Our Teams suggested for the Lions 2013 Tour...!

Here are a few Teams different punters on 606V2 have offered...! Thought it may be interesting to look at previous suggestions, counter whether ideas have changed with good or bad form... Maybe re-analyse who we think might be candidates for the fist Test XV pre six nations.

RogerLewis Oct 29, 2012
15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. BOD
12. Manu Tuilagi
11. George North
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Danny Care
8. Jamie Heaslip
7. Sam Warburton
6. Danny Lydiate
5. Alun-wyn Jones
4. POC
3. Adam Jones
2. Rory Best
1. Gethin Jenkins

Westisbest Oct 29, 2012
1 Jenkins
2 Best
3 Jones
4 Wyn Jones
5 POC
6 SOB
7 Warburton
8 Denton
9 Care
10 Sexton
11 Ashton
12 Roberts
13 Tuilagi
14 Bowe/Visser (see hoe he does next few months).
15 Kearney

Bluestonevedder Oct 29, 2012
1. Jenkins
2. Best
3. Cole
4. POC
5. Grey
6. Ferris
7. Rennie
8. Denton
9. Care
10. Flood
11. North
12. Jonathan Davies
13. Tuilagi
14. Cuthbert/Visser
15. Foden

profitius Oct 02, 2012
15 Halfpenny
14 North
13 Davies
12 Roberts
11 Visser
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
8 SOB
7 Warburton
6 Ferris
5 POC
4 Gray
3 Jones
2 Hartley
1 Healy

maestegmafia Sep 10, 2012
1. G. Jenkins
2. R. Ford
3. A. Jones
4. R. Gray
5. P. O'Connell
6. S. Ferris
7. S. Warburton
8. B. Morgan
9. M. Phillips
10. T. Flood
11. T. Visser
12. J. Roberts
13. J. Davies
14. G. North
15. B. Foden

Biltong Sep 10, 2012
1 Healy
2 Best
3 Cole
4 Gray
5 O'Connell
6 Rennie
7 Robshaw
8 Denton
9 Phillips
10 Sexton
11 North
12 Roberts
13 Davies
14 Bowe
15 Kearney

bedfordwelsh Sep 10, 2012
Healy
Ford
Jones
Gray
POC
Lydiate
Heaslip
Warburton
Phillips
Sexton
Bowe
Tuliagi
Davies
North
Kearney

LondonTiger Sep 10, 2012
Jenkins
Ford
Jones
O'Connell
Gray
Lydiate (Ferris injured otherwise would be selected)
Rennie (Warburton injured and misses tour, otherwise would be selected and captain)
Ryan jones
Phillips
Sexton
Bowe
Roberts
JD2
North
Kearney

TropicalHotdog Sep 10, 2012
1. Jenkins
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Rennie
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Flood
11. Visser
12. Tuilagi
13. Davies
14. North
15. Foden

ScarletSpiderman Sep 10, 2012
Halfpenny
North
Davies
Tuilagi
Bowe (Shane is coxed out of retirement)
Sexton
Murray
James
Best
A Jones
Gray
AW Jones
Ferris
Warburton (c)
Morgan

George Carlin Jul 12, 2012
1. Healy
2. Best (c)
3. Jones
4. Gray
5. Evans
6. O'Brien
7. Rennie
8. Denton
9. Youngs
10. Sexton
12. Roberts
13. J. Davies
11. Bowe
14. North
15. Kearney

3rdGrandslamCame Tue Mar 27 2012
15. Kearney
14. North
13. Tuilagi
12. JD2
11. Bowe
10. Sexton
9. Phillips
8. Denton
7. Warburton
6. Lydiate
5. AWJ
4. Gray
3. Jones
2. Hartley
1. Jenkins

formerly known as Sam Mar 27 2012
Jenkins, Ford, Jones
POC, Gray
Lydiate, Morgan, Warburton (c)
Youngs, Sexton
Davies, Tuilagi
North, Foden, Bowe

TycroesOsprey Mar 27, 2012
1. Gethin
2. Rees
3. Adam J
4 POC
5. Gray
6. Lydiate
7. Rennie
8. Denton
9. Blair
10. Sexton
11. Cuthbert
12. JD
13. BOD
14. North
15. Kearney

GunsGerms Mar 28, 2012
Kearney
North
Drico
Roberts
Bowe
Sexton
Philips
Denton
Warburton
Ferris/Lydiate
Grey
O'Connell
Jones
Best
Jenkins

Chunky Norwich Feb 13, 2012
1. G Jenkins
2. M Rees
3. D Cole
4. R Gray
5. P O'Connell
6. S Ferris
7. S Warburton
8. S O'Brien
9. M Phillips
10. J Sexton
11. T Bowe
12. J Roberts
13. B O'Driscoll
14. G North
15. L Halfpenny

Cardiff Taffy Feb 13
1. G Jenkins
2. R Best
3. A Jones
4. R Gray
5. P O'Connell
6. D Lydiate
7. S Warburton
8. T Faletau
9. M Phillips
10. R Priestland
11. L Halfpenny
12. J Roberts
13. B O'Driscoll
14. G North
15. R Kearney

geoff998rugby Feb 13, 2012
1. Jenkins/Healy
2. Best
3. Jones, Cole a decent understudy
4. O'Connell
5. Gray
6/7/8 - lot of candidates none of them English
9. no one has put their hand up yet
10. Likewise
11. Halfpenny
12. Roberts
13. O'Driscoll, if fit
14. North
15. Kearney, Hogg if he develops could challenge

thomh Feb 13, 2012
Healey
Best
Cole
Davies
Gray
Ferris
Warburton
Faletau
Phillips
Sexton
North
Roberts
Tuilagi
Bowe
Kearney/Foden

Can we merge this with one of the other (many) Lions threads? There are too many!

Interesting to see how many similarities there are even over almost a year

Home Nations Choices after the Six Nations with a view to Lions squad selection
by maestegmafia on Sun Apr 22, 2012 1:07 pm

Here is who everyone voted as their favourite players in each position.



15. Kearny and Foden

14. Bowe and Ashton

13. O'Driscoll and Tuilagi

12. Jamie Roberts and Brad Barritt

11. North and either Sharples or Trimble they both finished on equal votes

10. Sexton, Farrell and either Flood or Priestland

9. Phillips, Youngs and Blair

8. Morgan and Denton

7. Warburton and Rennie

6. Ferris and Lydiate

5. Gray and Lawes

4. POC and either Ian Evans or Geoff Parling same amount of votes

3. Adam and Cole

2. Best and Hartley

1. Gethin and Corbisiero


Utility backs and Forwards are

Keith Earls, Jonny May

And

Sean O'Brien, Kelly Brown and Ryan Jones


Players that play in more than one position suffered in the vote as for example with a player like Leigh Halfpenny people could not determine whether they preferred him as a winger or as a fullback.

That said, after asking for five player you recommend from nations other than your own, an idea to try and cajole an appreciative view of who posters rate. Results being that a player like Halfpenny then seemed a very popular choice. Likewise Jon Davies and Sean O'Brien.

I use this as an example of what we get from polling in the way I have. It may create a squad that is easily up for debate and deliberation, but in contrast the Test Team is probably quite a likely one.

The Choice Test side looking like:

1. G. Jenkins
2. R. Best
3. A. Jones
4. P. O'Connell
5. R. Gray
6. S. Ferris
7. S. Warburton (Captain)
8. B. Morgan
9. M. Phillips
10. J. Sexton
11. G. North
12. J. Roberts
13. B O'Driscoll
14. T. Bowe
15. R. Kearney

Popular five from each Home Nation post are below

England

Cole
Foden
Farrell
Morgan
Tuilagi

Ireland

Best
Ferris
Heeley
Kearney
Sexton

Scotland

Denton
Ford
Gray
Hogg
Rennie

Wales

Warburton
Davies
Jenkins
Lydiate
North


Relevant Links

https://www.606v2.com/t27937-suggest-five-players-from-each-of-other-home-nations-that-you-think-should-be-in-the-lions-squad

https://www.606v2.com/t27767p50-outside-choices-of-the-home-nations-for-the-2013-lions-tour-to-australia

https://www.606v2.com/t27648-tour-captain-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27195-utility-forwards-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27570-utility-backs-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27514-fullbacks-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27459-right-winger-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27406-outside-centre-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27362-inside-center-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27441-left-winger-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27317-flyhalf-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27250-scrumhalf-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27122-number-8-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t27020-openside-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t26967-blindside-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t26916-lock-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t26794-tight-head-prop-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t26852-hooker-choices-of-the-home-nations

https://www.606v2.com/t26788-loosehead-prop-choices-of-the-home-nations

I would say Faletau, Phillips and Jenkins are out of favour now for most people.

This is a really well done article/thread, mate.

Seeing as its easier for me to work off a list than create my own, my ingenious comments follow from 'The Choice Test side':

1. G. Jenkins - Can't be. Not first choice at his club. Problem is I don't feel good about the other choices. Corbs will need to show he is healthy and back. 6 Nations will be critical.
2. R. Best - No problem. Hartley backs him up.
3. A. Jones - I think Cole is better and still improving.

4. P. O'Connell - Will not go. Great leader, but too many miles and I don't think enough left in the tank. Lots of quality alternatives.
5. R. Gray - OK, but needs to up his game a bit. Again, 6 Nations will decide.

6. S. Ferris - no problem
7. S. Warburton (Captain) - no. His game is not where it was, and might not earn a spot in the squad. Maybe Tom Wood.
8. B. Morgan - Not a big Morgan fan. We need an 8 whose motor runs at high speed for the full 80.
Back Row - The strongest area in the squad by a large margin. Many combos will work.

9. M. Phillips - no. Probably Care and Youngs?
10. J. Sexton - Only choice possible. But this is the position I am most worried about. Sexton is not great this season (so far), but is miles ahead of the mediocre lot.

11. G. North - not sure about North. Can Halfpenny play on the left side?
12. J. Roberts - Is he healthy? Will he be healthy and match fit and with sufficient match time under his belt?
13. B O'Driscoll - not sure about O'Driscoll. Will probably travel, but is he healthy enough and back to his best? His leadership would be very important, however.
14. T. Bowe - no problem, if healthy. Ashton as backup.
15. R. Kearney - same as above. no problem if healthy. Foden would be fine as well. Halfpenny, too, but I think we need him on the wing.

I still find it funny that all the abuse I took last season for claiming BOD and POC didn't stand a chance at travelling and now before the new year is here they are all but ruled out because of their age.

IMHO BOD is on the cusp of travelling for what he brings of the pitch alone, wit'll take 2/3 injuries for a few of the front runners for a call up now!

For all the lions talk now it'll take Cian Healy to rock up and destroy Cole or Jones for people to start talking alternatives, Visser or Gilroy could round North/Ashton for a winning score to see either not selected.

For the 1000nth time it's too early, and until the 6N begins all this talk is moot!

formerly known as Sam Mar 27 2012 Jenkins, Ford, Jones POC, Gray Lydiate, Morgan, Warburton (c) Youngs, Sexton Davies, Tuilagi North, Foden, Bowe

Well I'd be replacing the front row for starters. Healy is in better form than Jenkins who has disappeared since his move to France. Jones was poor on the Wales tour to Oz and was made to look ordinary at Welford Rd whilst Cole dismantled Bevington and is in some top form. Ford has not impressed either so despite my disquiet over his football esque gesticulations I'd go with Best.

The second row is the one that should still do best if they find fitness and form but I'd seriously consider dropping in the English combo of Launchbury/Parling if they show up well in the 6N.

The only other change I'd make is Alex Goode in for Foden.

The 6N will offer some crucial tests.

Being self centred and all I'd go for this

Healy
Best
Jones
Gray
Hines
O'brien
Armitage
Heaslip
Care
Sexton
North
Tuilagi
O'driscoll
Visser
Kearney

Ford-Sheridan-Murray-Ryan-tiptuic-youngs-flood-halfpenny/hogg

My opinion as it stands - ignore the complaints that we already have these threads btw, this format is actually a pretty useful one for comparison...

15- Halfpenny - could easily go to Kearney or an England FB though
14- Bowe/Visser
13- Tuilagi, despite his flaws
12- Davies by a mile if not more
11- North
10- Sexton. Then the likes of Biggar, Burns, Laidlaw. Not Farrell.
9- Care, just as happy with Youngs and would be OK with Peel or Laidlaw. Not Phillips
8- Denton, could see Easter or Beattie as non-INT possibilities
7- O'Brien or Robshaw, unless the Scots buck up. Maybe Tipuric, maybe Armitage or Wood. Not Warburton
6- Let's say Wood for now but literally so many good options it's impossible to pick one. Hopefully Ferris is fit, or Brown gets game time in his actual position
5- Gray, despite Sale
4- Hines or Shaw. None of the test locks are real enforcers to compliment Gray, except maybe Hamilton
3- Cole
2- Best
1- Healey

bedfordwelsh Sep 10, 2012
Healy
Ford
Jones
Gray
POC
Lydiate
Heaslip
Warburton
Phillips
Sexton
Bowe
Tuliagi
Davies
North
Kearney

Still not changed my mind much, form n fitness aside, Halfpenny at XV Cole possibly at No3, 2nd rows are my grey area.

ChequeredJersey wrote:4- Hines or Shaw. None of the test locks are real enforcers to compliment Gray, except maybe Hamilton

Simon Shaw?

I think Gray and Hines could be really good together as a unit and if you have a hard grafting hooker like Best (as many of us have chosen) then that engine room is beefed up a bit.

I can't in any way shape or form imagine a front 5 of Healy-Best-Jones-Hines-Gray being outscrummaged by the Aussies

doctor_grey wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:4- Hines or Shaw. None of the test locks are real enforcers to compliment Gray, except maybe Hamilton

Simon Shaw?

Yeah Simon Shaw

Aren't Hines and Shaw a little long in the tooth for a demanding Lions tour?

If Gray can't provide enough grunt to support a lineout specialist he shouldn't be going. launchbury is a powerful and mobile option with Jim Hamilton offering another power option. We shouldn't be short of enforcers.

We shouldn't but we are and I think a Lions Tour, if you don't play both Test and midweek matches, is probably less strenuous than an International campaign and they alone amongst Tourists wouldn't have that draining them beforehand

Due to a lot of injuries going about at the moment 2nd row for me is one area where there is no front runners.

A lot will depend on who returns from injury the quickest and reaches their best etc.

Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I would say Faletau, Phillips and Jenkins are out of favour now for most people.

TropicalHotdog (AKA Cyril on 606v2) Sep 10, 2012
1. Jenkins
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Rennie
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Flood
11. Visser
12. Tuilagi
13. Davies
14. North
15. Foden


You only included Jenkins in your previous team...!

maestegmafia wrote:Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

POC looks like he should miss the 6Nations, he may never play for Ireland again

maestegmafia wrote:Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

Grays had a dip this year (possibly not helped by the atmosphere at his club)Gatlands also just said that at this point hed be picking Scots for representation not for their ability which doesnt exactly sound like a ringing endorsement for the chances of Grey (It would be surprise if he doesnt tour though)
POC is missing the 6 nations to have back surgery and is unlikely to be fully fit in time for the tour. It may infact be the case that he isnt able to come back at all, given the severity and nature of his problems combined with his age. It would be an awful end for one of this centuries NH greats...but that aside we can pretty much forget abouit him for the Lions. He wont have played a test for over a year when the tour starts.

Id also have Hamilton above Hines if we have to have a Scottish second row (and certainly above Shaw) based on this season.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

POC looks like he should miss the 6Nations, he may never play for Ireland again

That's very sad news.

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

Grays had a dip this year (possibly not helped by the atmosphere at his club)Gatlands also just said that at this point hed be picking Scots for representation not for their ability which doesnt exactly sound like a ringing endorsement for the chances of Grey (It would be surprise if he doesnt tour though)
POC is missing the 6 nations to have back surgery and is unlikely to be fully fit in time for the tour. It may infact be the case that he isnt able to come back at all, given the severity and nature of his problems combined with his age. It would be an awful end for one of this centuries NH greats...but that aside we can pretty much forget abouit him for the Lions. He wont have played a test for over a year when the tour starts.

Got a link to Gatland saying that the scots aren't good enough? I certainly hadn't heard him say that.

Gray is a good player at a poor Sale Sharks. Scots didnt have a great roll on from their summer tour.

Throwing my name in the hat and being optimistic on injury I'd go for;

1.Healy
2.Best
3.Cole
4.Gray
5.POC
6.Ferris
7.Robshaw
8.Heaslip

9.Youngs
10.Sexton

11.North
12.Davies
13.Tuilagi- It seems too optimistic to pick BOD just yet, if Roberts can find form I'd happily see 12.Roberts 13.Davies/BOD
14.Bowe
15.Kearney

16.Hartley
17.Sheridan
18.Jones
19.Parling
20.Wood
21.Murray
22.Flood
23.Halfpenny

With Youngs, Murray, Ryan, Croft/Lydiate, Warburton, Beattie, Care, Farrell, JSD, Foden next in line for the injury prone positions - of course in case of injury bench players would step up first.

O'Connell is definitely out of the running for Six Nations. And therefore, out of Lions candidacy.

I suspect a few other Irish hopefuls will also bite the dust. Ferris is too frequently injured, and is unlikely to be available for any meaningful time for the 6N.

O'Brien may also lose out as there will be other 7s favoured ahead of him, and there will only be two players for most positions along with 3 hookers, 3 scrum-halves and 3 out halves, and an extra prop, according to Gatland in an interview this weekend, about the likely make-up of the 35man squad. He sees a 19-16 or possible 20-15 split between grunts and backs.

Based on that, who are the likely two candidates in each position, likely to travel? Plus the other five slots of 3rd hooker, 3rd scrummie, 3rd out-half, back-up prop, and AN Other?

maestegmafia wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I would say Faletau, Phillips and Jenkins are out of favour now for most people.

TropicalHotdog (AKA Cyril on 606v2) Sep 10, 2012
1. Jenkins
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Rennie
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Flood
11. Visser
12. Tuilagi
13. Davies
14. North
15. Foden


You only included Jenkins in your previous team...!

I don't quite get what you mean. I said 'most' people. I already had my doubts about Faletau and (especially) Phillips.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I would say Faletau, Phillips and Jenkins are out of favour now for most people.

TropicalHotdog (AKA Cyril on 606v2) Sep 10, 2012
1. Jenkins
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Rennie
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Flood
11. Visser
12. Tuilagi
13. Davies
14. North
15. Foden


You only included Jenkins in your previous team...!

I don't quite get what you mean. I said 'most' people. I already had my doubts about Faletau and (especially) Phillips.

What is your opinion...?

I dont think anyone is interested in your thoughts on others.

Previously you posted the above team. Have you changed your mind since then about any others rather than Gethin Jenkins?

maestegmafia wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I would say Faletau, Phillips and Jenkins are out of favour now for most people.

TropicalHotdog (AKA Cyril on 606v2) Sep 10, 2012
1. Jenkins
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Rennie
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Flood
11. Visser
12. Tuilagi
13. Davies
14. North
15. Foden


You only included Jenkins in your previous team...!

I don't quite get what you mean. I said 'most' people. I already had my doubts about Faletau and (especially) Phillips.

What is your opinion...?

I dont think anyone is interested in your thoughts on others.

Previously you posted the above team. Have you changed your mind since then about any others rather than Gethin Jenkins?

That was my opinion! I think people's perceptions of those players have changed.

Yeah, I'd probably change some of those I picked. It just goes to show we're looking at this way too far in advance, even now.

maestegmafia wrote:

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

Grays had a dip this year (possibly not helped by the atmosphere at his club)Gatlands also just said that at this point hed be picking Scots for representation not for their ability which doesnt exactly sound like a ringing endorsement for the chances of Grey (It would be surprise if he doesnt tour though)
POC is missing the 6 nations to have back surgery and is unlikely to be fully fit in time for the tour. It may infact be the case that he isnt able to come back at all, given the severity and nature of his problems combined with his age. It would be an awful end for one of this centuries NH greats...but that aside we can pretty much forget abouit him for the Lions. He wont have played a test for over a year when the tour starts.

Got a link to Gatland saying that the scots aren't good enough? I certainly hadn't heard him say that.

Gray is a good player at a poor Sale Sharks. Scots didnt have a great roll on from their summer tour.

I posted the link in another article. http://www.espnscrum.com/lions-tour-2013/rugby/story/175100.html

I hope that Scotland enjoy a good Six Nations because I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say representation for the Scots is challenging.

I would question that in regard to Visser (what more does he need to do to get on tour?), and yes Grey (as Gatland says) has the opportunity to prove he does deserve a place on ability in the 6 nations.

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Second row is an interesting area. I went Gray and O'Connell.

With the six nations to play I think I will revise my opinion. But they are both very valid candidates.

Grays had a dip this year (possibly not helped by the atmosphere at his club)Gatlands also just said that at this point hed be picking Scots for representation not for their ability which doesnt exactly sound like a ringing endorsement for the chances of Grey (It would be surprise if he doesnt tour though)
POC is missing the 6 nations to have back surgery and is unlikely to be fully fit in time for the tour. It may infact be the case that he isnt able to come back at all, given the severity and nature of his problems combined with his age. It would be an awful end for one of this centuries NH greats...but that aside we can pretty much forget abouit him for the Lions. He wont have played a test for over a year when the tour starts.

Got a link to Gatland saying that the scots aren't good enough? I certainly hadn't heard him say that.

Gray is a good player at a poor Sale Sharks. Scots didnt have a great roll on from their summer tour.

I posted the link in another article. http://www.espnscrum.com/lions-tour-2013/rugby/story/175100.html

I hope that Scotland enjoy a good Six Nations because I don't think I'm speaking out of turn to say representation for the Scots is challenging.

I would question that in regard to Visser (what more does he need to do to get on tour?), and yes Grey (as Gatland says) has the opportunity to prove he does deserve a place on ability in the 6 nations.

Cheers just read it. Been rather distracted by the Vendee globe Race while little is happening in rugby over the Festive period.

I think BOD has an infinitely better chance than POC of touring and starting. If POC plays for Ireland again he will be doing very well I think.

O'Brien can play 6, 7 and 8 and is playing better than most of the English/Welsh competitors I don't see how he could be left out tbh

Here is one that gets asked on Irish boards a lot and hasn't really been thrown to lads from other nations: Kieth Earls. What are his chances of getting in to the squad in your opinions?

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:I think BOD has an infinitely better chance than POC of touring and starting. If POC plays for Ireland again he will be doing very well I think.

O'Brien can play 6, 7 and 8 and is playing better than most of the English/Welsh competitors I don't see how he could be left out tbh

Here is one that gets asked on Irish boards a lot and hasn't really been thrown to lads from other nations: Kieth Earls. What are his chances of getting in to the squad in your opinions?

How many games has SOB played this year?

none for Ireland he was out with a hip injury. He has played 6 Leinster games including the 2 against Clermont in the Heineken Cup (he started both, one at 6 and one at 7)

He is a nailed on starter when fit and firing for both club and country

I'd replace POC with Parling and bring Hines onto the bench due to the news if O'Connells surgery. That said the second row could change hugely in the 6N with the number of quality players there who will hopefully be coming back to fitness. This would make my side:

1.Healy
2.Best
3.Cole
4.Gray
5.Parling
6.Ferris
7.Robshaw
8.Heaslip

9.Youngs
10.Sexton

11.North
12.Roberts
13.Davies - BOD still needs to prove form/fitness and JDv2 offers a far more rounded game than Tuilagi
14.Bowe
15.Kearney

16.Hartley 17.Sheridan 18.Jones 19.Hines 20.Warburton 21.Murray 22.Farrell 23.Halfpenny

king_carlos wrote:I'd replace POC with Parling and bring Hines onto the bench due to the news if O'Connells surgery. That said the second row could change hugely in the 6N with the number of quality players there who will hopefully be coming back to fitness. This would make my side:

1.Healy
2.Best
3.Cole
4.Gray
5.Parling
6.Ferris
7.Robshaw
8.Heaslip

9.Youngs
10.Sexton

11.North
12.Roberts
13.Davies - BOD still needs to prove form/fitness and JDv2 offers a far more rounded game than Tuilagi
14.Bowe
15.Kearney

16.Hartley 17.Sheridan 18.Jones 19.Hines 20.Warburton 21.Murray 22.Farrell 23.Halfpenny

Sorry Carlitto, but Ferris is another who will be doing very well to get back in time for the 6N. BOD should be playing against Edinburgh next week according to most recent reports, Ferris on the other hand doesn't look like he will make it. Even if he did you couldn't trust his body to make it through a month of hard-core round the clock rugby

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

king_carlos wrote:I'd replace POC with Parling and bring Hines onto the bench due to the news if O'Connells surgery. That said the second row could change hugely in the 6N with the number of quality players there who will hopefully be coming back to fitness. This would make my side:

1.Healy
2.Best
3.Cole
4.Gray
5.Parling
6.Ferris
7.Robshaw
8.Heaslip

9.Youngs
10.Sexton

11.North
12.Roberts
13.Davies - BOD still needs to prove form/fitness and JDv2 offers a far more rounded game than Tuilagi
14.Bowe
15.Kearney

16.Hartley 17.Sheridan 18.Jones 19.Hines 20.Warburton 21.Murray 22.Farrell 23.Halfpenny

Sorry Carlitto, but Ferris is another who will be doing very well to get back in time for the 6N. BOD should be playing against Edinburgh next week according to most recent reports, Ferris on the other hand doesn't look like he will make it. Even if he did you couldn't trust his body to make it through a month of hard-core round the clock rugby

I know picking Ferris is optimistic, also Bowe and Roberts fall into that category, I just feel that they offer such a good option that I'm trying to stay optimistic. Look as Ferris' competitors you've got Wood/Lydiate/Brown who are all very good defensively and in their ground work but don't offer much carrying. Then you've got Croft who has also been injured but offers a different option with his pace and line-out work.

My desperation to see Ferris on the tour also comes from the no 8 problems with Morgan not really fit enough for 80 at int level yet, Faletau out of form and Scotland looking uncertain over Beattie/Denton, I think Heaslip is the best option atm and Ferris is the best player to complement 7.Robshaw 8.Heaslip in my opinion. Of course this will all probably change in the 6N with Beattie hopefully returning for Scotland alongisde guys coming back from injury.

Faletau was fantastic last week, Man of the Match. I don't think his form is that bad, just had a few dropped catches highlighted by the media.

Faletau has been poor for a while now. Like others he's got a chance to get back in the picture. I guess he's lucky there aren't that many outstanding 8's around at the moment.

He's behind the Scottish, Irish and English players at the moment though.

Personally hope Denton starts at 8 for Scotland and starts finding some form. I want there to be Scots in the team bigtime:

Denton
Murray
Ford
Visser
Hogg
Laidlaw
Gray
Hines
Hamilton

All of these should be challenging for tour places

Pete

Hines is getting plenty of credit for his good form this year. He would be likely. Gray is a superb player playing in a poor team, Hogg and Visser are talents, if they get some good ball they will prove their worth for sure. Visser's scoring record is outstanding for Edinburgh, considering their current form that says a lot.

maestegmafia wrote:Pete

Hines is getting plenty of credit for his good form this year. He would be likely. Gray is a superb player playing in a poor team, Hogg and Visser are talents, if they get some good ball they will prove their worth for sure. Visser's scoring record is outstanding for Edinburgh, considering their current form that says a lot.

You'd have to be worried about Visser's defence I guess but if you need scores and you can throw caution to the wind then he is your guy.
Rennie deserves a mention also, I really like him as well.

Then you've got Croft who has also been injured but offers a different option with his pace and line-out work.

Croft's return is rumoured to be next weekend. It will be interesting to see how he performs with him bulking up significantly during his injury. In Cockerill's words "he actually looks like a rugby player now".

Anyone who saw Cole dismantle Nick Wood on Saturday must have him in their Lions team, he's in great form at the minute.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Personally hope Denton starts at 8 for Scotland and starts finding some form. I want there to be Scots in the team bigtime:

Denton
Murray
Ford
Visser
Hogg
Laidlaw
Gray
Hines
Hamilton

All of these should be challenging for tour places

The Scot that you've missed out who many predict will be our standout player this year is Ryan Grant, I think he will surprise a lot of people this 6N and will be a serious Lions contender.

king_carlos wrote:...
12.Roberts
13.Davies - BOD still needs to prove form/fitness and JDv2 offers a far more rounded game than Tuilagi

Thing is Tuilagi (while fitness and form persists) is currently one of the most potent attacking forces in world rugby. JDv2 may be a more rounded player but Tuilagi can be a game breaker. He also currently offers a lot more than Roberts, if only purely because occasionally he runs through a gap rather than trying to run through another player.

The current favourite option must be JDv2/Tuilagi in the centers

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Then you've got Croft who has also been injured but offers a different option with his pace and line-out work.

Croft's return is rumoured to be next weekend. It will be interesting to see how he performs with him bulking up significantly during his injury. In Cockerill's words "he actually looks like a rugby player now".

Anyone who saw Cole dismantle Nick Wood on Saturday must have him in their Lions team, he's in great form at the minute.

Great news there, especially as a Tigers fan. Whilst we have lots of great options at 6 with Ferris,Wood,Lydiate,Brown and Croft, you want some differing options in the squad and personally I think Wood/Lydiate/Brown are very similar players. All three are very strong in defence but don't offer much in attack tbh (Woods line-out ability may be important in seperating them). That's what I like about Croft for the Lions as he offers a different sort of player with his pace. Ferris on form is the best all round player of the lot IMO.

I though Croft might have bulked up as it's what most players do during an injury lay-off. It will be very interesting to see if he's still got his pace and line-out prowess when he returns. It's one of Croft big assets that having him at six allows you to shorten the line-out to 5 men or less but still have three good jumpers out of the 2 second-rows and himself. Allows you to get forward runners in the backs - as NZ used brilliantly with Thorn for years.

lostinwales wrote:

king_carlos wrote:...
12.Roberts
13.Davies - BOD still needs to prove form/fitness and JDv2 offers a far more rounded game than Tuilagi

Thing is Tuilagi (while fitness and form persists) is currently one of the most potent attacking forces in world rugby. JDv2 may be a more rounded player but Tuilagi can be a game breaker. He also currently offers a lot more than Roberts, if only purely because occasionally he runs through a gap rather than trying to run through another player.

The current favourite option must be JDv2/Tuilagi in the centers

I agree with Roberts injured JDv2 and Tuilagi offer the best option on current form. My problem with Tuilagi (even as a Tigers/Eng fan) is that he still needs to develop a better rugby brain and all round skills, this is what an in-form Roberts and JDv2/BOD offer. Aus have shown over and over again in recent years that their back-line can deal with a power game in defence. Most sides that have tried to beat them with one have struggled. Their backs may not be huge but they're mostly pretty smart in defence. Add Pocock and Hooper to their back row and the chances of smashing through their defence without getting turned-over a few times are slim. Give Aus turn-over ball and they'll destroy you simple as.

lostinwales wrote:

king_carlos wrote:...
12.Roberts
13.Davies - BOD still needs to prove form/fitness and JDv2 offers a far more rounded game than Tuilagi

Thing is Tuilagi (while fitness and form persists) is currently one of the most potent attacking forces in world rugby. JDv2 may be a more rounded player but Tuilagi can be a game breaker. He also currently offers a lot more than Roberts, if only purely because occasionally he runs through a gap rather than trying to run through another player.

The current favourite option must be JDv2/Tuilagi in the centers

Your point re Tuilagi is true. Personally I would like a more creative partnership, BOD and JD2 would be great if on form. But I agree Tuilagi is currently a better option than Roberts.

Manu isn't the most creative player going but he has pretty good hands just seethe offload to Barritt or the bullet miss pass for Smith to score in the corner the following week for Tigers against Treviso. He is better than you think under the up and under and he reads the game well (two intercepts in sucessive weeks against SA and NZ). Against NZ he got a try and two assists.

Put him in the midfield of a team with some decent ball and he'll do some damage. What is it now, 9 tries in 17 games?

He may be a rough diamond but what a diamond. There is more to his play than just bosh. JD2 at 12 and Manu at 13 should be a good combo with power, pace and a bit of guile.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Manu isn't the most creative player going but he has pretty good hands just seethe offload to Barritt or the bullet miss pass for Smith to score in the corner the following week for Tigers against Treviso. He is better than you think under the up and under and he reads the game well (two intercepts in sucessive weeks against SA and NZ). Against NZ he got a try and two assists.

Put him in the midfield of a team with some decent ball and he'll do some damage. What is it now, 9 tries in 17 games?

He may be a rough diamond but what a diamond. There is more to his play than just bosh. JD2 at 12 and Manu at 13 should be a good combo with power, pace and a bit of guile.

I agree he is improving his skills. Still convinced he would be more use on the wing than centre.

Though the lions have invariably selected one direct player one creative for most tests in the last twenty years.