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This is an impressive touring party the Lions have brought to Australia. So far, we have seen play not normally attributed to the Northern Hemisphere teams, we’ve seen ball movement and counter attack, and a lot of it.
Sure, the teams facing them haven’t been at full strength but they are not a bunch of pub footballers either.
It’s professionals versus professionals, but the class gap has been easy to see.
The Lions have been tested defensively and generally passed these tests with ease. Their defence is well organised and moves up fast.
If Australia persists on playing hit up after hit up, one pass off the ruck, in an attempt to turn slow ball into fast ball, it will be a long series for the Wallabies.
The Wallabies will attempt to play to the edge of this rush up defence which is the perfect tactic, however, not one easily employed when under pressure from a fast advancing defensive line.
It’s here that the debate that has raged about the non-selection of Quade Cooper will be pivotal.
On one hand, he is genuinely the best first receiver Australian rugby possesses. Best vision. Best skills. His ability under pressure has been questioned by some, but for me, leaving him out was a mistake.
This is an all or nothing series, it needs him, an all or nothing player.
He is the man to exploit that edge of the fast moving defensive line and as the game progresses use that jinking step to take advantage of tired forwards who, with the rush defence, can be left wanting on the inside.
However, he is not there, so it will be up to someone else.
But the Lions have their traditional strengths too. Their set piece has been strong so far this tour.
The scrum, has been strong without destroying sides, but this is more a reflection of how far Australian scrummaging has come than a weakness on the Lions side.
The Lineout is also strong, but an area the Australians can really attack. They’ll have to, we saw the Lions do some real damage with their driving maul against the Waratahs.
When the ball is in the air from a lineout throw it’s one of the few times in rugby where it is in no team’s possession.
The Wallabies will need to attack that ball in the air to save themselves from what will come on the ground.
These are all things the Wallabies know are coming. They’ve come with every Lions tour ever.
One thing the Wallabies have not had to deal with before when facing the Lions is a 10 with the attacking class of Johnny Sexton.
This guy has a habit of reading the defence and hitting the runners that are in the most space.He finds Jonathon Davies is space often.
While Jonny Wilkinson was a brilliant 10 overall, in terms of attack Sexton is better. He attacks the line a little more and seems to be clicking well with the Welsh centres.
These combinations, along with Leigh Halfpenny to finish are especially dangerous.
Add Sexton in to the mix of a newly found counter attack game and the usual strong forwards play of the British and Irish Lions and the Wallabies are in for hell of a challenge.
Tonight the Lions face the Brumbies. This will be interesting to see if a structured, multi phase attack, closer to that of the Wallabies can bring this defence unstuck.
So far, this tour has been fantastic, so great to see a full Sydney Football Stadium for the first time in too long. Keep it coming Australia!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.