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.

Agreed - Big Jim shouldn't tour. Not the right sort of player.

Perhaps if the tour was to South Africa, but the Lions on this tour should be all about tempo.

RubyGuby wrote:Jims down the pecking order, I'm expecting both Eng and Wal locks with 1 Irish

Ianto and Launchbury to start for me at the moment

Paul O'Connell is back playing now. Will he be considered or do you think Ryan will be Irelands only lock on the plane?

Jim is a Glos lad (well for this season) from the Scots heartland of Swindon.
We love him at the club, but I would be the first to admit he is not a Lion.
The English & Welsh jumpers plus an Irishma are better than Big Jim.

GunsGerms wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Jims down the pecking order, I'm expecting both Eng and Wal locks with 1 Irish

Ianto and Launchbury to start for me at the moment

Paul O'Connell is back playing now. Will he be considered or do you think Ryan will be Irelands only lock on the plane?

I agree about a tempto gameplan, Launchbury and Evans would be a decent combo, with the likes of AWJ and Parling in reserve.

Is Grey definately out though? If he's half fit he has to travel.

Ryan would be a decent squad member, can't see him troubling the Walglish 4some, so maybe POC could be a more inspirational squad member than Ryan (although RYan deserves a place over him)

Hamilton was going okay, and was probably on the fringes but his brain farts last week will probably cost him.

I still think Hines might be usefull...

I agree re Hines. Would love if he was selected. probably still the best lock around right now.

POC is out of the reckoning until he comes back and proves form and fitness. Clearly a fully fit and onform POC would be an asset to the touring party, but that's a long way from being realised.

Agreed on Hines. Some big games between now and the end of the season in France could see him a dark horse.

I think Ian Evans, Alan Wyn Jones and Joe Launchbury are currently the front runners, with two further locks going.

Donnacha Ryan and Geoff Parling are the two leading contenders on form and fitness, but if POC or Richie Gray can prove fitness and form in time then they should be considered, similarly Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies. Of those fit and playing, Courtney Lawes and Nathan Hines are also possible options.

If you want Hines go with POC. He's just as good at that sort of play. However, I reckon Gatland thinks AWJ is better than either of them anyway.

funnyExiledScot wrote:POC is out of the reckoning until he comes back and proves form and fitness. Clearly a fully fit and onform POC would be an asset to the touring party, but that's a long way from being realised.

Agreed on Hines. Some big games between now and the end of the season in France could see him a dark horse.

I think Ian Evans, Alan Wyn Jones and Joe Launchbury are currently the front runners, with two further locks going.

Donnacha Ryan and Geoff Parling are the two leading contenders on form and fitness, but if POC or Richie Gray can prove fitness and form in time then they should be considered, similarly Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies. Of those fit and playing, Courtney Lawes and Nathan Hines are also possible options.

If POC was selected it wouldnt be the first time that the coaching staff left a place open for a player who has been out with a long standing injury. Sometimes not playing at all is better than playing badly isnt it?

GunsGerms wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:POC is out of the reckoning until he comes back and proves form and fitness. Clearly a fully fit and onform POC would be an asset to the touring party, but that's a long way from being realised.

Agreed on Hines. Some big games between now and the end of the season in France could see him a dark horse.

I think Ian Evans, Alan Wyn Jones and Joe Launchbury are currently the front runners, with two further locks going.

Donnacha Ryan and Geoff Parling are the two leading contenders on form and fitness, but if POC or Richie Gray can prove fitness and form in time then they should be considered, similarly Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies. Of those fit and playing, Courtney Lawes and Nathan Hines are also possible options.

If POC was selected it wouldnt be the first time that the coaching staff left a place open for a player who has been out with a long standing injury. Sometimes not playing at all is better than playing badly isnt it?

Just look at Lydiates reputation at present, and Roberts rep while injured last summer!

Six Nations: Lions tour places up for grabs in Wales and England showdown, says Warren Gatland

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9925878/Six-Nations-Lions-tour-places-up-for-grabs-in-Wales-and-England-showdown-says-Warren-Gatland.html

Crikey: "Gatland says there are still around a third of the places in his likely squad of 37 for the summer tour of Australia “up for grabs”..."

Would be very interested to know on what basis and when he decided on the two thirds that have apparently already been chosen...

I can well believe it. Almost surprised there's not more.

It has been a close six nations all teams very equal. I would say that there is not one man inked in to the test xv at all yet.

Looking at his actual quote I think what he means is that 2/3 of the names have remained the same whenever he's drawn up an "as it stands" squad list. There's still plenty of time for even those names to change though.

I could name 20 who are going without a doubt

Right, so he's got his 24 Welsh guys selected and it's up to the rest to fight it out for the remaining places. Well done Warren

Risca Rev wrote:Right, so he's got his 24 Welsh guys selected and it's up to the rest to fight it out for the remaining places. Well done Warren

Why only 24??

Got to have a fair representation in the squad. Let all four Countries have a slice of the pie.

Risca Rev wrote:Let all four Countries have a slice of the pie.

Even Scotland

You rascal

Yes, even Scotland

Why? You want the best team available.

thomh wrote:Looking at his actual quote I think what he means is that 2/3 of the names have remained the same whenever he's drawn up an "as it stands" squad list. There's still plenty of time for even those names to change though.

I hope so. Woodward had quite an extensive "as it stands" list in 2005 and we know how that turned out.

I think Woodward let Alaistar Campbell pick the squad

viewtothegym wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

viewtothegym wrote:Remember when the Scottish tipped Kelly Brown as a Lions Captain

Are you ruling Brown out already?

Scotland got a pasting on Saturday by the referee more than by Wales. Credit has to go them for maintaining even temperament under such subjection.

I think Wales won the breakdown, but I wouldn't write off any Scottish player over that game.

I don't see Brown as a favourite for captain, but I do think he is a great candidate for a squad spot.

I don't he is awful

Despite having the best Tackle & Turnover count in the 6N?

Your opinions are gash, even worse when they aren't supported by facts. Go watch some rugby mate.

Risca Rev wrote:Got to have a fair representation in the squad. Let all four Countries have a slice of the pie.

There are five countries technically. I think all will be represented.

Two countries if your being pedantic.

Glas a du wrote:Two countries if your being pedantic.

If one were to be extremely pedantic it would be "you're" rather than "your".

Yes but then you'd be talking to an iPhone...

Glas a du wrote:Two countries if your being pedantic.

Thats what I always thought but I was recently told that Wales, Scotland, NI and England are all countries but collectively are a state. Is that right?

Anyway I agree technically it is two countries.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Glas a du wrote:Two countries if your being pedantic.

If one were to be extremely pedantic it would be "you're" rather than "your".

Quality. Eats shoots and leaves.

GunsGerms wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:Got to have a fair representation in the squad. Let all four Countries have a slice of the pie.

There are five countries technically. I think all will be represented.

Aye, chwarae teg. So it's 24 Welsh, and 3 each from the other four countries. Squad of 39 it is then.

There are two states, but England and Wales count as one country following the Acts of Union. Ireland is another country, although only a bit of it is left and Scotlans is another which makes, with the Stare and country of the Republic of Ireland 4 countries.

Jeez Glas, this is getting tricky. So it's 24 Welsh and 5 each from the rest then.

Glas a du wrote:There are two states, but England and Wales count as one country following the Acts of Union. Ireland is another country, although only a bit of it is left and Scotlans is another which makes, with the Stare and country of the Republic of Ireland 4 countries.

Back to square one.

thomh wrote:Looking at his actual quote I think what he means is that 2/3 of the names have remained the same whenever he's drawn up an "as it stands" squad list. There's still plenty of time for even those names to change though.

Certainly is... And the remainder of the squad still to play for. Its going to be a very interesting time between now and the Squad Selection decision.

Captain should be announced in the next couple of weeks shouldnt he?

Glas a du wrote:There are two states, but England and Wales count as one country following the Acts of Union. Ireland is another country, although only a bit of it is left and Scotlans is another which makes, with the Stare and country of the Republic of Ireland 4 countries.

I thought that the Scots had an 'Act of Union' with them, whereas we just let them think that a series of minor law changes could subsequently be referred to as such? In effect, we remain independent. It's just that nobody knows it.

I think France and Italy should be let in. (To the Lions, not an actual socio-economic and political pact. That would be mad).

GunsGerms wrote:Captain should be announced in the next couple of weeks shouldnt he?

I think the Squad and the captain will be announced together this time.. Gatland has been pressed on it by hacks left right and centre and he has said squad first captain secondary...!

Quite an interesting point with the 'as it stands' list - i.e. who if they stay fit are as good as there. I wonder how many we could name, I'd say the below are the only ones I'd put my house on;

Forwards - Healy, Best, A Jones, Cole, SOB
Backs - Youngs, Sexton, Farrell, Tuilagi, BOD, Halfpenny

If it was myself choosing the squad I'd add the below who would go if fit discounting Ferris and Gray how won't get the chance now it seems.

Forwards - T Youngs, Parling, POC, Croft, Robshaw
Backs - JDv2, Bowe, Hogg

As ever with these debates I'm sure some will scoff at the personal options but there we go! If Heaslip stuck his hand back up with some form he'd be added to either list pretty rapidly as well.

KC

I agree it's not hard to guess the list of 23 players who are likely on Gatlands notepad.

If we are all honest and fair I would say that most of us would come up with the same or a very similar list of 23 players.

ESPN team after round four.

15. Rob Kearney (Ireland)

There are younger, more striking, contenders for the Lions No.15 shirt but do they have the class of Kearney? The Ireland fullback, as he demonstrated once again against France, gets better as the conditions get worse, the occasions get bigger and oppositions get tougher.

14. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Kearney's display sees Halfpenny displaced to the wing - but there was no question of the Welshman missing out all together. He recovered from missing a few kicks midway through the first half to slot seven penalties and a conversion as well as putting in a terrific effort under the high ball.

13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)

In a weekend where the backs rarely got a chance to shine, Davies was probably the best outside centre on show. He was also one of the only two players on the Welsh side who offloaded during the game.

12. Manu Tuilagi (England)

Not a great week of inside centres, so England's No.13 gets the nod in our line-up following another powerful display. He was not at his best but his ability to ride a tackle served as a reminder of his game-breaking potential.

11. George North (Wales)

Although he did not cross the line against Scotland, he was a constant thorn in their side and made some solid yards with ball in hand. An impressive showing.

10. Toby Flood (England)

Had it not been for Toby Flood, then England could have lost against Italy. He knocked over all of the hosts' points but struggled when kicking for touch. Paddy Jackson is perhaps unlucky to miss out on selection but Flood just edges him.

9. Conor Murray (Ireland)

The Munster scrum-half took much of the pressure off his young half-back partner, box-kicking well and directing Ireland's effective driving mauls. All of which made it very puzzling when he was pulled off with 20 minutes to go.


1. Mako Vunipola (England)

He got the better of his Italian counterparts and was one of England's main attacking threats. He did his international claims no harm in what was a poor performance by Stuart Lancaster's men and should keep the loose-head shirt for their Grand Slam decider against Wales.

2. Richard Hibbard (Wales)

The Ospreys hooker showed great aggression and dynamism when carrying the ball, epitomised by his crucial first-half try. And for the most part his throwing in at the lineout, his biggest Achilles heel, was on the money against a towering Scottish lineout.

3. Mike Ross (Ireland)

Ross was the cornerstone of Ireland scrummaging effort against a powerful French front-row that laid the platform for what should have been an Irish victory over the French. With Adam Jones and Dan Cole also impressing, the tight-head props are hitting form nicely for Warren Gatland.

4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)

Warren Gatland need not worry over the fitness of the Ospreys second-row - he was superb against Scotland. He made the second most tackles for Wales and was omnipresent on the field.

5. Donncha Ryan (Ireland)

Another massive performance at the lineout from the Munster lock who dominated the murky skies at the Aviva Stadium. Paul O'Connell is on the comeback trail but he'll face a fight to regain his place in the Ireland team.

6. Sean O'Brien (Ireland)

He made the most yards for Ireland with ball in hand and also outshone opposite number Thierry Dusautoir which is no mean feat.

7. Sam Warburton (Wales)

Apparently a 36/1 shot with some bookies to lead the Lions prior to Wales' win over Scotland - surely that will go down as the miss of the season. When he was recalled by Rob Howley, did anyone expect anything other than a massive performance, especially at the breakdown, from the Wales openside?

8. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

The Irish captain has come in for a fair amount of criticism over his form and leadership this tournament but he was at the heart of a fantastic forward effort from Ireland, especially in the first half, and took his try very well.

maes - As a side from just round 4 I can't argue with it too much. From those there I'm really hoping Kearney and Heaslip can start hitting their best form as they are two players who would adds omething no-one else in their position can offer IMO.

In terms of Alun Wyn Jones it was good to see him show some form as well. I'm not his biggest fan even when he's been at his best as I feel he can go missing in big games and isn't huge at set piece. When you consider the sheer bulk he could offer to the lock resources if on form his showing at the weekend can only be a good thing for the Lions though.

Assuming Gray isn't going to get a chance to prove himself now my only really favoured locks would be Parling and Hines with Ryan, Launchberry, AWJ, Evans and Hamilton fighting it out behind them. If POC finds any form on his hopefully soon return then I'd happily see him go as well to be fair. What's the news on Charteris does anyone know?

Robert Kitson for The Guardian, Sunday 17 March

With Dan Biggar, above, the best available replacement for Rhys Priestland as a third fly-half, there is a perfectly good case for taking all 15 starting Welshmen from the weekend. Photograph: Rebecca Naden/Reuters
How many Welshmen should now tour Australia this summer with the British and Irish Lions? As a battered Jamie Roberts basked in the glow of his country's fourth Six Nations title in nine seasons he spoke on behalf of red-shirted fans everywhere. "It would be great if we get all 23 on the plane," muttered the big centre. With Warren Gatland and Rob Howley already installed as coaches, Saturday's outcome has done little to stem the crimson tide.

Gatland, however, is smarter than that. Wales lost all three of their Tests in Australia last summer and Lions parties are the stronger when all four nations are properly represented. Three feathers on your kit and one stellar weekend should not be enough to book an automatic seat.

What Saturday's Cardiff outcome has done, however, is confirm Wales as a team on the up again. No Lions coach would wish to ignore that encouraging bonus.

Gatland has indicated a wish to take 37 players. With Dan Biggar the best available replacement for Rhys Priestland as a third fly-half, there is a perfectly good case for taking all 15 starting Welshmen from the weekend. The England contingent, consequently, is under pressure. Even those hitherto regarded as strong candidates – Chris Robshaw, Tom Wood, Joe Launchbury and Ben Youngs – are not entering the final stages of the season with quite the same spring in their steps.

Gatland, then, has to make some close calls. Beyond the Welsh starting XV it must be assumed that Rob Kearney, Brian O'Driscoll, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonathan Sexton, Cian Healy, Rory Best, Dan Cole, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip will also be on the plane. That leaves 12 more seats, comprising two more wings, another centre, two more scrum-halves, a fifth prop, a third hooker, three locks, and two back-row forwards.

Scotland's efforts this season should be enough to get Greig Laidlaw and Tim Visser on the flight, with Tommy Bowe, Simon Zebo and Sean Maitland contesting the other wing's space. In midfield it depends what blend Gatland seeks but, with O'Driscoll and Roberts likely to need some cotton-wool treatment, it makes sense to take the tireless Brad Barritt to add solidity to the midweek midfield, with Scott Williams and Billy Twelvetrees on standby.

Unless Alex Goode somehow nudges Biggar off the list, with Laidlaw also able to cover fly-half, that leaves one more half-back. Conor Murray has not had as good a Six Nations as he might have done but neither has Ben Youngs or Danny Care. Lloyd Williams, Wales's No2, might yet be a bolter should Youngs be deemed too inconsistent.

Up front things get trickier. Tom Youngs, Dylan Hartley, Richardt Strauss and Ken Owens now appear to be contesting one hooking berth; on harder grounds it could boil down to Youngs or Strauss. Andrew Sheridan would be a candidate at loosehead prop simply to unnerve the Wallabies but he, and the other French-based contenders, are unlikely to be available for the opening days of the tour. It might be wiser, perhaps, to wheel him or Jonny Wilkinson over if and when required. Alex Corbisiero would be the perfect choice but injury is hurting him. Paul James or Euan Murray would offer gnarled alternatives, with no Sunday games to limit Murray's availability.

It would be wonderful, too, to imagine Paul O'Connell rampaging back to his best between now and May but that cannot be guaranteed. Launchbury and Donnacha Ryan should go, with the final spot between Richie Gray and Geoff Parling. In the back row the squeeze is really on. Ryan Jones and Chris Robshaw? Or Tom Wood and Tom Croft? What about Dan Lydiate, Kelly Brown, Stephen Ferris, Steffon Armitage or the Melbourne-based Gareth Delve? This may be among the reasons why Gatland is waiting until 30 April to name his squad, simply to gauge who is in the best physical shape by then. There is no point arriving in Australia with a limping bunch of Poms. Croft and Robshaw, for now, are probably narrow favourites for the last two rear seats on the plane.

Packaged together, this could produce something like 16 Welsh, nine English, nine Irishmen and three Scots. If that appears slightly generous to Ireland on the basis of this season's championship table, injuries and suspensions have not helped them at all. All that remains is to pick a captain, which basically boils down to the health of O'Driscoll's mind and body.

If he feels sharp and fresh enough, there could be no more inspiring figurehead than a man with unfinished business from 2001, 2005 and 2009. The alternatives would be either Warburton or Alun Wyn Jones, who has a glint in his eye already. Wales may not fill 23 seats but they could now easily supply the leader of the pride.

Brian Moores Team in The Telegraph

15 Halfpenny
14 North
13 BOD
12 JD2
11 Visser
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
1 Grant
2 Best
3 A Jones
4 Hamilton
5 POC
6 Wood
7 Tips
8 Toby

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/picturegalleries/9925382/Brian-Moore-My-Lions-XV-after-the-Six-Nations.html?frame=2507346

maestegmafia wrote:Brian Moores Team in The Telegraph

15 Halfpenny
14 North
13 BOD
12 JD2
11 Visser
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
1 Grant
2 Best
3 A Jones
4 Hamilton
5 POC
6 Wood
7 Tips
8 Toby

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/picturegalleries/9925382/Brian-Moore-My-Lions-XV-after-the-Six-Nations.html?frame=2507346

Really? I think Brian still has a hangover. I am not sure in what world Wood has been a better 6 than Warburton, Ryan Jones, O'Brien, Brown or even Robshaw. I won't go in to th eother selectiosn because it's just so far from what the test team will be and should be.

Actually just looked his article and he has Wood as openside flanker and Tipuric as blindside. Even more bizarre.

Oh god. I've forgotton how depressing these articles are. The danger is always that pundits pick players based on the final 80 minutes for each team and so it is proving. England had a superb, efficient tournament and that has not suddenly completely evaoprated.

Kitson's article is just bizarre. Why the hell should Ryan be an automatic take whereas Parling (who called the most efficient lineout in the tournament) is not? Why is Heaslip on the plane when (really pains me to say it) he was flat out the worst 8 in the tournament? Delve? WTF? More Lydiate and Ferris nonsense too. Why is he talking about Croft, who has given very candid interview suggesting the Lions is likely to be too early for him.

As for Mr Moore (who normally talks a lot of sense)....those liqueur choccies are strong, aren't they, Brian?

Sky Sports Tony Curtis team...

As the dust settles on the final round of internationals before the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, head coach Warren Gatland will have plenty to ponder.

A number of players rose to the occasion over the course of the RBS Six Nations, while others failed to impress when it mattered the most.

And once again Sky Sports rugby union writer Tony Curtis puts his neck on the line and announces his Lions team to take on Australia in the first Test in Brisbane.

15 Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Arguably the star of the RBS Six Nations. The Wales full-back was simply immense throughout and didn't put a foot wrong. He scored 74 points but was also a rock in defence. Scotland's Stuart Hogg put in a number of lively displays, Alex Goode covered a lot of ground for England and Rob Kearney worked hard for little reward, however Halfpenny was head and shoulders above.

14 Alex Cuthbert (Wales)

A formidable presence on the wing. He scored four tries in total, including two in the championship decider against England. With Halfpenny and George North, he helped form a talented back three that will be a test for any side in the world. Sean Maitland, Craig Gilroy and Mike Brown also caught the eye, while Tommy Bowe's injury means he is a doubt for the tour.

The Lions live on Sky Sports

The pinnacle of British and Irish Rugby, the Lions tour, returns and heads to Australia. Sky Sports will broadcast the entire tour live with all three Tests against the Wallabies plus all seven warm-up matches. For the first time, the inaugural tour match will take place in Hong Kong. The British & Irish Lions tour will be the fifth consecutive tour shown exclusively live on Sky.

13 Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

Heart ruled the head over this selection. I am not convinced O'Driscoll has produced anywhere near the form that we have come to expect from him. Against Italy he looked frustrated - and a rush of blood could yet come back to haunt him - but there is no doubting his talent and a partnership with Manu Tuilagi could emulate his combination with Jamie Roberts from 2009. Roberts, Jonathan Davies and Brad Barritt are other contenders for the centres.

12 Manu Tuilagi (England)

A huge physical presence who attracts defenders to him like a magnet. Tuilagi is a human wrecking ball in the midfield and even if tacklers can stop him in his tracks, he creates gaps for others to exploit. The midfield remains the hardest selection area for Gatland, with few players producing a consistent run of form.

11 George North (Wales)

Part of a classy all-Wales back three. North has been a menace for defences throughout the tournament with his pace and power. He tormented England in Cardiff as he proved he has the temperament for the big games. He also proved he is strong in defence and seems nailed on to start the Tests.

10 Owen Farrell (England)

Had to think long and hard over this position but for all the right reasons given the quality of the contenders. To me it is a straight toss-up between Jonathan Sexton and Farrell and I just favour the England No 10 (cue the abuse). I feel Farrell is the better of two overall by the finest of margins and given the freedom to express himself - England tactics were very much built around the defence being the best form of attack - he can cut loose.

9 Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)

A real wildcard pick here. Laidlaw's form over the tournament has been exemplary and he has played himself into contention. He was the heartbeat behind everything good about Scotland's play and has a superb kicking game. Mike Phillips has also played himself into form, while Ben Youngs and Danny Care have struggled to stake their authority on the No 9 shirt.

1 Cian Healy (Ireland)

His moment of madness against England aside, Healy has been in superb form. He is arguably the best loosehead in the northern hemisphere. He is powerful in the scrum but puts in a shift-and-a-half in the loose. Scotland's Ryan Grant has mounted a serious challenge for the jersey, while Gethin Jenkins will certainly be in the mix. I wouldn't rule out Mako Vunipola playing some part on the tour as well.

2 Richard Hibbard (Wales)

The Wales hooker has forced his way into contention for the tour. Rory Best had been the favourite for the No 2 jersey pre-tournament, however as his form faltered, Hibbard has come on strong. Hibbard was part of a dominant Wales scrum and he has been spot on in the lineout. Tom Youngs has also performed well over the course of five games, while Ross Ford has made a welcome return to form.

3 Adam Jones (Wales)

Another player who has come on strong. Jones has put his injury problems behind him to prove that he is back to his best. Controlled the scrum area throughout the championship and tackled superbly. Dan Cole offers more around the park, with impressive turnover stats, however he has had issues at scrum time.

4 Ian Evans (Wales)

One of the unsung heroes of the championship-winning side. Wales entered the tournament with a second row crisis however Evans stepped up to the mark and was a colossus throughout. Compatriot Alun Wyn Jones impressed on his return to the set up, while Donnacha Ryan and Joe Launchbury put in some encouraging shifts. Paul O'Connell and Richie Gray will also be knocking on the door if they can prove their fitness.

5 Geoff Parling (England)

The England lock has emerged as a serious contender for a place in the Lions side. I have been really impressed with him every time he has pulled on an international jersey. He controls the lineout superbly while his work ethic in the loose is immense, especially in defence.

6 Tom Wood (England)

The back row will give Gatland many sleepless nights given the quality of players available. Wood gets my nod at blindside ahead of Sean O'Brien for his work at the breakdown. O'Brien is the bigger ball-carrier and would make an impact off the bench but Wood gets down and dirty on the deck and is a superb option in the lineout. Ryan Jones, if fit, and the seriously underrated Kelly Brown are the other contenders for the role.

7 Sam Warburton (Wales)

This was a seriously tough call, with Chris Robshaw and Justin Tipuric both staking strong claims, however Warburton has shown signs he has put his dip in form behind him. He was a menace at the breakdown and made good yardage with the ball in hand. Robshaw's form throughout means he deserves to be seriously considered, while Tipuric has looked a natural.

8 Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

The power and experience of the Ireland No 8 just gets him the nod ahead of the young pretender Toby Faletau - but again it is close. Heaslip has done his best to inspire an under-performing Ireland side and helped them got over the gainline - although I am not sure the captaincy has helped his game. Ben Morgan and Johnnie Beattie will be in the mix too - while if you are looking for a real Lions wildcard selection Billy Vunipola could fit the bill.

Replacements: 16 Rory Best (Ireland), 17 Dan Cole (England), 18 Gethin Jenkins (Wales), 19 Donnacha Ryan (Ireland), 20 Sean O'Brien (Ireland), 21 Danny Care (England), 22 Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), 23 Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

The Guardian and rugby are about as natural a match as calcium carbonate and camembert.

George Carlin wrote:Oh god. I've forgotton how depressing these articles are. The danger is always that pundits pick players based on the final 80 minutes for each team and so it is proving. England had a superb, efficient tournament and that has not suddenly completely evaoprated.

Kitson's article is just bizarre. Why the hell should Ryan be an automatic take whereas Parling (who called the most efficient lineout in the tournament) is not? Why is Heaslip on the plane when (really pains me to say it) he was flat out the worst 8 in the tournament? Delve? WTF? More Lydiate and Ferris nonsense too. Why is he talking about Croft, who has given very candid interview suggesting the Lions is likely to be too early for him.

As for Mr Moore (who normally talks a lot of sense)....those liqueur choccies are strong, aren't they, Brian?

every team in the six nations had moments of inconsistency, there were times when they were dreadful times when they were brilliant. The big deciding factor that seems to have swayed most journalists, pundits and commentators in the media after last weekend, is that in a pressure, all to win scenario there was one very clear winner, and one very clear loser.

We all want a tour party that can win down under. If you can prove that you can deal with the pressure it will certainly help you get selected. Hense the call for 16 or 17 Welshman in some squads and a great deal less Englishman than there were when they beat the All Blacks last December.

The Great Aukster wrote:The Guardian and rugby are about as natural a match as calcium carbonate and camembert.

I firmly disagree, I rate The Guardian and The Telegraph's rugby teams very highly. Usually a very good read compared to The Times and other options.

maestegmafia wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Oh god. I've forgotton how depressing these articles are. The danger is always that pundits pick players based on the final 80 minutes for each team and so it is proving. England had a superb, efficient tournament and that has not suddenly completely evaoprated.

Kitson's article is just bizarre. Why the hell should Ryan be an automatic take whereas Parling (who called the most efficient lineout in the tournament) is not? Why is Heaslip on the plane when (really pains me to say it) he was flat out the worst 8 in the tournament? Delve? WTF? More Lydiate and Ferris nonsense too. Why is he talking about Croft, who has given very candid interview suggesting the Lions is likely to be too early for him.

As for Mr Moore (who normally talks a lot of sense)....those liqueur choccies are strong, aren't they, Brian?

every team in the six nations had moments of inconsistency, there were times when they were dreadful times when they were brilliant. The big deciding factor that seems to have swayed most journalists, pundits and commentators in the media after last weekend, is that in a pressure, all to win scenario there was one very clear winner, and one very clear loser.

We all want a tour party that can win down under. If you can prove that you can deal with the pressure it will certainly help you get selected. Hense the call for 16 or 17 Welshman in some squads and a great deal less Englishman than there were when they beat the All Blacks last December.

If that is the criteria, then very few Welsh would travel as they failed to win in Australia when the crunch came last year

Not saying it it the criteria, and I think it will be a reasonable mix of players