Reds)
9. Nick Frisby (16 Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (87 Reds - 38 Wallabies)
11. Luke Morahan (44 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
12. Anthony Faingaa (58 Reds - 23 Wallabies)
13. Ben Tapuai (38 Reds - 7 Wallabies)
14. Rod Davies (43 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
15. Ben Lucas (60 Reds)

16. Albert Anae (15 Reds)
17. Sam Denny (Queensland debut)
18. Jono Owen (Queensland debut)
19. Radike Samo (32 Reds - 23 Wallabies)
20. Jarrad Butler (12 Reds)
21. Jono Lance (18 Reds)
22. Mike Harris (30 Reds - 8 Wallabies)
23. Dom Shipperley (33 Reds - 8 Wallabies)

Unavailable for selection: Chris Feauai-Sautia (hamstring), Saia Faingaa (Wallabies), Will Genia (Wallabies), Liam Gill (Wallabies), James Horwill (Wallabies), Digby Ioane (Wallabies), Rob Simmons (Wallabies), James Slipper (Wallabies)

LondonTiger wrote:http://www.redsrugby.com.au/News/NewsArticles/tabid/581/ArticleID/9414/Default.aspx

St.George Queensland Reds team to play The British & Irish Lions
1. Ben Daley (58 Reds - 3 Wallabies)
2. James Hanson (50 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
3. Greg Holmes (103 Reds - 13 Wallabies)
4. Adam Wallace-Harrison (32 Reds)
5. Ed O’Donoghue (40 Reds)
6. Eddie Quirk (27 Reds)
7. Beau Robinson (35 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
8. Jake Schatz (47 Reds)
9. Nick Frisby (16 Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (87 Reds - 38 Wallabies)
11. Luke Morahan (44 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
12. Anthony Faingaa (58 Reds - 23 Wallabies)
13. Ben Tapuai (38 Reds - 7 Wallabies)
14. Rod Davies (43 Reds - 1 Wallabies)
15. Ben Lucas (60 Reds)

16. Albert Anae (15 Reds)
17. Sam Denny (Queensland debut)
18. Jono Owen (Queensland debut)
19. Radike Samo (32 Reds - 23 Wallabies)
20. Jarrad Butler (12 Reds)
21. Jono Lance (18 Reds)
22. Mike Harris (30 Reds - 8 Wallabies)
23. Dom Shipperley (33 Reds - 8 Wallabies)

Unavailable for selection: Chris Feauai-Sautia (hamstring), Saia Faingaa (Wallabies), Will Genia (Wallabies), Liam Gill (Wallabies), James Horwill (Wallabies), Digby Ioane (Wallabies), Rob Simmons (Wallabies), James Slipper (Wallabies)

This is goin to be a real test for the Lions , finally a game which will test us.

Well done to the Queensland Rugby Union for putting out this team

Ed O'Donaghue - Long time no see! Played for Ulster, then went off the radar after signing for Leinster. Irish Qualified, played a few for the Wolfhounds. I had no idea he had gone back to the Reds.

Come on Ewen give the captaincy to Quade, you know you want to...

Good Reds team, only wish that Gill was playing as the Lions will need the practice against these uber Australian poachers. Although Robinson isn't too shabby himself.

That is a decent side, pretty good players, and some real strong units...

This game will have to be taken seriously, and I hope Gatland looks toward a near test XV, otherwise we may stumble at the first hurdle of any height.

Roberts to target cooper

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:Roberts to target cooper

Farell and Youngs will fancy targetting Cooper

What will be interesting is how Cooper fits into the defencive system, all season Deans has been calling for him to front up in the line, but he's been hidden out wide all year, is this the time to front him up, or will the reds want to win this so desperately they'll try to hide him on the wings?!

fa0019 wrote:If Kearney has been ruled out the reds game he should be replaced. Not being mean, I think he's an awesome player but he is 3rd on the list of fullbacks already and missing the first 3 matches at least. After that its the tests already and no one not even Kearney will be able to force themselves onto the team with 1 match performance.

Would have been better if someone like Foden, Brown or Byrne came in.

Why third? Hogg was weak enough v the BaBas. Though I guess even if your weak its better than not having any games behind your belt.

I would actually be concerned by Hogg more than any other player. He doesnt look ready for Lions rugby.

Very Reds side. Excellent opportunity for the untested Lions players to show their worth.

I see Western Force have come in for a lot of criticism regarding their selection?

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:Roberts to target cooper

And Cooper to target Roberts in defence too, I bet. Really glad he's playing, if he plays the tests this will be a good warm-up, if he doesn't it will prepare us for the running and short-passing game of JOC or Lealiifano anyway

Nice to see the Reds take this tour seriously. Thumbs up McKensie and co.

question for all involved:

Ideally you'd give each player a rest of a week between games, is now the time that Gatland has to break that to try out different combinations?

Personally speaking, I think there are some guys who played on Wednesday who should start this game and then be rested until the following Saturday: Sexton, Heaslip, Halfpenny, Tuilagi.

I think this is necessary to try out different combinations. We know Youngs and Farrell work well together, we know what Lydiate, Warbs, Faleau can do.

I believe now is the time to mix it up, leaving the Tah's game as something of a dry run for what will be pretty close to the first team.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:question for all involved:

Ideally you'd give each player a rest of a week between games, is now the time that Gatland has to break that to try out different combinations?

It is a real problem

The club finals and the short tour means that it will be difficult to move players from midweek to weekend teams.

I think Gatland has to have his entire starting 15 in the 23 THIS weekend, then start most of that 15 against the Waratahs in a weeks time.

This makes things tricky, because some players will have to play twice in 4 days - so bench cover has to be appropriate

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Tom Youngs
3. Matt Stevens
4. Paul O'Connell
5. Geoff Parling
6. Sam Warburton
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Toby Faletau/Jamie Heaslip (undecided on who is first choice atm)
9. Ben Youngs
10. Jonathan Sexton
11. George North/Alex Cuthbert (whichever is first choice)
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Richard Hibbard
17. Maku Vunipola
18. Adam Jones
19. Alun Wyn Jones/Richie Gray (whichever is first choice)
20. Sean O'Brein (on at 60 to play with Warburton)
21. Mike Phillips (on at 40 minutes to build a partnership with Sexton)
22. Owen Farrell
23. Brian O'Driscoll (on at 60 to play with Roberts)


That gives my starting 15 gametime while only the back 3 and Sexton have to play twice in a week - the rest of the 15 come off the bench.

: LIONS: Hogg Cuthbert Tuilagi JDavies Bowe Farrell BYoungs: Jenkins, TYoungs Stevens Gray Parling Lydiate Warburton Faletau

LIONS BENCH: Hibbard Mako AJones POC Tipuric Murray Sexton North

British & Irish Lions: Stuart Hogg; Alex Cuthbert, Manu Tuilagi, Jonathan Davies, Tommy Bowe; Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Gethin Jenkins, Tom Youngs, Matt Stevens, Richie Gray, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (c), Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Mako Vunipola, Adam Jones, Paul O'Connell, Justin Tipuric, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton, George North


Interesting team, not quite sure how he is going to integrate his first team now

Wales 606 this is what I am thinking. Moving guy from the midweek to weekend team is very tough!

I must say I like your team a lot. Enough freshness in there hopefully. I don't think many of the lads were tested much against Foce, you could see BOD looked like he'd hardly got moving in his post match interview.

I think you have to put Heaslip in to that backrow as a lineout option.
I think Gray needs the game time off the bench more than Wyn Jones.
I'd start Cuthbert as North has had more time so far.
I'd give Youngs more time as he has very little so far, Philips can play with Sexton against Tahs.

They may want Warbs to play 7 though..... :/

It's very tough for Warren but he has to move the midweeks to weekends and vice vearse soon rather than close to the test

Really like the look of that backline, but would have liked to see Sexton start with Youngs.

Great stuff altogether

bluestonevedder wrote:Very Reds side. Excellent opportunity for the untested Lions players to show their worth.

I see Western Force have come in for a lot of criticism regarding their selection?

Yes, the Force copped a lot of criticism, but what nobody consider is that the Force has been short changed.

all the other Aussie franchises get to play the Lions in their "off season" of Super rugby because this weekend the Super Rugby stops for the Aussie Franchises to accommodate the Lions tour.

The Reds, Rebels, Waratahs and Brumbies all get to play them during that period. Only the Force has to play 2 matches in 4 days.

Again the Force is seen as the step child of the ARU and then cops criticism from all and sundry in Australia.

Absolute nonsense.

GunsGerms wrote:

fa0019 wrote:If Kearney has been ruled out the reds game he should be replaced. Not being mean, I think he's an awesome player but he is 3rd on the list of fullbacks already and missing the first 3 matches at least. After that its the tests already and no one not even Kearney will be able to force themselves onto the team with 1 match performance.

Would have been better if someone like Foden, Brown or Byrne came in.

Why third? Hogg was weak enough v the BaBas. Though I guess even if your weak its better than not having any games behind your belt.

I would actually be concerned by Hogg more than any other player. He doesnt look ready for Lions rugby.

I heard they were saying positive things about Kearney yesterday, that he is responding well to treatments. We are not desperate for players, plus he is superbly talented when fit so I'd let him take his time to recover.

Though I imagine Byrne and Hook are likely on standby ready just incase.

Ewen McKenzie coach of the Reds had this to say.

“Playing against The British & Irish Lions is a once in a career type opportunity, so to be running out in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium crowd on Saturday night will be an experience these 23 players will never forget,” Reds Director of Coaching Ewen McKenzie said.

“Our approach was always going to be to field as strong a line-up as possible and I’ve got every confidence in the group we’ve chosen to go out and compete against a very talented Lions squad.”

Easy to say this when you have a week to prepare and no rugby to play for the next month.

Hmmm a tad disappointing IMO, I would have liked much more of a mix up in terms of units.

We know how that backrow operates already
We know how that halfback pairing works.

Glad to see Davies and Tuilagi together likewise Parling and Grey (think that could be very good)

In terms of scheduling things just got very interesting: this gives us a massive clue as to who is starting the following Wednesday which gives us an indication to the Tahs game and dare I say it the first test.....

Gatland still has to make the big midweek/weekend jump

Only Tuilagi and Bowe have made it so far

Could this be the end of Kearney's tour?

I like that team. Great to see Manu and jd2 together. Hopefully Farrell can get some redemption...

Kearney is supposedly going to be available next week. I don't like the look of this team particularly the front row which looks there for the taking at scrum time. None of Jenkins, Youngs or Stevens are big scrummagers.

I really hope Sexton gets some gametime with Youngs, I think that pair could be electric.

The front row, Parling and Warbs had to be picked as they haven't started yet.

Full team:
Stuart Hogg; Alex Cuthbert, Manu Tuilagi, Jonathan Davies, Tommy Bowe; Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Gethin Jenkins, Tom Youngs, Matt Stevens, Richie Gray, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Hibbard, Vunipola, O'Connell, Tupiric, Murray, Sexton, North.

That's a good side. Glad to see Youngs and Farrell get a chance to show their best. Lets hope they can really push their case forward.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Kearney is supposedly going to be available next week. I don't like the look of this team particularly the front row which looks there for the taking at scrum time. None of Jenkins, Youngs or Stevens are big scrummagers.

Hadn't thought of that, but now you mention it...

Finally get to see my original centre pairing of Davies and Tuilagi, could be a good one.

Worried about the front row, especially since it will be one of the toughest games on tour.

will be a real confidence booster for the squad if they win this one.

Front 5 does not look that abrasive and we need a secure platform. That backrow however has been the welsh Rolls Royce before Tipuric turned up. Farrell needs a good game here

RubyGuby wrote:Front 5 does not look that abrasive and we need a secure platform. That backrow however has been the welsh Rolls Royce before Tipuric turned up. Farrell needs a good game here

The Rywl's Rhys?

Does Farrell "need" a good game? I think Sexton will be first choice 10 and obviously to stand a chance of challenging Sexton he has to perform but even if Farrell plays badly is Gatland really going to not include him in his 23?

bluestonevedder wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:Kearney is supposedly going to be available next week. I don't like the look of this team particularly the front row which looks there for the taking at scrum time. None of Jenkins, Youngs or Stevens are big scrummagers.

Hadn't thought of that, but now you mention it...

If Stevens isn't a scrummager, what does he do...?

The Rywl's Rhys?

When I say Farrell has to have a good game; I mean he has to have a good game if we are going to win this; and hopefully win it by 15-20. If he performs like he has in his last 3 international matches we could find ourselves in trouble. He is the link man at 10 and we need to build momentum rather than stutter - I just want to see a steady game from him with a lot more composure - Get the basics right Owen and the rest will take care of itself

waddles around the pitch a bit looking like a baby hippo, then collapses on rucks, confusing them with wallowing holes, and then stretches his arms to the referee asking him to help him up?............mostly

I personally don't see much of a problem with the front row stevens has been rather good iMO and everyone knows Australia teams are not known for being big scrummaging, so I think if we could holr our own till adam and hibbard get on then we have the beating of these.

Also ben youngs has to have one of his best games because Philips and Murray have been in good form in their games not the greatest service but can be worked on.

As every one keeps mentioning farrell I thought he was impressive when he came on yesterday and would have like to have seen him given the same chance as sexton was with playing with halfpenny and not have to worry about goal kicking clearly did sexton the world of good

maestegmafia wrote:

bluestonevedder wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:Kearney is supposedly going to be available next week. I don't like the look of this team particularly the front row which looks there for the taking at scrum time. None of Jenkins, Youngs or Stevens are big scrummagers.

Hadn't thought of that, but now you mention it...

If Stevens isn't a scrummager, what does he do...?

He sings very well. Every likes a musician on tour.

I think the key to this game is basics, if we're talking the set peice keep things simple and effective, the half backs will thrive on simplicity alone, the centre pairing need to not try the high risk BOD type stuff, the back 3 need to be defenceively sound, the locks need to do their primary jobs and not focus on the galavanting runs, and most importantly the back row, keep solid defencively, aid the tight 5 in the narrow, and be competitive but not too agressive at the breakdown.

I think weak spots are the front row (no scrummaging ability individually and together ) not to mention the lack of grunt in the engine room, or size to help in the back row)

The lineout should be solid enough, if kept simple.

We have some decent breakdown operators in Warbs, Lydiate, Jenkins and Parling, but they need to be smart (Stevens don't try to compete mate, just stay out of the way)

our defencive system although should be getting stronger will be disjointed, so many new starters will struggle early on.

I think the key to this game is going to be player mindset, if they come out looking to impress individually, try to put their hands up for selection then we will be beat, but if we keep things simple, the units do their primary jobs and focus on the execution as opposed to creation we have enough to down this reds team.

glad to see our captain making an appearance he needs one hell of a game

GunsGerms wrote:
Why third? Hogg was weak enough v the BaBas. Though I guess even if your weak its better than not having any games behind your belt.

I would actually be concerned by Hogg more than any other player. He doesnt look ready for Lions rugby.

Myself, a lot of posters and rugby pundits disagree with this comment. I think he had quite a good game in that Sweat Box in hong Kong and looked ready to step up to kicking duties if Farrell continued to be shakey. There is also a reason he is carrying BIL around with him, he is the youngest guy on the tour at only 20 years old. Training with guys like Bowe, Halfpenny and Kearney I would expect Hogg to grow with every game. Give the lad a chance mate.

Pretty happy about the Lions team, but our frontrow looks like it could get asked some questions in this match. With Gray and Parling running the show in the lineout and Young's accurate darts we'll have a really good attacking weapon to get that slick looking backline involved.