Good morning Ding!

Are you watching the AB vs France game?

Is Michalak the worst player to ever play internationally? Everything he does kills his team. The AB backs look amazing, not convinced the pack is as skillful or as good at the breakdown as previous vintages yet but there's scope to improve.

On the Lions team I'm going to stick my neck out and say if Youngs has a good game at Hooker then we're looking at the starting pack for the first Test here today.

And if that's the case I'd be happy except AWJ shouldnt even be on the bench let alone starting...I'd take any of the other locks over him

Looks a beefy front row indeed mate. Still Gats my go for Hibbard given the Welsh connection. ye i watched the NZ - FRA game. Gawwwd but the French lineout STINKS! They could have been in with a chance if they had any ball in the lineout.

Well you choose two locks that are 2 stone overweight each and a bloke that can't throw thats what you get in the lineout!

Jamie Roberts just bombed one there.

Warburton did really well to win a ruck against two players including their 7 just before then

Maitland.... that was a rubbish tackle. Not one for the highlight reel.

Yeah it wasn't good. Zebo doing well

Maitland again getting exposed. Halfpenny and Zebo working well tho

Tackle count is HUGE! great test for the lions this one. Good to see.

Yeah it's a good game so far. Think our rucking could be cleaner but otherwise not too bad.

SOme brilliant off loads.

Ye Glad to see Warburton playing the captains roll. And PO'C playing like a seven 2 turnovers so far. Great stuff

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Yeah it was ridiculous...the pack needs to asert itself again

Hi Chaps

Zebo looking good, Maitland rather dodgy, Youngs seems to be OK at hooker. Really don't get why the Pundits rate Phillips so much

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What a pretty try!

All in all I think we need to do better to beat Aus next week. I guess I am against the grain, as I don't think Zebo has been that good, should have scored at start and was bundled into touch when he shouldn't too. Locks looking great, Youngs (am I saying this) has to start due to his lineout performance. Croft and Warburton doing decent, Heaslip less so. Phillips is Phillips, I would take Sexton off if his hamstring is an issue, we need him. Centres lacking creativity, Roberts has been meh, Davies has had his best game of the tour though, still behind the other two OC. Maitland hasn't been great but Halfpenny has done everything well.

Ok folks, so who plays next week then?

I think Vunipola and Jones are pretty well nailed on, maybe Youngs with the slight edge at hooker?

O'Connell and Gray at second row?

Heaslip, Warburton and Croft maybe?

Sexton and (I hope) Youngs

O'Driscoll and I'd tend to think Roberts

North (if not fit probably Zebo) Halfpenny and Cuthburt?

Right wing I'm not certain of

Probably Cole, Hibbard, AW Jones, O'Brien, Phillips, Farrell, Tuilagi, Kearney maybe?

Agree on Youngs and the lineout.

Have to say this is not the best 15 lions we have seen thus far. 1 week to the 1st test and Manu and Drico are not even on the bench which suggest they will play the midweek game and the 2 centers u see now will start next week after a 7 day rest. Thats a worrying thought.

Apart from Falatau, I see the pack as it is today. Half backs too, with BOD and Manu starting (they are not playing today due to knocks I think Ding). 36 will likely start on tuesday. Back three should be North, Halfpenny and 14 I am not sure.

I would suggest they get Kearney on and switch Halfpenny to 14. If that works out it could solve the 14 problem and we know that Halfpenny can play 14 anyway.

Good boy Crofty!!!

Peach!

Play SOB at 6 and Croft at 14 - sorted

LOL SO'B played brilliantly at six during the week. Don't get carried away with crot just yet. That 6 Jersey is still well up for grabs.