The Rugby Thread

[pharvey]

I agree, it really should be a comfortable win for the Lions in the 2nd Test if the Aussies play anywhere near the same levels they did for the majority of the match. BUT, in the hopes of a decent spectacle, Lynagh cannot start at 10 - he was well targeted and personally I don't think he's ready at this level/against that level of opposition. Joe Schmidt is certainly no mug as an international coach and will certainly improve things tactically/positionally/player-wise where possible and based on what and who he has available to him these days within the ARU and potentially further afield. On the plus-side for him (as mentioned previously), he has Skelton and Valetini available for selection and who will no doubt be rushed straight back in. They truly missed Skelton in the 1st Test IMO, but it's going to take a lot more than a couple of (admittedly great) players coming in to turn things around.

[404cameljockey]

Thanks, erudite and in-depth analysis as always.