The Lions Number 10.

First topic message reminder :

I know this may already have been covered. but who do you think will be the Lions number 10?

Listening to rugby club the other day, they mentioned Charlie Hodgson as a possible number 10.

But what about players like Andy Goode. the ex Leicester player..Or Stephen Jones the ex Welsh player.

Are all these too old to be in contention for a Lions call up. Should who ever the Lions 10 is be one of a younger player. Sexton, Flood, Biggar, Priestland etc etc.

Who in your mind is the most likely to be the Lions 10?

Pot

You may just be bang on there mate, but in reality with Sextons form at Leinster when the pack perform can you really blame him?

Do you see Madigan getting gametime anywhere else than 10?

I hink that Sexton is probably the stand out 10. One could argue that the coaching style of Kidney has not alowed him to fully excel at International level and that under Gatland he may perform very well.

HnH

You may be right but if Visser transfers his club form to int form I can't see how he is ignored, Cuthbert and North are easily front runners at present, Bowe, Ashton behind them but I see Visser leapfrogging both if he does what every scottish man beleives he will.

Also I don't think it's fair to right off Flood, RP or Laidlaw just yet, RP running and distribution are very good, and with Phillips and Roberts looking likely to travel, not to mention Davies maybe he'll get the nod.

Flood seems to be picking up form again.

And laidlaw is a very good 9 option too.

And in reality whoever travels will have too much comp from 1/2p for the kicking duties so that leaves options outside of the Wilkinson style metronome!

Also I'd say lock is probably the Lions most contested position and we have huge options, and I mean HUGE!!!

eirebilly wrote:I hink that Sexton is probably the stand out 10. One could argue that the coaching style of Kidney has not alowed him to fully excel at International level and that under Gatland he may perform very well.

I disagree. He will go from the slow and ponderous service of Murray to the slow and ponderous service of Phillips. 9 and 10 are hugely problematic positions for the Lions. I can see two bolters in the squad in these positions as the standard is pretty poor.

thebluesmancometh wrote:HnH

You may be right but if Visser transfers his club form to int form I can't see how he is ignored, Cuthbert and North are easily front runners at present, Bowe, Ashton behind them but I see Visser leapfrogging both if he does what every scottish man beleives he will.

Also I don't think it's fair to right off Flood, RP or Laidlaw just yet, RP running and distribution are very good, and with Phillips and Roberts looking likely to travel, not to mention Davies maybe he'll get the nod.

Flood seems to be picking up form again.

And laidlaw is a very good 9 option too.

And in reality whoever travels will have too much comp from 1/2p for the kicking duties so that leaves options outside of the Wilkinson style metronome!

Also I'd say lock is probably the Lions most contested position and we have huge options, and I mean HUGE!!!

Oh I agree. I watch Visser a lot and I think he looks like a good player for Edinburgh. But with the competition for wingers places Visser might have more to prove than the other players. That might be unfair to him but I think he needs to prove more playing in a team that struggles to score tries, and Edinburgh are dreadful at the moment and it makes it difficult for him. I don't fancy his chances in truth but I certainly wouldn't say he can't make the side.

Priestland is average, Flood is average. Sexton cannot replicate his Leinster form for Ireland for any number of reason we could highlight. If the outhalf options were good enough the name Wilkinson wouldn't even enter the race. Same with O'Driscoll at 13.

That said it's the forwards that will win this tour. A fully fit Australian backline is outstanding and better than anything the Lions can offer. The Australian pack is the weakest I have ever seen from them, the worst of the then leading nations. I really don't see great options in second row. Two outstanding players and alot of average ones.

"That said it's the forwards that will win this tour"

I agree!

RE the locks...

Evans
Charteris
Gray
AWJ
Lawes
Davies
Kellock

Not to mention..

POC
Ryan
Parling
Botha
and a number of others who have a few months to prove themselves.

eirebilly wrote:I hink that Sexton is probably the stand out 10. One could argue that the coaching style of Kidney has not alowed him to fully excel at International level and that under Gatland he may perform very well.

Exactly. Depending on how many Irish players he chooses (and bluesman thinks the Lions don't need any of them! - just being mischievous bluesman ) - and of course depending on how Kidney's own coaching might now change emphasis in the face of constant criticism, but I think Gatland would delight in showing the world just what the Irish players he chooses are capable of under his tutelage. He has history with Ireland (some of it unpleasant) and he'd love to show how he could turn Provincial form into what it should also be producing at International.
I'd actually like to see it too!

Should lads like Madigan, Keatley, Paddy Jackson, Leonard, Patchell, Tovey, Biggar, Burns, Ford be considered...?

They lack international experience but all show huge promise.

In my opinion Sexton is the form man, but other slots are very open, Wilkinson, Hodgson, Farrell, Priestland, Hook, Biggar, Laidlaw, O'Gara, Stephen Jones, R Jackson have all shown some excellent form, though all have their faults.

This will be an interesting on going search, I am hoping that their are some nice surprises along the way.

I am not so sure that Johnny Wilkinson,Ronan O'Gara, Stepehen Jones will go on the Lions tour to be honest.

All 3 are some of the finest FH's the NH as ever produced.

But this Lions tour is not, should not be used as a sentimental tour. Surely the Lions are their to "WIN" the tour...And not give any one of the 3 above one last sentimental send before retiring fully from the International game.

I believe Stephen Jones is behind Nicky Robinson at Wasps, so that would be a huge stretch.

Jones isnt starting regularly enough to be considered IMO

majesticimperialman wrote:I am not so sure that Johnny Wilkinson,Ronan O'Gara, Stepehen Jones will go on the Lions tour to be honest.

All 3 are some of the finest FH's the NH as ever produced.

But this Lions tour is not, should not be used as a sentimental tour. Surely the Lions are their to "WIN" the tour...And not give any one of the 3 above one last sentimental send before retiring fully from the International game.

Wilkinson is playing well and the other two are shot, that is the difference.

Sentiment doesn't come into it, if Wilkinson has something to offer beyond the other candidates then he should go.

Sexton and Flood apart, both who've had their ups and downs, there aren't that many standout options right now.

Two talented and attacking players i.e. Sexton and Flood/Priestland plus an experienced old head in Wilkinson is covering all the bases for me.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Jones isnt starting regularly enough to be considered IMO

I would much rather see some talented youngster like, Patchell, Steffan Jones, Madigan, Keatley, P Jackson, Leonard, Ford or Burns go rather than the older fellas.

We are going to need some imagination and charisma, as well as fast young legs down in oz.

Wilkinson is playing well, but he plays the wrong type of game. We need a running flyhalf not a goal kicker.

The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

maestegmafia wrote:
We are going to need some imagination and charisma, as well as fast young legs down in oz.

Wilkinson is playing well, but he plays the wrong type of game. We need a running flyhalf not a goal kicker.

Thats my point, we have 2-3 guys who can play that way - Sexton, Flood, Priestland - we need someone who can be counted on to nail a drop goal or kick 3 points if the game goes that way.

Wilko would also be a good guy to have around the squad. He brings leadership, experience of beating the Ozzies, sets a great example to other players and very importantly won't spit the dummy out if he doesn't get selected for the tests or has to do a job for the midweek team.

As with BOD he'd be a focal point for the Ozzie press, which takes the heat of the younger guys. If these two are playing well enough then they will bring a lot to the tour.

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

samuraidragon wrote:I believe Stephen Jones is behind Nicky Robinson at Wasps, so that would be a huge stretch.

Stephen Jones is first choice at Wasps & imo well ahead of Robinson but I wouldn't consider either currently.

Ferris,Flood & Wilko are playing the best rugby currently & I would feel confident with anyone of those right now.

rodders wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:
We are going to need some imagination and charisma, as well as fast young legs down in oz.

Wilkinson is playing well, but he plays the wrong type of game. We need a running flyhalf not a goal kicker.

Thats my point, we have 2-3 guys who can play that way - Sexton, Flood, Priestland - we need someone who can be counted on to nail a drop goal or kick 3 points if the game goes that way.

Wilko would also be a good guy to have around the squad. He brings leadership, experience of beating the Ozzies, sets a great example to other players and very importantly won't spit the dummy out if he doesn't get selected for the tests or has to do a job for the midweek team.

As with BOD he'd be a focal point for the Ozzie press, which takes the heat of the younger guys. If these two are playing well enough then they will bring a lot to the tour.

Using Wilko as a press deterrent. Very smart... Lets hope it doesnt back fire like Dawson or Heeley

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:
Ferris,Flood & Wilko are playing the best rugby currently & I would feel confident with anyone of those right now.

I'd rather play Ferris at 6 myself......

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

samuraidragon wrote:I believe Stephen Jones is behind Nicky Robinson at Wasps, so that would be a huge stretch.

Stephen Jones is first choice at Wasps & imo well ahead of Robinson but I wouldn't consider either currently.

Ferris,Flood & Wilko are playing the best rugby currently & I would feel confident with anyone of those right now.

Ferris at flyhalf...?

rodders wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:
Ferris,Flood & Wilko are playing the best rugby currently & I would feel confident with anyone of those right now.

I'd rather play Ferris at 6 myself......

Aww come on have you ever seen his pass from the base of the scrum?




........& he could beat Phillips up anyday.

Would shore up the 10 channel defensively I suppose..... not sure about his kicking game though......

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

samuraidragon wrote:I believe Stephen Jones is behind Nicky Robinson at Wasps, so that would be a huge stretch.

Stephen Jones is first choice at Wasps & imo well ahead of Robinson but I wouldn't consider either currently.

Ferris,Flood & Wilko are playing the best rugby currently & I would feel confident with anyone of those right now.

Fair enough - it just seemed he wasn't playing as much as expected. Has he been injured?

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

Here are the flyhalves:-

Roger Spong England
Howard Poole Wales
George Cromey Ireland
Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

I didnt go back before the 1920s

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

Here are the flyhalves:-

Roger Spong England
Howard Poole Wales
George Cromey Ireland
Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

I didnt go back before the 1920s

Can you provide the pre-1920s list as well please.

Griff wrote:Completely agree. It's great to have the banter about selection, but I'd prefer to have a winning lions with English half backs than a losing one with Welsh! Saying that, I'd find it a little hard (but not impossible) to get behind it if the were no welsh lads in the team! I sympathise with Scottish fans there in the past. But, it does have to be form players first and foremost.

That's why, for me, Priestland should not be anywhere near the squad, not even Wales' squad at the moment. He's proved himself to be far too flaky time and time again. We must try someone else.

actually nearly right. It has to be form players that can play well and players who can put their utmost in playing for their team mates.

Theres plenty of 'form' players who just wouldn't fit in with the Lions team and its ethos.

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

Here are the flyhalves:-

Roger Spong England
Howard Poole Wales
George Cromey Ireland
Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

I didnt go back before the 1920s

Can you provide the pre-1920s list as well please.

google it yourself

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

Here are the flyhalves:-

Roger Spong England
Howard Poole Wales
George Cromey Ireland
Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

I didnt go back before the 1920s

Can you provide the pre-1920s list as well please.

google it yourself

Sorry, too busy. Just do it when you get chance. Thanks!

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

Here are the flyhalves:-

Roger Spong England
Howard Poole Wales
George Cromey Ireland
Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

I didnt go back before the 1920s

Can you provide the pre-1920s list as well please.

google it yourself

Sorry, too busy. Just do it when you get chance. Thanks!

I will not. Google it when you get the chance and stop behaving like an absolute moron on this site.

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:The Lions isn't an opportunity to blood new, untested players!

If you would like a list of what you call untested players that have been selected for the Lions I'll write you one.

Yes please.

The only one you would likely know from the past is Will Greenwood.

Leigh Halfpenny Andy Powell, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey and Keith Earls were all on the last tour and had barely a cap between them.

These aren't fly-halfs though. That's what this thread is about. Not a position that's easy to just jump up levels, especially in a scratch team.

I am aware of Lions before Will Greenwood's time.

Here are the flyhalves:-

Roger Spong England
Howard Poole Wales
George Cromey Ireland
Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

I didnt go back before the 1920s

Can you provide the pre-1920s list as well please.

google it yourself

Sorry, too busy. Just do it when you get chance. Thanks!

I will not. Google it when you get the chance and stop behaving like an absolute moron on this site.

Hey, I asked politely. Fair enough if you've not got the time. You did offer to provide the list in the first place. There's no need to call me a moron.

I do not think you asked politely, you obviously have time, you could have done it by now.

Ozzy. Sent you a PM

Rugby Fan, yes Lansdowne Road 2003, I was there expecting an England win and the Irish were all over us and in our face like a rash. Barnes was no.10 that day, and England were shambolic, or the Irish caused us to be so. I stayed in same hotel as the England team, had a BS in the bar later with Dewi, Bayfield, Will C.
Next morning at breakfast Rob Andrew (who had not played in the
shambles) had on his face that inscrutable Teflon smile.

maestegmafia wrote:

Here are the flyhalves:-


Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

Hodgson had 19 caps when selected for 2005 Lions party. Only made the midweek team.
Chalmers had just the one season of 5Ns prior to 89 tour. Played in 1st test defeat, dropped for Rob Andrew and not seen again in a Lions test shirt.
Clement had 23 caps over 6 years when selected for 93 Lions tour. Only made the midweek team.
Gibson had 13 caps over 3 seasons before being selected for the Lions in 1966. One of the most distinguished lions ever.


the other names were well before my time - but of these 4 only Chalmers was relatively inexperienced when selected for the Lions.

LondonTiger wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Here are the flyhalves:-


Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

Hodgson had 19 caps when selected for 2005 Lions party. Only made the midweek team.
Chalmers had just the one season of 5Ns prior to 89 tour. Played in 1st test defeat, dropped for Rob Andrew and not seen again in a Lions test shirt.
Clement had 23 caps over 6 years when selected for 93 Lions tour. Only made the midweek team.
Gibson had 13 caps over 3 seasons before being selected for the Lions in 1966. One of the most distinguished lions ever.


the other names were well before my time - but of these 4 only Chalmers was relatively inexperienced when selected for the Lions.

My mistake with Hodgson I must have thought he was on the 01 tour.

Clement was on the 89 tour pretty sure he was in capped a couple of times against teams like America and Canada, bench player at best.

Charmers was certainly not a big name in 89. A surprise call up though he had been capped by the scots in the five nations that year.

Similarly mike Gibson, who's first Irish cap was 64 but he made the 66 tour he had seven caps by then but was a surprise to make the tour.

Seems like these players mentioned were either already established or were dirt-trackers/didn't make the grade.

Hardly a convincing argument to throw in untested flyhalfs.

I'll need to look into the pre-1920s data to see if this pattern is present there too. If I get time

Avalon wrote:Seems like these players mentioned were either already established or were dirt-trackers/didn't make the grade.

Hardly a convincing argument to throw in untested flyhalfs.

I'll need to look into the pre-1920s data to see if this pattern is present there too. If I get time

Take the time. A bit of study and you might learn something.

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:Seems like these players mentioned were either already established or were dirt-trackers/didn't make the grade.

Hardly a convincing argument to throw in untested flyhalfs.

I'll need to look into the pre-1920s data to see if this pattern is present there too. If I get time

Take the time. A bit of study and you might learn something.

Don't expect a response.

Ozzy3213 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:Seems like these players mentioned were either already established or were dirt-trackers/didn't make the grade.

Hardly a convincing argument to throw in untested flyhalfs.

I'll need to look into the pre-1920s data to see if this pattern is present there too. If I get time

Take the time. A bit of study and you might learn something.

Don't expect a response.

Morning Ozzy hope you are well,

You can only try to encourage people to take an interest in the history of the game for the greater good of all our education.

To be fair to Avalon though - there is not really any precedent for suggesting that taking an untested 10 has ever been successfull.

While Mike Gibson's selection for the 66 Lions may have been a surprise (not old enough to know) he had played 3 full 4Ns seasons for Ireland and a test against SA - so 13 tests in total prior to that tour. It would be hard to describe that as untested.

The most recent occurrence of an untested player being a genuine success on a Lions tour was Jason Robinson in 2001 - who made his first international start on that tour. Less pressured on the wing though.

Guscott was a success on the 89 tour but again not in a pivotal position.

LondonTiger wrote:To be fair to Avalon though - there is not really any precedent for suggesting that taking an untested 10 has ever been successfull.

While Mike Gibson's selection for the 66 Lions may have been a surprise (not old enough to know) he had played 3 full 4Ns seasons for Ireland and a test against SA - so 13 tests in total prior to that tour. It would be hard to describe that as untested.

The most recent occurrence of an untested player being a genuine success on a Lions tour was Jason Robinson in 2001 - who made his first international start on that tour. Less pressured on the wing though.

Guscott was a success on the 89 tour but again not in a pivotal position.

Robinson was an experienced league player by then.

Guscott won the tour with his try from what I remember. Also talking long memories but I don't think you are correct about Mike Gibson, he may have had a season or two since his first cap, but I don't think he had 13. You should show me the link your reading?

Anyhow, Gibson as well was more prolific at centre than flyhalf as it was King John who was stealing the show through Gibsons later career for which he is more famous.

I guess an element of my case is lost in time, as the game has changed and players now reach major public awareness much faster than in the 60s/70s and before.

My initial point, is that we should be open minded to the idea of one of the young lads stepping up in the six months we have before this tour is selected. To be honest Rhys Patchell or Freddie Burns is just as much in contention as JW or Wellies.

maestegmafia wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:Actually the question about Jones is a fair one, I'd say he should be considered just like Wilko, as they are in form and experienced at this kind of Tour

He was chosen ahead of JW on the last two tours

Wilkinson had a dislocated knee last time, and didn't he play in the 2005 tests?

maestegmafia wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Here are the flyhalves:-


Mike Gibson Ireland
Craig Chalmers Scotland
Tony Clement Wales
Charlie Hodgson England

Hodgson had 19 caps when selected for 2005 Lions party. Only made the midweek team.
Chalmers had just the one season of 5Ns prior to 89 tour. Played in 1st test defeat, dropped for Rob Andrew and not seen again in a Lions test shirt.
Clement had 23 caps over 6 years when selected for 93 Lions tour. Only made the midweek team.
Gibson had 13 caps over 3 seasons before being selected for the Lions in 1966. One of the most distinguished lions ever.


the other names were well before my time - but of these 4 only Chalmers was relatively inexperienced when selected for the Lions.

My mistake with Hodgson I must have thought he was on the 01 tour.

Clement was on the 89 tour pretty sure he was in capped a couple of times against teams like America and Canada, bench player at best.

Charmers was certainly not a big name in 89. A surprise call up though he had been capped by the scots in the five nations that year.

Similarly mike Gibson, who's first Irish cap was 64 but he made the 66 tour he had seven caps by then but was a surprise to make the tour.

Its also worth noting that pro rugby nowdays requires a much higher standard, back in the day the step up wasn't nearly as big. Gaps dont just appear anymore, 10 is going to have to be someone who is used to playing at the highest level. Sexton is head and shoulders the best candidate at present.

thomh wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:Actually the question about Jones is a fair one, I'd say he should be considered just like Wilko, as they are in form and experienced at this kind of Tour

He was chosen ahead of JW on the last two tours

Wilkinson had a dislocated knee last time, and didn't he play in the 2005 tests?

Wilkinson played in two tests.

http://www.lionsrugby.com/6012.php?player=1552&includeref=dynamic

He did oust wellies for the flyhalf spot, but we got humped by 50 points.

Gibson's int career match by match:

http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/player/6881.html?class=1;template=results;type=player;view=match

cheers LT, I have been wondering whether you could do that on ESPN.