Western Province v Lions - Match Report
By Patrick
June 15 2009
The British & Irish Lions retained their 100 per cent record on Saturday with a 26-23 win over Western Province in squally Cape Town.
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Western Province 23 - 26 British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions retained their 100 per cent record on Saturday with a 26-23 win over Western Province in squally Cape Town.
Stats were not available, but surely the first 15 minutes contained more kicks than the last four matches combined as the Lions had to contend with comfortably the worst weather conditions of their 10-match trip, with a blustery wind and heavy showers blowing in from Table Mountain.
Western Province:
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I'll have a pint of whatever Pat's on please.
Not a convincing performance by Lions Front Row at all, and the scrum was at least policed this game, even if not necessarily accurately. Lions had control of most scrums, except the ones where Vickery went backwards, several wheels on Lions ball, all due to Vickery back pedalling. No carries to mention either. A cameo appearance by Murray possibly enought to claim a test start.
Think you are touch harsh on Monye and O'Callaghan. And dare I say a prejudice against Andy Powell showing through. Comfortably his best game of the tour, indeed for some time. May still be showing the same trick, but it was at least relatively effective this week, though he did cough up possesion in contact a couple of times. Very unlucky to be penalised for the biggest hit of the game.
Think you are right about the debating points. Hines made a good bid for a test spot, though unlike you, I believe O'Callaghan's line-out work didn't look too shabby either. Openside still up for grabs, and I won't be too disappointed with either Williams or Wallace, but have changed my mind and now favour the dog of Williams. think less of a debate on the wing, with both from yesterday being in my 1st test side. Jones had a chance to claim fly half, but didn't really take it. Not that he played badly, but didn't impose himself, or the Lions on the game. Difficult conditions certainly wouldn't have helped, but if it was easy I'd be doing it.
Unhappiness, where's when I was young
And we didn't give a damn
'Cause we were raised
To see life as a fun and take it if we can
I agree that Powell was a lot better in this match, carried a bit further when tackled and even managed a couple of off loads but still loses the ball too much in contact for such a big bloke and isn't even close to contention for a test place. Monye is definately worth an extra mark and (I know I'll get shot down in flames) so was Rees. He lets himself down with his lineout throwing but has an excellent work rate, always making himself available to carry the ball. I think he'll be the bench hooker. Hook will make the bench as he covers so many options. Jones possibly slipped up in his bid for the 10 shirt although to be fair it is the first match to have been played in conditions that weren't good for kicking either from hand or at goal although the WP 10 didn't have too many problems.
When he first played for Sale, he gained loads ground picking the ball up from the base of a ruck. Teams have worked him out now, and he just doesn't carry that kind of threat.
I don't understand why he doesn't carry at pace, as a midfield runner, or on the shoulder of the scrum half. It isn't difficult to coach, so either there is something that stops him doing it, or the coaches are bizarre.
I would normally blame PSA (my default opinion re Sale players attacking prowess), but I'm not too sure.
Jenkins is a shoe in. I'd play them both if possible, otherwise, against my better judgement it will be Vickery.