Australia changes for 2nd Test?

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Firstly I'd like to say commiserations to Australia from the game today. Given the injuries you had during/prior to the game and the short preparation time I thought you put in a strong performance today and with some better goal kicking would have deserved a victory.

Even from a Lions perspective a big part of me actually quite enjoyed your performance in the scrum as I've got pretty sick of hearing that Australia are a terrible scrummaging side when actually they aren't (as proven today). Yes it's not a scrum that often looks to dominate other teams but it's one that more often than not holds it's own against much bigger packs allowing their backs and lighter loose forwards to flourish around the park.

Injuries obviously a worry with Leali'ifano, Barnes, McCabe and AAC all leaving the field due to various knocks - any news on these injuries would be much appreciated.

If Ashely-Cooper is fit for next weekend I'd go with the below side if not I'd look at JOC to 13 then Leali'ifano stays at 12.

1.Robinson
2.Moore
3.Alexander
4.Horwill
5.Douglas
6.Mowen
7.Hooper
8.Palu

9.Genia
10.Cooper

11.Ioane
12.O'Connor
13.Ashley-Cooper
14.Folau
15.Beale - Looked good when he came on and really felt for him with final kick, not a nice thing to see.

Given the scrummaging performance in the second half there's a big argument for Slipper or Kepu to start but I'd say stick with the experience of Robinson and Alexander starting for now to ensure a platform for the backs to work from.

Green and Gold are convinced that Dingo will stick with JOC at 10.

Ioane was very quiet, obviously not fit and so if JOC stays at 10, then Tomane or the Honey Badger would seem to be the obvious choices.

I agree that AAC being ruled out is absolutely massive if that's true. He gives them shape and solidity and has an amazing pass.

They could pick

9. Genia
10. Beale
11. JOC
12. LL
13. AAC or Ben Tapuai
14. L Morahan
15. Faloa

That looks a very potent line up to me. The prospect of repeatedly kicking the ball down Faloa's throat is not one I am looking forward to, he could take us apart.

Lets hope Deans' naturally conservative NZ mindset ignores the possibilities that this line up presents. He does however need to win

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.

Guscott's view. Not sure whether his "likely backline" is based on him hearing something or not, but it looks pretty decent

Berrick Barnes, Christian Lealiifano and Pat McCabe are all very unlikely to play next week given the nature of their injuries. I also think O'Connor at 10 wasn't a success and he will play in a different position. What do you think the Australian backline will look like next week? Dannyboy
Why do Australia play a natural 15 (O'Connor) at 10 and a natural 10 (Barnes) at 15? Neither looked comfortable in their allotted positions. Would Australia not be a much more intimidating side with Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale starting? TJ
It seems clear Cooper won't be starting or even involved with the Australian team while Robbie Deans is still coach. The likely backline I hear is Genia and Beale as the half-backs, Lealiifano and Ben Tapuai in the centres, O'Connor on one wing, Folau at full-back and either Nick Cummins or maybe Luke Morahan, who scored a superb solo try for Queensland Reds in the tour game against the Lions, on the other wing. It's a very capable backline that will test the Lions.