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.

yappysnap wrote:Gats does seem to like a punt on players.

He does if they are worth it.

He will know Croft very well from the last tour, I am sure he is being well monitored.

TJ BOD is predominantly a 13.

The way I see the centres battle

12 contenders are Barritt,36,Darcy,Roberts and possibly Scott.

13 contenders are Tuilagi,BOD and Davies.

I don't think it would be wise to play a centre out of position.

Well past it agree but did you know Barritt is only about 15st.

Does anyone on The Times actually watch any rugby ? Their team sucks big time. Visser may tour but I doubt he will start - the man cannot defend if his very life depended on it and the Ozzies would run all over/through him like a knife through butter. Gordon D'Arcy - blimey where did that come from ! Good player a (good) few years ago but now ?

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Apert from a "must not be mentioned" Brad Barritt has hardly been mentioned. He is probably the first back on Sl's teams sheet, backs anyway. The captains the best defence (so far anyway) in the 6N. Against possibly the best or at least most inventive backline in the world, what do you want, a 17 stone lump or someone that can order backline in both attack and defence, pass the ball and knock over anything that comes towards him. Massively underrated player.

Also Croft is fit again,we saw in SA what he can do on hard grounds agianst the best. Is there anyone better as a lineout option or in broken play?

Croft is a very decent player, great professional with an exceptional attitude towards the game and his teams. He offers a lot but it depends what you are looking for. There are a few good 6s around. Personally I'd rather a buldoser of a 6 like Ferris who if anyway able to stand will probably be selected. Im biased of course.

If he had been fit then I would have taken Croft as he offers something completely different to the other options at 6. However, with the awful injury he had and the lack of game time, he will need a very strong end to the season and Tigers to go further in the HEC if he is even going to stand a chance (this is coming from one of his biggest fans)

We'll never know whether Ferris would have been given the nod over Croft on the 2009 tour. There wasn't much to separate them.

Croft will need to demonstrate his fitness and find form with Leicester before he can be considered. Same with Lydiate and same with Ferris.

The Lions is a brutal schedule, and there's a very short period in which to get them up to speed. No player carrying an injury or short of match fitness should be allowed on the plane.

If the above trio aren't fit then there are still some very good options. Ryan Jones is hardly playing badly, and Kelly Brown and Tom Wood are both genuine old school blindsides. Then there's the option of shifting SOB or Robshaw into the 6 jersey many believe they are more suited to play in. There's also James Haskell to consider, and O'Mahony and Harley haven't disgraced themselves so far in international rugby.

Form and fitness ought to matter more than reputation, if history teaches us anything.

Better a healthy Croft having a successful career stretching out for many more years than a short term and damaging trip with the Lions. He can go next time

I have wondered for a while if Lawes couldn't be the perfect mix of Ferris meets Croft at 6.



He has pace, power, a scything tackle, loves the physical stuff, is extremely good in the lineout and has a very good motor.


Even if it's just for the midweek games I think he would absolutely ruin some Ozzies. Gats could be just the right kind of crazy coach to make it work as well.

beshocked wrote:TJ BOD is predominantly a 13.

The way I see the centres battle

12 contenders are Barritt,36,Darcy,Roberts and possibly Scott.

13 contenders are Tuilagi,BOD and Davies.

I don't think it would be wise to play a centre out of position.

Well past it agree but did you know Barritt is only about 15st.

Scott, Davies Twelvetrees and BOD would be a great group.

I just hope that Gatland picks the players that are on FORM, Rather than any body on reputation.

At this moment Croft should not even be in Gatlands mind for a Lions spot. Due to the amount of Games that he as had.

Every three weeks or so Planet Rugby will update its leaderboard for who should pack their bags, who should keep the diary open and who should stock the fridge with a few beers, pizzas and ice creams for soaking up the tour on the couch, as the most coveted of selections fast approaches.

We must stress that long-term injuries have been taken into account for our calls. However, those nearing a return to action are accommodated.

Here we go - make sure to give your feedback.

FULL-BACKS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Competition for the 15 shirt has become so intense that rather than take two full-backs, we have opted for three. Leigh Halfpenny is still out in front after a man-of-the-match performance for Wales against France in Paris, but his flexibility in the back three could see him selected on the wing. Rob Kearney continues to work his way back into form and his best games are ahead of him, while his experience from 2009 is useful. The eye has been well and truly caught though by Stuart Hogg - with the Scotland full-back racking up two long-range tries in two games. Continue that form through the rest of the championship, and he may win a starting spot.

On standby: Lee Byrne, Alex Goode

Best make other plans next June: Ben Foden, Felix Jones.

WINGS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Following his match-winning try in Paris, George North offered a timely reminder of what he can do on the biggest stage. It means that North slots back onto the plane, at the expense of the injured Simon Zebo, whose injury rules him out for now despite his audacious bit of skill against Wales. Chris Ashton retains his spot after a hard-working opening to the Six Nations so far, with the flying Dutchman Tim Visser also coming in to claim his plane ticket. That leaves Mike Brown, whose contributions so far in the Six Nations for England have been outstanding. Alex Cuthbert remains on the fringes, as does new Scotland winger Sean Maitland after impressing for Scotland in his first two Test matches.

On standby: Alex Cuthbert, Sean Maitland, Eli Walker, Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe

Best make other plans next June: Liam Williams, Ugo Monye, Christian Wade, David Strettle, Sean Lamont

CENTRES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: No changes to the centre collection from last time out. Jamie Roberts was another Welshman to rediscover his best form against France, excelling on his 50th cap. Brian O'Driscoll produced a rather subdued performance against England - it has been quite a busy morning for Ireland's most capped player with the birth of his daughter - but he was electric against Wales and must not only travel, but also start. Manu Tuilagi is yet to leave his mark on this year's championship following injury, but is still a powerful weapon and could prove so against France this weekend. Brad Barritt's qualities continue to go unheralded but he is a coach's dream given his work-rate. That leaves Jonathan Davies, who despite seemingly forgetting how to pass against Ireland, clings on to travel. Billy Twelvetrees is on the radar, as is Matt Scott.

On standby: Scott Williams, Matt Scott, Billy Twelvetrees

Best make other plans next June: James Downey, Anthony Allen, Darren Cave, Gordon D'Arcy, Ashley Beck

FLY-HALVES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Injury has provided a temporary setback for Ireland's Jonathan Sexton, but the new Racing Métro recruit is still the best option. Hot on his heels though is Owen Farrell, who simply continues to improve with every Test he plays after a fine kicking performance in the win over Ireland in Dublin. The closer we edge towards the first Test in Brisbane, debate over who must direct the Lions will intensify and the gap between these two players is currently a lot closer than people expect. Dan Biggar silenced some critics against France and is undoubtedly talented, but will face competition from a resurgent Toby Flood, whilst Jonny Wilkinson's Lions chances appear to be fading. Ruaridh Jackson is another to catch the eye.

On standby: Toby Flood, James Hook, Ruaridh Jackson

Best make other plans next June: Jonny Wilkinson, Rhys Priestland, Ronan O'Gara, Rhys Patchell, Charlie Hodgson, Greig Laidlaw, Paddy Jackson

SCRUM-HALVES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Danny Care and Ben Youngs are as difficult to separate when it comes to selection for England as they are far the Lions, with Care landing the most recent blow with a stunning try against Leicester for Harlequins. Youngs though is seen as the preferable option given his all-round abilities. Mike Phillips will also travel behind the pairing, with Ireland's Conor Murray likely to challenge him for the remaining spot.

On standby: Conor Murray, Eoin Reddan, Paul Marshall

Best make other plans next June: Tavis Knoyle, Issac Boss, Richard Wigglesworth, Lloyd Williams, Lee Dickson, Henry Prygos

NUMBER EIGHTS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Jamie Heaslip had an afternoon to forget against England, the first black mark on new Ireland captain's report card so far. It will no doubt spur him on to better performances over the next couple of months, but Toby Faletau is making a real impression and in many minds right now is the frontrunner to start at number eight against the Wallabies. Last but not least, Scotland captain Kelly Brown can operate at the back of the pack and is making his case on a weekly basis with high tackle counts. Ben Morgan's injury has been come at a time when he was starting to show promise.

On standby: Ben Morgan, Thomas Waldrom, David Denton, Billy Vunipola, Johnnie Beattie

Best make other plans next June: James Coughlan, Jordan Crane, Nick Easter

FLANKERS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Two games in and Chris Robshaw has gone from having a seat on the plane to being the leading contender to start at openside flanker and possibly even captain the Lions in Australia. Not far behind him is Ireland's Sean O'Brien who is in fine form after returning from injury, a nightmare to contain and possessing the kind of power that can swing matches. The battle for the openside flanker position in Wales for now has been won by the Osprey Justin Tipuric, who will certainly travel - fitness permitting - if he continues his rich vein of form. Injury for now though rules out a spot on the plane for Stephen Ferris along with Dan Lydiate, with England's Tom Wood taking the remaining place given his flexibility to play across the back row. That leaves one more spot, which for now is taken by the resurgent Ryan Jones. His return from injury as Wales captain could not have gone better in Paris, and he has the key experience of two Lions tours on his record meaning he will not only travel, but possibly start. Sam Warburton must find a breakthrough.

On standby: Sam Warburton, Stephen Ferris, Ross Rennie, Dan Lydiate, Peter O'Mahony, Tom Croft, Steffon Armitage

Best make other plans next June: Tom Johnson, John Barclay, Alasdair Strokosch, Chris Henry, Iain Henderson, James Haskell

SECOND-ROWS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: England's Geoff Parling continues to edge closer to a Lions starting spot, something that would have been dismissed 12 months ago when he made his Test debut, with Scotland's Richie Gray putting down a marker for club and country in recent weeks too as he discovers some form. Donnacha Ryan should be his main contender for the number four slot - another great athlete who never fails to produce impressive tackle statistics. The final second row place goes for now to Joe Launchbury, who is taking to Test rugby with surprising ease. He edges out Nathan Hines, whose lack of involvement in the Six Nations following international retirement has not helped his cause. The chasing pack is headed by Alun Wyn Jones, who is named on the bench for Wales this weekend and if fit - when it comes to selection - should squeeze in.

On standby: Nathan Hines, Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jim Hamilton, Courtney Lawes, Andrew Coombs

Best make other plans next June: Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Al Kellock, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Mike McCarthy

HOOKERS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: The same trio from last time out should all travel bar injury. Rory Best is still out in front, although his throwing has been a tad wayward in recent weeks, with Dylan Hartley apparently now set to start for England against France this weekend, offering him a chance to issue a reminder of his experience. That leaves Tom Youngs, who for now holds the edge over the injured Richardt Strauss and Welshman Richard Hibbard at hooker.

On standby: Richard Hibbard, Sean Cronin, Richardt Strauss

Best make other plans next June: Ross Ford, Matthew Rees, Mike Sherry, Ken Owens

PROPS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: It has been an interesting couple of opening games in the Six Nations for Cian Healy. After a brilliant performance against Wales, Healy was wild against England and his stamp on fellow Lions prop Dan Cole has seen him consequently suspended. He will certainly travel, but the incident has raised doubts over his temperament. Cole is another who will definitely travel and is playing well, edging out the challenge of Lions veteran Adam Jones for now in any case. Gethin Jenkins' domestic woes continue and he has looked off the pace in the opening games so far, with Paul James hot on his heels for Wales. The final spot goes to Mike Ross, but Mako Vunipola is starting to make an impression for Saracens and England. With the bolter tag now around his neck, he could make a late surge.

On standby: Mako Vunipola, Paul James, Ryan Grant

Best make other plans next June: Alex Corbisiero, Euan Murray, Andrew Sheridan, Tom Court, Joe Marler, Dave Kilcoyne

by Ben Coles
@bencoles_

http://www.rugbyworld.com/news/blogs/rbs-6-nations-mid-term-report-lions-xv/

15. Stuart Hogg Holding off the challenges of Rob Kearney and Alex Goode, the top try scorer in the RBS 6 Nations is also the man who has made the most yards with the ball, jetting over 201m with ball in hand. He is exciting and thriving in the intensity of the competition.

14. Leigh Halfpenny He has been too consistent, too brave, and too darn good to miss out. He reverts to the wing so as to make way for Hogg, but in tandem this pair could evade most clutching defenders. Halfpenny is also a top-quality Test kicker, especially from distance.

13. Brian O’Driscoll Here at Rugby World we have taken to calling him ‘Lion’ O’Driscoll. He is that good. Okay, he failed to skip out of trouble against England, but he is so bombastic in defence and so creative in attack that it would be insanity to deny BOD his Lions swansong in Australia.

12. Jamie Roberts The man is human glue. He perhaps offers less turnover potential when compared to Brad Barritt and less open field flourishes than Billy Twelvetrees – even less bash and smash than Manu Tuilagi – but he is starting and lasting the distance for Wales and he can offer all of these things. He also has a fine understanding with LOD (Lion O’Driscoll).

11. Mike Brown The fans of George North must be made aware that this is the toughest selection. North finished with so much aplomb against France that even his father felt it necessary to storm the turf, and he is capable of that even if he has drifted in and out of a game.

Yet Brown has been Mr. Consistent. He has made more line breaks than anyone else in the 6 Nations. He has covered more yards with the ball than anyone else, bar Hogg. He is watertight under the high ball and the man the Lions could use to run the Aussies in circles before North comes on to blast through them.

10. Owen Farrell With Sexton crocked and few others offering a sensible, stable alternative, it is the hour of the Iceman. He is cooler than a liquid nitrogen fondue and just as dangerous. A certainty to tour, and probable to start?

9. Ben Youngs The scrum-half’s biggest threat comes from his teammate Danny Care, who scored an absolute belter for Harlequins at the weekend. However, he is likely to be retained for his balance and understanding with Farrell, this week, and it is a burgeoning partnership the Lions could benefit from. Mike Phillips broods in the background, for now.

1. Cian Healy Ok, so he is the rugby doghouse right now. He is was a very naughty boy and we all feel his ban could and perhaps should have been longer.

Nevertheless, he is the top tackler in the 6 Nations and gave Dan Cole hell in the scrum. He is merely allowing others to attempt to stake a claim, but it would be foolish to suggest he is not Warren Gatland’s front runner.

2. Rory Best It must be a lot of pressure having so many houses banked on you, but that does not seem to phase the redoubtable Best. No other British and Irish hooker has his lineout accuracy and his defensive work always impresses.

3. Dan Cole The tight-head was not at his brutish best against Ireland, but he made up for that by slowing ball and rucking like a demon. It seems that Euan Murray has decided to stake a serious claim for the 3 jersey, having made a mind-boggling 15 tackles against Italy in Round 2. Oh, and then there’s some bloke called, Adam Jones. A position of strength for the Lions.

4. Joe Launchbury The young rocket is gathering support. He may have been shelf-stacking at Sainsbury’s a matter of year ago but he is full of potential, game for a scrap and willing to do anything that is asked of him. In a championship where few second-rows are dominating totally, he is doing his bit.

5. Donnacha Ryan As interchangeable as the wingers are, this position is hard if only because so many have so much to prove. Ryan has done well and is a lineout presence, but one of Richie Gray, Geoff Parling, Andrew Coombs and Ian Evans could declare an interest, and Mike McCarthy and Alun Wyn Jones could figure in the near future.

The vital grafter in the scrum and a lineout option, the No 5 needs to be someone able to do it all, quietly and uncompromisingly.

6. Kelly Brown Want quiet and aggressive? Brown has done the captain’s role well for Scotland. Similar to Ryan Jones in the leadership stakes, he will do whatever it takes to succeed. That is one of the reasons he is so highly rated at Saracens.

Dan Lydiate is still on the comeback trail and Sean O’Brien certainly has the power for No 6, but your blindside needs to be a clunky old-engine that has the sole mission of knocking out Australia’s groundhogs, rather than looking at the ball themselves.

7. Chris Robshaw It may pain many naysayers, but Robshaw is having a hugely impressive 6 Nations. He carries, tackles and links, makes no fuss, and shows that your No 7 does not have to fit the scavenging stereotype. After all, against Australia you do not have to match a jackal with a jackal; you just have to keep the ball.

He and a punchy blindside can do that for you. Unless Warburton or Justin Tipuric can set some fires Robshaw has a shout.

I, like many, am coming around to the idea.

8. Toby Faletau Young Toby was supreme against France and probably Wales’ best player against Ireland. He is edging it, with Jamie Heaslip struggling with captaincy, Ben Morgan injured, Tom Wood too versatile to settle and Johnnie Beattie needing to maintain his form for a whole championship to get into contention.

Rugby world's picks.... not bad I say.

Not bad. I'm particularly supportive of both Youngs and Care touring. I do think they are the best two scrum halves at the moment.

3rd choice should come from Phillips, Murray or Laidlaw.

All I know is that Healy will be the first name on the team sheet.

no.1....

lostinwales wrote:no.1....

exactly

Yes, he is needed for ankle massage duties on no3.

ESPNs Latest Lionswatch:-

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

The No.15 picked up the Man of the Match award for the second match running and looks certain to be on the plane to Australia come the summer.

14. Alex Cuthbert (Wales)

The Cardiff Blues' winger scored Wales' second try against Italy and could have had another had it not been for Gonzalo Canale's impressive tap-tackle.

13. Manu Tuilagi (England)

Despite having half of his left ear hanging off for most of the match, Tuilagi was huge for England. He scored their sole try and outplayed France's gigantic centre Mathieu Bastareaud.

12. Luke Marshall (Ireland)

The young Ulster centre shone on his debut and looks to be the natural successor to Gordon D'Arcy. He made several line breaks and while they failed to create a try, his performance would have given Declan Kidney some heart.

11. Craig Gilroy (Ireland)

While Ireland squandered numerous try-scoring opportunities, Gilroy took his when it was on offer to take his Test try tally to two in three appearances.

10. Dan Biggar (Wales)

Italy never really threatened Wales but while Kristopher Burton's tactical kicking was poor, Biggar shifted the Azzurri all over the field.

9. Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)

Laidlaw was flawless with the boot and his constant quick-ball around the breakdown kept Ireland on their toes. His versatility and composure could see him become a Lion in the summer.

1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Jenkins defied the doubters and was back to his best against the Italy scrum. He picked up an injury in the second-half that could rule him out of their next match versus Scotland but it was a top performance from the loose-head.

2. Richard Hibbard (Wales)

On a weekend when none of the hookers really stood out, Hibbard was probably the best performing No.2.

3. Adam Jones (Wales)

While Jones' rival for the Lions tight-head berth Dan Cole struggled against France's Thomas Domingo, Jones hammered Italy's Andrea Lo Cicero. He was immense against the physical Italian front-row and looks to be a Lions certainty. Scotland's Geoff Cross warrants a mention.

4. Jim Hamilton (Scotland)

He caused havoc in the Irish lineout with a series of steals and helped maintain Scotland's defensive structure - he also won the Man of the Match award for his gritty display at Murrayfield.

5. Geoff Parling (England)

The Leicester second-row should cancel his plans for the summer - he will almost certainly be on the plane to Australia. He was the standout second-row on show at Twickenham and is consistency personified.

6. Ryan Jones (Wales)

Jones is flourishing at blindside for Wales and it would take a huge call from Rob Howley to take the captaincy off the veteran back-rower. He was Wales' top tackler against Italy with 16 and could be in Lions contention.

7. Chris Robshaw (England)

He is now the favourite to lead the Lions in the summer and was named Man of the Match for the second round running after another massive performance. Scotland's Kelly Brown is unlucky to miss out.

8. Tom Wood (England)

Despite having played most of his rugby at blindside or openside, he is excelling at No.8 for England. He went toe-to-toe with Louis Picamoles for the entire match and managed to generally nullify the French back-rower's threat.



Tom Wood at Number 8 is a very big surprise, considering how well the other eights played. I think most agree that Wood is far better suited to the flanks than number eight.

Otherwise some very worthy selections.

maestegmafia wrote:ESPNs Latest Lionswatch:-

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

The No.15 picked up the Man of the Match award for the second match running and looks certain to be on the plane to Australia come the summer.

14. Alex Cuthbert (Wales)

The Cardiff Blues' winger scored Wales' second try against Italy and could have had another had it not been for Gonzalo Canale's impressive tap-tackle.

13. Manu Tuilagi (England)

Despite having half of his left ear hanging off for most of the match, Tuilagi was huge for England. He scored their sole try and outplayed France's gigantic centre Mathieu Bastareaud.

12. Luke Marshall (Ireland)

The young Ulster centre shone on his debut and looks to be the natural successor to Gordon D'Arcy. He made several line breaks and while they failed to create a try, his performance would have given Declan Kidney some heart.

11. Craig Gilroy (Ireland)

While Ireland squandered numerous try-scoring opportunities, Gilroy took his when it was on offer to take his Test try tally to two in three appearances.

10. Dan Biggar (Wales)

Italy never really threatened Wales but while Kristopher Burton's tactical kicking was poor, Biggar shifted the Azzurri all over the field.

9. Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)

Laidlaw was flawless with the boot and his constant quick-ball around the breakdown kept Ireland on their toes. His versatility and composure could see him become a Lion in the summer.

1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Jenkins defied the doubters and was back to his best against the Italy scrum. He picked up an injury in the second-half that could rule him out of their next match versus Scotland but it was a top performance from the loose-head.

2. Richard Hibbard (Wales)

On a weekend when none of the hookers really stood out, Hibbard was probably the best performing No.2.

3. Adam Jones (Wales)

While Jones' rival for the Lions tight-head berth Dan Cole struggled against France's Thomas Domingo, Jones hammered Italy's Andrea Lo Cicero. He was immense against the physical Italian front-row and looks to be a Lions certainty. Scotland's Geoff Cross warrants a mention.

4. Jim Hamilton (Scotland)

He caused havoc in the Irish lineout with a series of steals and helped maintain Scotland's defensive structure - he also won the Man of the Match award for his gritty display at Murrayfield.

5. Geoff Parling (England)

The Leicester second-row should cancel his plans for the summer - he will almost certainly be on the plane to Australia. He was the standout second-row on show at Twickenham and is consistency personified.

6. Ryan Jones (Wales)

Jones is flourishing at blindside for Wales and it would take a huge call from Rob Howley to take the captaincy off the veteran back-rower. He was Wales' top tackler against Italy with 16 and could be in Lions contention.

7. Chris Robshaw (England)

He is now the favourite to lead the Lions in the summer and was named Man of the Match for the second round running after another massive performance. Scotland's Kelly Brown is unlucky to miss out.

8. Tom Wood (England)

Despite having played most of his rugby at blindside or openside, he is excelling at No.8 for England. He went toe-to-toe with Louis Picamoles for the entire match and managed to generally nullify the French back-rower's threat.



Tom Wood at Number 8 is a very big surprise, considering how well the other eights played. I think most agree that Wood is far better suited to the flanks than number eight.

Otherwise some very worthy selections.

On the whole pretty good.

Very happy to see Ryan Jones finding some great form again. He comes across as a top bloke in all his interviews, and he's one of my favourite Welsh players. A true professional.

Marshall had a good game, although he blew the attacking move in the dying minutes.

Nice to see laidlaw being recognised

Laidlaw really shone as did Care and Eoin Reddan.

Mick Cleary in The Telegraph's team

Hogg
Halfpenny
BOD
Tuilagi
North
Farrell
Youngs
Jenkins
Best
A Jones
Launchbury
Parling
Brown
Robshaw
Wood

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/9892203/Mick-Clearys-Lions-XV-on-current-form.html?frame=2491738

PR's team of Round 3 - Picamoles and Fofana are the only non potential Lions in the XV. Both very deserved of their selection.


15 Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) - If Wales goal-kicking coach Neil Jenkins could adopt him, we are pretty sure he would. Jenkins watched on as the full-back slotted six from seven on Saturday in another impressive Six Nations showing. The last time the Lions won a series the full-back kicked...

14 Alex Cuthbert (Wales) - I could watch that line he hit over and over. Cuthbert was put through a seemingly non-existent hole in the Italian defence by Dan Biggar, showing great pace to go into the corner for a match-sealing try in Saturday's game. He made a cool 57 metres at Stadio Olimpico.

13 Manu Tuilagi (England) - While not in great form when coming off the bench in Round Two, Tuilagi was back up to his best in his first start of Six Nations 2013. One journalist Down Under has already sounded the warning to beware the Samoan trouble coming their way on this Lions tour.

12 Wesley Fofana (France) - Such an unlucky call on Luke Marshall, who was superb in his Irish debut against Scotland. The Ulsterman cut the line on several occasions early in the piece but unfortunately loses out to this French try-scorer. Not bad as a centre is he?

11 Craig Gilroy (Ireland) - Hunger aplenty with a try putting his side 0-8 up. Gilroy was busy throughout and was certainly undeserving of being on the losing outfit. One positive for him to take - if he can mask the defeat - was that he did his Lions prospects no harm at all.

10 Dan Biggar (Wales) - It was pleasing to see the Osprey answer his critics. Bossed it.

9 Greig Laidlaw (Scotland) - Morgan Parra may count himself unfortunate to miss out on this jersey as his return was overshadowed by a gritty Laidlaw showing. Four penalties from the busy scrum-half was enough to win the day for Scotland. How? We're still unsure.

8 Louis Picamoles (France) - While many would opt for Tom Wood for another admirable showing at eight, the running of Picamoles combined with his tireless efforts around the field sees him sneak this. Wood will no doubt slot back into the six jersey against Italy.

7 Chris Robshaw (England) - Saturday's man-of-the-match has done his British and Irish Lions captaincy chances no harm at all. While another skipper, Scotland's Kelly Brown was bloodied in victory - another touring must for us - Robshaw led England very well again.

6 Ryan Jones (Wales) - I don't think enough credit has been laid at the door of Jones. Since stepping in for Wales in Round Two as skipper, the Ospreys veteran has been a big factor in turning things around. A workhorse for a back-row that amassed a total of 41 tackles.

5 Jim Hamilton (Scotland) - Was relentless in his pressure on Rory Best at line-out time and rightly picked up the man-of-the-match award at Murrayfield. It was a real old school showing from Hamilton and one that got under the skin of their stunned opposition.

4 Richie Gray (Scotland) - Hamilton's P.I.C gets the nod here ahead of Joe Launchbury, which was a difficult call due to the England man's efforts at HQ. But Gray was part of a dogfight at Murrayfield as his combination with his 30-year-old lock partner proved critical.

3 Adam Jones (Wales) - Take your pick. Nicolas Mas and Geoff Cross were impressive for France and Scotland respectively while Dan Cole was good in patches for England. However, the Welsh pack were on top of the Italian scrum for most of the afternoon.

2 Richard Hibbard (Wales) - In contrast to the tighthead position, our hooking jersey was more who was left than who stood out. Apologies to Hibbard who was decent enough but honestly, there was little opposition as his main competitors failed to catch our eye.

1 Ryan Grant (Scotland) - Yes he was carded but it was so petty that we looked the other way. Grant formed a fine partnership with Cross and like the engine room behind him was a workhorse. His physicality was a plus for Scotland while fifteen tackles shows his fitness.

Wales Online XV in the Lions frame this week.


15 Stuart Hogg

14 Leigh Halfpenny

13 Brad Barritt

12 Matt Scott

11 George North

10 Owen Farrell

9 Greig Laidlaw

1 Gethin Jenkins

2 Rory Best

3 Dan Cole

4 Andrew Coombs

5 Jeff Parling

6 Ryan Jones

7 Chris Robshaw

8 John Beattie

Cant see the hype around Robshaw, three games in he has only got two turnovers and made thirteen tackles and missed two.
Warburton only played 70mins for the Ireland game and he got two turnovers made nine tackles and missed none, and we all think he is playing poorly

Robshaw is only gaining favor because of the PR machine pushing him to the front, he is every where bus stop and other road side advert boards for sports drinks,tv with 02 ads ,every magazine for sports drinks and supplements.

Even the Argos catalog

My team well the ones Id like to see.

PROPS; A.Jones,D.Cole,Cross,Marler,Bevinton,C.Healy.

HOOKERS;
T.Youngs,R.Best,K.Owens

SECOND ROWS;
AWJ,R.Grey,I.Evans,J.Launchbury

BACK ROW;
C.Robshaw,T.Wood,T.Faletau,SOB,B.Morgan,K.Brown.POM

SCRUM HALF;
D.Care,B.Youngs,M.Phillips

FLYHALF;
D.Bigger,O.Farrel,J.Wilkinson

CENTRE;
M.Tulagi,JD2,BOD(cpt),B.Twelvetrees

WINGERS;
T.Visser,G.North,T.Bowe,C.Wade

FULLBACK;
S.Hogg,L.Halfpenny

11Welsh/14English/6Irish/5Scotsh

Total=36

viewtothegym wrote:Cant see the hype around Robshaw, three games in he has only got two turnovers and made thirteen tackles and missed two.
Warburton only played 70mins for the Ireland game and he got two turnovers made nine tackles and missed none, and we all think he is playing poorly

You may want to check your stats as they do not tally with the official numbers.

But I would consider dropping SOB for a form Warburton, POM for a fiy lydiate and drop tom wood for a fit Ferris and id add too croft to my side if fit

LondonTiger wrote:

viewtothegym wrote:Cant see the hype around Robshaw, three games in he has only got two turnovers and made thirteen tackles and missed two.
Warburton only played 70mins for the Ireland game and he got two turnovers made nine tackles and missed none, and we all think he is playing poorly

You may want to check your stats as they do not tally with the official numbers.

Which site do you use?

welshboii15 wrote:But I would consider dropping SOB for a form Warburton, POM for a fiy lydiate and drop tom wood for a fit Ferris and id add too croft to my side if fit

I would want to have at least one more real open-side in their too. Tips is the man at the moment. we need to have a fast and canny openside as an alternative to the possibility of Robshaw.

So far no wingers have done enough to displace Bowe (even if he is injured) as best winger.

My Team:

1.Healy
2.Best
3.Cole
4.Launchbury
5.Ryan
6.Jones
7.Robshaw
8.SOB
9.Youngs
10.Farrell
11.Halfpenny
12.Tuilagi
13.BOD
14.Bowe
15.Hogg

6 Irish
6 English
2 Welsh
1 Scotsman

Close calls in 2nd row with Gray a strong possibility
Back row, who will turn out alongside SOB and Robshaw, the 2 outstanding backrowers?
Farrell or Sexton?
North at wing?

welshboii15 wrote:But I would consider dropping SOB for a form Warburton, POM for a fiy lydiate and drop tom wood for a fit Ferris and id add too croft to my side if fit

The Lions will take, what 8 back rowers? And you'd like 4 of them to be chosen on what amounts to reputation alone, with little to no proof of international form? That's a high risk strategy in anyone (else's) book.

So far no wingers have done enough to displace Bowe (even if he is injured) as best winger

Whats he gonna do use a crutch for a hand off Bowe is in the same position as Lydiate, Ferris etc, talented player whos not going to get to showcase what they can do in time.

so gleeson let me get this straight, you'd select a very young FB, move the form FB to a position he hasn't played for a long time now, play an injured winger outside of an ageing BOD who is clearly lacking pace, move the form 13 to 12 where he will struggle, a lopsided backrow that includes SOB who struggles at 8, a limited lock option in Ryan, and a very young lock and Flyhalf??

That team would be mangled by Clifton U15's IMHO.

Scrum V

Jonathan Davies Team


Hogg
Bowe
BOD
JD2
North
Sexton
Care
Faletau
Tipuric
Robshaw
AWJ
Launchbury
Jones
Best
Healy

I'm liking the idea of 6. Robshaw 7. Tipuric 8. SOB/Jones

Ryan Jones has played 8 quite a bit hasn't he?

yappysnap wrote:I'm liking the idea of 6. Robshaw 7. Tipuric 8. SOB/Jones

Ryan Jones has played 8 quite a bit hasn't he?

Most of his career and certainly a lot more than SOB. But neither are as good as Faletau or Beattie by quite some distance.

LondonTiger wrote:

viewtothegym wrote:Cant see the hype around Robshaw, three games in he has only got two turnovers and made thirteen tackles and missed two.
Warburton only played 70mins for the Ireland game and he got two turnovers made nine tackles and missed none, and we all think he is playing poorly

You may want to check your stats as they do not tally with the official numbers.

Think Robshaw made nearly that many tackles against Franec never mind in the 6n. Saw who LT quoted from, realised shock at the wrongness of everything that poster had stated was imbecilic on my part. Warm fuzzy glow may be die to cocktails or te knowledge that Robshaw will be on the flight to Aus no matter what View thinks, thank the rugby gods

As far as I can tell there are no stas for turnovers won. never seen them for any competition. Robshaw made 13 tackles against France alone, 34 this 6N so far. Missed 4, which is uncharacyeristic but I'd bet all 4 were chasing in open play. Warburton has made 12 but missed 1. He has also offered nothing (5m) in attack and as I strongly recall was Ireland's bitch at the nreakdown. Top facts there, well researched chap

Hogg better than Halfpenny .... seriously having a laugh

rainbow-warrior wrote:Hogg better than Halfpenny .... seriously having a laugh

I think quite a few people would like to see more confidence to back himself in Halfpenny. He has loads of pace and ability to beat defenders. Something Hogg is regularly demonstrating.

maestegmafia wrote:

yappysnap wrote:I'm liking the idea of 6. Robshaw 7. Tipuric 8. SOB/Jones

Ryan Jones has played 8 quite a bit hasn't he?

Most of his career and certainly a lot more than SOB. But neither are as good as Faletau or Beattie by quite some distance.

I don't think Ryan is dynamic enough for 8 anymore. I'm a massive fan of his and think he will travel (for leadership also), but he's more a 6 now.

maestegmafia wrote:

rainbow-warrior wrote:Hogg better than Halfpenny .... seriously having a laugh

I think quite a few people would like to see more confidence to back himself in Halfpenny. He has loads of pace and ability to beat defenders. Something Hogg is regularly demonstrating.

As a counter-attacker, Hogg is much better than Halfpenny. Even when Halfpenny decides to run, which isn't often, he runs until he falls over or until he's tackled. He doesn't link with other players. He's done fantastically at full back but he's still a winger.

Risca Rev wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

yappysnap wrote:I'm liking the idea of 6. Robshaw 7. Tipuric 8. SOB/Jones

Ryan Jones has played 8 quite a bit hasn't he?

Most of his career and certainly a lot more than SOB. But neither are as good as Faletau or Beattie by quite some distance.

I don't think Ryan is dynamic enough for 8 anymore. I'm a massive fan of his and think he will travel (for leadership also), but he's more a 6 now.

I think he will be pigeon holed in the super sub category that he plays so well. What an ideal bench man. A leader, plays all back five positions.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

rainbow-warrior wrote:Hogg better than Halfpenny .... seriously having a laugh

I think quite a few people would like to see more confidence to back himself in Halfpenny. He has loads of pace and ability to beat defenders. Something Hogg is regularly demonstrating.

As a counter-attacker, Hogg is much better than Halfpenny. Even when Halfpenny decides to run, which isn't often, he runs until he falls over or until he's tackled. He doesn't link with other players. He's done fantastically at full back but he's still a winger.

What does the man think? Does he consider himself a FB or winger?

Which man? If you mean Halfpenny, it doesn't matter. It'll be up to Gatland where he plays.

I think both Hogg and Halfpenny prefer fullback to wing.

It's great to see good competition there.

Halfpenny has kicking and defence as his main attributes over Hoggs open field running.

And Kearney is just class. He won't pick Hogg whilst there's a hole in his harse I'm afraid. Just not Gatland's type.

maestegmafia wrote:I think both Hogg and Halfpenny prefer fullback to wing.

It's great to see good competition there.

Halfpenny has kicking and defence as his main attributes over Hoggs open field running.

So take Hogg, Halfpenny, Brown and Foden and they can all draw straws for who plays which position and who warms the bench.



I'll get me coat.