- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
It is do-or-die for the Wallabies when they meet the British and Irish Lions at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne tonight. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 8.00pm AEST.
One down in the series what could have so easily been 1-0 to the Wallabies.
——————————–
LOOKING FOR THE FINAL WALLABIES V LIONS MATCH? TUNE IN HERE.
——————————–
A last-minute kick from Kurtley Beale sailed away to the right and short and meant the Lions, who on the night only missed one opportunity at goal in comparison to the four that the Wallabies missed, would hold on to win by two points.
The British and Irish Lions will be aiming to win their first Test series in 16 years and the Wallabies will go all out to stop them.
Craig Joubert’s appointment in the second Test a vital win for the Wallabies, due to his interpretation of the breakdown.
The referee in the third Test will be Raymond Poite, a Northern Hemisphere referee who will allow a lot more players off their feet at the breakdown, and as seen earlier in June allow the breakdowns to be slower which would not suit the Australian style of play.
One thing about Robbie Deans is that he sticks to his guns.
Whether you think he’s merely being stubborn in opting for James O’Connor at ten again, or simply too proud to admit when his selections are failing – the decision will certainly cause much debate in the aftermath of tonight.
One thing that one has to consider though is that Will Genia did control things pretty well from the base of the rucks and O’Connor may have been criticised unfairly.
Warren Gatland has surprisingly, and more so impressively decided to replace Mike Phillips with Ben Youngs, a very smart move in my opinion.
Phillips may be abrasive, but he is by no means a quick clearer of the ball at the base of the ruck and with a Lions backline littered with Northern Hemisphere stars, the only way you will exploit their true potential is with quick ball.
Other changes made by Gatland has been to drop Croft for the more industrious Lydiate and Alex Cuthbert after not doing much wrong in the first test has been replaced by Tommy Bowe.
The inspirational Paul O’Connell is injured and has been replaced by Geoff Parling, and Mako Vunipola comes in to replace the injured Corbisiero.
This is the best chance for the Wallabies to win, they will have played 80 minutes of Test match rugby, their combinations have not been changed too much apart from Digby Ioane being replaced by Joe Tomane.
The good the Wallabies will take out of the first Test was the manner in which their forwards fronted up at scrum time, but the one potential weakness for them pre-Test series, the one major concern would be their goal kicking.
Leaving 14 points on the ground was their ultimate downfall.
Expect a faster paced match from both teams, Ben Youngs will provide a much bigger challenge for Will Genia and his back-rowers than Mike Phillips. Hopefully Genia will give more ball to James O’Connor, who does have the ability to create magic out of nothing.
I believe Craig Joubert will let the game flow, and will not allow slowing ball down at the breakdowns, something the Wallabies should be well accustomed to and ready to pounce on any quick ball.
[roargal]
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.