Last Wednesday (July 2) they beat the Queensland Reds 52-12 and followed it up with a 21-10 victory against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday in Sydney.
However, similar to their first match against the Western Force, the Lions were without nine test stars in both games and, despite showing detemination, they lacked quality in depth. The Waratahs looked like a beach team, perhaps no great surprise after a poor season in Super Rugby.
Regardless, Lions players performing poorly are contributing to coach Andy Farrell’s selection issues. He will have discarded some already and may have selected 90% of the team. In each of the games to date, the forwards have looked sluggish in defence and slow to react and get into position. This sluggishness is contributing to the unforced error count, which is currently unacceptable. The backs need Gibson-Parke and Russell at 9 and 10. The two Smiths, Marcus and Finn, are not world-class.
Several weeks ago, I proposed that Scotland has the potential to contribute five players to the Lions’ backline, something that is becoming increasingly likely. Kinghorn, Jones, Van de Merve, Russell and Tuipulotu may all well make Farrell’s final 15.
Team units playing well are the answer to Farrell’s problems. To date the units have been barely adequate against very weak franchises. Occasionally, the superstars in the team can lift the performance standard as examples, although only Russell and Gibson-Parke have star quality.
Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies’ coach, knows all this, having coached the Irish side. He will have plans to limit Russell’s attacking options and put pressure on Gibson-Parke at the breakdown.
Don’t underestimate Australia. They have had a few lean years, but playing attacking rugby is in their DNA. If they are to beat the Lions, the first test is the one to win.
The dilemma Farrell has is when to show his hand. The units and their combinations need to participate effectively in the upcoming two games and demonstrate strong performance. Injury is an ever-present risk, as is ensuring the bench provides quality cover.
The Lions play the Brumbies tomorrow, another makeshift team, but on the Lions’ performance against the Waratahs, they could be a banana skin waiting to happen.
Four months ago, the Lions were odds-on to win the series 3-0. The odds have shortened massively, so be careful how you spend your money.
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.