Yep would assume the same re refs.
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Guy from the times said the starting team for the first test is below, pleased there is a few Scots starting
Hogg; A Watson, E Daly, R Henshaw, D van der Merwe; D Biggar, A Price; W Jones, L Cowan-Dickie, T Furlong, A W Jones (c), M Itoje, C Lawes, T Curry, J Conan.
Replacements K Owens, R Sutherland, K Sinckler, T Beirne, H Watson, I Henderson, C Murray, O Farrell.
On the domestic front, I'm actually quite disappointed to see that Cockers has left Edinburgh. He's done a great job turning us into a difficult team to beat, and a team that knew how to switch on the offensive flare - he was hampered last year by the Autumn Six Nations, and the normal Six Nations the following spring resulting in a lot of internationals missing plenty of playing time for us.
I certainly didn't judge us on our record last year - most of our regular starters were absent for most games and Cockers took an opportunity to give our younger players a shot for the future. We're a much better side than we were before he took over, and although we've lost some key players this off season, I'm looking forward to seeing what we do this coming season. Be interesting to see who's appointed as a replacement - the SRU have a real opportunity to be bold in their recruitment here!
3 Scotland players start against South Africa on Saturday. Hogg, Van Der werhe and Price. And Watson and Sutherland on the bench.
yeah Harris has had a great tour and unlucky to not be involved.
from what I’ve read and seen, he’s a victim of how Gatland was wanting to load up the bench with forwards, so with the versatility of Watson, daly, Hogg and Farrell, he could get away with only having a scrum half and One other back on the bench.
if you’re a centre or a wing/fullback, the gist seemed to be that you were either starting or not in the squad at all.
shame for him, hopefully he’ll get a chance in the 2nd or 3rd test, I’d have him well ahead of daly IMO
also completely agree about Hamish Watson, should have been starting 100%, been the best loose forward on the tour for me
New Zealand and Australia have pulled out of the rugby league WC this october Rugby League World Cup: Australia and New Zealand pull out of tournament - BBC Sport
shame, i fancied the Aussies to retain it, that's a huge blow for the organisers
Amazing that they've failed to even find a spot on the bench for Adams.
Apparently the Tv match official for the first test is a South African due to the original Aussie guy not being able to make it. Very very strange there was no back up option given the pandemic. Think there should be a tmo from over here in the second test to even if up.
Now 4 Scots starting - Sutherland in for Wyn Jones due to injury.
Lions 22-17 what a second half performance!! Feared the worse at half time.:thumbsup:
Edge of the seat stuff! A battling second half performance, well done the Lions!
Pleased with the win, and plenty of food for thought for Gatland for the second test.
Don't think we'll see van der Merwe in the second test - didn't do enough for me today. Far more likely that Josh Adams or LRZ comes in to gives us something different. Thought Hogg had a very quiet game too, and never really got into it. Courtney Lawes was outstanding today, as was Cowan-Dickie. I thought Price did well when he was on, but he was starting to make some poor kicks just before he went off - probably a good thing we finished the game with Murray at 9.
Thought the ref was poor tbh, lots of wee things that weren’t dealt with I felt
dont think a single back really stood out well (on top of that, daly is just not a top player and it showed). Wouldn’t be surprised to see some changes in there next week, possibly Williams, Harris, Farrell (especially if biggar hasn’t recovered from the possible concussion), Rees-Zammit/Adams. Not saying I want all those changes, but I’m not gatland.
Think price will probably keep his place though. I’m hoping Hogg keeps his place, think he had a controlled game today, VDM played ok.
from the forwards, Cowan-dickie, Itojie and Lawes played very well. Would like to see Hamish Watson in for Conan.
Great game. Test match rugby at it highest level. Thought all the Scottish boys did well. Van der Merwe although not seeing much ball was pivotal in changing the dynamic in favour of the lions with his kick chases. Price played very well and again the game changed with his box kick at the start of the 2nd. Sutherland scrimmage well and did well in the loose. Hogg was quiet but not really his fault, was a bit dodgy under the high ball. Hamish Watson just did Hamish Watson stuff when he came on. Lawes and Itoje were superb. Not sure if Daly at outside centre worked. I think there will definitely be changes for the 2nd test
I'm very pleased with the result I honestly thought we'd get swept 3-0. Cut a few of the mistakes and penalties out in the second half and were far more disciplined. The Lions got stronger and Boks faded, maybe due to their lack of matches? Still a win is a win, well done chaps.
Very good second half performance from the Lions. Itoje and Lawes were immense. Thought the Scots all did ok, don’t expect Sutherland to start next week, thought DvdM played well and caused problems under the high ball, Price was fine and Hogg didn’t really have much to do. Can’t see why Williams would come in for him.
As an aside, how bad is O’Gara on Sky sports?! Absolutely miserable and clearly not a Scottish fan.
Hamish Watson was lucky to remain on the pitch and I suppose could still face some retrospective ruling.
He should keep his place on form alone!