Rugby from a Land Down Under - Lions vs South Africa review

Looking on from Down Under, Author and Coach Mike Penistone provides insights into the first test,

Rugby from a Land Down Under - Lions vs South Africa review

Many eyebrows were raised when Warren Gatland announced his team for the first Lions test. Of all the selections past players made, no-one matched the Gatland selection.

Astute coaches never stop watching and observing at sessions. Then they watch players away from the grass. They see what others can’t. They visualise blends, they measure confidence, they assess your inner self…then they select you!

Early in preparation Gatland appreciated the conditioning of his squad. Against a team that had only one run-out, against a second-tier nation, Georgia, he suspected the Springboks may be short of gas, later in the game, and so it proved.

When you have a fit and confident squad, those not picked may need answers. Many coaches find it awkward talking to a player they have left out.

I liked Gatland’s response to his meeting with Owen Farrell.

I had a good chat with Owen, and he wanted to know where he was; but sometimes you don’t have answers for players, you just go with a player because you feel they are the right player at the time.”

No coach is immune from player meetings. Dropped or none selected players are seldom happy!

The first half was hardly worth the 2 am start in OZ, but once up and refreshed with a cup of tea I hung in.

The Boks started well, denying time and space, and their first man over the ball was effective. Their scrum looked solid, and they had the courage to counterattack. The lions felt the pressure and conceded penalties. This forced the halfback Price to box kick. (I nearly went back to bed) 12-3 at the half -time whistle.

In a previous article I wrote about putting it right.

Well, Gatland did just that.

Suddenly we had a more action-packed game of rugby. The Lions looked refreshed, their catch and drive went forward, they were more adventurous, wingers appeared in mid-field.

The Boks had a couple of tries disallowed but didn’t complain. Then they started to run out of gas. Unlike the Lions replacements, who added value, the Boks replacements didn’t.

Gatland brought Owen on, purely to kick a penalty, because once again he grubber kicked when he should have passed…. ugh.

Selection for the second test in 7 days may be an issue? What has each coach learned? Easy to go with the same team? The Lions captain will have a say for sure?

The Boks must win, so expect a more fired up performance. So, the Lions must deny them a platform to attack. Scrum and lineout work high on the agenda, followed by kick chase! Then we can play football and let the backs loose.

Mike Penistone.

My forecast.

Hard to see the Lions losing, so I’m going for a 24-18 win for the Boks! And a monster decider. (Oh, for a crowd)

Coaching thought.

“Don’t look for collisions in attack; look for collisions in defence.

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Published: Monday 26 July 2021