Brumbies can rock Lions confidence: Sio

There's talk of him coming back for the 2nd Test. Fingers crossed. Without him the backline certainly looks less threatening. Tuilagi might miss this coming Test with injury, so you may well be right re: Hogg.

Amen to that. Roberts was terrible. And he didn't cause any problems for Australia in Wales last December, Taps seemed to lock him down pretty well. And Berrick also closed him down the year before, I believe.

I'm definitely coming from a Wallabies-style perspective of utility over physical impact on the bench in the backs. A lot of that's probably from a) oz having more utility backs than impact ones; and b) Deans never seems to use his bench much anyways, certainly not in a "super sub" sense. Bowe's been a big loss for the Lions. He was looking so class, a loss in terms of spectacle as well.

I just don't see Farrell and Hogg being on the same bench, and I don't see Farrell not being chosen as the primary back-up to Se(x)ton, and in that case I think Tuilagi will get the nod because he can cover the midfield and the wings. I do get your point about fullback, however. If Bowe was starting then I could see Gatland selecting Hogg as the final bench replacement because Bowe can also cover the midfield. I just think Gatland will plump for the bigger man in Tuilagi and risk having to reshuffle the backline because a) he likes bigger men, b) he is the sort of person to really add momentum to the way the Lions are looking to play and c) the Wallabies don't have that good a kicking game.

So I guess, for me, Maitland is the key piece. If he's named in the Test XV all bets are off. If Cuthbert gets the nod, I reckon Hogg is a lock for the bench. (And either way a Scot gets in the team!)

Some Test benchers will obviously still sit on the bench on Tuesday, that's a given. I'm talking who will start on Tuesday. With Sexton having hamstring problems and the starting wingers being Cuthbert and North (which I think they probably will be), I honestly can't see how Tuilagi can be on the bench for the Tests. I know he'd be devastating as an impact sub but unless one of the starting wingers can cover fullback, having him there is too much of a risk. If Farrell goes on for an early injury to Sexton who can then cover fullback if anything happens to Halfpenny? I seriously think Hogg's versatility will get him the nod for the bench. (I'll start clearing some room in my cellar ....)

Farrell and Hogg won't both be in the Test 23. I also think some Test benchers might double up on the bench on Tuesday, otherwise they won't be getting much game time. I bet you all the whiskey in Ireland that one of Farrell or Hogg starts at 10 on Tuesday, and that Twelvetrees, if he starts, plays in the midfield. I fancy that Tuilagi will be the final Test sub.

What about Rathbone defending at 12?

If Roberts plays like he did against the Country team again, it willl be Gatland with the real problem.

Yeah had the same thought picturing Holmes at 12. Even when he came on against the Rebels I was concerned it was at 12. Toomua standing at 12 on defense? I think he could handle Tuilagi fine. Or Holmes on the wing in a roaming role, similar to how I was expecting they'd play Robbie Coleman anyway?

Actually, just had mental images of Tuilagi or Davies steamrolling towards him. Maybe not a good idea. Perhaps Robbie Coleman standing on Zac Holmes' shoulders at 12 then.

Deans has a problem, it's called Jamie Roberts, that's what'll dictate his choice at inside centre.

can't see that video from over here mate, but i'll take your word for it. can see a screen grab of the maroon suit though. shocker. looks like the kind of thing i would have picked out for the school formal back in the 90s. did he turn up in an electric blue number next time?

Gotta play both attack and defence in rugby. My guess is McCabe is there to tackle the monster at 12 for the Lions. I doubt anybody in Aus rugby can provide the tackling of McCabe at 12. On attack use him as either battering ram to tie defenders to the inside channel, and throw the ball behind him to get whoever some space on the outside. Also, he can run some real good lines to give the play maker options. If both Beale and JOC play then we'll have the play makers out their to make up for a 'less than brilliant' 12. Is a shame though that he hasn't had the game time of late. Horne obviously not being considered as a real option, so I guess it 80% chance of McCabe at 12, 20% Leali'ifano... Guess we will see come next weekend if it will be enough to score tries against the Lions.

Maybe Zac Holmes at 12?

It's a great point you make re izzy. He knows 15 well and can come in whenever he likes almost without risk. Will he brave enough to leave his wing and go hunting for the ball or will he do it at the wrong time and leave us exposed. T me he only plays 15 or nowhere.

Great comment, always a pleasure to see constructive posts. Not sure on the status of Fotu but if he is in then the pack will look very good. Sio and Kimlin are in great form. Colby taking his chance with vigor. Fardy playing some good hard nosed rugby. Toomua has such a great rugby skill set; good kicking, lovely vision and a nice pass (see Rathbone's double on the weekend), not afraid to take it to the line and tackles with venom. Tevita is one hell of a 13 (keepin McCabe and Smith on the pine). Speight would be in gold if eligible. And Mogg would be in the Wallabies squad if KB wasn't thrown a life line. Wonder who will be at 12... ? Boil over, very possible.

:D nice one markus

It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times?!

if they play with the intent they showed against the rebels it will be an enjoyable game, hopefully kimlin produces another blinder too. He could be the brussow/justin harrison of the series.