IrishManc.
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 5,180
New Zealand were brilliant and the Lions will rue missed opportunities. What can the Lions do to slow down NZ's off load tactic? Any changes to starting XV for the second test?
I don't think drastic changes are needed, however I feel that we need to keep the ball in hand more therefore more ball carriers are needed in the pack. We didn't have near enough possession yesterday and probably kicked too much away. I would start Lawes and Itoje in the 2nd row and have Stander in the back row at the expense of O'Mahony. The fact that Lawes and Stander are starting on Tuesday doesn't bode well though. We would lose some line out prowess with those dropping out, but the replacements aren't bad line out operators either and would offer far more in the loose.
In terms of slowing down NZ's off load, we should try the choke tackle more often - it hasn't really been used so far on tour but it's very effective. Iain Henderson is a beast at it - I would have him as an impact sub. Like for like replacement for Lawes/Itoje.
I would keep the backs as is. They went really well yesterday, particularly Davies. NZ were just that bit too good.