Official British Lions Tour 05 thread

[Bad Company]

For anyone who is a fan of Rugby Union, what are you thoughts on the upcoming British and Ireland Lions Tour of New Zealand coming up next month?
This is a great rugby tradition started in 1888, with the last Lions tour to New Zealand being in 1993, where New Zealand won 2-1.
An Understrength Lions team have played a warmup match against an equally Understrength Argentina with the result being a 25 all draw due to a last minute penalty by Jonny Wilkinson.
I believe the Lions are really going to have to pick things up if they are to Beat the All Blacks. It should be an interesting series.

[Wengerland]

Should be a good tour, fills a bit of the gap after the end of the football and rugby union league seasons. Can't really say i'm overly bothered though.

Disappointing result yesterday but yeah, hardly any of them will be in the first choice side.

[Bad Company]

fills a bit of a gap? :p
This is the begining of the southern hemisphere International Season! :D

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Brian O'Driscoll wasn't playing. Gordon D'Arcy played a bit rubbish too. I have every faith in them, and the lads Hickie and Murphy on the wing. Good to see Wilkinson back playing too.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, he had a solid game after almost 2 years off International Rugby, I don't like him but he's bound to get better... And they need him on top form.

[Team Sheep]

Clive Woodward basically picked all of the world cup winning team. That was 2 years ago, they've performed poorly since, and he's overlooked the Welsh following a surprising Grand Slam. I dunno, I don't have much faith in this Lions team, which is sad because I've been looking forward to this since the last tour.

[Bad Company]

I think he should of picked more Welsh players considering how dominant they were this season, it's a shame really. Still, They are going to struggle, if not lose 3-0 to the ABs.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol, the Lions are going to get PLOWED

[Bad Company]

Yeah, I was just trying to be nicer to the lions fans out there. And we all know how my "all blacks to win RWC03" compaign went :p

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah but something happened to English rugby since then, something ugly. And not Martin Johnson ugly, because that would be a good thing.

[Bad Company]

Also, speaking of Martin Johnson, his final/tribute game is on June 6th. This game is also the comback for Jonah Lomu, who is returning after a couple of years off, and having his kidneys replaced with a new single one that has been placed at the bottom of the rib cage.

[Bad Company]

The Lions Play their first game of the tour agains Bay of Plenty this Saturday, it should be a good win to the Lions.

[Wengerland]

It's a pretty strong Lions team aswell, should be good.

Gareth Thomas might miss the first Test as, if Toulouse win their game this weekend, he'd have to play another next week and would consequently have missed half the tour. I'm not really sure if i'd have him in anyway as i love Geordan Murphy.

[Team Sheep]

Gareth Thomas missed the second half of the 6 Nations, and he wasn't too impressive in the games he was in. So Murphy's probably a safer bet anyway. I hate when the games are down under, kick off at like 7:00am on a Saturday morning :mad: Damn time zones.

[Wengerland]

I'd definetly have 2 of the back 3 as Lewsey and Shane Williams, they've been in fine form and Williams really troubled the All Blacks in the world cup. Lewsey did pretty well against us (Leicester Tigers) in the premiership final though when playing centre, so that could be an option. Henson would be a better bet though really.

-edit- Murphy hasn't really been at his best for us over the season, only on a few occasions. Knowing Woodward he'll probably give it to Jason Robinson anyway.

What's up with Rokococko, BC? heard reports that he's struggling for form.

[Team Sheep]

Jason Robinson really isn't in good form. Even his number one fan Stuart Barnes on Sky Sports the other week was very critical of his performance against Connacht. He's definetely going through a rough patch, he may be a bit of a liability.

[Wengerland]

Yeah i wouldn't want him in right now, he's been nothing special this season. He'd be a good player to bring on if we're in trouble though. Then again it looks as though Corry will miss out to Dallaglio despite having a superb season.

[Team Sheep]

Dallaglio was always going to start, based on reputation. Lol, and for anyone interested, The All Blacks probables VS the possibles is on tomorrow morning on Sky Sports.

[Bad Company]

What's up with Rokococko, BC? heard reports that he's struggling for form.

He's had a really quiet season, definately hasn't been one of the form wingers in the Super 12. We are really lucky with our crop of wingers at the moment, we have quality and quantity.
On that note, the All Black trial game is tonight, unfortunately there are no players from the NZ Maori or Canterbury Crusaders sides playing, which really makes it looked washed down and pointless.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I heard Jono Gibbs is captaining New Zealand?

Fuckin hell, so him and Chris Jack locking together eh? Chris Jack is untouchable IMO, but Ali Williams is the fuckin man, don't know why he isn't in there.

[Bad Company]

Nah, Jono Gibbs won't be captaining the all blacks, I'd say Tana is a definate for that.
Ali has been injured and has poor discipline, so he's not a definate choice for Lock

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Nah, Jono Gibbs won't be captaining the all blacks, I'd say Tana is a definate for that.
Ali has been injured and has poor discipline, so he's not a definate choice for Lock

Yeah I saw him stomp that guys throat/face in a super 12, got suspended for like 6 weeks didn't he?

[Bad Company]

9 weeks I think, he came back in the trial game last night and played OK.

[Transplant]

Can't really say I 100% agree with Doug Howlett being selected, even though he's in the Blues. He has the experience, and he can play big games, but he hasnt being breaking and defense like Sivivatu, Hamilton, Evans or Nonu have been this season. I find it weird that neither Evans or Hamilton are in that lineup.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, I really thought Evans was going to be in there, Howlett is a bit of a joke, he hasn't really had any decent form in a couple of years now. They are probably bringing him back for the fiji game.

[Team Sheep]

Bay of Plenty 20-34 Lions

Not a bad performance all in all, but still a lot of work to be done before we want to even think about winning the series. The midfield was weak at times today, and a few slack tackles, from Ronan o'Gara especially. Oh well, the main thing was to win, we needed a good win as a confidence booster to kick off the tour.

[Wengerland]

Well O'Gara had a slim chance of getting the fly half spot before, pretty much no chance now.

Where's Carlos Spencer for the All Blacks? ripped the England side who didn't travel apart for the Barbarians last week, along with Bruce Reihana and Brent Russell.

[Bad Company]

Carlos isn't our 1st 5 anymore, he took up a contract to go and play in England. We didn't need him anyway and it's an easy way for him to earn some $$$ before he's completely stuffed.
The Lions are going to need to up it 100% considering BOP is really a B grade provincial side in New Zealand.

[Wengerland]

Lions team for wednesday's game vs Taranaki:

Geordan Murphy; Shane Horgan, Will Greenwood, Ollie Smith, Denis Hickie; Charlie Hodgson, Chris Cusiter; Graham Rowntree, Andy Titterrell, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan, Danny Grewcock, Martin Corry (captain), Lewis Moody, Michael Owen.
Replacements: Shane Byrne, Gethin Jenkins, Ben Kay, Martyn Williams, Gareth Cooper, Jonny Wilkinson, Gavin Henson.

I'm getting into it now, i guess it's because it's all started now.

Dallaglio's ankle injury picked up against BOP has ruled him out of the rest of the tour, Simon Easterby replaces him.

[Bad Company]

The Taranaki game has almost finished, pretty average game. Refereeing wasn't the greatest and the lions were slow against a hard taranaki pack. A bit of bad luck really cost Taranaki, and I think the score looks worse than it was, lions really outplayed them in the 2nd half. All credit to a midweek Lions team vs a 2nd grade provincial team. Boring rugby though, really boring, I think you northern hemisphere people should watch some Super 12 to see what it's all about, but that murphy try was good :D

[Wengerland]

Fair play to Hodgson, he had a good game. I'd still say he's below Wilkinson and Jones in the pecking order, probably ahead of O'Gara now.

Murphy was back to his best aswell, great hands to set up Horgan and took his own scores well.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, I thought Hodgson played out of his skin, he had a good game.

[Team Sheep]

New Zealand Maori 19-13 British and Irish Lions

Lions were terrible this morning. So many turnovers. :nono:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Fuck that's pretty bad.

[Team Sheep]

It was 19-6 until The Lions got a consolation try at the end. :$

[Wengerland]

First ever defeat to the Maori, not looking good.

There's times when i feel like i'm the only one who thinks Steve Thompson is shit.

[Team Sheep]

First ever defeat to the Maori, not looking good.

There's times when i feel like i'm the only one who thinks Steve Thompson is shit.

A hooker who can't throw into a line-out. That can't be good for a team representing the four nations of Great Britain about to take on the best team in the world.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, but it wasn't a first grade lions team, I'm sure they will do better in the tests.
All Credit to the NZ Maori though, they played really well.
Also, the All Blacks beat Fiji 91-0 on Friday night, the maori did beat Fiji 29-27 the previous week.

[Wengerland]

That also doesn't bode well, i only saw the second half of that one but Fiji were realllllly terrible though.

Jason Robinson, Gareth Thomas, Neil Back and Jonny Wilkinson ("the big guns") all to start on wednesday.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, Fiji had given up before it even started by the looks of things.
Sivivatu (or however you spell it) is an absolute machine, I think he'll tear the lions a new asshole.
http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/1749/

That's the Adidas "last man standing" ad for the competition.

The squad is for the tour is:

Backs: Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Tana Umaga (captain, Wellington), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Justin Marshall (Canterbury).

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Mose Tuiali'i (Canterbury), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Ali Williams (Auckland), James Ryan (Otago), Carl Hayman (Otago), Campbell Johnstone (Canterbury), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Tony Woodcock (Auckland), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Anton Oliver (Otago).

Training with squad: Derren Witcombe (Auckland), Jono Gibbes (Waikato).

[Wengerland]

That last man standing ad is great :love:

Very surprised that Rokocoko isn't even in the squad, out of form or not he's still a pretty formidable threat, i'd have given him a spot, can't complain that he's not there though :D

23-6 win today for the Lions against Wellington. I've not seen any of it yet to be honest, but it's nice to see we didn't concede any tries.

[Bad Company]

I was at the game, boring as hell... I'm not a Wellington supporter.
Jonny missed an easy drop goal and an easy penalty, that won't help his stake for the test 1st 5.
Rokococo has nothing on Sivitavu this season, howlett is average, Rico Gear is my choice for All Blacks 14, he's had a stunner.

[Wengerland]

As it's Woodward in charge its pretty certain that Jonny will be in the Test side. Stephen Jones didn't have a flawless game when he started (not sure about today) and O'Gara was poor. The best performance of the four fly halves was Hodgson's, i think it's fair to say, but his form coming into it was poor so i still wouldn't want him in the Test side, i'd have preferred Andy Goode going into it but i'm a bit biased there.

One of the All Blacks i didn't know much about prior to the Fiji game was Conrad Smith, but he looked alright, very solid performance.

[Bad Company]

Oh definately, Woodward won't pick anyone else but his jonny :D
Conrad is a solid player, I think it's his 2nd season in the team now, he's one to watch.
Also, Jonah is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury after playing his comeback game in the martin johnston tribute match.

[Wengerland]

Quite a good performance against Otago.

The team has been announced for Tuesday with Henson and Murphy starting, so neither will play in the 1st Test. Very surprised about Henson, i've not seen a single choice XV where he's not starting but oh well.

Probable 1st Test team:

Lewsey
Thomas
O'Driscoll
Wilkinson
Robinson
Jones
Peel

Jenkins
Byrne
White
O'Connell
Grewcock
Hill
Back
Corry

Disappointed if that's the case, mainly with Robinson because we got all the "selection to be based on form, not reputation" stuff and that's clearly not the case with that choice. I'd have gone for Shane Williams out of the two, they're pretty similiar and Williams i simply in better form.

Really disappointed about Henson, he'd offer a good kicking alternative and tackles well, all the fly-haves have a tendency to miss a few tackles and Wilko's subconsciously not going in as powerfully after those injuries. Ryan Jones is a bit unlucky but will make the bench at least, could be preferred to Back though, with Corry moving to 7.

[Bad Company]

Not a very convincing performance by the Lions against southland who are a poor NZ provincial side at best. Henson had an alright game, so he's unlucky he's not playing in the test.
The All Blacks side for Saturdays test is as follows.

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Tana Umaga, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Justin Marshall; 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Derren Witcombe, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 Jono Gibbes, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Byron Kelleher, 21 Mils Muliaina, 22 Rico Gear.

Not too many surprises there for the New Zealanders

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

The midweek side is miles different to the test side, I mean I don't think the Lions have much of a chance (particularly against that lineup) but I think the games are going to be hella entertaining. I think the Lions'll keep it pretty close.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I also just saw the game against the Hurricanes. The Thomas Waldren (I think that's his name) is mad ugly, and I dunno...I don't really like him, I wanted someone to take him out :rant:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Sorry, the game against "Wellington"

[Wengerland]

The Southland game was the first i have watched live as i've either not had the channel at my house or wasn't up, so i've made do with full delayed coverage and highlights until now.

I could see why pretty much all of them missed out on a test spot, aside from Henson, and Sheridan and Shanklin after they came on, it was atrocious, though Moody and Williams weren't as bad. Reserve side or not, they're still all internationals and playing against the side who finished second bottom in the NPC, should have been far more comfortable.

Got to agree with Scot Quinnell, who was the studio analyst, in thinking that Woodward went about it the wrong way. There's no real need to mention that those who would play against Southland wouldn't be in the test team, it just gets the players down and i'm pretty certain we'd have had a better performance had the places been made to believe that test spots were still up for grabs. It's also seemed to divide the camp a bit, dunno really but i got the feeling from Henson and Owen's interviews after the match that it was a 'them and us' feel to it.

[Bad Company]

The test match is going to be big, I know the Lions will step up and I'm really looking forward to it. Sivivatu is the man to watch in the All Blacks, and Justin Marshall will be looking to stamp his authority on the game before he heads overseas.

[Bad Company]

The Lions team has been named and as a surprise Jonny Wilkinson has been named at 12, not his usual position, but maybe he can spark some magic from there.

LIONS: 15 Jason Robinson, 14 Josh Lewsey, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Jonny Wilkinson, 11 Gareth Thomas, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Martin Corry, 7 Neil Back, 6 Richard Hill, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Paul O'Connell, 3 Julian White, 2 Shane Byrne, 1 Gethin Jenkins. Reserves: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 Graham Rowntree, 18 Danny Grewcock, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Matt Dawson, 21 Will Greenwood, 22 Shane Horgan.

[Wengerland]

When Henson was left out i think Wilkinson at inside centre was to be expected, no-one has really made that spot their own. I thought it may have been Grewcock instead of Kay but i can't complain about big Ben's inclusion, it means there's 4 Leicester Tigers in the XV :D and Rowntree on the bench.

I'd have possibly have had Shane Williams on the bench instead of Greenwood as, if i remember rightly, he caused New Zealand a load of problems in the World Cup. Plus that gives 2 wing options from the bench and Horgan can play centre and had done for many years alongside O'Driscoll for Leinster, until D'Arcy came along.

[Bad Company]

woah woah woah, England never played NZ in the world cup :p

[Wengerland]

Shane Williams i meant ;) I'm pretty sure Wales played you lot.

[Bad Company]

oh shitttttttttttttttttttt, messed that one up ;)

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Dwayne Peel is incredible.

That side is pretty fuckin good looking. The guy to look out for is Gethin Jenkins.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And why is Justin fucking Marshal going overseas?

[Wengerland]

He's going to Leeds, who won the cup but just escaped relegation. I think he just said he'd like to play in England at some point or something like that. Carlos Spencer and Andrew Mehrtens are also coming over, Spencer to Northampton, who also just escaped relegation, and Mehrtens to Harlequins, who did go down.

[Team Sheep]

Lol, I watched the Welsh news the other day, and they were interviewing these people who were on their way to New Zealand to watch the 1st test. This Welsh bloke said: "I bought an All Blacks jersey this morning, and I have my Lions shirt in my bag. But until Sir Clive Woodward stops making all these anti-Welsh, English Biase decisions I won't be wearing the Lions shirt and shall be supporting New Zealand". Lol, come on, stop bitching and moaning. Woodward made his picks and I guess we should respect him with that. Start complaining if we get hammered. I do dissagree with a few of his decisions (Jason Robinson anyone?) but let's just wait until after the game.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

He's going to Leeds, who won the cup but just escaped relegation. I think he just said he'd like to play in England at some point or something like that. Carlos Spencer and Andrew Mehrtens are also coming over, Spencer to Northampton, who also just escaped relegation, and Mehrtens to Harlequins, who did go down.

Well I can understand Spencer and Mehrtens going over, they aren't exactly "in favour" with the All Blacks or even their respective clubs, Spencer has been awful for Auckland and Mehrtens barely even sees the field for Cantebury, so of course they're gonna go over to England.

But Marshall is still pretty much the best scrumhalf in the game right now, so I'm just fairly surprised. Usually most guys wait til their a little past their prime to leave their respective countries and go over and play in England or have fallen out of favour with the international squads. (See: Mark Andrews, Chester Williams, Bob Skinstad, Corne Krige many other South Africans)

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Jones, Peel, Jenkins, Thomas

that's almost a 3rd of the side being Welsh. I mean I'd have more Welsh guys in there, but the 4 in there are solid, and will do Wales proud.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol, I remember watching Wales vs. France, and I had the French feed. The only two words I understood the whole thing was "DWAYNE PEEL" and "SHAYNE WILLIAMS"

[Team Sheep]

lol, I remember watching Wales vs. France, and I had the French feed. The only two words I understood the whole thing was "DWAYNE PEEL" and "SHAYNE WILLIAMS"

I almost had a heart attack during that game. What a match :love:

[Bad Company]

The game's tomorrow, I'm pumped! Gutted I can't make it down to Christchurch to see the game, but at least I'm going to the one in Wellington!
I guaranteed the CEO here an all black thrashing, so I hope I dont lose my job, cause I think it's gonna be close! :D

[Team Sheep]

Okay, prediction time. I'm gonna go for an All Black win by 12 points. Hope I'm wrong though, of course.

[Wengerland]

I really think we have to win this one, i honestly can't see us winning both Tests afterwards.

Can't see past an All Black win though :( probably fairly close though, less than 8 or so points i'll say.

[Karlsberg]

All Black win by 10 though when ever i try to predict something i am normally wrong and i hope that is the case once more.

[Bad Company]

I'll go All Blacks by 13+

[Bad Company]

15 Minutes to go until kickoff. I'm off to watch the game.
Go the All Blacks!

[Bad Company]

Good win to the All Blacks 21-3, pretty messy game, I didn't think the referee was that good. I'm hoping O'Driscoll is going to be ok, looks like he was hit hard in a ruck in back play.

[Rob]

From the replays, aside from the fact got was lifted off the ground, the tackles didn't look bad. Everyone is already saying there are too many Englishmen on this tour. Shame because some of us said that weeks ago.

[Wengerland]

Useless. No-one had a good game.

I just woke up with 2 minutes till kick off, wish i hadn't bothered after that performance.

[Team Sheep]

Everyone came over to have bacon and sausages to watch the game. Waste of a Saturday lie in and food :o . I'm really pissed off, we serioulsy didn't even look like scoring once. The Lions are too one dimensional, the opposition can work out their style of play so easily. They play like an under 12's team, no moves or anything, just phase after phase and not really going anywhere. They hardly left the 2nd 3rd of the field. I'm going for 3-0 All Blacks now, unless Woodward seriously rings in the changes.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

O'Driscoll is out for the rest of the tour. Dislocated his shoulder. Bollocks.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, he's claiming he was spear tackled by Tana, but it doesn't really look like that, it just looks like a bit of off the ball pushing around and he landed wrong. It's more tough luck than anything else. The touch judge was right there and although there were reports in Britain suggesting that the Lions wanted Umaga and Keven Mealamu cited over the incident, this has apparently been rejected by citing commissioner Willem Venter from South Africa.
I can see where he's coming from, but it's all part of the game, very unfortunate for him as he's a class player, but even with him on the field the result wasn't going to be any different.

[Wengerland]

It was a pretty shitty tackle, the ball had gone from the ruck and then Mealamu and Umaga spear tackled him. You can stop people from attempting to get to the ball and whatnot but that's a disgrace really, and to add insult to injury, Grewcock's been cited for biting someone :|

Gareth Thomas is taking over the captaincy, which puts paid to the back three i'd have gone for in the 2nd Test - Murphy, Lewsey and Williams. Henson has to be recalled now and one of Jones or Wilkinson dropped to the bench, probably Jones but they had similiar performances, though Wilkinson made a great try-saving tackle in the 1st half.

[Team Sheep]

Grewcock's response: "I'm very dissapointed. I did not bite him." :|

[Bad Company]

Do you know it was a spear tackle though? I've looked at it and it definately doesn't look like a spear tackle. Don't go with what whinging woodward is saying, have a look for yourself! I thought it was malicious until I saw it, and it's nothing. I'd hardly call it a disgrace... The fact the Lions are going to turn this point into a "this is why we lost the series" excuse and whinge about it every 10 minutes is the disgrace.

[Bad Company]

Umaga in gun over tackle footage
27 June 2005

By JIM KAYES

All Black captain Tana Umaga is under the spotlight after damning footage of an alleged spear tackle that put Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll out of the tour emerged last night.


O'Driscoll suffered a dislocated shoulder 40 seconds into Saturday night's first test at Jade Stadium in Christchurch. The All Blacks won 21-3 to go 1-0 up in the three-test series. Some British journalists suggested that Umaga had reacted to O'Driscoll's aggressive response to the pre-match haka.

The tackle debate is the latest controversy to hit the touring side. O'Driscoll's replacement as captain, Welsh player Gareth Thomas, is caught up in assault allegations.

Thomas and three other men have been charged with assault for an incident in Pau, France, in 2003 but deny the charges.

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has also come under fire in Wales, Ireland and Scotland for the team he picked for the test and its subsequent defeat.

Last night, Woodward showed video footage at a press conference in Wellington of the alleged spear tackle.

He said it was the same two angles given to South African citing commissioner Willem Venter, who ruled Umaga and hooker Keven Mealamu, who was also involved, did not have a case to answer.

The matter ends there as the Lions have no right of appeal, though Thomas said Umaga and Mealamu should apologise to O'Driscoll.

The footage shows Mealamu grabbing O'Driscoll's left leg at a ruck, and Umaga his right, and then both lift him upward.

Another shot, from a longer-view, shows O'Driscoll landing on his head and neck, and Thomas remonstrating with Australian touch judge Andy Cole.

Thomas said he heard Cole tell Mealamu and Umaga to leave O'Driscoll alone.

Umaga was placed off-limits to the media yesterday. The All Blacks are not willing to buy into a debate they believe Woodward is inflaming to divert attention away from how poorly his team played on Saturday night.

Woodward called a midnight press conference after the match. He described what happened to O'Driscoll as "horrific and horrendous".

"When you see it I think you will cringe. It's a pretty horrific situation to find yourself in as a player because you can't defend yourself."

O'Driscoll said yesterday that the tackle on him was "unnecessary and certainly beyond the rules and regulations of the game", and he was dismayed Umaga had not checked on his health.

Though Umaga has been gagged he did claim in the post-match press conference that there had been "a few incidents" that needed to be reviewed.

One of those led to the citing of Lions lock Danny Grewcock for biting Mealamu in the 63rd minute. After an eight-hour hearing in Christchurch yesterday Grewcock was suspended by Australian judicial chairman Terry Willis for two months.

Woodward said, before that sentence was known, that he would accept whatever punishment the Englishman received.

However, the citing of Grewcock made him even more incensed that Umaga and Mealamu had not been called to account.

Woodward was shocked to hear of suggestions by parts of the British media that Umaga might have targeted O'Driscoll for the way he responded to the haka.

He said he had directed the Lions response to the traditional war dance after he received an e-mail "from a Maori", whom he would not name. The e-mail explained the "appropriate" way for the Lions to face the haka, which included O'Driscoll and halfback Dwayne Peel (the youngest in the team) moving out to confront it.

----------

Looks like this is going to be blown out of proportion by woodward.

[Team Sheep]

Lol, you guys should have seen the Wales on Sunday newspaper that we get here in Wales this morning. Like, 10 straight pages of Woodward bashing. I couldn't agree more with what they were saying either to be honest. :D Woodward wanted to beat New Zealand with his beloved English guys again, but he just can't do it, he needs to learn that. A lot has happened in the world of English rugby since 2003 Clive.

[Wengerland]

I'm not going to say the O'Driscoll thing has cost us the series, or even that test because he wouldn't have made that much difference, it wasn't good enough. I'm not sure it was a spear tackle myself but O'Driscoll was just as outraged as Woodward and looking at the replays it could have broken his neck.

It's just a shame really, would put a dampener on New Zealand's inevitable series victory for me.

[Rob]

I wouldn't be surprised if half of his world cup team was playing for Southampton next season.

Aside from his kicking, there is no reason why Johnny Wilkinson should be in ahead of Gavin Henson.

[Bad Company]

Yeah, having Wilkinson in the side means he has to be the number 10, he did make the most tackles for a lions player on the night, but a number 10/12 shouldn't be doing that! The Lions loose forwards need to pick up their game, and they really need to work on their lineouts, it was a disgrace!

[Bad Company]

If anyone's interested in reading more about the games/analysis here are a bunch of NZ news sites that are updated regularly, considering how fanatical we are about the game :D

http://xtramsn.co.nz/rugby
http://stuff.co.nz/lions_tour.html

[Wengerland]

Well Jason Robinson and Martin Corry start for the game on Tuesday, though Woodward has said this time that it doesn't necessarily mean they're not in the Test side. Would be somewhat harsh on Corry if he's left out. Neil Back is on the bench for Tuesday, it will be a chance to judge him and Martyn Williams against the same opposition i suppose.

Also, Henson is not in the side or on the bench (i think) so it looks like he'll be in the 22 for Saturday.

[Wengerland]

won 109-6, which should give a bit of confidence. Shane Williams has to start in the Test match.

I thought it was a good win until i remembered that this was a mainly amateur side, and the All Blacks almost got that against one of the top 12 (at a guess) nations in the world recently in the form of Fiji.

[Bad Company]

i didn't see the game, but good on the lions for putting that many points up. They would be disappointed if they didn't, and this should do a bit for their confidence.
There are shitloads of lions supporters in town for the game this weekend! I'm certainly looking forward to going! Whoever wins... It's gonna be a huge piss up in town!

The All Blacks Team for this weeks game is as follows:
1-Tony Woodcock, 2-Keven Mealamu, 3-Carl Hayman, 4-Chris Jack, 5-Ali Williams, 6-Jerry Collins, 7-Richie McCaw, 8-Rodney So'oialo, 9-Byron Kelleher, 10-Dan Carter, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12-Aaron Mauger, 13-Tana Umaga (Captain), 14-Rico Gear, 15-Mils Muliaina

Reserves: 16-Derren Witcombe, 17-Greg Somerville, 18-Jono Gibbes, 19-Sione Lauaki, 20-Justin Marshall, 21-Ma'a Nonu, 22-Leon MacDonald

[Rob]

Shane Williams has to start in the Test match.


Which automatically means he isn't.

I'm just hoping that Woodward doesn't use all his subs in the first 83 seconds.

[Bad Company]

Here's hoping he doesn't need to :p

[Wengerland]

Which automatically means he isn't.

:o

Woodward rings changes for Lions

Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward has drafted in seven new players for Saturday's make-or-break second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington.

British & Irish Lions: Josh Lewsey; Jason Robinson, Gareth Thomas (captain,), Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; Jonny Wilkinson, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Steve Thompson, Julian White; Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan; Simon Easterby, Lewis Moody, Ryan Jones.
Replacements: Shane Byrne, Graham Rowntree, Martin Corry, Martyn Williams, Matt Dawson, Stephen Jones, Shane Horgan.

_________________________

I'm not sure about Moody really, he gives away a few penalties each match, but in saying that, he chases kick-offs brilliantly and his prescence means a good mix in the back row, Corry is a tad unlucky though.

Has Gareth Thomas even played at centre in the last few years though? I'd have thought Ollie Smith had an outside chance, he's been good allround on the tour, can create and score tries himself. Shane Williams and Robinson in the same team doesn't look great defensively, but i suppose it's an attacking back three for a match we have to win, so fair play to Woodward for that.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I wouldn't be surprised if half of his world cup team was playing for Southampton next season.

Aside from his kicking, there is no reason why Johnny Wilkinson should be in ahead of Gavin Henson.

But he should be in ahead of Stephen Jones at fly.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I saw the first test yesterday, I think the biggest problem with the Lions is they kick the fucking ball too much. I understand it needs to be done at certain points, but every time you touch the ball, kicking it when you're 21-0 down doesn't bode well. Especially when your hooker is incapable of throwing the ball into the lineout. Terrible strategic play from the Lions.

Wilkinson was incredible defensively, so to reem on him is absolutely ridiculous. Though he should have been playing fly and Henson should have been at #12, Stephen Jones did absolute dickall.

This new side looks good though, I don't know why Ryan Jones didn't start in the first place.

And also, Mealamu and Umaga attacked big Bryan off the ball, absolutely fucking ridiculous, if Grewcock got cited, so should they have been.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Oh yeah, and Chris Jack is the fucking man. LOL, I just saw him get the absolute shit kleeted out of him, to the point that his shirt got ripped, and he just got up like nothing even happened and went into the next scrum. :heart:

[Bad Company]

but it was a game of rugby newstead, you should know better than anyone that off ball play happens, and for all Mealamu and Umaga knew the ball could of still been there, he just landed badly.
Yes, Chris Jack is the man, but when you look at that rucking and where the position of the ball was on relation to him, it's pretty bullshit.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

but it was a game of rugby newstead, you should know better than anyone that off ball play happens, and for all Mealamu and Umaga knew the ball could of still been there, he just landed badly.
Yes, Chris Jack is the man, but when you look at that rucking and where the position of the ball was on relation to him, it's pretty bullshit.

No way man...O'Driscoll was posted up, he was running to the next phase of play. Look all I'm saying is this...if Grewcock got cited then so should have those 2 hard maorie bastards.

I think the thing with Jack was that the Lions were pretty fucking pissed off at him for taking someone out in the air in a lineout, and I think he understood that, so he just laughed it off. I don't think he feels pain though.

[Bad Company]

No way man...O'Driscoll was posted up, he was running to the next phase of play. Look all I'm saying is this...if Grewcock got cited then so should have those 2 hard maorie bastards.

I think the thing with Jack was that the Lions were pretty fucking pissed off at him for taking someone out in the air in a lineout, and I think he understood that, so he just laughed it off. I don't think he feels pain though.
There was no way he was running to the next play, he was still involved in the previous phases' ruck, which is why he was pushed out of the way. He needs to stop being such a whiny bitch about it and move on, accidents happen, and while I realise he must be gutted and is a fine player, I really expected more from him. He was complaing Tana didn't come over and see how he was? Cry about it, Justin Marshall came over and saw how he was while he was being carried off, but noone has commented on that. You have been fooled by a typical Clive Woodward PR spin to try and avoid the fact the Lions got their asses kicked 2 ways from Sunday.
Tana isn't and never has been a dirty player, in fact he was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy for Fair Play after Attending to Colin Charvis when he was ko'd.
Also, it's spelt Maori, and Tana is actually samoan :p

[Bad Company]

also.
The All Blacks have suffered a setback ahead of Saturday night's second test against the British and Irish Lions, with powerful tighthead prop Carl Hayman ruled out of the match.

Experienced Crusaders tighthead Greg Somerville will now start in the No 3 jersey against the Lions in the sold-out clash at Westpac Stadium in the capital.

Credit xtramsn.co.nz

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Somerville is equally as useful.

I still stand by my point that if Grewcock got sited so should have those 2.

[Bad Company]

I disagree, but each to their own. Biting is one of the worst things in the game.

[Bad Company]

Right, counting down to the big game in Wellington tonight! I've got my ticket :cool:

[Team Sheep]

You must have had a great time then. :'(

[Wengerland]

Well it was a better performance to be fair, New Zealand were just awesome and Dan Carter's was possibly the best allround fly half, if not any individual, performance i've ever seen.

Wasn't really impressed by the ref or some cynical play by the All Blacks, but they still deserved it.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Dan Carter was incredible.

[Bad Company]

Wow, it was an awesome game and an awesome result, I'm stoked, just got home... 10am :D
Carter had a stunner, he's a real asset to NZ rugby. What a good game, I'm going to bed :cool:

[Wengerland]

Well it's been a whitewash. For the money spent on this tour it's been a disgrace, there's probably a maximum of half a dozen Lions players who can come out of that with dignity in terms of performances. Woodward's been poor and long may it continue with Southampton, and whoever the defence and attack coaches, or whatever the equivalent is, are terrible, though the buck stops with the players.

I feel sorry for the fans who travelled really.

[Bad Company]

Good win by the All Blacks on Saturday... I thought kaplan and dickheadson had good games for the lions. But besides the refereeing I enjoyed the game.
3-0 and Woodward can't shutup about how it's irrelivent until the All Blacks win another World Cup. I spose when you're only going to be remembered in a positive light over 1 thing, then you'd better milk it.

[Team Sheep]

I can't wait for the autumn internationals now. Wales will give you tough bastards a better game just you watch :cool:

[Bad Company]

They are the only team I'm worried about, and god help the All Blacks if they lose! :D

[Team Sheep]

Nah can't see them loosing. But it could be similar to the match the two teams had last Autumn were we lost by a point. Granted it was a weaker New Zealand side then, but we've won the Grand Slam since, beating teams we could only dream of beating a year ago. Anyway here's the schedule for this Autumn :drool: :

Saturday 5th November 2005
Wales v New Zealand Millennium Stadium

Friday 11th November 2005
Wales v Fiji Millennium Stadium

Saturday 19th November 2005
Wales v South Africa Millennium Stadium

Saturday 26th November 2005
Wales v Australia Millennium Stadium

[Bad Company]

Now for the All Blacks Remaining games of the season :)

07 Aug South Africa v New Zealand Cape Town
13 Aug Australia v New Zealand Sydney
27 Aug New Zealand v South Africa Dunedin
03 Sep New Zealand v Australia Auckland
05 Nov New Zealand v Wales Cardiff
12 Nov New Zealand v Ireland Dublin
19 Nov New Zealand v England London
26 Nov New Zealand v Scotland Edinburgh

Plenty of good rugby ahead!

[Team Sheep]

Tasty fixtures there :y: I'll be watching The Tri Nations as always on good old Sky Sports, with their superb coverage of worldwide rugby. I can't see anything but New Zealand to win it to be honest. I've been watching Australia and South Africa play lately (against eachother and their games with France), and neither have impressed me too much. As Stuart Barnes would say, something very special's going on in New Zealand. Your youth set up must be immense.

[Bad Company]

Well rugby is like a religion here, you really don't understand what it's like unless your here, we are fanatical about the game. I've played my whole life, and I'd only be considered an Average at best player, and I'm not that bad! :D
We usually get the jitters when we play Australia, they are our bogey team :(

[Team Sheep]

I've been playing rugby my whole life (I'm only 14 though) but the rugby set up here in Wales is pretty basic. I mean, we have plenty of clubs everywhere, but it's just the funding. I play for a club in Pontypool, South Wales. We're like one of the best in the region, but the facilities are awful. We have a few tackle bags and pads and that's pretty much it. :-\ We have regional teams also, which as you'd imagine consist of the best players from around the region. I'm privilidged enough to be a part of that team :D Next Ritchie McCaw right here :shifty: .

I remember the World Cup mate, Australia had been pretty average throughout the tournament, New Zealand at their best. They meet in the semi's, and the Ausse's pull a win out of their asses. I see what you mean by them being you're bogey side. :p

[Wengerland]

I'll watch some of the Tri-Nations, but i'm mainly just waiting for the club season to start now, as long as England keep Robinson in charge there's no chance, always been a club before country person anyway.

Actually i think you're in our group for this new Anglo-Welsh cup, Haz. Then we've got The Ospreys, Stade Francais and Clermont (Stephen Jones' side) in the Heineken, should be tough.

[Bad Company]

All Blacks squad for the Tri Nations:

Forwards: John Afoa (Auckland), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Carl Hayman (Otago), Marty Holah (Waikato), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), James Ryan (Otago), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Ali Williams (Auckland), Derren Witcombe (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Backs: Dan Carter (Canterbury), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Tana Umaga (Wellington, captain), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Well rugby is like a religion here, you really don't understand what it's like unless your here, we are fanatical about the game. I've played my whole life, and I'd only be considered an Average at best player, and I'm not that bad! :D
We usually get the jitters when we play Australia, they are our bogey team :(

Rugby is religion in South Africa as well...they are just far more stupid than New Zealanders :(.

[Team Sheep]

Actually i think you're in our group for this new Anglo-Welsh cup, Haz. Then we've got The Ospreys, Stade Francais and Clermont (Stephen Jones' side) in the Heineken, should be tough.

Yeah, here are the pools:

Pool One: Bath Rugby, Ospreys, Gloucester, Bristol Shoguns
Pool Two: London Irish, London Wasps, Cardiff Blues, Saracens
Pool Three: Leeds Tykes, Newcastle Falcons, Llanelli Scarlets, Sale Sharks
Pool Four: Newport-Gwent Dragons, Leicester Tigers, Worcester Warriors, Northampton Saints

Got my season ticket ready for the new season. I only really get pumped up for the Heineken cup games, the Celtic League just doesn't really cut it for me, I go and watch those games just in a friendly attitude, it seems so pointless when the Irish teams just field weak teams every week, like you'd see Borders beating Leinster or something. I'd love to be in the Zurich Premiership, or whatever it's called now (Guiness?) This Anglo-Welsh thing looks good though :D

Come on the Dragons!!