Lions vs NZ - 2nd Test Match Preview
By Zippy
June 29 2005
Preview of the Lions 2nd Test against the New Zealand All Blacks on Saturday in Wellington, the Lions will need to improve out of sight if the are to challenge and there are 11 changes to the side, for details read on.
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.
Notes:
Lions Backs -
Alfie in the centre is a bit of a risk, when was the last time he played 13? Played at 12 for the Warriors so the last time would have been for Bridgend in 2002/03 so we’ll see how it goes, he won’t let anyone down.
Hesnon and Ickle would have been busting a gut for this opportunity and will be fired right up, Jonny switches to fly half, whether he has the form/fitness/ability to unleash that backline we’ll see
And Reputation Robinson, he better play well to justify that selection.
Lions Forwards -
Moody – Headless chicken a no6 not a 7, gives too many penalties away. Still a better option that Back.
Thompson – Hope he has a good day.
O’Callaghan – Hope he does better than Kay in an all Munster 2nd row.
Easterby – Mixed season for the Scarlets but not put a foot wrong since arriving on tour.
R Jones – Starts as we all knew he should.
M Williams – Before the 6N he was used as an impact player to great effect, should be given plenty of time to make an impact.
Conclusion -
But more important than all the changes to the side is how the Lions go out and play on Saturday, if the tactics have not changed then the result will be exactly the same.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Rico Gear, Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Derren Witcombe, Greg Somerville, Jono Gibbes, Sione Lauaki, Justin Marshall, Ma'a Nonu, Leon MacDonald.
3 changes to the NZ line up, unnecessary Henry style tinkering. Bad boys Umaga and Mealamu are included and we’ll see what type of reaction they get from the Lions Fans/Players.
Just out of interest here is what my Lions team would have been:
Zippy’s Lions Team (Based on Pre Tour and Tour Form)
15. Lewsey 14. Alfie 13. O Smith 12. Henson 11, Williams 10. Hodgson 9. Peel 8. R Jones 7. M Williams 6. Corry 5. PoC 4. B Cockbain 3. J White 2. Bulloch 1. Jenkins
Bench – Thompson, Sheridan, Shaw, Easterby, Cusiter, S Jones, G Murphy.