The Lions One Year Out Part 2

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This is the Whiff guys thoughts on the Backs then

Lions – The Backs

On Tuesday, we looked at the forwards putting themselves forward for Lions selection. Today we see which backs should start learning the words to Power of Four, the fondly remembered Lions anthem.

Scrum Half

Already Packed his Spider-Bite Cream: Mike Phillips. At this juncture, no player is more inked in to the Lions test jersey than the big Welsh number nine. Not the most technically gifted, but a decent passer, his main strength is his running game and ability to link with his forwards. Plus, he’s already impressed on a Lions tour.

Work to do: Ben Youngs would be the obvious and desired deputy to Phillips – someone who offers something completely different, and a potential impact replacement late in matches, upping the pace and running tap penalties. He appears to have recovered his game after a difficult period. Danny Care mixes the good with the bad, but has had a fine season with Harlequins. You suspect Gatland would like Conor Murray in the panel as an insurance plan against Phillips, but he needs to show his best form. He needs to show greater speed off the base, but has a good pass once it gets moving.

Any bolters? Ospreys’ scrum half Rhys Webb is a smashing player, and looks the most capable of making a late burst.

Fly Half

Already Reading His Lonely Planet Guide: Johnny Sexton. With his goal-kicking yips behind him for Ireland, Johnny Sexton was one of the few successes of the Irish summer tour. Still not quite as regal in green as in blue, but we suspect Gatland is the sort of coach who’ll cajole the best out of him. Should be the test starter.

Work to do: We’re still not convinced by Rhys Priestland by a long way. Gatland seems to be a fan, though, even if he’s taken him off place-kicking duty for Wales. If Leigh Halfpenny cannot get into the side at full-back ahead of Rob Kearney, it will compromise his test credentials. Toby Flood and Owen Farrell offer slightly more stable talents than the hot-and-cold Welshman, and both will be on hand to provide solid back-up to Sexton should Gatland choose dependable place-kicking over more mercurial abilities.

Any bolters? A couple. A certain D. Cipriani will be back on English shores this season with Sale. Gatland was his one-time mentor back in the day at Wasps. It remains unlikely that the one-time next big thing will have the discipline and defensive willingness to push for a place on the tour, but how marvellous it would be if he could. The incumbent next-big-thing, George Ford is another who could make a late dash, but needs to depose Toby Flood at Leicester first.

Centres

Surfboard at the ready: The only centre who looks anything close to nailed-on is Wales’ Big Bopper Jamie Roberts. We had him in our ‘work to do’ section last year, but he has done plenty of that in the last twelve months. Hard runner, good hands, when he’s on song he’s close to unplayable; he’ll be a key man for the Lions and nigh on irreplaceable.

Work to do: Can Brian O’Driscoll see out his career with a victorious Lions tour? He would love nothing more. The old ledge-bag looked sprightly for Leinster but played a touch fast and loose in New Zealand. If his body holds together, he’ll surely do enough to make the plane. Oooooooooooohhh Manu Tuilagi and JJV Davies offer more - how shall we put this? - straight-line tendencies, but both would offer a serious threat to the Aussie gainline.

Any Bolters? Quality inside centres to offer competition to Roberts are thin on the ground, and it’s possible his understudy for Wales, Ashley Beck, will do likewise for the Lions. Performance in the Pro12 final underlined his quality.

Wings

Wine-tasting guide packed: George North. There’s no shortage of quality on the wings, with all four countries putting up quality players for examination, but the big, bruising Welshman is top of the bunch. No bosh-merchant, his skill, distribution and movement belie his monstrous physique.

Work to do: A large field. From Ireland there’s Keith Earls and Tommy Bowe. Earls’ ability to play centre could work to his advantage, and he has a Lions tour under his belt. Bowe excelled in 2009, and is Ireland’s best attacker. Wales’ other wing Alex Cuthbert (another monster) has timed his rise from obscurity to test class wing impeccably. Chris Ashton’s star has waned a little, but he’ll be looking to reassert himself at Saracens. And flying Dutchman (via Scotland) Tim Visser is in with a shout. He has only one Six Nations to show he can handle international rugby, but he only has the hopes of a nation riding on it, so no pressure, laddie.

Bolters: This is the most bolter-friendly position on the paddock; youngsters can quickly emerge and put themselves in the frame in a short space of time – it’s also a position where confidence and form have the biggest role to play, so Gatland might look past reputation and take a punt on those who are banging in tries. Christian Wade, Craig Gilroy and Charlie Sharples are just three of many to keep an eye on.

Full Back

Planning a visit to Ayers Rock: Another area of real depth for the Lions, with all four nations putting up a genuine contender. But Rob Kearney, after his annus mirabilis, is at the top of the tree. Outstanding performances on last Lions tour won’t be forgotten either.

Work to do: It’ll be at most two from three terrific international players. Leigh Halfpenny has a mule of a boot and while he isn’t the tallest, is a beautiful runner and dependable catcher. England’s Ben Foden is a shade off his 2010-11 form, but he is a handsome footballer in every sense of the word. Already making a bolt is Scotland’s Stuart Hogg, having been eventually let loose for Scotland this Six Nations. Greased lightning over the turf, his pace would be a real asset.

Any bolters: Felix Jones was mentioned in our comments section this time last year, but injury has been cruel to him. Gloucester’s lightning-fast Johnny May is an exciting talent, but can he break into the England team to make an impression?

Just Eleven Months To Go

A year out from the tour, the augurs are good. Wales ran Australia very close in the recent series, and were painfully unlucky to come out on the losing side in the latter two matches. Surely augmenting that side with a handful of daring Irish, granite-hewn Englishmen, and a giant peroxide-blonde Scot will tilt the balance? Warren Gatland has already been on one successful, albeit losing, tour and his task will be to deliver a harmonious, happy, competitive squad, similar to 2009. Therer’s usually little enough you can do on the tactical innovation side in such a short timeframe, so don’t expect too much variation on the Welsh run-hard-run-straight gameplan, with Mike Phillips directing a brutish pack of forwards and Sexton looking to bring the likes of George North and Tim Visser into play as much as possible. With quality scrummagers, no short of backrow options and plenty of good attacking threats in the backline, this is the Lions’ best chance of a series win since… ooooooh… 1997. Memo to all: don’t get injured.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Rory

100% bang on mate. The Welsh tight 5 and back row havn't enough ball carrying options!
Roberts was always going to be missed because of that alone! That's the reason I believe Davies is key for Wales, he does add some carrying.

The welsh backline didn't dominate the Aus, but when your playing off 40% of ball, with a stuttering 10, and a 9 who takes forever to get the ball out it is hardly surprising! Phillips lends himself well to a direct game, of which Wales weren't playing as North and Cuthbert weren't coming in on the tight.

Wales had no front foot ball, yet every time the ball got to the centres we looked very threatening, Ioane's positioning was ropy, the other winger (can't remember his name) was anonymous in defence.

With front foot ball a large lions backline can destroy the Aus backline.

True - it will be interesting to see if it makes a difference, and if the outcome is also different.

Luckless

You make a good point, but I think theres enough nous from Sexton, Roberts, and North to give the wider channels a try out too. Also as much as I have disliked Tuilagi's abilities he is getting better, both defencively and going forward.

My point is you don't just run the same strike lines over and over, you target a certain area (tight) and attack it more often than others. Using Roberts on the dummy and playing Tuilagi round the corner wider with North in support would keep the likes of Mccabe watching for the wider threat!

Wales backline with Sexton and Kearney please.

Already Packed his Spider-Bite Cream: Mike Phillips. At this juncture, no player is more inked in to the Lions test jersey than the big Welsh number nine

I've also got to question this bit in the OP. Mike Phillips inked in for a test jersey? Really? Now it may be almost a certainty he's going but starting may be a bit far. He was given the run around by Genia on Wales summer tour and really is a bit one dimensional. There is a far better tactical option in Mike Blair and two better attacking options in Care and Youngs. Youngs in particular is explosive when in form and fit (fitness was keenly lacking for the majority of last season). Care and Youngs can change a game something that Phillips struggles to and Blair will offer a better platform for a 10 with neater passing and more accurate kicking.

All will depend on what Gatland's tactics are.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Already Packed his Spider-Bite Cream: Mike Phillips. At this juncture, no player is more inked in to the Lions test jersey than the big Welsh number nine

I've also got to question this bit in the OP. Mike Phillips inked in for a test jersey? Really? Now it may be almost a certainty he's going but starting may be a bit far. He was given the run around by Genia on Wales summer tour and really is a bit one dimensional. There is a far better tactical option in Mike Blair and two better attacking options in Care and Youngs. Youngs in particular is explosive when in form and fit (fitness was keenly lacking for the majority of last season). Care and Youngs can change a game something that Phillips struggles to and Blair will offer a better platform for a 10 with neater passing and more accurate kicking.

All will depend on what Gatland's tactics are.

I would also add that Youngs has dominated pretty much every encounter he has had with Genia, picking up at least one MOTM award and being instrumental in the win down in Australia and their win the last time they played in England. Now I know form is very important but having someone who Australia will be genuinely concerned about is something that is definitely worth thinking about. He has hurt them far too many times recently for Australia not to be concerned about him and even if he is marked out of the game because of this, this would leave more room for Sexton (or whoever is at 10) and the rest of the backline to work with.

Anyone thinking we can just go to Australia and bludgeon them is both deluded and will be sadly mistaken when we come back with our a$$es well.and truly kicked!

As a matter of interest, but is Gatland confirmed as the Lions coach? Last I've heard about it was that there was some concern over his fitness and the WRU wants him available to them for the AIs.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Anyone thinking we can just go to Australia and bludgeon them is both deluded and will be sadly mistaken when we come back with our a$$es well.and truly kicked!

Very true, you can bludgeon an aging Irishman, sulky Frenchman or one dimensional Englishman...but a spritely and energetic young Ozzie?

No!... stifling is the ticket, bludgeoning is just asking for trouble.

Anyone thinking we can just go to Australia and bludgeon them is both deluded and will be sadly mistaken when we come back with our a$$es well.and truly kicked!

This is true, last time I checked only their scrum lacked physicality (and even that isn't looking fragile these days) there is nout wrong with their tackling (apart from maybe in the old 10/12 channel). They will happily cut down big runners and their backrow will love it and I mean love it if the Lions try to batter their way through. They'll probably coin the phrase "turnover time" everytime the Lions attempt a crash ball and get turned over. No, you've got to have more in the armory than pure muscle. Pace and guile for starters not to mention good set pieces (giving Oz set peice ball is a bad idea).

Are you putting Kidney's name forward by any chance Sin é?

formerly known as Sam wrote:Couple of bolter suggestions:

- Alex Goode - the Sarries fullback is an excellent fullback who can create from deep, act as a secondary play maker on the blind side or out wide to give creative options to the 10. Add in he is thoroughly reliable points kicker (75%ish I think from memory) and another tactical kicking option. Not the biggest guy and is not blessed with bags of pace (he's as quick as Kearney though).

- Matt Tait - if he's fit (BIG if) he could be an explosive utility option covering 13, wing and 15. He has played in a RWC Final at both 13 and 15 and has a season at Tigers to make a massive left field claim.

Do you actually think Tait will even make it back for the Tigers though Sam?

The Lions backline certainly seems a lot more of an open field than the forwards. I do think Philips is in the driving seat but would like to see Youngs and Care put in some top class performances for England. Youngs showed he's not only got the talent but also the attitude to be at the top of his game. Plus he's one of a limited number of players who were integral to a side that has already beaten Australia. Twice.

There's certainly room for several players to squeeze their way in to a starting line-up, but currently i'd like to see:

9. B Youngs
10. J Sexton
11. G North
12. J Roberts
13. J Davies
14. C Ashton
15. D Kearney

21. M Philips 22. T Flood 23. B Foden

Fecking love Lions years

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Are you putting Kidney's name forward by any chance Sin é?

I was thinking more of Eddie O'Sullivan

There's certainly room for several players to squeeze their way in to a starting line-up, but currently i'd like to see:

9. B Youngs
10. J Sexton
11. G North
12. J Roberts
13. J Davies
14. C Ashton
15. D Kearney

21. M Philips 22. T Flood 23. B Foden

Nah I think Roberts hasn't shown much due to injury.

I'd have:

9.Youngs
10.Sexton
11.North
12.Davies
13.BOD/Manu (can't make my mind up)
14.Bowe
15.Halfpenny

Bench: 21.Phillips, 22.Flood, 23.Manu/BOD

Do you actually think Tait will even make it back for the Tigers though Sam?

Hopefully, only time will tell.

We saw in 97 that Jenkins was picked for his kickig (not his prowess as a XV) and his kicks won the test series so I would be very surprised not see Halfpenny in the match day squad.

bedfordwelsh wrote:We saw in 97 that Jenkins was picked for his kickig (not his prowess as a XV) and his kicks won the test series so I would be very surprised not see Halfpenny in the match day squad.

Is Sexton a better goal kicker than Gregor Townsend? His goal kicking has been very solid since the WC, golden boot in the league, very good kicking performance in the HC and summer your etc.

I think it's harsh to say Halfpenny has work to do. I'd say he was pretty nailed on to tour.

Mickado,

Not saying Halfpenny will start and for me Sexton is the No 10 at the moment but Leigh has been pretty impressive since doing it full time and still has that huge boot on him.

I can't argue with that. He's a class player and I would like to see him on the wing, North on the other wing and Kearney at fullback .

Hang on just a minute...

With all the talent the lions has to choose from, with the kind of quality that we will take that won't see test action, are you really suggesting that we go to Oz and try to spoil. As if we're the huge underdog looking to just compete.

THAT IS THE WORST LOAD OF BS I HAVE EVER READ ON THIS BOARD!

Once you decide to spoil you've already lost the game.
If you are afraid of Pocock and present a game plan around avoiding him youve already lost the game.

The 'crash' is non existent in my eyes, big carriers carrying into traffic and commiting numbers is totally different to a crash ball.

The breakdown is the key area for Oz, if you can beat them at that you have them. Which means numbers, and numbers have to be there very quickly. If you try to go wide regularly like Wales did Pocock becomes much more important, it becomes a back row battle.

Anyone who doesn't consider the brute force of our potential backline has no business talking tactics!

How can you pick players like Jamie Roberts, and Ben Youngs?

At this moment in time both players are injured. You cannot select any one for the Lions who is injured.

Surfboard at the ready: The only centre who looks anything close to nailed-on is Wales’ Big Bopper Jamie Roberts. As he played at all within the last year?

majesticimperialman wrote:How can you pick players like Jamie Roberts, and Ben Youngs?

At this moment in time both players are injured. You cannot select any one for the Lions who is injured.

Surfboard at the ready: The only centre who looks anything close to nailed-on is Wales’ Big Bopper Jamie Roberts. As he played at all within the last year?

Maj,

What are you classing as the last year, Internatonally the only games Roberts has missed in Namibia in the WC (squad rotation) and this tour just gone.

Rev. If Halfpenny isn't there as a kicking option then he will have to convince the selectors he is a better fullback than Kearney, Hogg, Foden and Brown. If I had to pick from those four then Kearney and Foden would be ahead.

maj

What are you talking about, Roberts played plenty in the 6N. He's not been out for that long, and will be back soon.

It's players like Warbs and AWJ who havn't played much rugby since the WC!

Rava,

I reckon its Kearney Halfpenny Foden in tha order currently. Foden wasn't his best (getting back to it) but wasn't helped being switched to the wing.

I think Halfpenny is better than Foden myself, Foden has been playing wing for England a bit lately anyways.

Foden on form is pure class. If you look back at my record I have said he's the only English player I would swap an Ulster player for.
Yes he didn't have his greatest season but rather than knock him for ending playing on the wing I would say it is a testimony to his worth that England wanted to keep him on the team.
The point I was making though is that Halfpenny would only be a nailed on start if he was needed for his kicking. That's not reason enough in my opinion.

It worked for Jenkins lol.

I think Halfpenny will tour but wont start ahead of Kearney

We need a mix of power, guile, creativty and that x factor that a shane or Jason Robinson can bring....

At the moment id say the following is in (if fit and on form), with the best form players fitting in:

9 A creative snipering 9...not Phillips
10 Who is playing the best rugby
11 Wade??? (IF his defence has improved and continues his progression)
12 Roberts
13 Non powerhouse...creative centre....
14 North
15 Kearney / Foden

Geordie,

Even when it comes to the Welsh side I have always said you need the opposite to Phillips in the squad.

His style has its advantages but then if he starts you need a sniper on the bench or vice versa

For what it's worth this would be my backs

9. Youngs
10. Flood
11. North
12. Roberts
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

Reps.
Phillips
Sexton
Davies
Foden

Geordie

Wade? You are joking?! He is far from travelling at this minute! There are at least 5/6 players in front of him.

So on form and fit you would choose a sniping 9 and whoever is playing best at 10... INSPIRING!

Phillips will travel, and at present is favourite to start.

Ive noticed a lot of people naming their backline, but without set plans and ideas you can't select personell.

Rava

Youngs has shown little recently to say he will show the form he showed on one tour 2 years ago.

Flood has seen very little rugby in ages, and IMO has lots to prove!

I can see a Youngs pattern, but for me Blair offers a lot more.

Also Roberts and BOD in the centres is risky, theres no pace between them, and IMO |Roberts can't cover the 10 channel and worry about BOD outside him.

I'm not knocking him Rava but I believe Halfpenny is better these days...in fact if Kearney isn't on top form then he may not find himself in the test team, that's how well halfpenny is playing this season.

Foden is a fantastic runner but as an all round Full back hes a fair bit behind those two at the minute.

I thought Youngs was very good against SA, from the matches I saw...missed the 3rd test I think.

Rodders

Have to agree Foden foot is lacking and he isn't as ferocious as Kearney or 1/2p in the tackle

bluesman I believe Kearney is the best in Europe on this seasons form but Halfpenny has really developed into a top class fullback, with Halfpenny's goalkicking ability I think that spot isn't a done deal for Kearney at all.

Might Halfpenny play on the wing alongside Kearney?

1/2p will travel for his goal kicking alone. Yet under a high ball he isn't inspiring, he can be hit and miss and he has been targetted, whereas Kearney is as solid as it gets.

For me Kearney is head and shoulder ahead of the other 2 at present, and 1/2p's goal kicking edges him ahead of Foden.

Can't see 1/2p playing wing, too many strong finishers there, but he may be a bench option for his versatility.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Rodders

Have to agree Foden foot is lacking and he isn't as ferocious as Kearney or 1/2p in the tackle

Defence is one of the best parts of Foden's game. He's a fine tackler.

Foden is a quality player but full back competition is fierce, I'd say hes in 3rd place right now but its all to play for. Thats just my opinion though.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Geordie

Wade? You are joking?! He is far from travelling at this minute! There are at least 5/6 players in front of him.

So on form and fit you would choose a sniping 9 and whoever is playing best at 10... INSPIRING!

Phillips will travel, and at present is favourite to start.

Ive noticed a lot of people naming their backline, but without set plans and ideas you can't select personell.

Ok...

I picked Wade because if he uses this year to continue his rapid progression...he is something very different to all the others...North, Bowe, Ashton etc. He could be that x-factor that Shane Williams and Jason Robinson gave us...and THAT is vital. And i did say IF he continues his progression...

AS for 9 & 10. We will have monsters in the back row...Roberts AND North who can batter the ball up at pace...whats the need for Philips. Get someone who can make those darting breaks and offer a quick pass...Care, Youngs..etc, but it could just as easily be a young bolter from Scotland, Ireland or Wales...so i resisted putting a name in.
10 i dont see any inspirationl options. Flood, Sexton and Preistland dont get me drooling at the propsects. However there are youngsters coming through in ALL 4 nations that really could set the world alight...thus we pick those who are playing the best rugby.

Plans are essential...BUT if you pick a strong balanced set of backs like the one i suggested we can cope with all styles...like the AB's do and the Aussies...

rodders wrote:Foden is a quality player but full back competition is fierce, I'd say hes in 3rd place right now but its all to play for. Thats just my opinion though.

You could be right. I just disagree that defence is where Foden might be behind the other two. I'd say his tackling and positional defending is at least as strong as Kearney and HP.

Of course it's just opinion Somebody should remind bluesman of that too

Bluesman it is all about opinion mate. Thats what make this a good debate

SugarNspikes told me to say that

Respect my authoritah!

Fodens a good defender, but Kearneys defence is better, and 1/2p will literally knock himself unconscious to stop a runner. Foden doesn't have that fierceness about him.

Everythings opinion on here, why would I need to be reminded?

Geordie

You havn't picked a balanced back line with no 9 or 10, a potential star whos shown little, and an aging star at 13. I'd say your backline is as unbalanced as it gets

thebluesmancometh wrote:Fodens a good defender, but Kearneys defence is better, and 1/2p will literally knock himself unconscious to stop a runner. Foden doesn't have that fierceness about him.
Everythings opinion on here, why would I need to be reminded?

Geordie

You havn't picked a balanced back line with no 9 or 10, a potential star whos shown little, and an aging star at 13. I'd say your backline is as unbalanced as it gets

Just that.

Are you re asking me my own question? If I knew the answer I wouldn't have asked.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Fodens a good defender, but Kearneys defence is better, and 1/2p will literally knock himself unconscious to stop a runner. Foden doesn't have that fierceness about him.

Strikes me that Foden has better technique then. A player (especially a full-back) doesn't need to look like a pulped mess to do his job in defence properly. Probably best if HP continues to wear that scrum cap.

thebluesmancometh wrote:Fodens a good defender, but Kearneys defence is better, and 1/2p will literally knock himself unconscious to stop a runner. Foden doesn't have that fierceness about him.

Everythings opinion on here, why would I need to be reminded?

Geordie

You havn't picked a balanced back line with no 9 or 10, a potential star whos shown little, and an aging star at 13. I'd say your backline is as unbalanced as it gets

Where did i name an aging 13?

I named an aging 13, age is an underrated attribute