Your assured Lions starters

Going by form over the past year or so and picking from your own national team, whom do you think is assured to start for the Lions and be on the bench?

I'll start with mine:

Ryan Jones: On form he keeps Lydiate off the plane. He's had a few dips in form in his time but right now he's on good form. He covers the back 5 but he is probably best at 6 or 8. It also gives the Lions another leadership option.

Leigh Halfpenny: This young man is class. Since the last 6 Nations he's been outstanding in every single game he has played for Wales. Unfortunately he found himself on the losing side too often post 2012 6 Nations. Had he not he would have been MOTM in every single game. He could well be the first choice kicker also. The question is should he be at wing or full-back; I'd say he's the best in his position so why move him over? We could try Hogg on the wing instead.

Mike Phillips: The best scrum-half in the NH for the past two seasons. He acts as another game manager from no.9 and is a constant and unpredictable threat to the opposition. I don't need to say much more .

Some of the following could also be involved in the Lions 23: Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Ian Evans, Justin Tipuric, Jonothan Davies, George North; but they are not yet cert's in my view.

Chris Robshaw: Perhaps not going on form for the last couple of years but recently I've been really impressed with his work rate and leadership.

Ben Youngs: Recently he's been having some solid games. Quick speed of service and good kicking. Does everything a SH should do at speed and precision.

Dan Cole: It's very tight between Cole and Jones (well they are both fatties) but i'd go with Cole....Just. His breakdown work is excellent.

I'd agree with those starting, in particular Robshaw. I've also been quite impressed with Tom Wood.

As far as the Test side is concerned? Assured starters: Well, there's Rory Best and then there's....er, next question.

I'd be surprised if Farrell or Sexton weren't in the starting lineup/on the bench in whatever order you like, and the same is true of Cole/Adam Jones. Healy must be favourite for the number 1 jersey, but he's no lay-down misere, although he will surely be on the bench at least. Youngs will be in the side/on the bench as well at this stage, you'd think.

Just about everything is up for grabs right now. Best is the only certain starter that I can see and by no coincidence, he would also be my Lions skipper.

Tend to agree, we've got Rory Best so far and ...

Honestly don't believe that any other player is guaranteed nailed-on (prob not even Best himself). That's not to say that I don't have a sense of who the front-runners are, but that's a different question

Morgannwg wrote:Going by form over the past year or so and picking from your own national team, whom do you think is assured to start for the Lions and be on the bench?

I'll start with mine:

Ryan Jones: On form he keeps Lydiate off the plane. He's had a few dips in form in his time but right now he's on good form. He covers the back 5 but he is probably best at 6 or 8. It also gives the Lions another leadership option.

Leigh Halfpenny: This young man is class. Since the last 6 Nations he's been outstanding in every single game he has played for Wales. Unfortunately he found himself on the losing side too often post 2012 6 Nations. Had he not he would have been MOTM in every single game. He could well be the first choice kicker also. The question is should he be at wing or full-back; I'd say he's the best in his position so why move him over? We could try Hogg on the wing instead.

Mike Phillips: The best scrum-half in the NH for the past two seasons. He acts as another game manager from no.9 and is a constant and unpredictable threat to the opposition. I don't need to say much more .

Some of the following could also be involved in the Lions 23: Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Ian Evans, Justin Tipuric, Jonothan Davies, George North; but they are not yet cert's in my view.

Disagree. Hogg has been the form full back of the 6N.

He has beaten 7 defenders, made 3 clean breaks, carried the ball 201 meters and scored 2 scintilating tries in 2 games of the tournament. A staggering set of stats.

I want Halfpenny starting, but the full back jersey so far should be going to Hogg. All of his breaks and strengths lie in counter attacking. The 2 tries he has scored thus far would have come from opportunities only available at full back. I would shift Halfpenny to the wing since he has played there before. Hogg is too potent a weapon coming from Deep to have out on the wing.

As for Jones I rate him as a player, but he isn’t really having to work hard to keep Lydiate of the plane since Lydiate hasn’t played for nearly a year

If you want a Lydiate style player look at Rob Harley for Scotland. He tackled everything that came his way on Saturday and the Italian pack has some big units, Castro, Zanni, Parisee and Canale all were nullified by the Ginger tackle monster.

Whether Harley travels or not is up for debate at the moment. With only 2 caps to his name he is an international n00b. If he continues to play well for Scotland in the 6N and can impress for Glasgow as they close in on a Rabo play off spot don’t be surprised if he tours.

As for Phillips I’m not going into this again on another thread… Youngs, Murray, Laidlaw and Williams all offer more and haven’t been manshamed by Genia last year.

My anticipated Scottish Lions starters (as it stands) : Hogg & Gray


Possible Tourists : Ford, Laidlaw, Beattie, Brown Maitland, Scott & Visser.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Tend to agree, we've got Rory Best so far and ...

Honestly don't believe that any other player is guaranteed nailed-on (prob not even Best himself). That's not to say that I don't have a sense of who the front-runners are, but that's a different question

I'm surprised Best is everyone's assured starter. To me he isn't that impressive. He is very good, but Ford's form along with England's thug and young rookie have handed him a lifeline. I think Hibbard will be in contention if he continues to impress. I'd say Healy, despite the potential for a ban, is assured for the LH jersey.

This article is asking you for your picks from your own team BTW, not three, not another nation. Surely you would think Hogg is assured?

Cole, Launchbury, Parling, Robshaw, Wood, Youngs, Farrell, Tuialagi, Ashton

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Disagree. Hogg has been the form full back of the 6N.

He has beaten 7 defenders, made 3 clean breaks, carried the ball 201 meters and scored 2 scintilating tries in 2 games of the tournament. A staggering set of stats.

I want Halfpenny starting, but the full back jersey so far should be going to Hogg. All of his breaks and strengths lie in counter attacking. The 2 tries he has scored thus far would have come from opportunities only available at full back. I would shift Halfpenny to the wing since he has played there before. Hogg is too potent a weapon coming from Deep to have out on the wing.

As for Jones I rate him as a player, but he isn’t really having to work hard to keep Lydiate of the plane since Lydiate hasn’t played for nearly a year

If you want a Lydiate style player look at Rob Harley for Scotland. He tackled everything that came his way on Saturday and the Italian pack has some big units, Castro, Zanni, Parisee and Canale all were nullified by the Ginger tackle monster.

Whether Harley travels or not is up for debate at the moment. With only 2 caps to his name he is an international n00b. If he continues to play well for Scotland in the 6N and can impress for Glasgow as they close in on a Rabo play off spot don’t be surprised if he tours.

As for Phillips I’m not going into this again on another thread… Youngs, Murray, Laidlaw and Williams all offer more and haven’t been manshamed by Genia last year.

My anticipated Scottish Lions starters (as it stands) : Hogg & Gray


Possible Tourists : Ford, Laidlaw, Beattie, Brown Maitland, Scott & Visser.

But Lydiate was most people's favourite for the jersey, and was the player of the tournament, no mean feat. He is still expected to go (by some) when he returns from injury but I think RJ will keep him out. Competition for RJ is Sean O'Brien, Wood, and perhaps Kelly Brown and your boyo Harley.

Do you reckon Matiland as an outside bet too?

From a Scots perspective we don't have a assured Test starter.

Richie Gray will surely tour, and I think Stuart Hogg is doing a good job in keeping Kearney and Halfpenny honest, but those are our best hopefuls.

Potential tourists from Scotland are Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Ryan Grant, Kelly Brown, Ross Rennie, Johnnie Beattie, Greg Laidlaw, Matt Scott and Sean Maitland. I wouldn't put money on any of that lot though. They have a chance, nothing more.

From other nations, if the following are fully fit, I think they'll start the 1st Test:

Best, Healy, Youngs, Sexton and North.

Morgannwg wrote:But Lydiate was most people's favourite for the jersey, and was the player of the tournament, no mean feat. He is still expected to go (by some) when he returns from injury but I think RJ will keep him out. Competition for RJ is Sean O'Brien, Wood, and perhaps Kelly Brown and your boyo Harley.

Do you reckon Matiland as an outside bet too?

Re Maitland - He has a chance, but has only 2 caps to his name. He has played well in the 1st two games. He needs to push on from here as do the rest of Scotland to convince Gatland and the bulk of Scotland fans.

As for Lydiate I hear what you are saying. Last season Rennie (for many people) was a nailed on starter (mostly because Warbs was out of form & he still is) and probably was still a favourite up untill the game against NZ. Then he got injured. He is a magnificent openside flanker, but I couldn't logically pick him since he has been injured for 3 months. Lydiate has been injured for 11 months. Beattie had a stormer of a 6N in 2010 and then had a long injury lay off. It has taken him 3 years to get back to his best. I would be cautious. Lydiate was a great Player but that was a year ago. I can't say anything beyond that.

I really don't think that I can improve on one assured starter, Morgannwg. It's that tight. I'd say that Healy, Cole and Ben Youngs were probables, as is North in the absence of better wings (have we ever been worse off in the 4 nations in that position, by the way?). I really don't see anyone else as a certainty, and I have a feeling that some of the doubts will persist past the end of this 6N.

Honestly I don't think there is a single guaranteed starter just now.

Halfpenny would be closest to being nailed on due to Kearneys below par perfromances but then Brown and Hogg have impressed.

Sean O'Brien will start somewhere in the backrow I think.

Agree that Hogg has to be seen as the form full-back so far but there are a lot of games yet to be played. Halfpenny is a quality player but it comes down to combinations as well.

If the Lions were to play someone like Farrell you wouldn't need HP's kicking and if someone like Roberts were to start at 12 you'd want more of a playmaker at FB I would say.

From England (SO FAR) I think Cole, Robshaw, Farrell, Youngs and Wood are pretty sure to be in the 23.

With a strong chance have to be: Tuilagi, Ashton and Geoff Parling. Outside of that I would say most other players in the Home Nations all have a chance one way or another close calls being Hartley, Beattie etc..

Gray I think is in the same boat as Warburton at the moment. Neither have shown anything in the past 12 months or so but either could book a place with one strong game.

No one is assured of a start.

For just about any position 2 names at least can be put up as candiddates

Lets look at the front row

TH - Jones or Cole
Hooker - Best, Strauss
LH - Corbo, Healy

Now they are not the only ones for those positions but there to illustate and I think the front row has less competion than other positions.

Some names mentioned above are not even certain to make the plane let alone the team

Think Gray put some of my doubts to rest last weekend, Chjw. It looked as though someone had lit a fire under his a**e, and not before time. He seemed to be hitting rucks and making his tackles more as a bloke his size should be. On form, he must tour, and probably start. Don't think there is a single back-row player guaranteed a spot in the 23 yet, although Robshaw and O'Brien have put their hands up highest. It's a desperately close battle between a lot of them as to who will even make the plane, and several very good candidates are going to be disappointed in that respect.

Chjw131 wrote:Gray I think is in the same boat as Warburton at the moment. Neither have shown anything in the past 12 months or so but either could book a place with one strong game.

That's harsh on Gray. I think he's played pretty well so far this 6 Nations, although I concur that he's struggled a bit with Sale.

I'm still confident he'll tour. He's perfect for Australian conditions and his line-out work has really improved this season.

Warburton on the other hand is rapidly slipping away. I thought he was showing signs of a return to form in the AIs, but to now be dropped by Wales is a real blow to his chances. He's a 7, and currently Tipuric is ahead of him is Wales colours, and you'd have to say SOB and Robshaw are now ahead as well. Difficult to see him going now.

captain carrantuohil wrote:Think Gray put some of my doubts to rest last weekend, Chjw. It looked as though someone had lit a fire under his a**e, and not before time. He seemed to be hitting rucks and making his tackles more as a bloke his size should be. On form, he must tour, and probably start. Don't think there is a single back-row player guaranteed a spot in the 23 yet, although Robshaw and O'Brien have put their hands up highest. It's a desperately close battle between a lot of them as to who will even make the plane, and several very good candidates are going to be disappointed in that respect.

O'Brien would certainly be in my starting backrow but more likely at 8. I agree there are some very close calls to be making and perhaps with few stand-out players at No.4 Gray is more of a certainty. I have seen him play a lot of games for Sale and been truly annonmous. Against England he looked sharper and Italy like-wise but still nowhere near the form of a season or so ago.

On form I don't think he should be in the team but as I say one strong game and that all changes.

Ben Youngs, Farrell, Launchbury, Cole, Robshaw starting. Tuilagi, Ashton and Goode in the squad.

I don't like the fact he's a saffa but Barritt is being very effective in the role England are playing him.

From a Welsh point of view the only ones I can think of as being safe bets to be in the 23 man squad are Adam Jones and Mike Phillips.

Although depending on how the rest of the 6Ns go, I think North, J Davies, R Jones, and Cuthbert (as much as I dislike/don't rate him) could well be included. But at the moment the results are not making the odds of many welsh lads making it (on merit alone) that likely.

captain carrantuohil wrote:I really don't think that I can improve on one assured starter, Morgannwg. It's that tight. I'd say that Healy, Cole and Ben Youngs were probables, as is North in the absence of better wings (have we ever been worse off in the 4 nations in that position, by the way?). I really don't see anyone else as a certainty, and I have a feeling that some of the doubts will persist past the end of this 6N.

I don't think we are in too bad shape on the wings -:

McVisser is a proven finisher,
Maitland seems to be taking to test rugby like a duck to water.
Bowe should be back by the time of the tour
Zebo a bit raw, but talented and pacey
North big lump and fast, needs a bit of confidence at the moment
Cuthbert not a defender but a proven finisher
Ashton is a tool, but was 'rewriting wing play' last season

Then there are ones like Halfpenny, Brown, Earles, possibly Hogg who can be shifted to the wing if needed.

I'm an Edinburgh and Scotland fan, and I wouldn't take Visser.

Great finisher and a fine attacking player, but Australia will expose his defensive weaknesses. It isn't just his tackling that's a problem, but his positioning as well, and he has no kicking game beyond fly hacking the ball ahead and running like a mad thing.

He's a great attacking player but picking him against Australia is akin to selecting a hugely mobile but poor scrummaging prop against South Africa.

At the moment, I'd be looking at a line-up something like:

1 - Healy. Strong probable
2 - Best. Almost nailed on
3 - Cole. Strong probable

4 - Gray. Maybe
5 - Parling. Maybe

6 - SOB. Strong probable starter at either 6 or 7
7 - Robshaw. Maybe
8 - Pick any one of 4...

9 - Youngs. Strong probable
10 - Sexton. Strong probable subject to recovery from injury.

11 - North. Maybe
12 - Roberts. Maybe (for want of better options - Scott and 12trees are promising, but very inexperienced, Barritt a bit one-dimensional)
13 - BOD. Strong probable fitness permitting (Tuilagi otherwise)
14 - Bowe. Strong probable fitness permitting

15 - 1/2p. Strong probable.

To me, there is a yes, but, about most of those, SS. Visser is quick enough but he reminds me of wings like Nigel Walker or Patrick Esteve. That's to say, not a real rugby player, although good at finishing and fast enough to be on the shoulder of someone who has made a break. His defence would be targeted relentlessly in Aus and for a bloke his size, he does seem to be a bit, well, timid in the tackle. As I say, he doesn't really seem to have a footballing brain, to me.

Maitland and Zebo are both raw at international level, so it's hard yet to make a judgement about them. Promising, perhaps, but not yet at the level of wings we've had in the past. Ashton - hmmm. The defensive doubts hanging over him are fully justified, and I'm not sure that he was rewriting wing play even last season. North could be exceptional, I accept, but he is going through a comparative lull just now. Cuthbert is another in the Visser/Ashton mould whom I just wouldn't want to see on a Lions wing. Bowe has been much the best wing available to the Lions for four years, but his injury has come at a lousy time.

Overall, I reckon the Lions have had better choices on the wing for most of their recent tours. Perhaps I'm just being excessively Eeyorish...

Not forgetting that Maitland will have far more experience than most playing against these guys regularly in the S15 and the conditions will suit his style of play perfectly.

Experience is fine but he has already shown he is a class act and can only get better.

Anyone who puts Visser in their team clearly hasn't watched him play and just glanced at his try scoring stats. His all round game is simply not good enough.

In the backs though, Hogg has best shout from Scotland....possibly Matt Scott as a midweek player.

I've historically made it clear that I personally wouldn't have any Scots tour with the Lions and instead tour with Scotland in S Africa, especially with a WC coming up in 2 years and some key young players needing some experience against top class opposition.

Not for the same reasons, but Gatland will omit the Scots anyway and pick players he knows....rightly or wrongly.

Are people picking Halfpenny at full back because of his tee kicking prowess?

He has been completely outshone this 6N by Hogg, not just in the stats but in the games too. I'll repeat : He has beaten 7 defenders, made 3 clean breaks, carried the ball 201 meters and scored 2 scintilating tries in 2 games of the tournament.

If 6N form alone is a benchmark then Hogg has to start at full back. The fast pitches of Austalia and wayward kicks from the Ozzie Back 3 will be pounced on by Hogg and he could be devestating.

Let me be clear, Halfpenny is a class act he would start my current lions XV, but not at full back. Equally Bowe, we all know what he is capable off but has been injured for while now. Will he return as strong? It is also doubtful we'll see him back before the end of March. That has to damage the guy's chances. Especially with other wingers showing what they can do in the 6N.

The Lion's can't afford to bring players that aren't fit.

captain carrantuohil wrote:To me, there is a yes, but, about most of those, SS. Visser is quick enough but he reminds me of wings like Nigel Walker or Patrick Esteve. That's to say, not a real rugby player, although good at finishing and fast enough to be on the shoulder of someone who has made a break. His defence would be targeted relentlessly in Aus and for a bloke his size, he does seem to be a bit, well, timid in the tackle. As I say, he doesn't really seem to have a footballing brain, to me.

Maitland and Zebo are both raw at international level, so it's hard yet to make a judgement about them. Promising, perhaps, but not yet at the level of wings we've had in the past. Ashton - hmmm. The defensive doubts hanging over him are fully justified, and I'm not sure that he was rewriting wing play even last season. North could be exceptional, I accept, but he is going through a comparative lull just now. Cuthbert is another in the Visser/Ashton mould whom I just wouldn't want to see on a Lions wing. Bowe has been much the best wing available to the Lions for four years, but his injury has come at a lousy time.

Overall, I reckon the Lions have had better choices on the wing for most of their recent tours. Perhaps I'm just being excessively Eeyorish...

Agree with a lot of this though i would say that Ashton was looking more like his usual self against Scotland, hungry and going looking for the ball, he also took his try well. He has played against Australia a few times and his defence has always held up. I wouldnt want Visser on the plane at all, he's scored a few tries but for the most part he just stayed on his wing caught the ball and ran in with no-one in front of him (bar the italian try).

I'd like to have seen Bowe get his fitness back and have a stormer of a 6N because i think he and Ashton would work well together. North to me is still a bit one dimensional and gets elevated praise for everything he does (like last weeks "sensational" try) so i wouldn't want him in the test team. I would however, move Hogg to FB (or another) and have H/P on the wing, he offers a different sort of player to Ashton and i think they would be a bit more balanced. Only issue with this back 3 is may be a bit light in defense, so would be fine subbing in Foden/Brown or Kearney for Hogg.

Youngs at 9

North at 11

Best at 2

In 2005 post Slam SCW said if he were picking the side for the Lions it would be mostly the Welsh side....we know that isn't how it turned out whatsoever but I wondr sometimes if Gatland's apparent naivety (read stupidity) with his selection statement about England might almost be a tactic to kill the story before it becomes reality...inevitably there may be a Welsh bias and we all know where national bias can lead. I sincerely hope not and as he said himself he did pick Ospreylia in 2008...one hopes that Wales players will have to work harder to justify selection and inevitably having made the statement he knows that if he is Welsh biased the press will have a field day. I really hope Gatland has a press manager - maybe not Campbell- as he is frankly inept at this area of the job

Captain - compared the Lions wing options from '09 (S Williams, Bowe, Monye, Fitzgerald, Halfpenny) I think our options are not that bad. After all Monye and Shane were not really known for being solid defenders (like Ashton, Visser and Cuthbert), Fitzgerald was still a bit raw (Maitland and Zebo), Bowe was, well Bowe. And Halfpenny pulled out of the tour before getting on the plane. So as bad as our options seem, they really ain't that bad.

I think many of the "guarenteed starters are being outshone by the new guys around.

Lydiate..? Has he played a game recently? Wood or O'Brien have been excellent in differing ways..SOB is just an animal ball in hand...Wood has been relentless in the tight exchanges...

Halfpenny is a quality option...but to say he is nailed on to the 15 spot with out considering Hogg is just crazy. I personally like Mike Brown, others say Kearney...we have strong options at FB.

The thing with these threads is no matter how nuetral we try to be...when there are tight calls we all edge towards our own players...

100%beefy wrote: In 2005 post Slam SCW said if he were picking the side for the Lions it would be mostly the Welsh side....we know that isn't how it turned out whatsoever but I wondr sometimes if Gatland's apparent naivety (read stupidity) with his selection statement about England might almost be a tactic to kill the story before it becomes reality...inevitably there may be a Welsh bias and we all know where national bias can lead. I sincerely hope not and as he said himself he did pick Ospreylia in 2008...one hopes that Wales players will have to work harder to justify selection and inevitably having made the statement he knows that if he is Welsh biased the press will have a field day. I really hope Gatland has a press manager - maybe not Campbell- as he is frankly inept at this area of the job

That is why Rob Howley is going with him to handle the press stuff.

I suppose when you put it that way, you're right, SS. Shane was seriously world class though, even if he didn't get a gig till the final Test. Bowe was also fit. The idea before the 2009 tour of Bowe and Williams (which is what I expected) somehow seemed more comforting to me than North and Maitland or Visser and Ashton does now.

I love how the Scotchaps are turning against wonderkid Visser already now theyve imported a flashier model. Wing and fullback question has been blown wide open with North and Cuthbert chasing the lump option spot, Visser Maitland and Ashton arguing over whos redefined wing play the most this week, and Tommy Bowe ready to come back and point out hes been the best winger in Europe for years (if you ignore better ones). Hogg and Kerany as possible fullbacks (poor Foden!) Meanwhile Brown continues to take the ball forward more than any of them.

I think Halfpenny is pretty much a given for the matchday squad at this point, as are Cole Best and Healy (pending length of ban, likely to be short). BOD as captain (but could play 12). Farrell Sexton are pretty much guaranteed to be arguing over the start and bench spots in training.


As for lydiate ...he has very little chance of touring IMO. Theres loads of flankers who are playing and shining, its not long he was some all time great of the game who had established himself for a decade. He was just a guy who'd played well for Wales for a year or so during one of their up periods.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

100%beefy wrote: In 2005 post Slam SCW said if he were picking the side for the Lions it would be mostly the Welsh side....we know that isn't how it turned out whatsoever but I wondr sometimes if Gatland's apparent naivety (read stupidity) with his selection statement about England might almost be a tactic to kill the story before it becomes reality...inevitably there may be a Welsh bias and we all know where national bias can lead. I sincerely hope not and as he said himself he did pick Ospreylia in 2008...one hopes that Wales players will have to work harder to justify selection and inevitably having made the statement he knows that if he is Welsh biased the press will have a field day. I really hope Gatland has a press manager - maybe not Campbell- as he is frankly inept at this area of the job

That is why Rob Howley is going with him to handle the press stuff.

I hadn't thought of that...i guess one benefit of the Welsh collpase is that he has handled the press pretty well...and certainly better than Edwards would have done!

Lions starters from Wales IMO will be

1/2p
North
Lydaite

People will frown at Lydiates inclusion but last years 6 nations player of the tournament has no viable opposition IMO and Gatland knows that

RubyGuby wrote:Lions starters from Wales IMO will be

1/2p
North
Lydaite

People will frown at Lydiates inclusion but last years 6 nations player of the tournament has no viable opposition IMO and Gatland knows that

All are disitnct possibilities but very conditional.

if Farrell starts you don't need 1/2 especially if Kearney is preferred
Lydiate is great a la Hill, but Wood is a definite alternative as is R Jones and Harley as a chopper
North....I really am not sure about him right now, yes he is a cracking wing but is he over hyped. Everyone expects him to start i just have doubts

Harley after 1 game against Italy is plain laughable, I actually thought the guy had an average game.

How the feck someone can put Kearney ahead of 1/2p after the weekend is mind boggling

Fine ruby that's your opinion, the discussion is about alternatives to Lydiate hence my suggestion that Harley - who i listed as 4th pick - is a consideration as his style is directly comparable to Lydiate.

And 1/2 I am inclined to agree but Kearney has been in such high regard since even the last Lions that despite his recent injuries he is still apparently 1st choice....i would like ot see 1/2 on the wing if that is the case

still early days to be honest

irish "certainties" for starting 15:

drico (i really hope gatland does not go with two monster bashers who are incapable of passing the ball). we need a blend of skills in midfield.

best - im not 100% convinced by his throwing in but he is comfortably ahead of the alternatives at the moment. Cannot see this changing massively.

For the 23:

SOB- Will be in the 23. having a balanced back row to me is key. Aussies will have two fetchers in Hooper and Pocock.

Ryan - Definitely in the 23 for me and looking a good shout for a start. He was our best player on Sunday

Healy- Despite his brainfart you would think he will start in the one jersey. Not a certainly though citing commissioner may have a say.

Kearney will need to get back to his very best to secure the full back berth. Will not be on the bench due to lack of versatility.

if i was to name a team today:

hogg,cuthbert,tuilagi,odriscoll (c), north,farrell,young,morgan,robshaw (vc),sob,ryan,parling,cole,best,healy

subs: grant,hibbard,a jones, gray,tipuric,murray,sexton,halfpenny

a real lack of centre cover on the bench is a weakness. not entirely happy with the back row make up either. morgan gets in by default. Heaslip playing poorly and Faletau is grand running about in wider channels but not convinced yet. A fit Ferris would be a huge asset a Jamie Heaslip of 4 years ago

Not exhaustive list, but individuals who stick in my mind, including some positional clashing, but you still want them:

1/2p
Hogg (ok maybe a position clash)
Tuilagi
Farrell & Sexton (ditto)
Youngs
Parling, Grey

surely this is more relevant at the end of the 6Ns?

On current form the only starters are probably Best, Cole, Robshaw, Farell (Sexton injury) and Hogg.

I don't know why people seem to have a problem with replacing 1/2p with Hogg, he is undoubtedly a classy player but on form Hogg has it at present. He's playing with confidence and verve and has a good rugby brain. As for moving him out of position, he's already implied he's most comfortable at fullback, and I think he should stay there.

Hartley, Ashton, Foden

The certainties?

1. Healy (didn't do himself any favours, but still the clear leader)
2. Rory Best

15. Leigh Halfpenny

What is the latest on Ferris? If he doesn't get a chance to prove himself pre tour that would be a real shame.

Cole, Best, Healy
Parling Gray
Robshaw SOB
Youngs
Farrell/Sexton
BOD
1/2p

I don't think they're any nailed-on starters at this stage, but there are some players I'd be very surprised not to make the 23:

Healy, Best, Cole in the front row. While you could conceivably see one player nipping ahead of them, can't see two.

Farrell and Sexton very much ahead of the field at FH.

Other positions are harder to determine: plenty of options at SH for instance, while backrow is a position of huge strength, could come down to combinations. Lock is another position with plenty of options, though perhaps not the world class level of the backrow. Centres and back three very open still.

Cole, T Youngs, B Youngs, D Care, J Launchberry,Jeoff, Parling, C Robshaw, T Wood, O Farrel.

Possible starters C Ashton, M Brown.( i do think M Brown )will have compition for Full Back with Leigh Halfpenny and Hogg for the fulll back slot.

I don't see what all the fuss about Robshaw is. He puts in a shift and is a grafter but really, nailed on starter?, the only way this might be true is if he is captain which would be a mistake IMO. He seems to pick up MOM awards for turning up. Parling clearly played better on SAT for example.

Given the defensive weaknesses of most of the wings (Ashton was dreadfull / embarrassing take your pick) and Visser and Cuthbert's cowardess and inexperience respectively makes the only nailed on player in the backs George North IMO. Every other position has credible competition for selection.

Same applies to the forwards where Healy seems to be clear of the competition and the only nailed on starter. He has done a job on both leading THs so far and is good in the loose and at the breakdown

By done a job you mean stamping on one of them right...

I would never take healy//

not in a million. guy needs to be taught a lesson