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

First topic message reminder :

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

Agreed that Manu is very talented and give it a couple of years will be a brilliant player, but at the moment when shut down he struggles and disappears - look at the Aus/SA games in the AI's.

That's my worry for the Lions, I can see Gatland trying to use a power game and if he does Aus are probably better than NZ at shutting that down, turning over the ball and taking advantage of this. Don't get me wrong I'm a big Tuilagi fan, he's already one of the best in club rugby and a very good England player but if there's one team in the world you want the smartest midfield possible against it's Australia IMO.

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. Parling
6. SOB
7. Warburton
8. Denton
9. Care
10. Sexton
11. Ashton
12. JD
13. Manu
14. North
15. Halfpenny

KC mate that's why I would rather see a Center partnership who can create, think on their toes and read a game.

Steven_Sharks wrote:1. Healy
2. Best
3. Cole
4. Gray
5. Parling
6. SOB
7. Warburton
8. Denton
9. Care
10. Sexton
11. Ashton
12. JD
13. Manu
14. North
15. Halfpenny

Sorry I didn't see your team anywhere else.

Not bad. Although Denton and Ashton were in good form previously they are not looking so good this year.

maes - Agreed, against Oz our best centre partnership would probs be 12.JDv2 13.BOD. I'm just not really optimistic enough to name BOD in my sides yet so I'm plumping for Roberts/JD for the time being. 4 centre options of JDv2,BOD,Roberts and Tuilagi would be great for the squad though.

Steven_Sharks - Decent side, I'm not a huge Ashton fan and Denton is out of form (though I am a fan) but other than that I'd be happy with it as current fitness is discounting Ferris/BOD from most people thought process.

but at the moment when shut down he struggles and disappears - look at the Aus/SA games in the AI's.

I agree he can fade out of games when his forwards are going backwards but most backs do. He is at least always an asset in defence and will make yards under pressure.

Interesting you mention the Aus game where he scored a decent try past a couple of defenders and SA where he was our best attacking threat and looked to have won it after his intercept and break only for his support to mess it up. There are limitations but he has always been an asset for England on the international stage.

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

He's wasted on the wing. You want him in the midfield disrupting the opposition rather than out on the wing. We saw the AB defence distorted because of what Manu offers ball in hand. When experienced international centres start rushing out of the line to limit your impact it means there's a big old gap for someone else.

Plus which winger would you drop to put Manu in? No, he's a quality international centre, only Andy Robinson would move him too the wing.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

but at the moment when shut down he struggles and disappears - look at the Aus/SA games in the AI's.

I agree he can fade out of games when his forwards are going backwards but most backs do. He is at least always an asset in defence and will make yards under pressure.

Interesting you mention the Aus game where he scored a decent try past a couple of defenders and SA where he was our best attacking threat and looked to have won it after his intercept and break only for his support to mess it up. There are limitations but he has always been an asset for England on the international stage.

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

He's wasted on the wing. You want him in the midfield disrupting the opposition rather than out on the wing. We saw the AB defence distorted because of what Manu offers ball in hand. When experienced international centres start rushing out of the line to limit your impact it means there's a big old gap for someone else.

Plus which winger would you drop to put Manu in? No, he's a quality international centre, only Andy Robinson would move him too the wing.

I disagree he is a winger playing centre, he is a try scorer, he goes for the line. He was useful against the all blacks because they were bloody awful not because he was better than them. Smith and Nonu have and do play a lot more world class rugby than Manu.

He is a huge asset for the lions but he still has bucket loads to prove as a centre for me to be convinced by him.

Too many armchair selectors are like women - find the perfect guy then try and change them...

Danny Care shouldnt be considered till he sorts out his hair. Maybe Cipriani should go on the tour after all as a style consultant

formerly known as Sam wrote:

but at the moment when shut down he struggles and disappears - look at the Aus/SA games in the AI's.

I agree he can fade out of games when his forwards are going backwards but most backs do. He is at least always an asset in defence and will make yards under pressure.

Interesting you mention the Aus game where he scored a decent try past a couple of defenders and SA where he was our best attacking threat and looked to have won it after his intercept and break only for his support to mess it up. There are limitations but he has always been an asset for England on the international stage.

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

He's wasted on the wing. You want him in the midfield disrupting the opposition rather than out on the wing. We saw the AB defence distorted because of what Manu offers ball in hand. When experienced international centres start rushing out of the line to limit your impact it means there's a big old gap for someone else.

Plus which winger would you drop to put Manu in? No, he's a quality international centre, only Andy Robinson would move him too the wing.

He scored a try but was quiet for much of the game. Then again the backline all struggled that day and Barritt is a poor foil for Tuilagi. I agree he's Englands best backline asset, hence why from an England fan point of view I'd like to see Bill 36 or Allen at 12 to complement him. For the Lions in Aus I'd prefer a 12.JDv2 13.BOD midfield ideally however. In having Davies/BOD ahead of Manu in the pecking order for 13 I'm not stating I think Manu's a bad player just that his competition are the two best 13's in the world after Conrad Smith - who's way ahead of the pack IMO.

Completely agree he's better of at centre than wing however. He hasn't got the pace to play on the wing to start. He's a destructive ball carrier and now he's stopped rushing out the line this season he's been an excellent defender ( to the Tigers coaches for identifying a weakness and acting there). I also think he's a 13 not a 12 as many people state. For England Allen/36 would be very good foils for him. If he plays for the Lions Davies would be the best partner for him.

1. A.Corbisiero
2. R.Ford
3. D.Cole
4. R.Gray
5. A.W.Jones
6. C.Robshaw (c)
7. S.O'Brien
8. D.Denton

9. D.Care
10. J.Sexton
11. T.Visser
12. J.Davies
13. M.Tuilagi
14. G.North
15. R.Kearney

robshaw4england wrote:
1. A.Corbisiero
2. R.Ford
3. D.Cole
4. R.Gray
5. A.W.Jones
6. C.Robshaw (c)
7. S.O'Brien
8. D.Denton

9. D.Care
10. J.Sexton
11. T.Visser
12. J.Davies
13. M.Tuilagi
14. G.North
15. R.Kearney

Previously

by robshaw4england on Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:20 pm

This would be my Lions XV based on this seasons performances both domestically and at the international level, and in some cases on their sheer class. (e.g. BOD)

A.Team

15. R.Kearney (Ire)
14. G.North (Wal)
13. B.O'Driscoll (Ire)
12. J.Roberts (Wal)
11. T.Visser (Sco)
10. J.Sexton (Ire)
09. M.Phillips (Wal)
08. T.Faletau (Wal)
07. S.Warburton (Wal)
06. C.Robshaw (Eng)
05. P.O'Connell (Ire)
04. R.Gray (Sco)
03. D.Cole (Eng)
02. D.Hartley (Eng)
01. G.Jenkins (Wal)

With some of these selections, one thing we need to see is Gatland changing his tactics from those employed by Wales. Admittedly some of Wales'games against Aus have been close, but 'close' won't win us the series. Perhaps that's why he's got Andy Farrell on board.

As things stand there are only four guys who have earned a starting spot owing to recent form imo. Cole, Sexton, Tuilagi and Bowe.

It will be an interesting squad when selected as there are several positions with plenty of candidates.

I don't think Tuilagi should start, against the Aussies you need a more creative and spacialy aware player.

I think it would be a big mistake playing him at 12 or 13

This looks pretty definitive on Paul O'Connell

Kearney, O'Driscoll and Fitzgerald however all could get in to the Lions team dependent on form etc

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1231/1224328280463.html

I don't think Tuilagi should start, against the Aussies you need a more creative and spacialy aware player.

You not seen much of Manu over there in Ireland? He's not the most creative centre but he is a 13, your 9, 10 and depending on tactics 12 should be the ones instigating attacking plays. Manu can run a nice line, offers a brutal bosh option, has tye explosive acceleration and handoff to take players on the outside, is surprisingly good at chasing the up and under and despite contrary opinions onthese boards can both pass and offload well.

Not close to a complete footballer but the most dangerous weapon in the home nations. If the Lions have a good enough forward base and playmaking combo he is s must pick. If the Lions can't get good ball and the creative combos aren't firing then pick BOD for a little bit of unpredictable magic.

Yeah we see Manu over here sunshine, not in the dark ages anymore

I am just saying boshing isn't gonna work against the Aussies and with a player who is not exceptionally spacial aware then the Aussies will be licking their lips

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Yeah we see Manu over here sunshine, not in the dark ages anymore

I am just saying boshing isn't gonna work against the Aussies and with a player who is not exceptionally spacial aware then the Aussies will be licking their lips

A brief history of Manu vs Aus

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

If BOD is fit and selected, he would bring so much more out of Tuilagi. The same way he did with Roberts on the last tour.

If BOD isn't fit then J. Davies would fit the bill.

Two games vs Aus for Manu I think, one for Tigers and one for England. Two games and one try.

His try vs Sarries

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=tXvVwlO1JeM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DtXvVwlO1JeM

Breezing past Earles

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=NY0xTtwaYw4&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DNY0xTtwaYw4

Two assists and a try vs NZ

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=7Qdn8Hr8LRk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7Qdn8Hr8LRk

Why wouldn't you want him there?

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:If BOD is fit and selected, he would bring so much more out of Tuilagi. The same way he did with Roberts on the last tour.

If BOD isn't fit then J. Davies would fit the bill.

I agree. JD2 can do all that Tulagi does and is massively more skillfull.

I'd have JD2 at 12. Should play there for Wales anyway until Roberts starts looking anywhere near his best

ChequeredJersey wrote:I'd have JD2 at 12. Should play there for Wales anyway until Roberts starts looking anywhere near his best

JD2 with Adam Hughes at 13, or maybe one if the up coming youngsters like Cory Allen.

Roberts on form is an asset to any team. At the moment though we are more likely to see Williams or Beck this next six nations

I completely agree Maes, on Roberts. I also think JD2 is a fantastic player and would be one of my first names on the tour list if I were Gatland

Heaslip will be the No. 8 and possibly, captain.

espn cheekily suggested joubert as a candidate for 8 in their lions watch team of the week

beshocked Sep 10, 2012

15.Kearney
14.North
13.Davies
12.Roberts
11.Ashton
10.Sexton
9. Care
8.Heaslip
7.Warburton
6.SOB
5.O Connell
4.Gray
3.A.Jones
2.Best
1.Healy

ChequeredJersey Sep 11, 2012

15- Kearney
14- Halfpenny
13- Tuilagi
12-Roberts
11- North
10- Sexton
9- Philips
8- Denton
7- Warburton
6- Ferris
5- O'Connell
4- Gray
3- Jones
2- Best
1- Healey

Casartelli Sep 11, 2012

Kearney, North, O'Driscoll, Roberts, Ashton, Sexton, Phillips, Heaslip, Warbs, O'Brien, Lawes, Gray, Jones, Hartley, Corbisiero

mowgli Sep 11, 2012

Jenkins, Best, Jones,
Gray, POC,
Lydiate, Warburton, Heaslip,
Philips,
Flood,
Norf, Roberts, Manu, Bowe
Kearney

theslosty Sep 14, 2012

Corbisiero
Best
Cole
O'Connell
Gray
O'Brien
Warburton

123456789 Sep 14, 2012

1. Cian Healy
2. Ross Ford
3. Jones
4. Gray
5. O'Connell
6. Ferris
7. Warburton
8. Denton
9. Youngs
10. Sexton
11. North
12. Roberts
13. Tuilagi
14. Visser
15.Kearney
Faletau
Phillips
Sexton
North
Davies
BOD
Bowe
Kearney

Mr Taff Nov 16, 2012

1. Alex Corbierso
2. Rory Best
3. Adam Jones
4. Alyn Wyn Jones
5. Richie Gray
6. Stephen Ferris
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Johnathan Sexton
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Tualagi
14. AleX Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

stevetynant Nov 16, 2012

Adam jones
Rory best
Cian healey
Paul OConnell
Richie Gray
Stephen Ferris
Jamie heaslip
Justin tipuric
Mike Phillips
Jon sexton
Jamie Roberts
Bod
George north
Tim visser
Lee halfpenny

GeordieFalcon Nov 18, 2011
15. Foden (Eng)
14.Ashton (Eng)
13. Roberts (Wales)
12. Davies (Wales)
11.North (Wales)
10. Priestland (Wales)
9.Youngs (Eng)
8.Faletau (Wales)
7. Warburton (Wales)
6.Ferris (Ire)
5.Lawes (Eng)
4.Gray (Scot)
3. Murray (scot)
2.Ford (Scot)
1.Jenkins (Wales)

EngInAuck Nov 19, 2011

15.Foden
14.Ashton
13.Roberts
12.Tuilagi
11.North
10.Priestland
9.Youngs
8.Faletau
7.Warburton
6.Haskell
5.Laws
4.Grey
3.Cole
2.Hartly
1.Jenkins

sirtidychris Nov 20, 2011

15.1/2 penny
14.Ashton
13.North
12.Roberts
11.Bowe
10.Priestland
9.Youngs
8.Faletau
7.Warburton
6.SOB
5.Lawes
4.Gray
3.Jones
2.Hartley
1.Jenkins

tom_watson Nov 22, 2011

15. Kearney (Ireland)
14. Ashton (England)
13. Bowe (Ireland)
12. Roberts (Wales)
11. North (Wales)
10. Sexton (Ireland)
09. Youngs (England)
08. O'Brien (Ireland)
07. Warburton (Wales)
06. Robshaw (England)
05. Gray (Scotland)
04. Wyn-Jones (Wales)
03. Ross (Ireland)
02. Ford (Scotland)
01. Healy (Ireland)

Gatts Nov 27, 2011

Jenkins
Best
Jones
Charteris and Gray
Warbs, O'Brien and Faletau
Philipps
Priestland
Ashton
Roberts
Tuilagi
North
Halfpenny

stnick88 Nov 28, 2011

1 Jenkins
2 Rees
3 A. Jones
4 Gray
5 Lawes
6 O'Brien
7 Warburton
8 Heaslip
9 Youngs
10 Priestland
11 North
12 Roberts
13 Tuilagi
14 Ashton
15 Foden

When did I select Phillips at 9? Doesn't sound like me...

ChequeredJersey wrote:When did I select Phillips at 9? Doesn't sound like me...

11th of september 2012. Lions Prediction Thread

ChequeredJersey wrote:When did I select Phillips at 9? Doesn't sound like me...

I suspect foul play

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:When did I select Phillips at 9? Doesn't sound like me...

I suspect foul play

Luckily it is only a suspicion, eh?

Biltong wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:When did I select Phillips at 9? Doesn't sound like me...

I suspect foul play

Luckily it is only a suspicion, eh?

Indeed. It's more of a gut feeling, but could just be wind.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:When did I select Phillips at 9? Doesn't sound like me...

I suspect foul play

Luckily it is only a suspicion, eh?

Indeed. It's more of a gut feeling, but could just be wind.

Must be gas.

Personally my center pairings would be JD2 and Tuilagi, with JD2 at 12. Think he could bring the best out in Tuilagi and both can instantly change an attack with an individual run. Both have done it all year for their countries.

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Cole (Still think Adam is the better scrummager but that will not be as important as it was in 2009, so Cole for the other bits he brings)

4. Parling
5. Launchbury (The form unit, the two best individuals may not ultimately be as effective)

6. Lydiate (If fit his line speed and schything tackles produces so many turnover opportunities)
7. Tipuric (Intelligent footballer who will thrive upon the dog work of Lydiate also an excellent link man ala Martin Williams)
8. Denton

9. Phillips (Been there done it, and probably the best style of player to compliment the back row selection. Other contenders are hit and miss good one minute ordinary the next and Care is just a fruit loop. Not my cup of tea)

10. Sexton (Does everything pretty well but wouldn't hate Flood)

11. North

12. Jonathon Davies (can take it up the guts is necessary has an eye for a gap and deceptive speed)
13. Tuillagi (May not be a permanent fixture lacks guile but if he gets on top of the opposition can be very effective)

14. Tommy Bowe (Just makes everything look easy great footballer for a wing)

15. Lee Halfpenny (Very consistant in everyting he does)

Some may think backrow sacrifices ball carriers for mobility but all the front 5 are good ball carriers the centres are a muscular combination and both Tommy and George are big lads coming down the middle.

Personally I think this is a series winning combination that will be capable of executing what will be Gatlands gameplan (No don't expect any coaching revelations here guys. Gats is a one trick pony)

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:This looks pretty definitive on Paul O'Connell

Kearney, O'Driscoll and Fitzgerald however all could get in to the Lions team dependent on form etc

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1231/1224328280463.html

I wouldnt rule P'OC out at all. Lions management have often in the past kept a place for certain players even though they have been out a long time due to injury. Simon Goeghan for example. There arent that many stand out locks this year apart from Grey.

Also despite what this article says I think he should be back by early April. He could recover from back surgery in as little as four weeks. I think this article is a little sensationalist possibly in reaction to Penny's comments or in an effort to manage expectation.

Dont rule him out for the Lions yet.

dragonbreath wrote:1. Healy
2. Best
3. Cole (Still think Adam is the better scrummager but that will not be as important as it was in 2009, so Cole for the other bits he brings)

4. Parling
5. Launchbury (The form unit, the two best individuals may not ultimately be as effective)

6. Lydiate (If fit his line speed and schything tackles produces so many turnover opportunities)
7. Tipuric (Intelligent footballer who will thrive upon the dog work of Lydiate also an excellent link man ala Martin Williams)
8. Denton

9. Phillips (Been there done it, and probably the best style of player to compliment the back row selection. Other contenders are hit and miss good one minute ordinary the next and Care is just a fruit loop. Not my cup of tea)

10. Sexton (Does everything pretty well but wouldn't hate Flood)

11. North

12. Jonathon Davies (can take it up the guts is necessary has an eye for a gap and deceptive speed)
13. Tuillagi (May not be a permanent fixture lacks guile but if he gets on top of the opposition can be very effective)

14. Tommy Bowe (Just makes everything look easy great footballer for a wing)

15. Lee Halfpenny (Very consistant in everyting he does)

Some may think backrow sacrifices ball carriers for mobility but all the front 5 are good ball carriers the centres are a muscular combination and both Tommy and George are big lads coming down the middle.

Personally I think this is a series winning combination that will be capable of executing what will be Gatlands gameplan (No don't expect any coaching revelations here guys. Gats is a one trick pony)

Why Denton? He has been pants...!

And Lydiate hasn't played!!

I'd worry a little about the Healy Best Cole front row in the scrum too, Healy and Best are very good players but scrummaging isn't their strong point and they have been beaten by the Aussies there before, would feel better with Paul James, maybe Healy off the bench, maybe Ford too.

thebluesmancometh

I'd say Healy is pretty decent in the scrum now! Throw in Cole/Jones being excellent scrummagers and we can more than afford to have Best as hooker. Yes scrummaging isn't Best's strong suit but he's excellent around the park and one of the best in the line-out, a part of the hookers game which is often ignored unless they're bad at it...

At loosehead I'd have Healy, Sheridan and Corbisiero all ahead of James at the moment. Ford is also playing very poorly currently and could struggle to get in Scotland's starting line-up on current form.

Healys scrummaging has improved a bunch in the last couple of years. Lets face it they are facing the Australia front 5 anyway...Geoff Boycotts granny could take them apart with her pinny on

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:Healys scrummaging has improved a bunch in the last couple of years. Lets face it they are facing the Australia front 5 anyway...Geoff Boycotts granny could take them apart with her pinny on

Australia's first choice pack can scrum. It's not a weakness at all.