British and Irish Lions Watch 2012-13

First topic message reminder :

This thread started many months back and has been a gradual examination of who is picking who for the impending Lions Tour.

Now the Six Nations is over and all we have left to judge is the HEC and the various national leagues.

The backs could be very similar to that....but the pack could be radically different.

I think most guys in Wales would say JD2 is the better centre than Roberts. And their are plenty of wingers who shall be considered currently playing on a par or better than those selected.

The pack does need a reshuffle I agree. Form hasn't transpired for a number of those players this season.

Though the AIs will be a big marker for us to judge further.

The Ai's and 6n matey...

Without doubt. It is hard to judge any players not playing at that level as being competent enough.

I certainly wouldn't have any of the blind side players currently listed above the likes of Ferris or Brown.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:I certainly wouldn't have any of the blind side players currently listed above the likes of Ferris or Brown.

With Ferris and Lydiate still out its hard to rate the blindsides

Bolting right out of contention is A Jones...his injury aside he is now so ridiculously overweight that no wonder his knee has given out. That Wales have to call up an untested tightie just to cover him shos how much we need to start doing some succession planning with Jones; we are too dependent on him.

I also thought Ryan Jones had a very quiet game and frankly that whole pack, which could quite easily have been a Welsh pack, were simply outmuscled.

Biggar deserves his Welsh call up but we have been here before with him; he must perform this Autumn.

As for Arscott, he won't be at Exeter for long playing like that, what a sensational performance he reminded me of Kearney at his best. If he keeps playing like that he will be in contention.

maestegmafia wrote:I think most guys in Wales would say JD2 is the better centre than Roberts. And their are plenty of wingers who shall be considered currently playing on a par or better than those selected.

The pack does need a reshuffle I agree. Form hasn't transpired for a number of those players this season.

Though the AIs will be a big marker for us to judge further.

really...JD2 better than JR? I think they are so different and clearly JD2 has more pace but JR has done such an amazing job for us at 12 that when we were without him in the summer it probably cost us the games.

I see that Andy Farrell is being tipped in some media to take the attack coach role for the Lions.

Between Gatland, Rowntree, Edwards and Farrell, there's a distinct flavour developing to the coaching lineup. Wonder if that will infect player selections?

ESPN updated for both weeks.

British & Irish Lions

Lions Watch: Team of the Week
ESPN Staff
October 22,
The start of the Heineken Cup saw the battle for a place on the British & Irish Lions' tour to Australia intensify with the battles between Europe's best set to be a key proving ground in the coming months.

As we all tick off the days until the team depart Down Under, ESPNscrum will cast an eye across the action and pinpoint those players eligible for the elite tourists who are pushing their selection claims with strong performances. Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed that he is prepared to cast the selection net beyond international rugby so expect competition to be fierce.

There is a lot of rugby to be played until the squad board the plane for Hong Kong and plenty of time for hopes to rise and fall with many international stars yet to return to the domestic fray but the excitement is already building.

15. Luke Arscott (Exeter Chiefs)

Despite Exeter being on the wrong end of a hammering against Clermont, Arscott's performance was up there with the best. His second-half dummy on Sitiveni Sivivatu was class and he also made some good ground.

14. Andy Short (Worcester Warriors)

It was a near-farsical match against Rovigo with Worcester crossing 14 times but Short's hat-trick warrants a place in this week's XV.

13. Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)

The Tigers centre grabbed two tries against the Ospreys and always made yards will ball in hand. He will probably start for England in the November Tests and could feature for the Lions next summer.

12. David McSharry

It was a confident performance from the 22-year-old centre and he capped an impressive showing with a try after just six minutes. He showed no signs of being fazed by the challenge of Jordan Turner Hall and got the edge over the England centre on a few occasions.

11. Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues)

We're cheating a bit here, but we had to get both Arscott and the Welsh flyer into the team despite Halfpenny lining up at fullback against Toulon. He missed a couple of kicks against the French side but scored a sensational try and constantly pinned them back with the boot.

10. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers)

Flood was in inspired form against the Ospreys and contributed 24 points to their total. He scored an intercept try and also booted over a monster penalty from way inside his own half. He appears to be hitting top form at just the right time before the autumn internationals. Saracens' Charlie Hodgson and Leinster's Jonny Sexton pushed Flood close for a spot in the team.

9. Danny Care (Harlequins)

The scrum-half was a constant thorn in Connacht's side and capped his impressive performance with two tries. He looks likely to be England's first-choice No.9 going into the November Tests and if he continues in this vein on the international stage then he is in with a real shout of making the Lions tour. Munster's Conor Murray, Leicester's Ben Youngs and Exeter's Haydn Thomas also deserve honourable mentions.

1. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster)

He was outstanding in the loose and also got the edge on Geoff Cross in the scrum. Munster's pack was one of the primary reasons behind their win over Edinburgh and Kilcoyne was at the forefront of everything they did well.


2. Rory Best (Ulster)

Best excelled against the Warriors in a match where the conditions put paid to any chance of running rugby. The set piece was essential and Best put in a good showing.

3. Mike Ross (Leinster)

Ross got the better of Phil John throughout their match with the Scarlets and reinforced his claim as one of the best props in Ireland.

4. Steve Borthwick (Saracens)

Borthwick scored a try for Sarries and exerted his influence throughout their clash with Racing Metro. He seems to be out of the England mix but he is still one of the most consistent operators in the Premiership.

5. Paul O'Connell (Munster)

Don't bet against O'Connell featuring for the Lions next summer. The 2009 captain is playing some superb rugby and appears to be hitting form at just the right time.

6. Jamie Gibson (London Irish)

The Exiles had it easy against Mont-de-Marsan running in 11 tries but Gibson's performance - which included a score of his own - would have made the England management take note.

7. Steffon Armitage (Toulon)

Despite being out of the Test loop, the openside was hugely influential against Cardiff on Sunday. He collected the Man of the Match award and also crossed the whitewash.

8. Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Easter continues to roll back the years for Harlequins and was one of their go-to men when looking to make a dent in the Connacht defence. Peter O'Mahony shone for Munster but Easter gets the nod.

ESPN Lions Watch 5th November


15. Luke Arscott (Exeter Chiefs)

It was another impressive performance by the Chiefs fullback against Worcester and while he did not score, he was a constant thorn in the Warriors' side.

14. Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors)

The uncapped winger is in the Scotland frame ahead of the November Tests and put down an impressive marker to Andy Robinson with a brace of tries against the Dragons on Friday evening.

13. Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors)

Similar to Seymour, Dunbar is in line for his Scotland debut after being named in their squad for the November Tests. And while he failed to emulate his Warriors team-mate by scoring against the Dragons, he put in a solid showing at outside centre.

12. Ian Keatley (Munster)

While Ronan O'Gara's comeback in the red jersey of Munster against the Cardiff Blues will probably dominate the headlines, Keatley put in a good performance in the inside centre position.

11. Craig Gilroy (Ulster)

Ulster are storming away in the RaboDirect PRO12 and the Irish flyer crossed for their sixth try against Edinburgh on Friday evening. He could yet feature for the national side this year.

10. Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks)

In what was a torrid week for Sale, Cipriani's star is starting to shine brightly. He showcased all the impressive aspects of his game management against London Irish on Friday evening and helped the Sharks to their first win of the season in the Aviva Premiership.

9. Haydn Thomas (Exeter Chiefs)

The scrum-half constantly shifted the point of attack and kept the Warriors on the back-foot. An impressive showing by one of the Premiership's most consistent half-backs.


1. Ross Harrison (Sale Sharks)

Despite being aged just 20, you could be forgiven for thinking that Harrison has been playing top flight rugby for years. He held his own against the Exiles' front-row and his performance would have pleased watching boss Steve Diamond.

2. Neil Briggs (London Welsh)

The Exiles got the nod over Bath in the scrum and Briggs played a key role in that aspect of the game alongside his throwing which was also accurate.

3. Tony Buckley (Sale Sharks)

The Ireland international put in a solid shift for the Sharks as part of a dominant pack that laid the foundations for the Premiership strugglers' first win of the campaign.

4. Joe Launchbury (Wasps)

It was a confident showing by the Wasps youngster against Saracens and although he was on the wrong end of the result, he can be pleased with his performance.

5. Aly Muldowney (Exeter Chiefs)

An impressive force in the lineout and around the set piece, Muldowney was the Chiefs' form forward against the Warriors.

6. Tommy O'Donnell (Munster)

Two tries from the 25-year-old will have made Ireland boss Declan Kidney sit up and take notice. He started at No.8 for the Irish province but can also turn out at blindside and with their multitude of injuries in the back-row, he could be a bolter for Ireland.

7. Mike McComish (Ulster)

With Ulster reeling from the loss of Stephen Ferris to injury, McComish went about his business at openside in an impressive manner against Edinburgh.

8. Nick Easter (Harlequins)

He keeps on rolling back the years for Harlequins and is constantly mentioned as England's form No.8. He's a regular feature in our Lions Watch and there is every chance he could fail to turn out for the national side this year but still earn a place on the plane to Australia next summer.

This From the BBC

Lions 2013: Irish and Welsh give Warren Gatland comfort

By Bryn Palmer
BBC Sport
Comments (172)
Last week, having spent a couple of weeks running his eye over potential candidates before returning to Wales duty, Lions head coach Warren Gatland was upbeat about what he'd witnessed so far this autumn.
"There's definitely been positives," he said. "There are some individuals who've put their hands up. There are a couple of players who haven't been doing brilliantly for their club sides but have been showing some pretty good form on the international stage."
With the more established candidates, many of whom toured South Africa in 2009, Gatland says it is more a case of "checking on their form, and hopefully their form is good". That hasn't necessarily been the case, and at least a dozen 'probables' remain sidelined by injury.
"A couple" of younger Scottish players had, he said, "really put their hand up" - Ryan Grant? Tim Visser? Henry Pyrgos perhaps? - but it was also possible to detect a touch of disappointment in his observation that "I don't think there's been any really outstanding performances from the younger players at the moment".
This third weekend of autumn Tests would have offered some comfort on both fronts, with some experienced players recovering form, and fresh faces vaulting into contention.
Irish eyes are smiling again

Gatland might have mixed feelings when he watches Ireland's seven-try demolition of Argentina.
While cumulative fatigue in their last Test of the year appeared to affect the Pumas' performance, the new-found verve of the Irish is a looming danger for Wales, as their first opponents in the defence of their Six Nations title in February.
But with his Lions hat on, the New Zealander must surely be enthused by the purpose, precision and panache exhibited by Ireland in all areas of the team.
Up front, prop Cian Healy, South African-born hooker Richardt Strauss, lock Donnacha Ryan and flankers Peter O'Mahony and Chris Henry will all be firmly on Gatland's radar.
Play media

Ireland 46-24 Argentina - highlights
Loose-head Healy has looked like a Lions probable for the past two years anyway, and Ryan increasingly looks the dominant figure in the Irish second row, with Paul O'Connell struggling with injury and Donncha O'Callaghan no longer a first-choice.
O'Mahony impressed with his work in the air and on the floor, Henry was "exceptional" according to Ireland coach Declan Kidney, while Strauss's set-piece prowess and footballing ability has swiftly elevated him into contention after just two caps for his adopted country.
Behind the scrum, Conor Murray distributed intelligently, Jonathan Sexton confirmed he is the Lions fly-half elect with some superb passing, tactical kicking and two well-finished tries while Tommy Bowe, who played all three Lions Tests in South Africa, collected a brace of tries as a reward for his impressive energy and work-rate.
"I saw him at the beginning of the season and he looked a bit flat, but he has come back and found his pace, his edge, his determination," noted ex-England and Lions centre Jeremy Guscott of Bowe.
The name on everyone's lips though was Craig Gilroy, who after marking his debut in the non-cap international against Fiji with a hat-trick, capped his first Test proper with a scintillating try amid a display of stepping, jinking and elusive running that drew comparisons with the great Shane Williams.
British & Irish Lions 2013 Tests
22 June: 1st Test - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

29 June: 2nd Test - Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

6 July: 3rd Test - ANZ Stadium, Sydney

"He's dancing, he's shimmying, he's scoring!" drooled BBC commentator Andrew Cotter, before adding admiringly of the Ulster wing: "His movement is Williams-esque."
While several of the other Lions wing contenders - Wales duo George North and Alex Cuthbert, Scotland's Visser - are of the marauding giant variety, Gilroy is almost diminutive by comparison at a slight 6ft, but brings welcome variety and a reminder that brains as well as brawn will be required to beat the Wallabies.
"Gilroy is like a breath of fresh air," said former Ireland and Lions hooker Keith Wood. "Every time he gets the ball there's a bit of a buzz and he made something of it every time. There's a sparkle there.
"He seems very balanced. He was energetic, sharp and aggressive with the ball in hand and runs great trail lines."
What about the other home nations? Scotland?

Play media

Scotland 15-21 Tonga - match highlights
With due respect to Richie Gray for another afternoon of hard toil in a losing cause, it would seem a trifle inappropriate to discuss further Scottish candidates after what former captain Andy Nicol called "the worst result in Scottish rugby history" against Tonga.
The delicate question of how many Scots might make the Lions party (two originally in 2009, three in 2005 and 2001) can wait for another day.
Perversely, could Andy Robinson's departure make him a candidate to join Gatland's coaching team? He was, after all, an assistant coach on the 2001 and 2005 trips. Just a thought.
Any England movers and shakers?

Flanker Tom Wood, in his first Test since the World Cup, suggested he has the physicality, mobility, defensive resolve (he was England's top tackler) and attitude to join the already bulging list of back-row contenders.
Play media

England 15-16 South Africa - match highlights
His ability to play on either flank could work in his favour, although whether it will be sufficient to elevate him above some high-class blind-side and open-side specialists is debatable. The Northampton man probably needs to nail down a position for the rest of the season.
Joe Launchbury's mobility again caught the eye on his first Test start during the narrow defeat by South Africa, while fellow lock Geoff Parling made good yardage, was strong in the tackle and is becoming a quietly impressive Test player. As England's line-out leader though he will not enjoy Monday's review session, even if the fault-line appeared to lie more with hooker Tom Youngs's radar.
Those advocating Chris Robshaw as a potential Lions captain - let alone tourist - are probably diminishing in number after more questions around his decision-making for the second week in a row.
Another solid outing from full-back Alex Goode apart, none of England's backline shone, with fly-half Toby Flood falling backwards after two costly missed penalties and errors in other areas of his game.
And Wales? Reasons to be cheerful?

The scoreline in defeat to New Zealand may not suggest it, but this was Wales' best performance of the autumn by far and for the last half-hour they showed they could match the pace and intensity of the world champions, an encouraging sign.
Play media

Highlights - Wales 10-33 New Zealand
Critics will argue, quite rightly, that 30 minutes out of 80 is nowhere near enough, but from the depths of despair at 33-0 down, the character and quality of the fightback was a positive sign for both Wales and the Lions.
Outside centre Jonathan Davies, in his first Test of the season after injury, looked like a Lion-in-waiting, while Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau reasserted their credentials with strong outings, hooker Matthew Rees and lock Luke Charteris improved the Welsh set-pieces, and wing Alex Cuthbert got better as the match went on.
Gatland will hope to see more evidence against Australia next weekend that some of his key performers have rediscovered themselves.
After all, another chance to get up close and personal with the opponents they may face in a different red shirt next summer is not one to pass up.
If Wales could end their seven-match losing streak against the Wallabies, it may bring significant psychological rewards down under.

I guess no one really wants to think about the Lions after the recent poor performances.

Ireland are the only glimmer of hope.

Why are Ireland the only glimmer of hope?

While I'm not exactly man sausage-a-hoop as an England fan it's not all doom and gloom at all.

From ESPN Half the team is Irish, Wales happy to make a few returns to the list...!

15. Alex Goode (England)

The Saracens fullback was one of those to offers further evidence that England are on the right track - even if the results are not going their way at the moment. Looked largely assured at the back and lively when afforded the opportunity to attack the Boks.

14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

Bowe was one of the primary beneficiaries of a much improved Irish performance as he touched down twice for Ireland, both times collecting chip kicks. But also made a great try-saving tackle and showed his all-round quality.

13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)

The Wales centre made one memorable break that led to a sweeping counter attack on his return from injury. He has the crucial ability of a No.13 to make the right decisions at the right time. Also solid in defence.

12. Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland)

Scott Williams made an impressive cameo off the bench for Wales but D'Arcy continued his impressive form in the Irish midfeld, where he proved a key cog in the green machine.

11. Craig Gilroy (Ireland)

Much was expected from the Ulster winger on his full debut and how he delivered. He scored a terrific try and was a threat throughout with his pace, quick feet and awareness of space, which resulted in a remarkable ten defenders beaten.

10. Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)

The Ireland fly-half scored 19 points against the Pumas and played a central role in igniting the Irish backline. He appears to have few contenders for the Lions No.10 jersey at present.

9. Conor Murray (Ireland)

It was a frustrating afternoon for fellow Lions contenders Ben Youngs, Danny Care and Mike Phillips, but Murray revelled behind a pack march forward in Dublin.

1. Alex Corbisiero (England)

Corbisiero was thrown back into the starting line-up and produced a destructive performance against the giant Springbok scrum, especially in the first half.

2. Richardt Strauss (Ireland)

The South-African born Leinster hooker scored his first try for Ireland in his second international appearance. Also linked well in the setpiece.

3. Dan Cole (England)

Along with Corbisiero and Tom Youngs in the England front row, Cole helped shunt a strong South Africa pack backwards at Twickenham.

4. Donnacha Ryan (Ireland)

The Ireland lock was a towering presence during the victory over Argentina. He was Ireland's primary source in the line-out and matched that with a huge effort in defence and at the breakdown.

5. Joe Launchbury (England)

The young Wasps lock justified his place in the starting XV with a committed and convincing display in the engine room against the physicality and ferocity of a big South African pack.

6. Tom Wood (England)

Wood was drafted back into the England starting line-up to add muscle and competitiveness at the breakdown and he largely delivered in those areas. Ended the match as England's top tackler.

7. Sam Warburton (Wales)

The Wales captain returned to the starting line-up for a mouth-watering clash with Richie McCaw and he impressed against the world's best despite his team being outclassed by the All Blacks.

8. Toby Faletau (Wales)

The Wales No.8 had his best performance of this autumn against the world champions, working tirelessly in defence and at the breakdown and making some in roads (80 metres with ball in hand) into the All Blacks' defence.

man sausage-a hoop!

This filter is mental

greenwood vs the Telegraph readership voters Lions XVs

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/9677880/British-Lions-XV-Telegraph-readers-v-Will-Greenwood.html

Craig Gilroy's superb debut for Ireland has put the young wing in contention for a place in the Lions squad for next year's tour of Australia.
The Ulster player's try-scoring display in the win over Argentina caught the eye of Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
"He was outstanding, so he has put himself into contention - some guy has put his hand up and made you sit up and take notice," said Gatland.
Gatland also picked out Irish back-row Jamie Heaslip as a possible captain.
"The captaincy is a tough one at the minute," added Gatland.
"Ideally it's someone who is hopefully guaranteed selection in terms of the Test side but then you look at the depth in certain positions and there's no guarantee of that.
"The other thing too is that you could, potentially, pick an experienced player who might be tour captain but there's a chance he might not be picked for the Tests.
"Someone like Heaslip, who has captained Ireland in the last couple of games, has put himself in the frame."
Gilroy, 21, ran in a brilliant try and helped create three more as he starred for Ireland in the 46-24 win over the the Pumas.
The Lions are aiming to secure a first series victory since the 2-1 win against South Africa in 1997.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20538840

Bit early to be a bolter, but certainly has made everyone take notice. Hopefully he can play his way into the 6N team

Aye Gilroy has done very well. Looking forward to seeing more of him.

Probably the most interesting comments from the shirt launch were that Gatland may not pick players based in France because he didn't feel the fitness and conditioning work they were getting was sufficient, citing Mike Phillips as an example.

Is Gatland just playing mid games here or is he using his Lions position to have a pop at the Welsh players who are going to French clubs?

They could just read that and prove their fitness I guess.

Who knows with Gats, he has a reputation for alleged "mind games" but most of it is journo BS re-writting to make what he said more interesting.

rodders wrote:Probably the most interesting comments from the shirt launch were that Gatland may not pick players based in France because he didn't feel the fitness and conditioning work they were getting was sufficient, citing Mike Phillips as an example.

Is Gatland just playing mid games here or is he using his Lions position to have a pop at the Welsh players who are going to French clubs?

I found it very interesting to hear his comments about Heaslip for Lions captain. That would certainly upset a few people!

Mind games Mick.... he's trying to throw the media off track, the fact that he has praised Heaslip, criticised Robshaw and spoke about the need for a fetching 7 can only mean one thing......

Robshaw will be Captain ....

Mickado wrote:

rodders wrote:Probably the most interesting comments from the shirt launch were that Gatland may not pick players based in France because he didn't feel the fitness and conditioning work they were getting was sufficient, citing Mike Phillips as an example.

Is Gatland just playing mid games here or is he using his Lions position to have a pop at the Welsh players who are going to French clubs?

I found it very interesting to hear his comments about Heaslip for Lions captain. That would certainly upset a few people!

Actually its not a bad call is it, plenty of experience, a more than likely starting player, proven winner, has recently enough beaten the Aussies...!

It is going to be very interesting to see not only who is skipper but who makes up the squad. The AIs have dispelled many peoples ideas on who should and should not make the tour...

rodders wrote:Mind games Mick.... he's trying to throw the media off track, the fact that he has praised Heaslip, criticised Robshaw and spoke about the need for a fetching 7 can only mean one thing......

Robshaw will be Captain ....

The mind games thing is a bit over far fetched. He just usually tells it like it is... then gets chastised from pillar to post for it.

rodders wrote:Probably the most interesting comments from the shirt launch were that Gatland may not pick players based in France because he didn't feel the fitness and conditioning work they were getting was sufficient, citing Mike Phillips as an example.

Is Gatland just playing mid games here or is he using his Lions position to have a pop at the Welsh players who are going to French clubs?

thank you very much - the intensity in the Top14 is more than enough to keep the players fit would they want to... Mike Phillips is about the worst example of work ethos you can get (perhaps after Byron Kelleher). Gatland credibility has taken another hit.

Hey don't shoot the messenger man!

rodders wrote:Hey don't shoot the messenger man!

it was certainly not my intention

Amazing how the simplest Gatland quote can be turned into a headline that creates a stir. No matter of the original context.

French conditioning seems ok when Top14 sides play Welsh regions. I'm not sure Mike Phillips should be cited as an example as he seems to get tired going for a burger.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:French conditioning seems ok when Top14 sides play Welsh regions. I'm not sure Mike Phillips should be cited as an example as he seems to get tired going for a burger.

Well he combines it with contact training

Big weekend for Wales to prove a few current doubters wrong against the Lions next rivals...!

Its a big weekend for Gatland to prove he has at least an inkling of how to put a team and gameplan together to beat Australia.

Huge pressure on Warburton I think too. His credibility as a potential captain and test team player is on the line here.

rodders wrote:Its a big weekend for Gatland to prove he has at least an inkling of how to put a team and gameplan together to beat Australia.

Huge pressure on Warburton I think too. His credibility as a potential captain and test team player is on the line here.

A lot of pressure on Gatland himself tomorrow. 6 losses to Australia on the trot in the last 15 months would be a huge blow to his credibility as Lions coach.

His comment about the conditioning of players playing in France was simply brain-dead. Didn't France just inflict a crushing defeat on the Wallabies?

Gatland will announce his coaching staff on December 12th.

Who would you all like to see get the jobs?

Attack/Backs
Defence
Forwards
Scrum
Kicking

Mickado wrote:Gatland will announce his coaching staff on December 12th.

Who would you all like to see get the jobs?

Attack/Backs
Defence
Forwards
Scrum
Kicking

Backs - Rob Howley
Defence - Shaun Edwards
Forwards/scrum - Robin Mcbryde
Kicking - Neil Jenkins

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:French conditioning seems ok when Top14 sides play Welsh regions. I'm not sure Mike Phillips should be cited as an example as he seems to get tired going for a burger.

That is mainly because when he goes for the burger, rather than just picking the burger up and eating it quickly and efficiently so the rest of his team mates can get a chance to get a burger, he orders the burger then runs off to the nearest field to tackle a cow, before picking up said burger, which is not cold

SKY Sports Lions after the last HEC rounds

1 - Cian Healey (Leinster) Average Score 6.8

Dean Ryan says: Leinster went down to Clermont and gave it a real shot - I think they played as good as rugby as I have seen in the last year or so.


Second: David Kilcoyne - 6.7
Third: Andrew Sheridan - 6.5



2 - Rob Buchanan (Harlequins) Average Score 6.9

Paul wallace says: Rory Best may be third on the list but he has been out with injury for some time - he looks to be getting back to his best, he had a big performance against Northampton.
Second: Richardt Strauss - 6.5
Third: Rory Best - 6.2


3 - Mike Ross (Leinster) Average Score 6.8

Paul Wallace says: I was really impressed with the way the scrum came back - that really got them back in the game against Clermont.
Second: Adam Jones - 6.6
Third: Scott Andrews - 6





4 - Donnacha Ryan (Munster) Average Score 7

Ieuan Evans says: Ryan has impressed me. The loss of Paul O'Connell was a blow for Irealnd but Ryan has really taken up the slack.
Second: Alun Wyn Jones - 6.7
Third:Steve Borthwick- 6.3





5 - Mike McCarthy (Connacht) Average Score 7.2

McCarthy led his pack with distinction as Connacht shocked Biarritz and led the way as his forwards got the better of their vaunted opponents.
Second: George Robson - 7
Third: Geoff Parling - 6.1





6 - Peter O'Mahony (Munster) Average Score 7.4

Made some clean breaks and managed to offload the ball as Munster beat Saracens 15-9 in their Pool 1 clash.
Second: James Gaskell - 7
Third: Iain Henderson- 6.2





7 - Steffon Armitage (Toulon) Average Score 7.2

Scott Quinnell says: I just love watching him play. Yes he plays a lot of his rugby on the front foot but he is almost another back, he is just superb.
Second: Chris Henry - 7.1
Third: Chris Robshaw - 6.8





8 - Nick Easter (Harlequins) Average Score 8.1

No part of the England set-up but Easter continues to top the table as the best No.8 available.
Second: Thomas Waldrom - 7
Third: Jamie Heaslip- 6.6





9 -Danny Care (Harlequins) Average Score 7.5

Care helped Harlequins record their biggest ever victory in the Heineken Cup as they beat Zebre 57-14 to get maximum points on the road and take control of Pool 3.
Second: Conor Murray - 6
Third: Ben Youngs - 5.9





10 - Dan Parks (Connacht) Average Score 8.3

Parks delighted the Sportsground faithful with a 17-point kicking contribution as Connacht saw off Biarritz 22-14 in Galway.
Second: Jonathan Sexton - 7.4
Third: Danny Cipriani - 7.3





11 - Craig Gilroy (Ulster) Average Score 8

Frankie Sheehan says: Craig Gilroy has done a tremendous job for Ireland. He is a really exciting player. I compared him to Shane Williams; he seems to be able to move without losing pace.
Second: Smith - 7
Third: Simon Zebo 6.7





12 - David McSharry (Connacht) Average Score 7.8

Connacht boosted their hopes of a maiden Heineken Cup quarter-final appearance with a 22-14 win over Biarritz. And it was McSharry who intercepted Biarritz centre Marcelo Bosch's pass and offloaded to Vainikolo on his right shoulder for a run to the line which gave Connacht a 7-3 lead.
Second: Jordan Turner Hall - 7
Third: Jamie Roberts - 6.7





13 - Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) Average Score 7.4

Davies is still in the mix after his performance in round one of the Heineken Cup - he will be looking to get the Scarlets back in the game next week after they lost 16-22 to Exeter.
Second: Eoin Griffin - 7
Third: Keith Earls - 6.4





14 - Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues) Average Score 7.1

Did not get as many chances against Montpellier as he would have liked but still remains at the top after the scores were in for round three of the Heineken Cup.
Second: Tiernan O'Halloran - 7
Third: Tommy Bowe - 6.3





15 - Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff) Average Score 7.5

Halfpenny did not play this week but his previous scores keep him ahead of the chasing pack. Lee Byrne reminded us as to why he was a Lion in 2009.
Second: Robbie Henshaw - 7.5
Third: Lee Byrne - 7.3

Post Autumn Internationals Mike Clearys pick.

England scrum with Heaslip at 8

Youngs
Sexton
Barritt
Tuilagi
Visser
Gilroy
Halfpenny.

Very strong side & picked on form.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Post Autumn Internationals Mike Clearys pick.

England scrum with Heaslip at 8

Youngs
Sexton
Barritt
Tuilagi
Visser
Gilroy
Halfpenny.

Very strong side & picked on form.

After the AIs those players looked really good.

Selection is wide open. Very few are set in stone...

Maybe Adam Jones and Dan Cole are the only two.

I suspect a few more bolters..players like Launchbury, Gilroy etc...newbies to the International scene but seemingly made for the level...

Riskysports wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:French conditioning seems ok when Top14 sides play Welsh regions. I'm not sure Mike Phillips should be cited as an example as he seems to get tired going for a burger.

That is mainly because when he goes for the burger, rather than just picking the burger up and eating it quickly and efficiently so the rest of his team mates can get a chance to get a burger, he orders the burger then runs off to the nearest field to tackle a cow, before picking up said burger, which is not cold

Maybe he should get his eyes tested then - as last time he seemed to mistake a security guard for a cow

Hartleys latest citing may end up costing him a place on the tour, especialy if Youngs genuinely establishes himself as englands number one

Thats very possible Pete..

Not a massive worry though when you see the good form of the other options at hooker.

Sky Sports limiting it to HEC players only?

EnglishReign wrote:Sky Sports limiting it to HEC players only?

I guess...!

Though i am sure Gatland wont.

maestegmafia wrote:SKY Sports Lions after the last HEC rounds

2 - Rob Buchanan (Harlequins) Average Score 6.9

Paul wallace says: Rory Best may be third on the list but he has been out with injury for some time - he looks to be getting back to his best, he had a big performance against Northampton.
Second: Richardt Strauss - 6.5
Third: Rory Best - 6.2

Love it, Rob Buchanan for the first and potentially only time in his career gets a bit of recognition in the press for the sterling work he's been doing for us out of no where and all flaming Paul I can't not talk about Irish players Wallace can do is talk up Best, who came third!

Yeah you have two young Hookers fighting for that club spot Yappy...whos best?

Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere, but here's the OPTA B&I team of the AIs, i.e. statistically the strongest Lions team from the last few test matches. Doesn't include games against Fiji, apparently. And also obviously doesn't take into account the combinations that a coach may side with over statistics, etc.

Opta's autumn Home Nations XV

15 Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

14 Sean Lamont (Scotland)

13 Manu Tuilagi (England)

12 Brad Barritt (England)

11 George North (Wales)

10 Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)

9 Mike Phillips (Wales)

1 Cian Healy (Ireland)

2 Richardt Strauss (Ireland)

3 Euan Murray (Scotland)

4 Joe Launchbury (England)

5 Geoff Parling (England)

6 Kelly Brown (Scotland)

7 Chris Robshaw (England)

8 Toby Faletau (Wales)