All Blacks v Lions - 3rd Test Predictions

by No9 Sun Jul 02, 2017 5:31 am

So its the 3rd and final test, with the series tied at 1-1. Who's going to take the series and who is going to win the Predictions game...

So here we go... Let's keep it simple and not turn it into a battle ground.

How about simply using the poll to predict the third test result and add your score prediction below for entry into the competition (no prizes, just for fun)....

Ok, I have used SportForm's Prediction competition rules (hope that's Ok SportForm) and put your predictions in.. (in the spoiler below incase you want to read them)

Rules:

So the All Black Lions Prediction results so far are:-

1st Test:

2nd Test:

Ok the RESULT...

3rd Test
Postion Player Prediction Score
1: majesticimperialman All Blacks 15 - 18 Lions 17 pts
2: compelling and rich All Blacks 31 - 17 Lions 8 pts
3: Griff All Blacks 18 - 25 Lions 7 pts
=4: TightHEAD All Blacks 34 - 19 Lions 6 pts
=4: Pete C (Kiwireddevil) All Blacks 35 - 19 Lions 6 pts
=6: ebop All Blacks 9 - 6 Lions 5 pts
=6: Pete330v2 All Blacks 32 - 10 Lions 5 pts
=6: milkyboy All Blacks 20 - 25 Lions 5 pts
=9: RuggerRadge2611 All Blacks 45 - 21 Lions 4 pts
=9: Hood83 All Blacks 35 - 9 Lions 4 pts
=11: Engine#4 All Blacks 45 - 23 Lions 2 pts
=11: No 7&1/2 All Blacks 23 - 34 Lions 2 pts
=13: No9 All Blacks 24 - 26 Lions 1 pts
=13: Taylorman All Blacks 43 - 6 Lions 1 pts
=13: BamBam All Blacks 31 - 24 Lions 1 pts
=16: Hazel Sapling All Blacks 42 - 26 Lions 0 pts
=16: mikey_dragon All Blacks 28 - 31 Lions 0 pts
=16: RDW_Scotland All Blacks 37 - 25 Lions 0 pts
=16: westisbest All Blacks 32 - 27 Lions 0 pts

Giving the final SERIES result as....

Pos Player Score
Pos Player Score
1: Griff 75 pts
2: Pete C (Kiwireddevil) 50 pts
=3: BamBam 40 pts
=3: RuggerRadge2611 40 pts
5: No9 37 pts
=6: highland_scot 36 pts
=6: TightHEAD 36 pts
=8: EST 34 pts
=8: No 7&1/2 34 pts
=10: Hammersmith harrier 32 pts
=10: Mad for Chelsea 32 pts
12: Scottrf 29 pts
13: GunsGermsV2 24 pts
14: majesticimperialman 17 pts
15: theslosty 14 pts
16: compelling and rich 13 pts
17: Ozzy3213 9 pts
18: aucklandlaurie 7 pts
19: Pete330v2 6 pts
=20: ebop 5 pts
=20: milkyboy 5 pts
=22: Hood83 4 pts
=22: The Loaded Dog 4 pts
24: fa0019 3 pts
=25: Engine#4 2 pts
=25: westisbest 2 pts
27: Taylorman 1 pts
=28: Hazel Sapling 0 pts
=28: mikey_dragon 0 pts
=28: RDW_Scotland 0 pts
=28: rodders 0 pts
=28: sensisball 0 pts
=28: TJ 0 pts

Well done Griff... Clear win there on the Prediction game...

by No9 Sun Jul 02, 2017 5:32 am

All Blacks 24 - 26 Lions

by majesticimperialman Sun Jul 02, 2017 5:43 am

The result of this test, will depend on who plays for the Lions. NZ will be hurting from the loss today and will want to make amends for the loss.

I do hope the Lions win. But they will have to play better than they did today, and not give away too may penalties.

Lions 18 NZ 15.

I could well be dreaming on this score NZ could well come out and put 30 points on the Lions. But that is my guess. Fingers crossed.

by Guest Sun Jul 02, 2017 6:33 am

Think the ABs will win. They won the first test convincingly and damn near won the second test with 14 men for most of the game. They're also playing at Eden Park the fortress.

by Goosestepper Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:47 am

All blacks to win.

Hopefully no silly citings this week to ruin it.

For any AB's fans who think SoB or Vun deserves more should review their comments post the AB's 2nd test in Dublin a few months ago. Sam Cane led with a shoulder, made zero attempt to wrap an already tackled player, made contact with the head and led to Henshaw retiring with a HIA.

At the time anyone who dared to suggest that what Cane did was worthy of more severe punishment was shot down and written off as poor losers by SOME AB posters on this form, the AB management and SOME NZ media.

AB's got the rub of the green with the ref last night;

Cruden - professional foul, could/should have got yellow
Taylor (i think) - late charge on Farrell, should have been a penalty and could argue yellow(premeditated and no arms)

Also Mako got pinged once for collapsing the scrum which was very dubious, and once for his knee hitting the ground BEFORE he went into scavange - Cane did this at least twice perhaps three times before this.

Ebop - AB's were down to one man for 55% of the game however fantastic effort. Thought the Lions were clueless for 20-30 minutes after he went off, its been a long time since I've shouted at a TV screen like that!!!

Finally Gatland needs to use the bench. Lawes and Itoje to start and McGrath.
Between 50-60 minutes we bring on Mako, Sinkler, Henderson, Stander and Teo and through the kitchen sink at the AB's

by Taylorman Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:53 am

Goosestepper wrote:All blacks to win.

Hopefully no silly citings this week to ruin it.

For any AB's fans who think SoB or Vun deserves more should review their comments post the AB's 2nd test in Dublin a few months ago. Sam Cane led with a shoulder, made zero attempt to wrap an already tackled player, made contact with the head and led to Henshaw retiring with a HIA.

At the time anyone who dared to suggest that what Cane did was worthy of more severe punishment was shot down and written off as poor losers by SOME AB posters on this form, the AB management and SOME NZ media.

AB's got the rub of the green with the ref last night;

Cruden - professional foul, could/should have got yellow
Taylor (i think) - late charge on Farrell, should have been a penalty and could argue yellow(premeditated and no arms)

Also Mako got pinged once for collapsing the scrum which was very dubious, and once for his knee hitting the ground BEFORE he went into scavange - Cane did this at least twice perhaps three times before this.

Ebop - AB's were down to one man for 55% of the game however fantastic effort. Thought the Lions were clueless for 20-30 minutes after he went off, its been a long time since I've shouted at a TV screen like that!!!

Finally Gatland needs to use the bench. Lawes and Itoje to start and McGrath.
Between 50-60 minutes we bring on Mako, Sinkler, Henderson, Stander and Teo and through the kitchen sink at the AB's

Interesting evidence to support an AB win. In fact none. But probably correct.

by Goosestepper Sun Jul 02, 2017 10:03 am

Ab's to win;

BB will not have another off game his kicking and game management will improve.
Lions discipline will still be an issue, AB's will be on best behaviour, nobody wants an excuse to miss the RC and the guys who have come in for injuries will want to grab their chance to retain their spots.

If the AB's can ship the ball to the wings our back 3 do not have the defensive capability to cope with big runners on the wings - sounds simple but most good things are.

I also notice Taylor man you made little comment on the rest of the post so you agree?

by Goosestepper Sun Jul 02, 2017 10:07 am

McGrath
George
Furlong
Lawes
Itoje
SW
SOB
TF

Murray
Sexton
Farrell
Davies
Daly Watson
Williams

Mako
Sinkler
Owens
Henderson
Stander
Webb
Teo

by Taylorman Sun Jul 02, 2017 10:33 am

Goosestepper wrote:Ab's to win;

BB will not have another off game his kicking and game management will improve.
Lions discipline will still be an issue, AB's will be on best behaviour, nobody wants an excuse to miss the RC and the guys who have come in for injuries will want to grab their chance to retain their spots.

If the AB's can ship the ball to the wings our back 3 do not have the defensive capability to cope with big runners on the wings - sounds simple but most good things are.

I also notice Taylor man you made little comment on the rest of the post so you agree?

Some of it, The ref was inconsistent and unfair to both sides, not just the Lions.

Barrett, not well know as an accurate goalkicker got seven from ten. I'd say that's an on day for him. He could have easily missed some of the ones he got.

Fails to mention the possibility of Mako getting two yellows and therefore a red, also the hit on Naholo.

But for me those are just incedentals as a result of the increased aggression the Lions, understandably, brought to the game, and the ABs efforts, largely failed, to respond.

The ABs need to up their attitude and the rest will come. How that manifests on the field could be one of many ways...Dublin for example.

This result has a precedent...77 and 93 the Lions came back to win the second then got roundly thumped in the third both times. After the ABs go through a week of the same criticism Gatland said his team had to take, they'll reassert themselves yet again...standard fare really. If the Lions get up and win this will be unprecedented. The 71 Lions didn't play a side of the same relative calibre of this AB side.

As good as the 71 Lions were, the ABs of those years from 71-76 were amongst our worst ever.

by No9 Sun Jul 02, 2017 12:26 pm

Guys.... Please keep comments on this thread to score predictions and NOT start further debates on previous tours, whether SBW Red was right, etc, etc...

There are plenty of other threads you can bicker on. I started this (as per the other 2 prediction threads) as a bit of fun to allow you top put a score prediction which I'll put into a Prediction game....

Please play nice on this thread...

by Guest Sun Jul 02, 2017 1:37 pm

Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

by Gwlad Sun Jul 02, 2017 1:43 pm

ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans. Laugh

by Guest Sun Jul 02, 2017 3:12 pm

Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.

Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

by Gwlad Sun Jul 02, 2017 4:01 pm

ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you Laugh

by Guest Sun Jul 02, 2017 5:04 pm

Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you

Didn't have the heart to post after a big loss

You coward, lol

by fa0019 Sun Jul 02, 2017 6:00 pm

I think the match will be very tight. Within a score. Normally I'd say NZ by 20 but this is a final and we'll see RWC final pressure. Like 2011 when everyone thought NZ would blow France away.

Kicks to the corner will become kicks at goal.

by Guest Sun Jul 02, 2017 6:19 pm

Yeah I'm thinking it'll be tight as well fa0019 but you never can tell what might happen. This tour has been great and provided a lot of action and talking points. The naysayers would probably rather watch their club teams hack about at sub-par levels instead of indulging in some 'real' quality and drama at the pinnacle.

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Jul 02, 2017 7:05 pm

I think the conditions and SBW being dismissed played into the Lions hands.

At Auckland, I can see only one outcome.

NZ 45 - 21Lions

by fa0019 Sun Jul 02, 2017 7:08 pm

ebop wrote:Yeah I'm thinking it'll be tight as well fa0019 but you never can tell what might happen. This tour has been great and provided a lot of action and talking points. The naysayers would probably rather watch their club teams hack about at sub-par levels instead of indulging in some 'real' quality and drama at the pinnacle.

Thats sport for you.

I can seriously see the lions winning this one. In tight games the lions are good enough to stay in touch with NZ. Get through the first 20 mins and it will be game on as NZ will send the kitchen sink at us.... if anything it will be the ultimate test of character of both sides.

The interesting thing for me is how the SBW incident changed the series. Lets be frank, without the card we probably would have lost the game comfortably and would have probably been blitzed in test 3 too. The changing dynamic of game 3 could bring the once thought impossible to a genuine threat.

by Hood83 Sun Jul 02, 2017 11:19 pm

I'm going to go with 35-9, if SBW is back and Mako starts.

I think what wasn't tested much was Farrell and Sexton's channel, until the last 20 mins and the ABs made hay then with Laumape (sp.?) I'd expect SBW to be a little less effective at bulldozing, a little more effective at offloading. If SOB manages to stop him, providing the ABs recycle quickly, which they will, we're going to struggle to get our forwards across to support our backs our wide. I've been really unimpressed with the ABs big wingers, but I can see them coming good and as much as a like Watson and Daly, they could struggle with them.

Mako's scrummaging and ill-discipline is a major problem, even if he was unlucky on a couple of occasions. Has McGrath's scrummaging been any good? I thought his tackling when he came on was absolutely incredible, and he actually made a bigger impact than Sinckler. I feel a bit for Marler who probably deserved a bit more a chance.

by yappysnap Mon Jul 03, 2017 12:55 am

When did NZ last lose two games on the bounce? Must have been a long time ago.

by Guest Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:03 am

Look at me, look at me! Top of the list! Like Mystic Meg!

Anyway, 3rd test prediction:

NZ 18 - 25 Lions

by compelling and rich Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:25 am

feel like NZ will come back stonger next week, and having 15 men will help

NZ 31 lions 17

by Gwlad Mon Jul 03, 2017 3:04 am

ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you

Didn't have the heart to post after a big loss

You coward, lol

cowardly is SBW. I was in Hawaii. Yahoo

by TightHEAD Mon Jul 03, 2017 4:37 am

All Slacks 34 Lions 19

The kiwi fans will want blood and will boo for the full 80mims or until The Ref sends off a Lion.

by GunsGermsV2 Mon Jul 03, 2017 4:44 am

Lions by 10

by Taylorman Mon Jul 03, 2017 5:07 am

Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you

Didn't have the heart to post after a big loss

You coward, lol

cowardly is SBW. I was in Hawaii.

Gee, they have treatment centres there? Who'd have thought. And no wifi for inmates huh? Whistle

by Hazel Sapling Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:39 am

NZ 42 - 26 Lions

I am assuming NZ will tear the Lions a new one and the Lions will get a late try or two to make it closer than it is IF, NZ can keep 15 men on the pitch.

by **RDW** Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:40 am

Taylorman wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you

Didn't have the heart to post after a big loss

You coward, lol

cowardly is SBW. I was in Hawaii.

Gee, they have treatment centres there? Who'd have thought. And no wifi for inmates huh?

I really don't care who started it but the bickering is becoming too much - we really don't want people to lose out on the 3rd test but it may have to come down to that if this continues.

by Gwlad Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:46 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Taylorman wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you

Didn't have the heart to post after a big loss

You coward, lol

cowardly is SBW. I was in Hawaii.

Gee, they have treatment centres there? Who'd have thought. And no wifi for inmates huh?

I really don't care who started it but the bickering is becoming too much - we really don't want people to lose out on the 3rd test but it may have to come down to that if this continues.

Not bickering with anyone, no personal remarks from me, look at his posts and you'll see.

by Guest Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:50 am

Good to have you back from your 'holiday' gwlad. Don't be a stranger after Test 3 eh.

by Gwlad Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:22 am

ebop wrote:Good to have you back from your 'holiday' gwlad. Don't be a stranger after Test 3 eh.

Am I surprised a kiwi fan would go for the low blow, seems to be a characteristic tactic. Laugh

by Engine#4 Mon Jul 03, 2017 8:31 am

New Zealand 45 - 23 Lions.

The hosts to play it wider and run the lions ragged regardless of weather.

by Gwlad Mon Jul 03, 2017 9:09 am

Of course NZ won't go wide because they know the Lions blitz is highly effective. And plan B is Warrenball but they've also just taken a right hammering up front and with no you know who at 12, the 10/12 channel isn't quite as threatened as it was.

They dont even look that dangerous ball in hand - didnt come near scoring in the last game - and their attack has been fatally struck by losing Smith and by the man whose name we won't speak of.

I fully expect they will do what they always do which is tell everyone else not to kick the ball while they pepper the back 3 with G Owens and kick for territory, hoping - perhaps vainly with BB unable to hit kicks my donkey could slot- to take their kicks. A win at all costs and they're under the cosh so I expect them to try and wind the Lions up as well.

Pressure is all on NZ. I bet their Haha will be super charged.

by Taylorman Mon Jul 03, 2017 11:25 am

Gwlad wrote:Of course NZ won't go wide because they know the Lions blitz is highly effective. And plan B is Warrenball but they've also just taken a right hammering up front and with no you know who at 12, the 10/12 channel isn't quite as threatened as it was.

They dont even look that dangerous ball in hand - didnt come near scoring in the last game - and their attack has been fatally struck by losing Smith and by the man whose name we won't speak of.

I fully expect they will do what they always do which is tell everyone else not to kick the ball while they pepper the back 3 with G Owens and kick for territory, hoping - perhaps vainly with BB unable to hit kicks my donkey could slot- to take their kicks. A win at all costs and they're under the cosh so I expect them to try and wind the Lions up as well.

Pressure is all on NZ. I bet their Haha will be super charged.

hmm...good points.
AB's 43, Lions 6.

by LordDowlais Mon Jul 03, 2017 6:41 pm

I just hope Romain Poite is strong on Saturday. New Zealand will be hurting, and they will be pushing the boundaries even more than ever.

The All Blacks will need to be reffed properly on Saturday for the Lions to stand any chance. If Poite does not hold his minerals, then New Zealand will have another field day.

by mikey_dragon Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:01 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Taylorman wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
ebop wrote:Given my previous score prediction was so off I'm going to be more circumspect and say....

ABs 9 Lions 6

NZ still failing to score tries, brilliant the self belief is even crumbling amongst the fans.
Good to see you still struggling to spot tongue in cheek gwlad. Where were you last week when the ABs cleaned up? Were you feeling a bit cowardly?

Oh dear, Lose one game and you just have a massive girly tantrum dont you

Didn't have the heart to post after a big loss

You coward, lol

cowardly is SBW. I was in Hawaii.

Gee, they have treatment centres there? Who'd have thought. And no wifi for inmates huh?

I really don't care who started it but the bickering is becoming too much - we really don't want people to lose out on the 3rd test but it may have to come down to that if this continues.

Funny bunch of posts laughing

by GunsGermsV2 Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:06 pm

New Zealand will come back stronger but unlike in Dublin they wont have Jaco Peyper to let them away with murder. Poite will be ref so adavntage Lions. The Lions will however, need to get off to a flying start and play much better in the forwards.

by mikey_dragon Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:12 pm

ABs 28 - 31 Lions. I believe.

by mikey_dragon Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:13 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:New Zealand will come back stronger but unlike in Dublin they wont have Jaco Peyper to let them away with murder. Poite will be ref so adavntage Lions. The Lions will however, need to get off to a flying start and play much better in the forwards.

Right about Peyper but not sure about Poite. Didn't he once red card Du Plessis for a legit tackle on Carter? He also refused to card any of the AB players that came running in swinging after that good tackle.

by Taylorman Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:54 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:New Zealand will come back stronger but unlike in Dublin they wont have Jaco Peyper to let them away with murder. Poite will be ref so adavntage Lions. The Lions will however, need to get off to a flying start and play much better in the forwards.

Dublin was nothing. ABs are treating this like a World Cup final. Won't matter who the ref is this time.

by GunsGermsV2 Mon Jul 03, 2017 10:00 pm

Taylorman wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:New Zealand will come back stronger but unlike in Dublin they wont have Jaco Peyper to let them away with murder. Poite will be ref so adavntage Lions. The Lions will however, need to get off to a flying start and play much better in the forwards.

Dublin was nothing. ABs are treating this like a World Cup final. Won't matter who the ref is this time.

Well if they treat this like the 2011 world cup final then the Lions should win as you wont have Joubert to help you fall over the line.

by tigertattie Mon Jul 03, 2017 10:01 pm

All Blacks to win at a canter

by Pete330v2 Mon Jul 03, 2017 10:58 pm

OK so my last prediction was way, way out. I didn't even make one for the 1st. I must be more scientific about this.

So, let me see, the second test had SBW sent off after 25 minutes which left 55 minutes with 14 men. at 7 points per 10 minute period that should have been about 38 points to the Lions, they got 24 so that's 14 points gone a begging. Therefore I will deduct that from what they scored giving them 10 points. The ABs will score a lot more giving them 32 points.

So its New Zealand 32 - B&I Lions 10.

by eirebilly Tue Jul 04, 2017 1:31 am

Will first wait to see what side Gatland announces so I can kind of judge what his tactics will be.

by R!skysports Tue Jul 04, 2017 2:00 am

If we play with the same team and the All Black keep 15 on the pitch

NZ by 25

by Gwlad Tue Jul 04, 2017 12:21 pm

Well you know from last year that they will play even dirtier this week, look at how they behaved in Dublin after losing in Chicago.

by Taylorman Wed Jul 05, 2017 6:33 am

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Taylorman wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:New Zealand will come back stronger but unlike in Dublin they wont have Jaco Peyper to let them away with murder. Poite will be ref so adavntage Lions. The Lions will however, need to get off to a flying start and play much better in the forwards.

Dublin was nothing. ABs are treating this like a World Cup final. Won't matter who the ref is this time.

Well if they treat this like the 2011 world cup final then the Lions should win as you wont have Joubert to help you fall over the line.

Except you make the mistake of thinking the Lions are as good as France were. You seem a bit obsessed with the impact refs have with loving this one and hating that one. Probably caused by so many close matches where you let the ref have a say.

Last week was an exception for the ABs to do that. This week they'll make sure it doesn't matter what he does, where you have no idea of what that concept is about, because of the sheer abundance of closely fought tests your side endures...Refs become a big subject often. With the ABs it's more rare, though 'big' when it happens.

Champion sides take the refs out of the equation and the ABs have done that in more than 70% of their tests, being more than seven ahead at the whistle.

by GunsGermsV2 Wed Jul 05, 2017 7:15 am

France lost to Tonga in the group stages at that world cup. They werent that good. NZ creak when under lots of pressure. All teams do.

That atitude towards refs is probably why the ABs think they can do whatever they want on the pitch and get away with. It probably explains why they are quite an ill diciplined side.

by Cyril Wed Jul 05, 2017 7:30 am

Guns, are you sitting on for Gwlad during his time off?

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3rd Test result