Would Gatland dare take 3 Welsh fly halves?

by t1000advancedprototype Mon 15 Apr 2013, 12:11 pm

First topic message reminder :

Not such a crazy idea...

Dan Biggar - six nations winner form NH fly half
James Hook - triple six nations winner double grandslam utility back
Rhys Priestland - grandslam winner world cup star

This could actually happen.

Sexton injured, flood and farrell nothing special and maybe Wilkinson won't get picked.

It's the forwards we need to get right, the lions will have an excellent backline whoever they pick but we need to bully Australia off the park upfront.

by Ledge the ledgebag Wed 17 Apr 2013, 10:23 pm

theslosty wrote:Sexton has a lot to do to prove he is better than Madigan right now.

I honestly think if Madigan had just been given one chance by Deccie to play at 10 he would be very much favoured to tour.

Some people may say it's a gamble, but I am confident in his ability to at least light up the mid-week side, and his lack of international experience is compensated by composure to match his flair. He showed this despite coming on in the most dire of circumstances against Italy.

Goalkicking - Immaculate, 33 of his last 35 good enough for you?
Defence - Strong, more than just average
Running - Is there a better running 10 in Europe right now? Not that I have seen anyway.
Passing - I'd say he is the best passer of a ball in Ireland. Bar none.

Farrell will tour, but in what area is Farrell stronger in? Defence, by a smidgeon maybe
Plus he can play 12 and 15.

Unlike Wade, who although is very exciting, Madigan is well-rounded and if there is to be a bolter in the Lions, there is no looking past him. I don't think he even has to be considered a bolter in order to tour.

If it helps clear up any hints of national bias, I think without question he has been the best player in Ireland in 2013.

Absolutely the best player in Ireland in 2013. I have a funny feeling that Gatland will back Madigan as the utility back. Even last Saturday, the only real bit of attacking flair from Leinster came about because of Madigan's skill. It also helps him that Gatland watched him two weeks in a row. You also forgot to mention the guy is a try-scoring machine. I'd even go as far to say he could break into the test team, if he is selected in the squad.

by Dontheman Thu 18 Apr 2013, 7:39 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:I wouldn't take Wilkinson. I don't think the rugby justification is there based on performance, and there are several additional downsides as well. Firstly he'll likely miss the start of the tour playing for Toulon, and secondly it'll just create a distracting media circus.

Time to move on.

Media circus around JW? Like he plays rugby end of. Not much to set a tabloid editor's heart aflame there.

by Dontheman Thu 18 Apr 2013, 7:57 am

Biltong wrote:
t1000advancedprototype wrote:
Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

It suggests inconsistency in performance, most other countries stick to their pivots. The questuion is rather has any other country had such inconsistency in selection at 10, ignoring of course injuries?

Dunno what you mean Bilt. Jones picked forever until the twilight of his career with 115 caps whilst Hooky being readied but overtaken by RP who carried on regardless until crocked by which time Biggar comes through. Didn't think that Hook got a fair chance in the 6Ns and he's a better player than generally taken for

by gregortree Thu 18 Apr 2013, 11:02 am

if, if, and a few more ifs, and yes it could happen

by dummy_half Thu 18 Apr 2013, 1:09 pm

I'm with the consensus on this -

Priestland won't be on the tour, given his extended injury absence and previous mediocre form.

Sexton will go as the likely first choice, with Farrell or Biggar as the back-up - both are solid and competent rather than fantastic at this stage.

Hook as a truly versatile midfield back (for me best as a 12 but capable at 10 and 13 and can do a job at 15) would not be the worst pick ever for a squad of limited size. 12trees would be another possibility - again, better as a centre but with quite a bit of club experience at 10, so could do the job in the midweek games or from the bench.

by RubyGuby Thu 18 Apr 2013, 3:43 pm

I think Gatland will take Sexton & Biggar - Controversial perhaps but that's Gatland. thumbsup

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