The Lions’ initial feeling was that the franchises were not strong enough to offer a serious challenge to the Lions squad if Wallaby test players were not released to play before an agreement was loosely reached between the Lions management and the Australian Rugby Union.
However, eager to win, Australia’s coach Joe Schmidt released only a few players and not necessarily test contenders, arguing that the Lions would not play their first-choice test players in every lead-up game.
The Western Force had nine players in the Wallabies squad - five were released to play against the Lions in what was officially the tour opener.
Andy Farrell, the Lions coach, made 13 changes to the side that lost to Argentina, with controversial 20-year-old Henry Pollock making his starting debut at No. 8 for the Lions.
An emphatic 54-7 win for the Lions but one littered with some mediocre play and unforced errors, possibly due to the lingering effects of jet lag.
Farrell will be looking for more fluency in performance, as well as finding the correct balance in selection, when the Lions face the Queensland Reds tomorrow. Which players stand out, and which units function better will be major questions being asked. The injury to Tomos Williams last Saturday and his subsequent withdrawal from the tour will pose problems, especially as first-choice scrum half Gibson-Park is still not fully match fit.
Schmidt will have noted how easily the Force forwards penetrated the Lions’ sluggish forward defensive line. Only No. 8 Henry Pollock looked to have the required quickness in support play and defensive realignment.
Selecting players who can produce quick ball at the tackle contest will have increasing importance as we near the first Test on July 19.
Sadly, only two of Queensland’s test contingent have been released to play for their province against the Lions tomorrow. A familiar result is forecast as the Lions will see off the effects of long-distance travel and competition for test places kicks in.
My Tip is the Lions by 30+.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.