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.

George Carlin wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:I like Biggar too. He is very reliable and I would have him on the plane with Sexton and Farrell is you can pick three OHs. Sexton can also cover 1st centre.

We would have to take 3 fly halfs (halves?) surely? Someone will always get clattered in the dirt tracker games.

If that's true, then I agree that they should be Sexton, Farrell and Biggar. Not convinced about Flood.

Thanks for the spelling correction. Love it, ha ha.

The Great Aukster wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:I like Biggar too. He is very reliable and I would have him on the plane with Sexton and Farrell is you can pick three OHs. Sexton can also cover 1st centre.

We would have to take 3 fly halfs (halves?) surely? Someone will always get clattered in the dirt tracker games.

If that's true, then I agree that they should be Sexton, Farrell and Biggar. Not convinced about Flood.

George - good to see someone with the grammatical awareness to use the correct plural of Fly-half. Fly-halfs is correct in the same way that Metcalfs is the plural of Metcalf. However no-one uses this and Fly-halves has become the acceptable norm.

Regarding the Lions' 10, Sexton and Farrell will be the starter/bench, so extra cover will have to be a player who also plays elsewhere. Laidlaw is the most likely third cover because of his place-kicking.

This is Mr Utitlity Gatland, don't be surprised if he takes Hook!

100%beefy wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:I like Biggar too. He is very reliable and I would have him on the plane with Sexton and Farrell is you can pick three OHs. Sexton can also cover 1st centre.

We would have to take 3 fly halfs (halves?) surely? Someone will always get clattered in the dirt tracker games.

If that's true, then I agree that they should be Sexton, Farrell and Biggar. Not convinced about Flood.

George - good to see someone with the grammatical awareness to use the correct plural of Fly-half. Fly-halfs is correct in the same way that Metcalfs is the plural of Metcalf. However no-one uses this and Fly-halves has become the acceptable norm.

Regarding the Lions' 10, Sexton and Farrell will be the starter/bench, so extra cover will have to be a player who also plays elsewhere. Laidlaw is the most likely third cover because of his place-kicking.

This is Mr Utitlity Gatland, don't be surprised if he takes Hook!

He will take Hook

I'm concerned about the number of so-called 'utility' players being touted as being good options. Yes, we need cover for injuries but we also need the best players in their best positions by and large. We don't want a load of jack-of-all-trades who cover 10, 12, 13, 15 etc. It just becomes a bit wishy-washy.

Hook isn't good enough for Wales. He's not good enough for the Lions.

No he won't, I was kidding! Why on earth would he take Hook?!

100%beefy wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:I like Biggar too. He is very reliable and I would have him on the plane with Sexton and Farrell is you can pick three OHs. Sexton can also cover 1st centre.

We would have to take 3 fly halfs (halves?) surely? Someone will always get clattered in the dirt tracker games.

If that's true, then I agree that they should be Sexton, Farrell and Biggar. Not convinced about Flood.

George - good to see someone with the grammatical awareness to use the correct plural of Fly-half. Fly-halfs is correct in the same way that Metcalfs is the plural of Metcalf. However no-one uses this and Fly-halves has become the acceptable norm.

Regarding the Lions' 10, Sexton and Farrell will be the starter/bench, so extra cover will have to be a player who also plays elsewhere. Laidlaw is the most likely third cover because of his place-kicking.

This is Mr Utitlity Gatland, don't be surprised if he takes Hook!

Interesting - so Ryan Jones (lock and back row), Ryan Grant (loosehead and tighthead) and Greg Laidlaw (9 and 10) should be on the plane....

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I'm concerned about the number of so-called 'utility' players being touted as being good options. Yes, we need cover for injuries but we also need the best players in their best positions by and large. We don't want a load of jack-of-all-trades who cover 10, 12, 13, 15 etc. It just becomes a bit wishy-washy.

Hook isn't good enough for Wales. He's not good enough for the Lions.

But the real question that I have for you, Cyril, is whether you feel that Hook is good enough for the Lions?

Jones and Laidlaw probably on their own merit but yes the fact that they both offer so much flexibility adds to their selection factor...don't know enough about Grant.

George Carlin wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I'm concerned about the number of so-called 'utility' players being touted as being good options. Yes, we need cover for injuries but we also need the best players in their best positions by and large. We don't want a load of jack-of-all-trades who cover 10, 12, 13, 15 etc. It just becomes a bit wishy-washy.

Hook isn't good enough for Wales. He's not good enough for the Lions.

But the real question that I have for you, Cyril, is whether you feel that Hook is good enough for the Lions?

That would a big fat no

Though I do think he's very good at his other job.

Spoiler:

100%beefy wrote:Jones and Laidlaw probably on their own merit but yes the fact that they both offer so much flexibility adds to their selection factor...don't know enough about Grant.

Not necessarily to laid laws advantage. If he goes it widely be as a scrum half not because he can play both positions.
Methought if they want to keep the touring party small then a players utility is an obvious advantage.

If they want to keep the touring party small, Laidlaw's a shoo-in.

Luckless, can I just congratulate you on writing shoo-in and not shoe-in.

It was a pleasure see it done right

Your welcome.

That's just seen you loose my respect.

If I was to bring an uncapped player it would have to be Rob Cook, England OH if only for his amazing kicking technique. Rob I salute you, love it.

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/03/3042/midweek-madness-rob-cooks-bizarre-goal-kicking-technique

Would love it if this guy played for England.

Cook's kicking technique is taking the mick it's fair to say. A few players look a bit ridiculous when lining up their kicks though. Quade Cooper looks like he's doing a 'cartoon character preparing to run' pose.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://images.supersport.com/QuadeCooper-kicking110220G300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.supersport.com/rugby/article.aspx?id%3D420927&h=300&w=300&sz=30&tbnid=NZE4SM41uaJ7TM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=90&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dquade%2Bcooper%2Bkicking%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=quade+cooper+kicking&usg=__Iy7qlhzi3Dlak8keW0fXHXZJ698=&docid=n1Ko2ybBLrw-9M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Rs84UdyRNY7fPZa3gNAL&ved=0CC8Q9QEwAA&dur=1033

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/24400000/Hand-Painted-Road-Runner-Coyote-cel-road-runner-and-wile-e-coyote-24426049-1000-1295.jpg

GunsGerms wrote:If I was to bring an uncapped player it would have to be Rob Cook, England OH if only for his amazing kicking technique. Rob I salute you, love it.

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/03/3042/midweek-madness-rob-cooks-bizarre-goal-kicking-technique

Would love it if this guy played for England.

That is quite something!

king_carlos wrote:Cook's kicking technique is taking the mick it's fair to say. A few players look a bit ridiculous when lining up their kicks though. Quade Cooper looks like he's doing a 'cartoon character preparing to run' pose.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://images.supersport.com/QuadeCooper-kicking110220G300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.supersport.com/rugby/article.aspx?id%3D420927&h=300&w=300&sz=30&tbnid=NZE4SM41uaJ7TM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=90&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dquade%2Bcooper%2Bkicking%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=quade+cooper+kicking&usg=__Iy7qlhzi3Dlak8keW0fXHXZJ698=&docid=n1Ko2ybBLrw-9M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Rs84UdyRNY7fPZa3gNAL&ved=0CC8Q9QEwAA&dur=1033

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/24400000/Hand-Painted-Road-Runner-Coyote-cel-road-runner-and-wile-e-coyote-24426049-1000-1295.jpg

In some ways Coopers is just as if not more ridiculous.

GunsGerms wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Cook's kicking technique is taking the mick it's fair to say. A few players look a bit ridiculous when lining up their kicks though. Quade Cooper looks like he's doing a 'cartoon character preparing to run' pose.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://images.supersport.com/QuadeCooper-kicking110220G300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.supersport.com/rugby/article.aspx?id%3D420927&h=300&w=300&sz=30&tbnid=NZE4SM41uaJ7TM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=90&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dquade%2Bcooper%2Bkicking%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=quade+cooper+kicking&usg=__Iy7qlhzi3Dlak8keW0fXHXZJ698=&docid=n1Ko2ybBLrw-9M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Rs84UdyRNY7fPZa3gNAL&ved=0CC8Q9QEwAA&dur=1033

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/24400000/Hand-Painted-Road-Runner-Coyote-cel-road-runner-and-wile-e-coyote-24426049-1000-1295.jpg

In some ways Coopers is just as if not more ridiculous.

You should have seen JPR Williams. None of these fancy per kick stances and stretches, just put his heel in the ground, ball down, back a few paces in a straight line, run back and boot it with his toe...

Bloody awful kicker and he had the kicking duties over Barry John it was bizarre.

GunsGerms wrote:If I was to bring an uncapped player it would have to be Rob Cook, England OH if only for his amazing kicking technique. Rob I salute you, love it.

http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/03/3042/midweek-madness-rob-cooks-bizarre-goal-kicking-technique

Would love it if this guy played for England.

What makes it even funnier is he seems to be wearing shorts way too small.

Think the right place to post the news about David Pocock is here (from ABC Australia):

Pocock could miss season with ACL injury

Wallabies flanker David Pocock hobbled off the field after only 14 minutes of the Brumbies' Super Rugby match against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The skilful poacher was driven off a ruck by Wallabies team-mate Adam Ashley Cooper and fell backwards on the ground where he laid as play continued before the Brumbies medical team helped him off the field.

Pocock will undergo scans in Canberra later on Saturday night.

He was replaced by former Wallabies skipper George Smith, who made his first appearance since returning from playing in Japan.

Australia coach Robbie Deans was watching on from the stands and will be hopeful that the 24-year-old Pocock, arguably the best flanker in world rugby, will be available to make a swift - yet unlikely - return to action.

Australia plays three Tests against the British and Irish Lions in June and July.

Pocock missed the majority of Australia's November tour to Europe after undergoing knee surgery to rectify an issue suffered in an August defeat by the All Blacks in Sydney.

Planet rugby team of the weekend round four


Without further ado, here comes our offering - be sure to send in your own 15-1 team selections.

15 Andrea Masi (Italy) - This, simply, was the performance of a former Six Nations Player of the Championship. Masi was rock solid for Italy on Sunday as he carried, defended and got stuck into England in an aggressive yet intelligent manner.

14 Giovambattista Venditti (Italy) - Carried very well on the wing as the Azzurri back-three got the better of their English counterparts. Venditti made 48 metres - most of them by bouncing off would-be tacklers - in an impressive effort on Sunday.

13 Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) - Maybe harsh on Manu Tuilagi, who made inroads, but for what O'Driscoll gave to the Irish cause we had to pick him. Concussed and not wanting to leave the field, it was a gritty shift in what could be his last game for his country at the Aviva Stadium.

12 Gonzalo Garcia (Italy) - Came in, did a job, won his personal battle. Garcia was rock solid for Italy, demonstrating how he was not going to let his opportunity to cement his place in the team slip by. It is no coincidence that fly-half Luciano Orquera's game improved because of Garcia's strong performance.

11 Luke McLean (Italy) - George North didn't put a foot wrong against Scotland but how could we leave out McLean? Chris Ashton needed a big game but he was completely outplayed by the Treviso wing, who deserved his and the game's only try at HQ.

10 Dan Biggar (Wales) - If he was doing the goal-kicking and knocked over 100 percent from the tee then people would be talking about an excellent showing from Biggar. Due to Leigh Halfpenny having those responsibilities, Biggar's mature performance somewhat slipped under the radar. It's good to see him growing into the Welsh fly-half jersey.

9 Conor Murray (Ireland) - Man-of-the-match despite being brought off after 62 minutes at the Aviva Stadium. We guess the question is, why was he replaced so early in Dublin?

8 Louis Picamoles (France) - Outstanding again. 90 metres racked up but five of those were key to the result in Dublin. Picamoles powered over from a tap penalty with the extras tying the scores. Yes, it was extremely tough to leave out Mr Italy himself, Sergio Parisse.

7 Sam Warburton (Wales) - Critics silenced. Man-of-the-match for Warburton, who is set to retain his place in the side on Saturday, but this week should be joined by Justin Tipuric due to Ryan Jones' injury. So, will the captaincy now go back to the Cardiff Blues flanker?

6 Alessandro Zanni (Italy) - He broke out from Parisse's sizeable shadow with an excellent showing on Sunday. Got the better of James Haskell in an all-action display that saw him make ten tackles to go with his 62 metres made. One of the game's under-rated players.

5 Ian Evans (Wales) - Quietly going about his business in a Welsh jersey. A titanic shift.

4 Quintin Geldenhuys (Italy) - Geoff Parling is beginning to become England's most consistent player. Another strong display from him before being forced off injured on 45 minutes. However, Geldenhuys gets in here following an abrasive hour at Twickenham. Thirteen tackles in defence were made by the lock who combined well with Johsua Furno.

3 Adam Jones (Wales) - We have Jones ahead of Dan Cole right now for the British and Irish Lions starting jersey. Both have been consistent this season but Jones seems to have a slight scrummaging edge that was evident again against Scotland at Murrayfield.

2 Tom Youngs (England) - Credit to Richard Hibbard for his display but we just felt Youngs gave a more rounded effort. England lost some dynamism when Dylan Hartley started in Round Three but with Youngs back, his running took some of the weight off the back-row.

1 Mako Vunipola (England) - Quite a starting debut. Stuart Lancaster is now well stocked in the loosehead department as Vunipola joins Joe Marler and Alex Corbisiero (when fit) as capable starters. Carried strongly while Cian Healy was another to do well last weekend.

Since when were Italy in the Lions?

They played well but it seems a bit odd to include them!

Take it as a back handed complement to the English that so many Italians were chosen despite being on the loosing side

The Sydney Moning Herald down under are contributing their thoughts on the likely tourists.

I thought you all might find this an interesting perspective.


1. Mako Vunipola (England)
2. Tom Youngs (England)
3. Adam Jones (Wales)
4. Alun Wyn-Jones (Wales)
5. Donnacha Ryan (Ireland)
6. Sean O'Brien (Ireland)
7. Sam Warburton (Wales)
8. Toby Faletau (Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
10. Paddy Jackson (Ireland)
11. Mike Brown (England)
12. Manu Tuilagi (England)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
14. Sean Maitland (Scotland)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Some interesting calls and some very good ones.

http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/rugby-union/union-news/british-and-irish-lions-team-of-the-week--march-11-20130311-2fw19.html

Was that a "based on this weekend" team? If so they're probably right, except for Brown.

I'd go with some interesting calls, thank feck Gatland wont be looking at that bag of shoite

Glas a du wrote:Was that a "based on this weekend" team? If so they're probably right, except for Brown.

What happened against Italy that would support Tuilagi playing? Out of position.

And, totally agree - Brown!!!!? To bring on the kicking tee, presumably.

Poor Richie Gray, one of our sure fire tourists may now not make it. He'll be out for 8 weeks.



Even if he was to recover quicker as I have said the Lions can't really commit to taking players who might not be fit. Such a shame.

That puts Ianto and Launchbury in the boss seats for me - shame for Grey top player, top bloke

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Poor Richie Gray, one of our sure fire tourists may now not make it. He'll be out for 8 weeks.



Even if he was to recover quicker as I have said the Lions can't really commit to taking players who might not be fit. Such a shame.

Paul O'Connell might be back though.

RubyGuby wrote:That puts Ianto and Launchbury in the boss seats for me - shame for Grey top player, top bloke

And Ryan, who is of the same mould

Agreed on Gray, a real shame. Lock is not looking hugely strong I must say. I think Ian Evans is now a nailed on tourist, and Joe Launchbury can probably pack his bags as well.

Remaining 2-3 spots doesn't throw up any particularly inspiring candidates. Alan Wyn Jones made a decent comeback, Donnacha Ryan is consistently good, as is Geoff Parling, but not an awful lot to really worry the Aussies in the same way as players like Johnson and POC would have done previously. It's a shame that Courtney Lawes is on mixed form. Perhaps Parling's injury will give him a shot against Wales to make a big impact.

Parling is very over rated.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed on Gray, a real shame. Lock is not looking hugely strong I must say. I think Ian Evans is now a nailed on tourist, and Joe Launchbury can probably pack his bags as well.

Remaining 2-3 spots doesn't throw up any particularly inspiring candidates. Alan Wyn Jones made a decent comeback, Donnacha Ryan is consistently good, as is Geoff Parling, but not an awful lot to really worry the Aussies in the same way as players like Johnson and POC would have done previously. It's a shame that Courtney Lawes is on mixed form. Perhaps Parling's injury will give him a shot against Wales to make a big impact.

I dont think depth is too much of a problem...

Parling looked good, not inspiring, Launchbury has been great definitely on the plane in my opinion, he is just the type of player i would want. AW Jones and Ian Evans were superb for Wales, both probably inked into the touring party now. Ryan was great for Ireland, Jim Hamilton has been superb in the last few games for the scots but maybe a tad quieter against Wales but still likely...

I would currently take AWJ, Evans, Launchbury and Hamilton, if Gray is injured.

Robshaw shouldn't be any where near the plane let alone the Lions, one of the most mentally weak captains i have ever seen in an English shirt.

He was clueless when Italy were in the ascendancy, you don't need players like that in Australia.
BOD
Ryan Jones
Warburton
any of them will be Captain, probably BOD with Ryan as the vice.

Welcome back, View.

Your insight has been sorely missed.

Do you have me on tracker or something Cyril the Squirrel ?

You appear every single time i comment, with nothing to add to the thread just to talk to me.

viewtothegym wrote:Robshaw shouldn't be any where near the plane let alone the Lions, one of the most mentally weak captains i have ever seen in an English shirt.

He was clueless when Italy were in the ascendancy, you don't need players like that in Australia.
BOD
Ryan Jones
Warburton
any of them will be Captain, probably BOD with Ryan as the vice.

All the Welsh I met on Saturday were kind, gracious, humble and funny. I can only assume you did not go to the game or I didn't meet you.

It's posts/posters like this/that who are responsible for all the vile and rancid posts we have seen over the past few weeks.

That's it View. I can't get enough. You complete me

Robshaw is the only captain with 4/4 so he's doing ok I reckon.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

viewtothegym wrote:Robshaw shouldn't be any where near the plane let alone the Lions, one of the most mentally weak captains i have ever seen in an English shirt.

He was clueless when Italy were in the ascendancy, you don't need players like that in Australia.
BOD
Ryan Jones
Warburton
any of them will be Captain, probably BOD with Ryan as the vice.

All the Welsh I met on Saturday were kind, gracious, humble and funny. I can only assume you did not go to the game or I didn't meet you.

It's posts/posters like this/that who are responsible for all the vile and rancid posts we have seen over the past few weeks.

I'm blushing now. Quite true though.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:That's it View. I can't get enough. You complete me

Robshaw is the only captain with 4/4 so he's doing ok I reckon.

Ryan's got 3/3 and has won 3 Slams and is a Lion

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

viewtothegym wrote:Robshaw shouldn't be any where near the plane let alone the Lions, one of the most mentally weak captains i have ever seen in an English shirt.

He was clueless when Italy were in the ascendancy, you don't need players like that in Australia.
BOD
Ryan Jones
Warburton
any of them will be Captain, probably BOD with Ryan as the vice.

All the Welsh I met on Saturday were kind, gracious, humble and funny. I can only assume you did not go to the game or I didn't meet you.

It's posts/posters like this/that who are responsible for all the vile and rancid posts we have seen over the past few weeks.

Bit harsh there Radge... He's only giving his opinion and considering the game vs Italy he has a point at least he is on topic of the thread and not just commenting on a fellow poster.

My opinion on Robshaw is that he is a good player, will likely make the tour. But you would have to agree not just with the many posters on here but also the newspapers and TV pundits, that many England players did not make a good account of themselves on Sunday.

I would have had Danny Care and Toby Flood as starting halfbacks, now I am not sure I would take either on the tour.

What is great about this lions tour is that there is no one who has actually made themselves invaluable. No one is a certain starting xv player, because there are so many good candidates.

Strange how some posters have players nailed on and then completely change their mind after one game.

Rugby is a fickle sport!

RubyGuby wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:That's it View. I can't get enough. You complete me

Robshaw is the only captain with 4/4 so he's doing ok I reckon.

Ryan's got 3/3 and has won 3 Slams and is a Lion

I've no problem with Jones. He's a fine player and captain. Just not sure Robshaw deserves the abuse. Well, why am I not surprised given that it was View commenting

maestegmafia wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed on Gray, a real shame. Lock is not looking hugely strong I must say. I think Ian Evans is now a nailed on tourist, and Joe Launchbury can probably pack his bags as well.

Remaining 2-3 spots doesn't throw up any particularly inspiring candidates. Alan Wyn Jones made a decent comeback, Donnacha Ryan is consistently good, as is Geoff Parling, but not an awful lot to really worry the Aussies in the same way as players like Johnson and POC would have done previously. It's a shame that Courtney Lawes is on mixed form. Perhaps Parling's injury will give him a shot against Wales to make a big impact.

I dont think depth is too much of a problem...

Parling looked good, not inspiring, Launchbury has been great definitely on the plane in my opinion, he is just the type of player i would want. AW Jones and Ian Evans were superb for Wales, both probably inked into the touring party now. Ryan was great for Ireland, Jim Hamilton has been superb in the last few games for the scots but maybe a tad quieter against Wales but still likely...

I would currently take AWJ, Evans, Launchbury and Hamilton, if Gray is injured.

I really wouldn't take Hamilton with the Lions. He's a big lump and will be next to useless in a fast game on a hard track. The closest we've had in this tournament was the openning match at Twickenham. Hamilton needed an inhaler after 15 minutes he was so off the pace. I'd take Donnacha Ryan ahead of Hamilton for Australia. I might think differently were it South Africa.

Robshaw's a top guy all round - real players and fans player with no ego

If Swinson can impress with Glasgow in the pro12 playoffs and/or gets his chance against France he could be an out of nowhere tourist. Lock isn't exactly overflowing with Talent and as it stands he would get around the pitch much better than Hamilton.

Not saying he is sure fire to go or anything, but I would pick him to tour ahead of Hamilton.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed on Gray, a real shame. Lock is not looking hugely strong I must say. I think Ian Evans is now a nailed on tourist, and Joe Launchbury can probably pack his bags as well.

Remaining 2-3 spots doesn't throw up any particularly inspiring candidates. Alan Wyn Jones made a decent comeback, Donnacha Ryan is consistently good, as is Geoff Parling, but not an awful lot to really worry the Aussies in the same way as players like Johnson and POC would have done previously. It's a shame that Courtney Lawes is on mixed form. Perhaps Parling's injury will give him a shot against Wales to make a big impact.

I dont think depth is too much of a problem...

Parling looked good, not inspiring, Launchbury has been great definitely on the plane in my opinion, he is just the type of player i would want. AW Jones and Ian Evans were superb for Wales, both probably inked into the touring party now. Ryan was great for Ireland, Jim Hamilton has been superb in the last few games for the scots but maybe a tad quieter against Wales but still likely...

I would currently take AWJ, Evans, Launchbury and Hamilton, if Gray is injured.

I really wouldn't take Hamilton with the Lions. He's a big lump and will be next to useless in a fast game on a hard track. The closest we've had in this tournament was the openning match at Twickenham. Hamilton needed an inhaler after 15 minutes he was so off the pace. I'd take Donnacha Ryan ahead of Hamilton for Australia. I might think differently were it South Africa.

Hines is perhaps beginning to look like a realistic pick for the Lions now.

Ryan may well capt the midweek team but really is he the best backrow option at 6...no way....pick your team first.....could still be warbs after last weekend but i expect it to be BOD if fit as the midfield looks pretty witless and blunt without him

I think there are probably a fair few ahead of Swinson to be honest. His chance should have come in this 6 Nations, but Dean Ryan has clearly focused hard on the set piece to the exclusion of everything else. I thought the style of play would have suited Jim Hamilton on Saturday, but he was comfortably outplayed by both Jones and Evans.

Swinson should have started against England, in recognition of the fast rucking came coming our way. I would start him against France for similar reasons. In open play he's our second best lock behind Gray. We really need more mobility in the pack, and Swinson at lock would be a big step in the right direction. Not a Lion though.

What's happened to Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris? When do they return from injury?