JDv1 Lions Team

Just seen this article on the Lions website and it makes me wonder what planet JD is on at times: http://www.lionsrugby.com/news/12312.php. How the hell does he come up with this based on AI's? Adam Jones and Lydiate didn't even play! Methinks he is slightly biased!



With six months to go until the start of the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, Jonathan Davies has picked his first Test starting XV.
The recent autumn internationals gave the former Welsh dual code star plenty to consider when selecting his side.

And the HSBC Ambassador has opted for a team containing six Welsh internationals, six Irish, two English and one Scottish – providing all players are fit and in form.

Jonathan Davies’ Lions starting XV to face The Wallabies in 2013:

Backs:

15. Rob Kearney

14. George North

13. Jonathan Davies

12. Brian O’Driscoll

11. Tommy Bowe

10. Johnny Sexton

9. Danny Care

“Leigh Halfpenny is playing very well but for me it will be Rob Kearney at full-back,” said Davies

“On the wings it has to be George North – a tremendous ball carrier, he’s such a big lad and he will have a huge influence on the tour. Then Tommy Bowe. He is a tremendous finisher and while he might not be scoring at the moment he is the complete player.

“I’d go for Jonathan Davies at outside cente. He is a try scorer and on the drift or blitz defence he is key. Then we need footballing ability and a kicking game so Brian O’Driscoll has got to play.

“Jonny Sexton is playing really good rugby for Leinster and playing well for Ireland as well. He’s also a good goal-kicker.

“Danny Care has put his troubles behind him and is playing exceptionally well for club and country.”

Forwards:

1. Andrew Sheridan

2. Rory Best

3. Adam Jones

4. Alun Wyn Jones

5. Richie Gray

6. Dan Lydiate

7. Sam Warburton

8. Jamie Heaslip

“Sheridan’s not playing for England at the moment but must be playing well because he’s keeping Gethin Jenkins out of the Toulon side.

“On form Rory Best has been playing exceptionally well and Adam Jones has been there and done it. He’s vitally important for Wales and will do a good job for the Lions.

“Alun Wyn Jones can do anything and his work-rate is exceptional then bulk again with Richie Gray.

“Dan Lydiate does all the dirty work that no one really sees and is a tremendous tackler.

“At the moment Sam Warburton is my seven and at eight Jamie Heaslip. Heaslip does so much good work, he’s a tremendous athlete and is quick about the park.”

To see a video Jonathan’s starting line-up and the reasons for his selections please click here:

this is my 15

1) Corbisiero
2) Best
3) Cole
4) Launchbury
5) Gray
6) Wood
7) Warburton
8) Faletau

9) Care
10) Farell
11) North
12) Tuilagi
13) JD
14) Gilroy
15) Halfpenny

No England forwards after the pack's performances vs SA and NZ is unbelievable.

I realy realy hate it when punters like JD1 pick p-layers for a lions tour, that have not played any rugby due too inujrie.

Adam Jones for one. Remind me when did he last play? certainly wasn't any of the Ais.

Rob Kerney? Is he back playing yet? or is he still injured?

It realy anores me to be honest.

It's come to be expected from JD if we're honest though. BOD at 12 is probably the strangest one there given JDv2 can play 12/13 and whilst BOD probably could play 12 with his skill set but hasn't done in memory - lets just ignore the fitness issues for now or we'll be here all day with that side.

My side from the AI's and current form --- My side at full strength (unlikely to happen).

1.Sheridan ---- Healy
2.Youngs ---- Best
3.Cole ---- Cole
4.Gray ---- Gray
5.Launchberry ---- POC
6.Wood ---- Ferris
7.Warburton ---- Warburton
8.Faletau ---- Heaslip

9.Youngs ---- Youngs
10.Sexton ---- Sexton

11.Gilroy ---- North
12.JDv2 ---- Roberts
13.Tuilagi ---- Tuilagi - My heart says BOD, my brain says grow up.
14.Bowe ---- Bowe
15.Halfpenny ---- Kearney

16. ? ---- Ford
17.Healy ---- Jones
18.Parling ---- Parling
19.Robshaw ---- Croft
20.Care ---- Phillips
21.errrrr Wilko ---- Burns - I'm hoping he starts in the 6N
22.Cuthbert ---- Halfpenny

Obviously one team is based on what I saw (haven't got round to watching all the games yet) and the other on pure speculation so not expecting many to agree with the choices!

If all fit and on form this is what I would go for

Healy
Best
Cole
Gray
POC
Lydiate
Heaslip
Warburton

Youngs
Sexton

North
JD
Tuilagi
Bowe

Halfpenny

Gray will be lucky to make it tbh

I dont think POC will make it some how. Didn't BOD rule him self out of the Lions any way?(Maybe too old now)

If player/s are being picked on form and form alone. Then i think Warburton will be replaced with S Armatage to be honest.

Surely Ashton will be one of the wings.

Hooker? That will be interesting. Hartley seems to be in the mix, though as not played much rugby of late.

Alan Wyn Jones? Realy?

Funny, because his team on the BBC website is different. Maybe this one was before the AIs?:

Jonathan Davies's team: R Kearney (Ire), T Bowe (Ire), J Davies (Wal), M Tuilagi (Eng), G North (Wal); J Sexton (Ire), D Care (Eng); C Healy (Ire), D Hartley (Eng), A Jones (Wal), J Launchbury (Eng), AW Jones (Wal), T Wood (Eng), S Warburton (Wal), B Morgan (Eng).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20576096

The most effective team would almost certainly be the English pack with the Welsh backs. Might not be the 15 best individuals but it would be a monstrous side (with all the combinations used to playing together) that would just steamroller the Aussies.

Failing that, just pick the English. If they can repeat that 20mins of rugby they played against the All Blacks they'll destroy Australia.

It's when the selection gets too complicated that things fall apart.

This would be, of course, really boring.

The Lions seems such an out of date concept now.

No England forwards because you can't guarantee the Aussies will be recovering from a virus

Casartelli wrote:
Failing that, just pick the English. If they can repeat that 20mins of rugby they played against the All Blacks they'll destroy Australia.

England have looked like they might be able to give a performance as they did for 20 minutes last weekend for a long time. They just haven't managed to do it or been allowed to do it. I don't think that is a reference for backing them massively for the Lions.

Many of the players did their chances no harm at all, though players like Barritt, Farrell, Youngs were all taking a lot of abuse the week leading up to the game, those lads suddenly massively changed peoples opinions. Was that because those players always had that level of performance in them or because the media, the fans and pundits don't know what they are talking about?

The Lions will alwys split people, I still think its ag reat concept and having spoken to players from the amateur and pro era they all think so to and love to get selected.

You can guarantee that every player who is at the top level will have one eye on the Lions squad espite what they may say in front of the camera

Two English players are dead certs now,
Rowntree will bring his beloved Dan Cole
Farrell will bring IRB player of the year nominee Owen Farrell

viewtothegym wrote:Two English players are dead certs now,
Rowntree will bring his beloved Dan Cole
Farrell will bring IRB player of the year nominee Owen Farrell

Would you not consider Cole? I don't know if I'd bring Farrell, the next 6N will be more crucial than the Autumn in who is picked.

Cole is in pole position for the T/Head slot, if A Jones returns from injury ok then it will be a good competition between them to.

EnglishReign wrote:

viewtothegym wrote:Two English players are dead certs now,
Rowntree will bring his beloved Dan Cole
Farrell will bring IRB player of the year nominee Owen Farrell

Would you not consider Cole? I don't know if I'd bring Farrell, the next 6N will be more crucial than the Autumn in who is picked.

If it was left to viewtothegym. He would not take any English players at all.

If Alan Wyn Jones starts a test...actually if he makes the squad i will be dismayed....the guy is just a medicore average second row at best......

GeordieFalcon wrote:If Alan Wyn Jones starts a test...actually if he makes the squad i will be dismayed....the guy is just a medicore average second row at best......

I wouldn't call him mediocre but I wouldn't disagree with the sentiment. I'm not sure he's the best in Wales yet alone the Ailes. He's also always a penalty risk in my eyes....Lets wait and see on fitness and 6N form...

I'd picka relatively young team designed to get ahead and an experienced bench to shut it out. There aren't many Welsh players on the Bench because of their history at the end of games instead I've picked mostly experienced players who've beaten the Wallabies in tight matches recently.
15. Halfpenny - Kearney hasn't played for a long time and Halfpenny offers more in attack
14. Bowe - Great finisher and can defend better than visser
13. Tuilagi - His power means he just beats Jonathan Davies
12. Roberts - The other 12s are pretty shoite maybe Matt Scott if he can play as well as last year
11. North - Creates a balanced back three
10. Sexton - By far the best fly-half in Britain
9. Care - Has his form backn and is quick enough to trouble Genia
8. Denton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mblN1Rhawc8
7. Rennie
6. Warburton - Rennie and Warburton are good carrierrs and between them can stop Pocock
5. Launchbury -
4. Gray - Gray and Launchbury are good carriers which makes up for a lack of a genuine 6 and can work in the tight and lineout
3. Murray- Will destroy the Australian scrum
2. Best - The most consistent British hooker
1. Healy - Can scrummage and play in the loose

16. Grant - Strong in the loose and scrum
17. Ford - His power in the loose offers an alternative style to Best
18. Jones - Proven player with experience of big games
19. O'Connell - Ex- Captain and very good at controlling a pack
20. Cusiter - His defense would mean that he could control Genia if he was running riot
21. Wilkinson - His goalkicking, experience and the australian fear of him would allow him to take control of a game and close it out
22. O'Driscoll - Experienced and a fantastic player
23. Kearney - Only just inferior to Halfpenny and unlikely to make any mistakes

15 Half Penny ( i think will go mainly for his kicking duty/s) rather than his Full Back roll. However if we are picking on form, then he may have competition from Delon Armatage.

14 Bowe? again a good finisher but i think he will be competing with Ashton for the wing spot.

13 Tualaghi. Agree with that.

12 Roberts?? No too one dimentional, crash ball etc etc. The Lions tour is not an extra game in the rugby calender. The Lions tour are going their to win. and win only. Who should take his place? Probably Keith Earls ( can he play 12)

11 George North? Simon Zebo would be a better choice IMO.

10 Sexton? Wilkinson would a better choice starting But what about as a (dark horse for the Lions) paddy Jackson.

9 Danny Care Agree with that.

8 Denton? Dont know not seen him play much to be honest. But i think a Ben Morgan may be in with a shout or a Fully fit Jamie Heaslip would be a better choice.

7 Rennie? No. Stephan Armatage Should be First choice.

6 Warburton? No. At this moment should be no where near the Lions. Robshaw. Tom Wood would be a better choice.

5 Launchbery Agree.

4 Grey? I think Donaca Ryan better player.

3 Murray? Realy? Cole would be better.

2 Best? is he the best? think it will be a close call with Tom Youngs to be honest?

1 Healy. Could possibly be the best.

16 Grant? not seen him play so cannot argue.

17 Ford? If Tom Youngs does not start think he will be on the bench.

18 Jones? Is that Adam Jones? do not think he will go too be honest.

19 Oconnell? NO. (Too old and very injury prone just lately)

20 Cusiter? Maybe maybe Ben Youngs will get the nod.

21 Wilkinson? Dont think he will be on the bench. Think he will start.

22 Odriscoll? If you are talking about Bryan Odriscoll. I think you find that he ruled him self out. If i am not mistaken.

23 Kearney? How could you even pick Kearney in the squad when he as not played for a long long time?

Just my opinion on the players that you have mentiond.

1 Healy
2 Best
3 Cole
4 Ryan
5 Gray
6 O'Brien
7 Henry
8 Jones
9 Youngs
10 Sexton
11 Trimble
12 Marshall
13 Tuilagi
14 Bowe
15 Halfpenny

Bench: Adam Jones, Hartley ,Corbisero, Henderson, Robshaw, Phillips, Wilkinson, Gilroy

majesticimperialman wrote:15 Half Penny ( i think will go mainly for his kicking duty/s) rather than his Full Back roll. However if we are picking on form, then he may have competition from Delon Armatage.

14 Bowe? again a good finisher but i think he will be competing with Ashton for the wing spot.

13 Tualaghi. Agree with that.

12 Roberts?? No too one dimentional, crash ball etc etc. The Lions tour is not an extra game in the rugby calender. The Lions tour are going their to win. and win only. Who should take his place? Probably Keith Earls ( can he play 12)

11 George North? Simon Zebo would be a better choice IMO.

10 Sexton? Wilkinson would a better choice starting But what about as a (dark horse for the Lions) paddy Jackson.

9 Danny Care Agree with that.

8 Denton? Dont know not seen him play much to be honest. But i think a Ben Morgan may be in with a shout or a Fully fit Jamie Heaslip would be a better choice.

7 Rennie? No. Stephan Armatage Should be First choice.

6 Warburton? No. At this moment should be no where near the Lions. Robshaw. Tom Wood would be a better choice.

5 Launchbery Agree.

4 Grey? I think Donaca Ryan better player.

3 Murray? Realy? Cole would be better.

2 Best? is he the best? think it will be a close call with Tom Youngs to be honest?

1 Healy. Could possibly be the best.

16 Grant? not seen him play so cannot argue.

17 Ford? If Tom Youngs does not start think he will be on the bench.

18 Jones? Is that Adam Jones? do not think he will go too be honest.

19 Oconnell? NO. (Too old and very injury prone just lately)

20 Cusiter? Maybe maybe Ben Youngs will get the nod.

21 Wilkinson? Dont think he will be on the bench. Think he will start.

22 Odriscoll? If you are talking about Bryan Odriscoll. I think you find that he ruled him self out. If i am not mistaken.

23 Kearney? How could you even pick Kearney in the squad when he as not played for a long long time?

Just my opinion on the players that you have mentiond.

I do not doubt that Youngs is a better player than Cusiter however in my opinion Cus is the best defensive nine in Britain and Genia is the Australian major threat and I believe cusiter would be able to stop him, Sexton has more of an attacking game, North is there to add balance to the back three. Rennie and Warburton are there because I think the Lions should play two fetchers to deal with Pocock and they can both carry as well, however I think Wood fits that bracket as well. Denton is very powerful and skilful as well. Gray is an extremely good player and Murray a destructive scrummager. Ford is a powerful runner and has experience if beating the wallabies home and away. Best is consistent but is a similar player to Youngs so I wouldn't mind either. I haven't picked the players I think are the best in each position or I'd have gone for something completely different I've picked players who I believe would work well together and stop the wallabies and subs that I think are experienced at shutting a game out or offer an alternative to the players on the pitch. I haven't picked many welsh players because of the psychological effect it would have to have a lot of welsh players on at the end.

15 Half Penny ( i think will go mainly for his kicking duty/s) rather than his Full Back roll. However if we are picking on form, then he may have competition from Delon Armatage."

Not likely is it. Surely there are two English fullbacks ahead of ARMITAGE?

14 Bowe? again a good finisher but i think he will be competing with Ashton for the wing spot.

This is your one fair point.

13 Tualaghi. Agree with that.

TUILAGI is as one dimensional as Roberts really.

12 Roberts?? No too one dimentional, crash ball etc etc. The Lions tour is not an extra game in the rugby calender. The Lions tour are going their to win. and win only. Who should take his place? Probably Keith Earls ( can he play 12)

So your suggestion is Earls who you don't even know can play 12 for sure? Brilliant.

11 George North? Simon Zebo would be a better choice IMO.

Based on him playing fullback for Ireland?

10 Sexton? Wilkinson would a better choice starting But what about as a (dark horse for the Lions) paddy Jackson.

Why would Jonny be a better choice? I don't get your reasoning (or lack of it) there.

9 Danny Care Agree with that.

Probably fair there.

8 Denton? Dont know not seen him play much to be honest. But i think a Ben Morgan may be in with a shout or a Fully fit Jamie Heaslip would be a better choice.

Heaslip has been injured recently? Thought he played Ireland's last two games just fine?

7 Rennie? No. Stephan Armatage Should be First choice.

His lack of England action will probably cost him.

6 Warburton? No. At this moment should be no where near the Lions. Robshaw. Tom Wood would be a better choice.

One of those English pair (at least) isn't going to tour

5 Launchbery Agree.

4 Grey? I think Donaca Ryan better player.

3 Murray? Realy? Cole would be better.

2 Best? is he the best? think it will be a close call with Tom Youngs to be honest?

1 Healy. Could possibly be the best.

16 Grant? not seen him play so cannot argue.

17 Ford? If Tom Youngs does not start think he will be on the bench.

18 Jones? Is that Adam Jones? do not think he will go too be honest.

Daft comment. Barring injury, he's a cert to tour.

19 Oconnell? NO. (Too old and very injury prone just lately)

Injuries mean jack at the moment.

20 Cusiter? Maybe maybe Ben Youngs will get the nod.

21 Wilkinson? Dont think he will be on the bench. Think he will start.

Don't think he'll even tour. Priestland, Laidlaw, Flood and Farrell will be ahead of him.

22 Odriscoll? If you are talking about Bryan Odriscoll. I think you find that he ruled him self out. If i am not mistaken.

You are mistaken. He hasn't definitely ruled himself out. What other O'Driscoll is there, Geraint who plays for Newport?

23 Kearney? How could you even pick Kearney in the squad when he as not played for a long long time?

As he still has plenty of time to prove his fitness.

123456789 wrote:I haven't picked many welsh players because of the psychological effect it would have to have a lot of welsh players on at the end.

So why the selection of so many Scots who have played worse over the Autumn (results wise) than Wales?

rodders wrote:1 Healy
2 Best
3 Cole
4 Ryan
5 Gray
6 O'Brien
7 Henry
8 Jones
9 Youngs
10 Sexton
11 Trimble
12 Marshall
13 Tuilagi
14 Bowe
15 Halfpenny

Bench: Adam Jones, Hartley ,Corbisero, Henderson, Robshaw, Phillips, Wilkinson, Gilroy

Not too bad. I wouldn't be surprised if Jughead didn't tour, yet alone start at 8. There's no way three Irish wingers will tour and I doubt Wilkinson will tour. Bit Irish heavy there, but that'll always happen when a person picks a match day squad (lean towards his own country's players)

viewtothegym wrote:Two English players are dead certs now,
Rowntree will bring his beloved Dan Cole
Farrell will bring IRB player of the year nominee Owen Farrell

I think at least 8-10 are certs, as I suspect do you.

Risca Rev wrote:

123456789 wrote:I haven't picked many welsh players because of the psychological effect it would have to have a lot of welsh players on at the end.

So why the selection of so many Scots who have played worse over the Autumn (results wise) than Wales?

Because with the exception of Ford most if those Scottish players played well and the Scots will not fear the Australians on the other hand Wales have lost to Australia six times in a row, at least four of those have been last minute victories. The welsh players should start because on form they are the best but by the end it should be a more even mix.

1. Healey
2. Best
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. Charteris
6. O Brien
7. Warburton
8. Heaslip
9. Care
10. Sexton
11. North
12. JD
13. Tuilagi
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. James
17. Ford
18. Jones
19. Ryan
20 Rennie
21. Phillips
22. Farrell
23. Halfpenny

123456789 wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

123456789 wrote:I haven't picked many welsh players because of the psychological effect it would have to have a lot of welsh players on at the end.

So why the selection of so many Scots who have played worse over the Autumn (results wise) than Wales?

Because with the exception of Ford most if those Scottish players played well and the Scots will not fear the Australians on the other hand Wales have lost to Australia six times in a row, at least four of those have been last minute victories. The welsh players should start because on form they are the best but by the end it should be a more even mix.

Love your way of thinking...

majesticimperialman wrote:

Surely Ashton will be one of the wings.

With his strike rate I very much doubt it, he wouldn't be in my top 5 to be honest.

Artful_Dodger wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Surely Ashton will be one of the wings.

With his strike rate I very much doubt it, he wouldn't be in my top 5 to be honest.

You can criticise Ashton for plenty, but his club and international strike rate is very impressive.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Surely Ashton will be one of the wings.

With his strike rate I very much doubt it, he wouldn't be in my top 5 to be honest.

You can criticise Ashton for plenty, but his club and international strike rate is very impressive.

Really? Cause his try against New Zealand was his first in 11 test starts which is shocking. Also bare in mind of the international trys he has scored I believe 4 were against Italy. As I said he wouldn't be in my top 5 wingers for the Lions never mind ahead of Tommy Bowe.

Is this hypothetical argument over the hypothetical teams 606 user pick form their arm chair still going on?

Gatland is the boss and just accept that he will be taking loads of Welsh and Irish players, the only English player he will be interested in is Manu because he is big.

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Surely Ashton will be one of the wings.

With his strike rate I very much doubt it, he wouldn't be in my top 5 to be honest.

You can criticise Ashton for plenty, but his club and international strike rate is very impressive.

Really? Cause his try against New Zealand was his first in 11 test starts which is shocking. Also bare in mind of the international trys he has scored I believe 4 were against Italy. As I said he wouldn't be in my top 5 wingers for the Lions never mind ahead of Tommy Bowe.

You didn't say 'recent' strike rate. The whole 'who scored against who' is subjective too. Like the argument that it's easy for NZ wingers to score a hatload.

Anyway, I get it, you don't rate him For the record I don't think he's the best in the NH, but he offers something different.

Ashton won't get selected because he can't defend same for Foden, im not personally knocking them because they are better players than me and play at top level,
but looking at it from Gatlands view he won't be interested in defensively weak players, also Gatland is obssessed with big heavy players.
Yes you can say he picked Shane Williams but he was excellent is defense just ask Matt Banahan

view, you worry me with talk of Gatland's one-dimensional approach. It's the Lions, not Wales we're talking about here

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:

Surely Ashton will be one of the wings.

With his strike rate I very much doubt it, he wouldn't be in my top 5 to be honest.

You can criticise Ashton for plenty, but his club and international strike rate is very impressive.

Really? Cause his try against New Zealand was his first in 11 test starts which is shocking. Also bare in mind of the international trys he has scored I believe 4 were against Italy. As I said he wouldn't be in my top 5 wingers for the Lions never mind ahead of Tommy Bowe.

Bowe is one of the best wingers available. Ashton certainly wouldn't be ahead of him. I'd rather see Foden, Brown or Goode, though I suspect not all of them will go. Trimble also had a good case but is inconsistent imo. Likewise Cuthbert's case but his defence is bad. North, Bowe and Halfpenny are certs in the back 3.

Cyril do i get the impression it is just me and you on here tonight?
Everyone else must be watching Xfactor

viewtothegym wrote:Cyril do i get the impression it is just me and you on here tonight?
Everyone else must be watching Xfactor

I'm missing the X-Factor!!!!!



Ah, don't worry I'm recording it

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:view, you worry me with talk of Gatland's one-dimensional approach. It's the Lions, not Wales we're talking about here

Why would he change? All coaches have a coaching philosophy. It's unlikely to change much from one job to the next. You'll get for the Lions what you get for Wales.

123456789 wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

123456789 wrote:I haven't picked many welsh players because of the psychological effect it would have to have a lot of welsh players on at the end.

So why the selection of so many Scots who have played worse over the Autumn (results wise) than Wales?

Because with the exception of Ford most if those Scottish players played well and the Scots will not fear the Australians on the other hand Wales have lost to Australia six times in a row, at least four of those have been last minute victories. The welsh players should start because on form they are the best but by the end it should be a more even mix.

Played well in defeat to Tonga etc? Fair play then. Good job you didn't play Poopie like Wales, or you would be some force to be reckoned with.

Am I the only one who thinks a JD/Tuilagi combination in the centre would work?

Personally I don't. Wales have proven time and time again against Australia that playing a smash n' dash game does't work. There needs to be brains in the partnership, passing ability and above all defensive nous. Think the partnership of BOD-12, Tuilagi/Davies-13 could achieve this. BOD may be 34, but he's defensive organisation is leagues ahead of any other centre candidates.

hugo,

Thats the thing though JD is more of a footballer than people give him credit for but the obe area where it may fall down is I don't think neither have a very good boot on them.