So how will this game go? Well this is probably the strongest Lions team named yet. That said, they also face probably the toughest opposition of the tour outside of the NZ Maori and the All Blacks. The Lions will get better and better with each passing day, but I think this is a sizeable speedbump, and one they will struggle to overcome at this early juncture. Another loss for the Lions unfortunately.
My prediction: Crusaders by 10
I’m going to go the other way and say England will win comfortably.
By comfortable I mean couple of scores, 10 to 14 points.
France by 20-30 more, Ireland by 10-15 more
The England game is interesting and could go either way depending on which Argentina turn up and how well the English young guns perform. I’m gonna stick my neck out and say narrow Argie win
I'm probably in the minority here but I'm backing the Lions over the Crusaders. Like the look of the Lions lineup - don't think it's "full strength", but perhaps the strongest line up so far.
Far from convinced about Gatland and Howley (attack coach) but in theory they should've learnt one or two things following the Blues game.
I know the Crusaders pack have been exceptional all season, but can see the Lions being their equal.
Crusaders without Crotty in the midfield (key man especially defensively) and I like the Lions centre pairing of Te'o and Davies who are both in excellent form. Williams on the wing and Hogg at FB can't possibly play as poorly as they did in their previous games.
Fully prepared to end up with egg on my face here, but my bets as follows:
Lions to win @ 2.40
Small dabble at Crusaders/Lions HT/FT @ 8.5
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abbitohs by 6 I think the Rabbitohs will finally change their season around
Sharks by 4 I think the Sharks should get over the Tigers here
Eels by 2 I think the Eels will bounce back
Storm - The Storm missing 5 and the Cowboys missing 4 makes this one very interesting. I reckon the better formline is the Storm beating the Sharks compared to the Cowboys beating the Eels. That and the fact it’s in Melbourne has me picking the Storm Troopers by 4
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