Most of Australia is watching the State of Origin opener tonight, but it is really only the second most important footy match taking place tonight as Western Force host the British and Irish Lions. We’ll have live scores and a blog of the action from 8.00pm AEST.
The Lions have a brutal schedule, after playing the Barbarians in Hong Kong on Saturday they landed in Perth on Monday morning and are flying to Brisbane tomorrow in preparation for the Saturday night game against the Reds.
That means we are likely to see many of the players that didn’t feature against the Barbarians tonight.
Coach Warren Gatland will be keen to test out some of the players who had been involved in European football and so didn’t take the field in Hong Kong.
He may also want to put some more game time into players who are coming back from injury and haven’t had much rugby in recent times.
There is a good chance that the majority of the First XV will be seen at Suncorp on Saturday and the performance of some players in Perth tonight will alter that lineup.
For the Western Force, this game was slated to see the return of Hugh McMeniman who needs to come through unscathed to earn a call up to the Wallaby squad when Robbie Deans names the five additional players (Beale already has one spot).
They are missing Nick Cummins and Ben McCalman but all Australian eyes will be on Kyle Godwin.
No matter who lines up for the Lions, Godwin will be opposite a world class flyhalf and centre combination and it will be a great test of just how far the 20 year old has come.
As always the set piece will be a weapon for the Lions, but is their attack that will be tested tonight, the Western Force do not have great firepower themselves but they do have a very good defensive system and should provide the Lions with a solid workout.
Expect this game to be much tighter and tougher than the Barbarians game, something that will probably suit the Lions, but I still expect a relatively tight match – less than 14 points in it.
Join the discussion here from 7.30pm AEST when Rugby Central starts on Fox Sports.
expathack
Guest
Ok right so you didn't watch the match then. You probably want to refresh yourself with the highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ibVAXrO9g Starting 40s in.
Bakkies
Guest
We have been waiting 6 years for that KPM.
Wii
Guest
Fact remains they were NOT blown away they ran out of steam yes. However the point also remains they are NPC teams. It's debate ale wether this Lins team is any better than the 2005 team. Tome it's just another excuse to validate the inexcusable decision by Foley to play such a green team and the overall performance by the Force
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Maybe in terms of kicking he did well. He always does. But in attack? Not at all.
expathack
Guest
Next to no impact? Like his standout man-of-the-match performance against the Wallabies the last time they met? Do you even watch the games??
Ben.S
Roar Guru
The speed of Youngs's passing created problems. I thought Murray was horrific today. Blair is nowhere near the Lions. He's been playing 2nd division French rugby.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Ok, the Heineken Cup, so? How come he has had next to know impact in about 5 tests in one years against the Wallabies?
uncle eric
Guest
Just a little harsh Malo.
Paul
Guest
Well done Western Force, Foley and the ARU. The rest of the rugby world in particular those in Europe will probably think super rugby the so called 'toughest club competition in the world' is a complete joke and a micky mouse competition.
Jess
Guest
Hear hear!!
expathack
Guest
The fact that you've confused the European-wide Heineken Cup and the French-only Top14 competition speaks volumes. I'll be sure to defer to your in-depth and razor-sharp analysis of NH rugby in the future.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Nice try at Top 14 level, shame in endless attempts he has hardly troubled the Wallaby defence. Yes I have seen these players, I just don't think there are many outstanding attacking backs at the moment, Tuilagi aside. For example whatever his wayward personal life it's obvious Cipriani is a very good attacking player. It's not obvious to me Sexton is. I don't find North, Halfpenny, Roberts or BOD have had much impact at all against the Wallabies in many recent outings. I admit there are numerous high quality forwards: that is where the threat lies.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Palu is the biggest hitting carrier around. Soon you'll see.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Lay off the "jibba-jabba" the A -Team woild need at least another 11 players :-)
Dan
Guest
Dh they beat the Saders this year next ?
Dan
Guest
Srs in the centre we are week as far as pat McCabe has an issue with distributing the ball look on the stats of his missed tackles last year he is a weapon in defence !!! Not one 100% For the whole of last years tackle count did not fall if a tackle wiki any other bloke that has ever done that at the elite level wearing a gold jersey !!!!!!!
Dan
Guest
Brumbies warratahs reds will give them a run for their money warratahs brumbies may even do them !!!!!!! Fact !!! Let the silent knights shine whilst we protect the overpaid rested so called legends of Ozzie rugby time for the non selected to show them what we are made of !!! rebels will even go down by less than 10 is this the British isles have to offer ??!! Really Sorry Wales lol how did they go kast year when no less than 55 elite lol players wore the gold jersey um 3 zip wasn't it ??!! When was the last time Wales best the wallabies in oz???? 1969 people yes 1969 was the last time Wales beat oz in oz !!!! So we are playing Wales with a few extras from elsewhere I not so great britain Can't wait to rub the doggy do in the dis believers faces !!!!! Go the green and gold now is the time !!!
Malo
Guest
TAKE A BOW FOLEY YOU ARE A LEGEND WELL DONE,
Malo
Guest
Lions are crap the Force were pathetic. Get rid of this crap enough is enough . CULL THE FORCE
Malo
Guest
I could have put a bunch of mates together and get a better result for the Force. F*&^k em