Flyhalf choices for the Lions tour to Australia

Six nations is done. We are a year on since I last held one of these polls and the long term aim was to compare what we selected a year out, a month out and the final squad.

You can pick one player only as your first choice.

I think I have grabbed most of the names in the hat, though my apologies if anyone you consider worthy has been forgotten, if you ask nicely then I am sure one of our excellent moderators might take the time to be kind enough to offer their much valued assistance.

The players included either showed in the Six Nations squads or have been regularly talked of as prospects on the various threads on here.

Looseheads - https://www.606v2.com/t42452-loosehead-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia

Hookers - https://www.606v2.com/t42471-hooker-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia

Tightheads - https://www.606v2.com/t42486-tighthead-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia

Lock No. 4 - https://www.606v2.com/t42501-number-4-lock-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia#1956467

Lock no. 5 - https://www.606v2.com/t42502-number-5-lock-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia

Blindside Flanker - https://www.606v2.com/t42514-blindside-flanker-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia

Openside Flanker - https://www.606v2.com/t42515-ospenside-flanker-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia#1956975

Number 8 - https://www.606v2.com/t42518-number-eight-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia#1958144

Scrumhalf - https://www.606v2.com/t42531-scrumhalf-choices-for-the-lions-tour-to-australia

Sexton if fit. If not, scary prospect

If not I think Biggar or Flood are next best.

I have gone with Sexton in the hope he is fit.

I think we are all hoping Sexton is fit.

Is Sexton really the only player to have put himself in the hot seat???

I know we are not overwhelmed with candidates as we are in other positions and no discredit to Mr Sexton he is a fine flyhalf that we have all been touting since a couple of years ago.

But due to his injury in the open minutes of the England Match, other players were given the opportunity to stake their claims...!

I gone for Owen Farrell. because i dont think Johnny Sexton will be fit enough.

But who will be on the bench? that is the big question. However if Sexton is fit i would expect him to be the Lions fly half. But if not then Farrell to start.

Owen Farrell for me..

Sexton fit then I would go for Sexton. If he's not, I'd go for Biggar. Outstanding for club and country this season and I believe he really matured in the 6N. I think he offers more attacking wise than Owen Farrell and his defense is pretty decent as well.

Liam mate,

I agree with you about Biggar and although an Ospreys supporter i have never been a big fan of his. But in the last year under Tandy and Gruff he has really got his act together.

Played very well in the six nations, surprised a lot of people. I'd have him as number two behind a fit Sexton.

Sexton if fit, Farrell if not. No brainer

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Sexton if fit, Farrell if not. No brainer

Why a no brainer?

I would say there is good debate. England's backline hasn't exactly been firing with Farrell at the helm, great goal kicker but three games no tries, five tries in total, four of those in the first game. I wouldn't say he is a form Flyhalf. Duncan Weir got the backline scoring more tries than Farrell.

With Sexton still injured then there is definitely room for discussion.

Your poll begs to differ.

Sexton if fit will start, Farrell will if he doesn't make it.

The discussion is who will be the 3rd option at FH as it's a 2 horse race for the starting jersey.

I voted Sexton by the way.

I only contribute one vote as well, it's our poll not mine.

Why do you rate Farrell and Sexton. You seem very opinionated about other players. Lets hear your thoughts on these guys too.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Sexton if fit, Farrell if not. No brainer

Why no brainer?..........

Sexton & Farrell are the two obvious choices.

Sexton I imagine will start as he's the best FH in the NH. Farrell over the last year has grown into International rugby and is imo the clear 2nd best choice behind Sexton.

I think these two are well clear of the field, hence no brainer.

Bigger, Flood, Jackson etc are good options but not in the class of Sexton or Farrell imo.

What is so good about Farrell?

He is a good goal kicker. Otherwise he looks no different and no better than anyone else. Surely he has most of his opportunities because his father is a coach. If he does get on the tour, surely that is the main reason and not his ability.

He isn't much good at getting the backline moving, he isn't spectacular at controlling a game and he like a good number of his team mates cracked under the pressure of trying to win a crucial game so badly that the team were thrashed by the opposition.

Flyhalf is a controlling position, is he really the man we want on this tour?

Sexton has proved an HEC and Rabbo winner. Biggar out played Farrell and won the six nations, Flood has won the premiership and a six nations, Jonny Wilkinson has won a Grandslam and a World cup.

Farrell is the least experienced and has achieved the least.

Why do you think he is better than the other flyhalfs.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Sexton & Farrell are the two obvious choices.

Sexton I imagine will start as he's the best FH in the NH. Farrell over the last year has grown into International rugby and is imo the clear 2nd best choice behind Sexton.

I think these two are well clear of the field, hence no brainer.

Bigger, Flood, Jackson etc are good options but not in the class of Sexton or Farrell imo.

So you didn't watch much of the 6Ns then............ as Biggar clearly outshone Farrell on the head to head even taking into account the Welsh dominant forward play, he also has had quite a few MOM performances recently for the Ospreys. The guy is clearly ahead of Farrell in every dept with perhaps the deadball kicking as an exception (marginal) although its academic as they won't be taking them as Halfpenny will be the test kicker

Sexton then Farrell for me to.

Anyone voting for Farrell like to give us some reasons why you rate him, but not as much as Sexton?

Or anyone who voted Farrell like to explain why you think he is better than all the other options. Because from what I have seen he is a good goal kicker and nothing more.

maestegmafia wrote:What is so good about Farrell?

He is a good goal kicker. Otherwise he looks no different and no better than anyone else. Surely he has most of his opportunities because his father is a coach. If he does get on the tour, surely that is the main reason and not his ability.

A lot of Gatland's comments have mentioned guys being 'team players'. Farrell undoubtedly is, Biggar has often been a bit 'up himself' (read Welsh posters' comments on Ospreys games).

As for OF being selected because of his dad, that's just plain daft.

Hound of Harrow wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:What is so good about Farrell?

He is a good goal kicker. Otherwise he looks no different and no better than anyone else. Surely he has most of his opportunities because his father is a coach. If he does get on the tour, surely that is the main reason and not his ability.

A lot of Gatland's comments have mentioned guys being 'team players'. Farrell undoubtedly is, Biggar has often been a bit 'up himself' (read Welsh posters' comments on Ospreys games).

As for OF being selected because of his dad, that's just plain daft.

What is daft is that a number of people keep rating young Farrell junior as a good flyhalf and no one discerningly gives any reasoning as to what makes him better than the other blokes in this poll...? Better than the other English flyhalfs. Flood to me looks more fluid gets the backs moving and has forty caps more experience at international level. Hodgson is ahead of Farrell at Saracens as starting flyhalf.

What does he do well other than goal kicking?

He does defence and guts too. But even with the blip of the Scotland game, i agree there are multiple better attacking 10s available

Fair play CJ you are right he is a good goal kicker and a brave tackler.

He still has only half the vote of the injured Sexton and was completely outplayed by a guy that has half Farrell's votes on this poll.

maestegmafia wrote:

Hound of Harrow wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:What is so good about Farrell?

He is a good goal kicker. Otherwise he looks no different and no better than anyone else. Surely he has most of his opportunities because his father is a coach. If he does get on the tour, surely that is the main reason and not his ability.

A lot of Gatland's comments have mentioned guys being 'team players'. Farrell undoubtedly is, Biggar has often been a bit 'up himself' (read Welsh posters' comments on Ospreys games).

As for OF being selected because of his dad, that's just plain daft.

What is daft is that a number of people keep rating young Farrell junior as a good flyhalf and no one discerningly gives any reasoning as to what makes him better than the other blokes in this poll...? Better than the other English flyhalfs. Flood to me looks more fluid gets the backs moving and has forty caps more experience at international level. Hodgson is ahead of Farrell at Saracens as starting flyhalf.

What does he do well other than goal kicking?

Sarries do tend to have much more variation in attack with Hodgson at 10. I think Farrell's in the right place to develop that side of his game.

Also, Farrell can get a bit stroppy when things aren't going his way. Hopefully for him/England that'll improve in the long run, but the Lions could do without it this time around...

Sexton was the only 10 to really shine.

Farrell went backwards as his cool head -his best attribute disapeared adn he did not show any invention or real creativity. Flood we know what we get - a decent player but with flaws. Bigger the same.

Fly half is weakness for the lions with after Sexytoes no real class acts available. Rhubarb Jackson after his displays for Glasgow? is the cupboard that bare?

We already have two world-class goalkickers in Sexton and Halfpenny, I'm not sure what Farrell brings to the table.

For that reason Sexton and Biggar to tour, and personally I think Ian Madigan or from what I have heard Freddie Burns could be wildcards.

Biggar wasn't great in the 6N. He may have outshone Farrell in the head to head but he had an armchair ride as our pack was smashed.

I'm not a Biggar fan at all, Farrell is a much better player imo.

Farrell has a solid attacking game, watch the AB & Scotland games for examples of his attacking play. He's got a good flat pass and anybody saying he has poor game management needs to give their head a shake.

Biggar getting motm awards in the Rabo means nothing to me as the Rabo isn't a particularly strong league.

Burns' recent form in no way merits a Bolter place

Burns is a little too erratic and his defence isn't currently good enough.

Sexton & Farrell are well ahead of the others, who will be the 3rd choice though?

Laidlaw perhaps to cover SH too?

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Biggar wasn't great in the 6N. He may have outshone Farrell in the head to head but he had an armchair ride as our pack was smashed.

I'm not a Biggar fan at all, Farrell is a much better player imo.

Farrell has a solid attacking game, watch the AB & Scotland games for examples of his attacking play. He's got a good flat pass and anybody saying he has poor game management needs to give their head a shake.

Biggar getting motm awards in the Rabo means nothing to me as the Rabo isn't a particularly strong league.

Have to disagree with you a touch there pooly, Biggars game management and accuracy with the boot is very good, and he had a good if unspectacular (until final game) 6N, and has been one of the best 10's in europe this season.

Farell had a great 6N (slightly undone by his poor performance last up) and has been good at club level, but I couldn't hand on heart say he's been far better! They both have strengths (Farrells vision and dist slightly better, Biggars management and temperement) and both have weakness's but IMHO they are pretty similar players and I want neither in the tests!!

The fact that there is no obvious second choice does mean that maybe looking to an old head might be wise, case for Wilkinson Hodgson and Stephen Jones.

I haven't seen anything from Farrell bar goal kicking that makes me think he has what it takes. Thats not enough.

He will likely come good by 2017, but he has a lot of maturing to do.

Biggar I was not a fan of a year ago, he had all the skills but not the temperament to make things work. Over the last year he has improved that dramatically and is now one of the best in the business. Proved that in the Six Nations with his cool head and skill under pressure. Really impressed me.

James Hook.

Sexton & Farrell will tour, it's just a question of who will start imo.

3rd choice is anyone's guess though, I don't rate Bigger in the slightest. Laidlaw, Hook possibly as flexible choices??

Wilko's form is hard to judge as the Toulon pack is so dominant, I've not been overly impressed with him when I've seen him tbh.

Biggar for the third choice. In fact I would have him ahead of Farrell. No one fancy Flood? Hook and Wilko will not tour. Laidlaw might get in as he can cover 9 and 10

thebluesmancometh wrote:James Hook.

Best bench cover available. He'll go as a utility option.

Flood has been very patchy this season. He's a top running option but currently behind Farrell.

maestegmafia wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:James Hook.

Best bench cover available. He'll go as a utility option.

Ye I think Laidlaw and Hook will travel for their ability for covering multiple positions at the top level. Especially as we have no real creativity in midfeild!!

maestegmafia wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:James Hook.

Best bench cover available. He'll go as a utility option.

I know he an ex Osprey but did you see how poor Hook was for Wales this season, again? I would have Laidlaw and Madigan ahead of Hook as the utility back option.

With Priestland likely to be fit and Patchell a year more experienced, I cannot see Hook getting a squad place for Wales next season, so certainly not a Lions choice!

Seagultaf wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:James Hook.

Best bench cover available. He'll go as a utility option.

I know he an ex Osprey but did you see how poor Hook was for Wales this season, again? I would have Laidlaw and Madigan ahead of Hook as the utility back option.

With Priestland likely to be fit and Patchell a year more experienced, I cannot see Hook getting a squad place for Wales next season, so certainly not a Lions choice!

Hook has been great in the T14. I didn't think he had much opportunity to show anything in the Six nations really, full credit to Biggar. But there aren't any other Utility players with Hooks International level experience in so many positions. He has played a six nations championship as a 10, a 12 and as a 13, he has also started as a 15 a few times. May not be World Class in any one position in particular but as a bench option for injury cover he is tailor made perfect.

SYNOPSIS OF THE POLL SO FAR...

Forwards

Cian Healy 41% 31
Rory Best 49% 37
Adam Jones 62% 36
Richie Gray 16% 22
Geoff Parling 14% 23
Chris Robshaw 27% 16
Justin Tipuric 44% 22
John Beattie 37% 22 (Toby Faletau 1 vote short)

Backs

Ben Youngs 54% 27
Jonny Sexton 44% 18
Jamie Roberts is tied with Billy Twelvetrees 31% 4
Manu Tuilagi 50% 7 (Brian O'Driscoll is 1 vote short)

Sexton if fit.

If not then I think Farrel the elder will pick Farrel the younger, scary scary times.

yappysnap wrote:Sexton if fit.

If not then I think Farrel the elder will pick Farrel the younger, scary scary times.

I hope thats not the case. But there is a case of wherever the father goes the son swiftly follows. Considering how many English rugby fans were lauding the talents of Ford or Burns, young Farrell leap frogged them without showing anywhere near the equivalent ability.

The poll is open until a week before the squad is announced, there is still a decent amount of rugby to be played and peoples thoughts and views may change. As it stands currently these are the Squad choices by the mob that contributes to 606V2.

I dont know the make up or how many he really will pick so i am just running with top three options...


Loosehead Prop 89 votes so far

Cian Healy 39
Ryan Grant 20
Gethin Jenkins 15


Hooker 92 votes so far

Rory Best 45
Richard Hibbard 21
Tom Youngs 11


Tighthead 74 votes so far

Adam Jones 47
Dan Cole 19
Euan Murray 4

Locks 144 votes so far over the two polls so averaging 72 Votes

Geoff Parling 29
Richie Gray 29
AWJ 21
Ian Evans 20


Blindeside Flankers 78 votes so far

Chris Robshaw 19
Kelly Brown 18
Sean O'Brien 17


Openside Flankers 74 votes so far

Justin Tipuric 33
Sam Warburton 14
Chris Robshaw 13 (leading the Blindside option)
Ross Rennie 8 (Next best after Robshaw)


Number Eight 73 votes so far

Toby Faletau 28
John Beattie 26
Ben Morgan 10


Scrumhalf 73 votes so far

Ben Youngs 38
Mike Phillips 20
Greig Laidlaw 10


Flyhalf 59 votes so far

Jonny Sexton 30
Owen Farrell 13
Dan Biggar 6


Inside Centre 53 votes so far

Billy Twelvetrees 11
Jonathan Davies 13 (Also 3rd in the outside centre Poll)
Matt Scott 11
Jamie Roberts & Luke Marshall 7 (If we were to consider JD2 at outside)


Outside Centre

Brian O'Driscoll 22
Manu Tuilagi 22
Jonathan Davies 9


Right Winger 44 Votes so far

Sean Maitland 22
Alex Cuthbert 11
Christian Wade 7


Left Winger 45 votes so far

George North 21
Tim Visser 8
Simon Zebo 5


Fullback 59 votes so far

Stuart Hogg 25
Leigh Halfpenny 22
Rob Keaney 7

Sexton could be back for the Munster game next week so I would expect him to be fit enough to tour.

I hope so - he will be the key man I think and without him we are in trouble as the rest a re distinctly second best

Two of the supposedly main candidates for the 10 jersey will not be featuring in the HC quarter finals.

At least we have two interesting fly half battles to look forward to.


Lions fly half watch in the HC - Owen vs Paddy, Toby vs Jonny.

I can't think of anything worse than having Farrel at 10.

Uncreative, dull, easy to read.

His distribution isn't even outstanding, seen many of his passes be far too high/behind the man causing a stilted attacking game. He can play a nice flat pass I agree but his passing game is so far from fluid.

Not needed for his kicking with 1/2p on the field, Sexton the Biggar for me.

Where is Ian Madigan on this list?????