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After six tour matches and a long build-up, the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions clash in the first of three Test matches. We’ll have live scores and commentary of the action from Suncorp Stadium at 8.00pm AEST.
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LOOKING FOR THE FINAL WALLABIES V LIONS MATCH? TUNE IN HERE.
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It is the matchups in tonight’s game that should provide the most interest apart of course from the result which would put either one of these teams in the driving seat for the series.
Up front the selection of Alex Corbisiero in place of the in-form Mako Vunipola suggests that Warren Gatland is planning to soften up the Wallaby front row before unleashing the more mobile prop into the match.
At lock Robbie Deans has decided to go in favour of Kane Douglas for extra physicality at scrum time rather than Rob Simmons who has been one of the better lineout exponents during the Super Rugby season thus far.
With Mike Phillips partnering Johnny Sexton and an expected domination at set piece time, the Lions will have the service of the two most creative backs Jonathan Davies and Brian O’Driscoll in the midfield.
Expect a lot of interplay between these two sniping into the little gaps with Alex Cuthbert and George North coming at full tilt onto their shoulders.
You could almost think it is going to be predictable for the Lions as Jamie Roberts must have been a shoe-in to be the strike runner, but sadly his injury means that the two big Welsh wingers will have to do the hard yards.
One factor the Wallabies will be acutely aware of is the Leigh Halfpenny threat, he will virtually guarantee the Lions three points anywhere from within the Wallaby half. So discipline will be the first priority for the Wallabies.
Will Genia and James O’Connor will have a challenge on their hands if the Lions dominate the set piece.
I doubt the breakdowns will be dominated by either team, for that the back rows of each respective team is well matched.
I would expect Genia and Barnes to control the territory by boot and James O’Connor will be looking for holes at the back with little grubbers, chips and the odd snipe which of course will be accompanied with the usual step.
The fire power from the back three of the Wallabies is lessened a little with Barnes rather than Beale at 15, but it is totally understandable that Deans feels it might be to soon to bring in Beale who hasn’t played a minute of professional rugby for a number of months.
Be that as it may, Folau will make his international debut against the Lions and alongside with Digby Ioane should provide some entertaining runs from deep.
Tactically I don’t expect too many surprises, the Lions have shown throughout the tour so far that they rely on their forwards to dominate, and then after softening the belly of the midfield will get their big wingers to have a go on the outside.
The aim will likely be to attack the channel between O’Connor and Lealiifano who will be making his international debut as they might perceive that at the weakest point at impact.
The Wallabies have been more predictable in the recent past, but still do have the ability to create some magic when needed.
I doubt either team will play much rugby from within their red zones, but one thing I can promise you, it will be a cracker of a match.
Difficult to predict, but I give the Lions the slight edge, if for nothing else for the fact that they have been playing rugby and the Wallabies might be just a tad underdone.
But then again, you might argue, their players will have recovered well from a few weeks of noncontact in a match situation.
Photos: Paul Barkley / LookPro Photography
[roargal]
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LOOKING FOR THE FINAL WALLABIES V LIONS MATCH? TUNE IN HERE.
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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.