The British and Ireland Lions came through the penultimate match in a 36-24 victory over ACT Brunby on Wednesday, prior to their first Test against Australia.
While some things may have become clear for Andy Farrell, they still seem to be making disjointed attacks from time to time, and admitting 24 points definitely irritates the coach.
There are three things I learned in Canberra.
– Lions 36-24 Brunby in England and Ireland: Lions win streak continues
– As it happened: Lions face Brunby
I’m still catching the spots in the middle of the game
Andy Farrell chose his strongest side to face Branvoy, giving those players a last chance to solidify their spot with his best XV. Ellis Jenge’s front row, Dan Sheehan and Tadog Furlong certainly managed to play the first test, as well as the second row of Malo Itsje and Joe McCarthy, who look strong in Canberra. Jamison Gibson Park and Finn Russell were trapped and there was no worries behind half.
Blair Kinghorn is a slight concern for the fullback who was kicked out early against Brunby due to injuries. But if he’s fine, he should start. There is also a backup option for Marcus Smith and Hugo Keenan. James Lowe and Tommy Freeman will likely be on the wings of Brisbane.
This will lead to the back row and mid-lengths as the main topic.
Tom Curry played for an open-side flanker and was solid, but Jack Morgan is always a standout whenever he plays and appears to be a front runner here. Will Farrell turn his attention to the only Welsh player on the team as his number seven?
Ollie Chessum played for 80 minutes on No. 6, and Jack Conan played for 80 minutes on No. 8. Chessam is very physically proud and made a big impression on me that I tried (nearly two of them). Conan also produced a massive effort with 17 carrys and 13 tackles.
In the middle, the Irish duo of Bundy Aki and Garry Ringrose clearly worked well and looked good on Wednesday, but their Scottish teammates Who Jones and Cione Tuyprotou also fantasize about their chances.
Perhaps the answer is a combination of both? Farrell may already know the answer, but it’s not surprising that both areas come down to wires of concern.
“Funny feelings at camp” – Jamison Gibson Park
Jamison Gibson Park best summed it up when asked how the Lions felt about their performance.
“I think we’re happy with the outcome, which is a patch-like performance in the end, but we’re happy. We put on a hat on Brumby, they brought the plan and they did it well,” he told Sky Sports.
“There’s a bit of a funny feeling about camping, but there are things that need to be reviewed.”
It’s a funny feeling to win and win well on the scoreboard, but I know there’s a lot more to offer. It is to some extent a lion’s nature.
Develop game plan development and building combinations. “patchy” is also correct.
The match in Canberra had a familiar feeling to it. A poor start, good for parts, but inconsistent, it finishes well. We probably won’t feel that this side is really capable, even later, until the opening test.
Gibson Park’s comments show that players know they’ll get much better themselves.
Do lions have fear factors?
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was sturdy in the capital after Australia received its only hit against Fiji last week, earning a nervous 21-18 victory.
What did he make with his latest Lions performance?
For one, he will already know the players very well, but he has also seen the realms where he can exploit. Brumbies will have succeeded in a breakdown and Schmidt will still be trying to disrupt the lineout. They also have non-discipline issues at times on tours.
However, Schmidt has his own problems and is concerned with fly half after Noah Reracio is removed from the tour.
But since he is a great coach, Schmidt will know that there is a part of the Lions.