Warburton Out With Injury

The Welshman and Lions captain is out of the lineup for this weekends deciding game of the series between the Australians and the Irish-British Lions.  Sam picked up a hamstring injury in last weekend's one point defeat in Melbourne and remained in Melbourne after the match under the supervision of Lions team doctor Eanna Falvey. He underwent a full medical assessment and a scan confirmed a significant tear in his left hamstring. 


 With the series tied at 1-1 it is a huge blow to the Lions, who have now lost the services of the 2013 skipper on top of the loss of 2009 captain Paul O'Connell. Irish legend O'Connell broke his arm in the 23-21 win in the first Test in Brisbane.

The Lions also lost their top two loose head props, Ireland's Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins, before the Test series started. They also had to go into last weekend's game at the Etihad Stadium without a third loose head prop, first Test starter Alex Corbisiero.


"It is incredibly disappointing to be ruled out of the tour through injury as we head to Sydney for the deciding match. I wish the team all the best and hope I can play some part in the build up this week. I am confident that the boys can finish the job off and secure the series win," said Warburton.


Lions head coach Warren Gatland has two specialist No 7s to consider as a replacement for Warburton, fellow Welshman or Ireland Sean O'Brien. The latter won his first Test cap last weekend when he came on as a replacement for Jamie Heaslip. Later in the game the experienced Tom Croft replaced the injured Warburton in the 67th minute.

The Lions skipper had just made the best display of his tour, leading Gatland to describe him as "brilliant at the breakdown". Brian O'Driscoll, the 2005 tour captain, took over the captain's arm band from Warburton in Melbourne and could now get the job from the start on Saturday.

Irish-British pool recovery

Two Of Our Boys

Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney - Irish Rugby players

All Even

The Australians staved off a series defeat to the Irish-British Lions today with a late 16-15 win to even the series at 1-1 setting up a showdown next weekend to determine a series winner.


Stoppages for injuries were regular occurrences after some punishing exchanges, especially in the second-half, when the Wallabies ran everything at an unstinting and virtually impenetrable red line before ultimately the pressure told. 

It took 75 minutes of intense, physical, defense-dominated rugby on Saturday before Wallabies center Adam Ashley-Cooper found a gap to score the game’s only try, and the young goal-kicker Christian Leali’ifano stepped up to hit what turned out to be the match-winning conversion from out wide.

But just like the week before, the result hinged on the final kick of the game. 

On June 22 in Brisbane, Kurtley Beale of Australia missed a kick at the end to hand the Lions the 23-21 victory in the first test. This time it was Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny who failed with his 50-meter penalty attempt with no time left, giving Australia a 16-15 victory and denying the Lions the 2-0 series triumph they had desperately craved. 

Halfpenny, who had kicked all the Lions’ points in the match, looked dejected as the Australians celebrated their comeback victory — they were down 15-9 at one point — to keep their hopes of a series victory alive. 

“I’ve seen Leigh kick those before,” said Lions captain Sam Warburton, who was forced off the field with a hamstring injury before the late drama unfolded. “He just didn’t connect. He can’t blame himself. It was an extremely difficult kick. 

“But it was the right decision. You had to go for it because it was a realistic chance to win a test series.”

One Leaving, One Arriving

Got home today, sunburned, feel a little grimy, smell like the sea, and really tired.  A shave, hot bath and a long nap is going to be nice.  Cats are mauling my bags, smelling every inch.  Warmed up my chicken and rice that Gareth left for me before he went to work, so I am going to eat and enjoy a peaceful rest of the day.  It's good to be home.

Today's Humor

This Is Your Life

Moments

A Dog's Love

Childhood Friend

Ben Foden Attitude and More

Sunday Snack

The Guilt Trip

So earlier today I did some dishes and then I noticed a couple spots on the counter top.  So I started cleaning the counter top and I realized the stove top needed cleaned up.  So I decided to clean the stove.  after doing that I had to pee, so I went to the bathroom.  While in there I decided I should clean the shower and the toilet and the sink.  Then I decided, well I should clean the bathroom floor and then I went out and cleaned the kitchen floor.  

After doing that, I went out back, sat the bucket on the deck and decided to sweep the deck.  Then I saw some branches on the tree that needed trimmed, so I got out the tree trimmer and proceeded to do that.  After doing that, I thought I should wipe off the chairs and table that are outside.  

After doing that I noticed the sliding glass door could use some cleaning.  The cats were running around playing and I decided to sit down with each one, trim their nails and comb their hair, make sure their ears and teeth are clean.  

While combing the cats, the outside light was shining in the living room and noticed the dust on the television.  So I decided to clean the living room.  All that was left was to run the vacuum, but Gareth was still sleeping so I waited on that. 

I just sat down and started watching the sports news about Wigan winning the FA Cup yesterday over Manchester City when Gareth woke up, walked into the living room, bedhead hair, wrinkled t-shirt and his little blue boxers and stood there looking at me.  

His comment to me, "Are you just going to sit there and watch sports all day?"

I didn't even turn my head, I just rolled my eyes into his direction.  At this point he mumbled, "love you" and disappeared out of the room.  

I got up, ran the vacuum and then spent the rest of the morning going over everything I did before he even got out of bed.  He has now been guilted enough to give me a back massage and buy me dinner. 

Boys Being Boys - Irish Style

Sean O'Brien

Working the Irish tan.