Posible Lions surprise bolters....

First topic message reminder :

Ok there are a few threads about lions teams if picked today....lions teams next year etc etc.

We all have a good idea who will (or could) make the bulk of the squad....

However im curious to see who you think will be the last minute bolters...the players who will make massive strides in the next 12 months and force their selection.

It could be older guys regaining form...or young lads just out of the academies...but being fast tracked after putting in fantastic performances like Faletau and Warburton...

GeordieFalcon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:From:

Ireland - Dave Kearney (enormous potential, he's starting to come into his own now)
Wales - Lloyd Williams (although he's going to have to keep it up)
England - definitely May for me, who should step in the second Foden is injured
Scotland - Visser or Bennett (classic bolters - they'll only have the one year to prove themselves anyway)

Suddenly the full back position doesn't look so bad.

Front row is actually the Lions' biggest problem.
Thank god we're up against the Aussies...

George...

As much as i like Corbisieru for us...i think if Marler can really take on the work he's doing with Rowntree in the actual scrummaging department...he could move on to take over Jenkins as the outstanding LH in the UK. But it all counts on how much he improves his actual scrummaging....a year will be telling..

You don't fancy yerman Shiells as a wildcard on the loose? Far stranger things have happened than that.

George he's certainly a prospect...and in a year could very well have replaced chunk as the Scottish LH. I rate him highly...and under the gaze of Deano next year should improve further...unless he decides to move to Glasgow or Edinburgh of course....

He wouldnt be my first choice as a bolter...BUT i wouldnt be surprised either..

Looseheaded wrote:Wade from Wasps. I can see Ashton struggling to get form over the next season and Wade coming back from injury better than ever. A few England call ups and possibly sneaking onto the plane.

I agree with Wade- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snr7hAfT_3Q

Shame he got injured this 6 N time really

Brendon Smith

Felix Jones? Ross Rennie? Craig Laidlaw?

If Rennie keeps up his good form then his inclusion wouldn't be a surprise. He is the best 7 in the NH on current form. I would still pick Warburton to start due to his leadership, but Rennie is really playing out of his skin atm. Felix Jones is a great call, I sincerely hope he stays injury free, mainly for Ireland's sake. I think we have two potential world class 15s in Kearney and Jones.

Marlan Yarde could be a wing option, has a real touch of magic about him.

Yarde and Wade could end up as the English wings in a couple of seasons.

I guess Ian Evans could be considered a bolter; after so many injuries the young lad is starting to live up to his billing with some very powerful performances so far.

Abraham Williams

RubyGuby wrote:I guess Ian Evans could be considered a bolter; after so many injuries the young lad is starting to live up to his billing with some very powerful performances so far.

I remember a couple of years ago thinking Evans could be a great player. Then he faded away for ages. Would be good to see him live up to his initial promise.

Tom Youngs the Tigers hooker, if he can get over this injury then he could well be a suprise selection as a very dynamic option (England under 20s IC before conversion).

Adam Johnson

I'd be quite surprised if Falateau made it. Hes quite overrated and there are enough better 8s. I'd say the following youngguns might:

Scotland: Stuart Hogg, David Denton
Wales: Rhys Priestland, George North
England: Owen Farrell, Sharples, Brown
Ireland: No one stands out right now

Sean Cronin?

Actually Tim Visser might make it

Tobias Plaidstow

Jonny May & Jonathan Joseph

Liam Williams.

Stowe - Joseph is excellent. I saw him play in the lesser value cup against the Scarlets - far better centre than Shingler or Hape.

Liam Davies

I've been saying it for a while. I think Jonathan Joseph will form part of the Lions touring party.

Gavin Henson?

He is certainly finding some decent form now, another 12 months of good rugby and he could well be in Wales and Lions contention again.

I'll be supporting Australia if Henson makes the Lions squad!

Tommy Bowe is back in contention...!

Yes, that was a tricky catch for the first try.

Don't know about bolters but I be surprised if Best, Ferris and Bowe don't make it. Blistering form at the moment.

cian healy

Geoff Parling

Is this like Pointless where you name the worst player who might actually get into the squad?

Matthew Rees.