SO, IT ALL comes down to this.
Hong Kong seems an awfully long time ago now. Eh, Lions fans?
In just a few hours time we will have an answer to so many questions, presumptions and wild guesses mad over the past year. Yes, either the Lions or Australia will have their bloody, sweaty hands on the series.
On the Lions’ menu
You must know the Wallabies by now. They’re the crafty green and gold fella who have thought their way around the tourist’s policy of trying to trample a way to victory.
Unless you’ve been locked in a cave in a coma this past few days, you’ll be only too aware that Brian O’Driscoll will be reduced to the role of mere mortal, watching events unfold from the stands. In his place, Jamie Roberts, one of a host of changes from last week’s narrow defeat in Melbourne.
Australia, on the other hand, well and truly have momentum on their side. Their sole change is the addition of legendary openside George Smith in place of David Pocock-light (Michael Hooper).
Quote from the camp
“There’s a lot of pressure on everyone and everyone’s got to deliver on Saturday, it’s the last chance saloon here and we’ve got to win it. Everyone who has been obviously disappointed not to be involved has been a total professional, that’s been one of the positives of this tour and Brian has been like everyone else.”
- Jonathan Davies has taken the brunt of the pro-BOD campaign.
You’ve got to see this
Are you stuck for someone to watch the game? Well, you’re in luck because there is still time to get yourself to a printer and build yourself a (erm, not very) lifelike version of Adam Jones to stand by your side and possibly hold your drink while you’re gone to the toilet.
Click here for all you need to make this dream happen, just be careful with the scissors.
What the Aussies say
“The Wallabies were decimated by injuries in the first Test, but will be injecting George Smith into their back row in the decider. Smith’s presence at the breakdown may free up Wycliff Palu for more ball-carrying duties”. – Paul Cully, Sydney Morning Herald.
Tweet of the Day
It’s another music-related effort from Jamie Roberts. Perhaps with a window into his mind this time? Lucky man, indeed.
BIL watch
He’s been camera shy of late, but the poor stuffed Lion was last seen by our eyes on SkySports News yesterday morning getting manhandled by Stu Barnes and Gail Davis. Apparently, he was bought in Switzerland. Flash.
Of course, they all have lovely lions. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
I suppose a natural development since Kilkenny’s physicality in the air has evolved the game into more of a physical battle. Hope there’s still a place for a Joe Deane or eoin Kelly type player in the modern game, hurling would be much poorer otherwise
There are not enough hardy lads in Tipp for the kind of game Ryan wants to impose .
I’d like to think you still need to be able to hurl to succeed tho. It’ll be interesting to see how Clare do with their pace and skill based game. I think it would be good for hurling to see them in croke park again. Hopefully Tipp can get the balance of brain and brawn right tho
Just because lads are after getting big and strong it does not mean that we after loosing a type of player.I think lads like TJ,Richie Hogan,JJ Delaney,Joe Canning and Callanan are just as skillful and class as Deane and Kelly.Just look at the player of the year nominees this year…….all three are like Houdini when they have a sliotar in their hands.Its the way the game is being played is changing.I think Kilkenny just brought more intensity rather than physicality,as the game was much more physical just as far back as 20 years ago.And more again 40 and 50yrs ago
For too long now ,Tipp have thrown away Munsters and all-Irelands due to their non physicality….
As Tommy Docherty once said when describing a Ladies team ” their lovely to look at,, but they wont hurt you ”
Maybe its time to bring back Hells Kitchen !!
I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out why maher was centre forward last year. I think right half back is his best position , in midfield he goes in and out of games. He’s more solid than Barrett.
Just as long as he doesn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. EOS was on the cusp of cracking it but his team lacked a bit of edge, not helped by injuries to the like if Mahony, Cahill, Stapleton etc. who add a bit of bite to the team. I would nearly prefer lose than sacrifice EOS’s hurling philosophy in favour of that sweeper system/ Donegal tactic that other teams are employing. Also if Michael Quinlivan can hurl he would be well worth a try.
That’s the worry Johnny, but I hope with the likes of bubbles, Callanan and Noel McGrath you have the bones of a hurling front 6 as opposed to a blunt battering ram. Galway even uppe’d the physicality stakes this year as well. Where’s it all going to end.. in puke football territory maybe? I like you still want to retain our nice brand of hurling identity if possible
Tipp need to find a few more players. No Denis Maher? The question you need to ask as a fan is how many of this squad would start on a Kilkenny first 15? 4-5 at a push, this is the bench mark for Tipp unfortunately.