Lions Capt announcement

First topic message reminder :

It seems the only player who will know that he is going on tour prior to the squad being announced is the lions 2013 Tour Captain.

What a huge honour and responsibility to be that man. I would love to have him to dinner and offer him my sister but that's unlikely as i have no sister.

Anyway. There is no obvious candidate and i think that compounds the uncertainty everyone feels about this tour. I was there in 09 for every minute of every Test. We could have won, should have won. Against the mighty Boks POC was the right choice, in the Johnson mould, an abrasive forward who would lead his thin red line into battle like Gordon's Highlander's, carrying into the melee that is a Bok pack.

For me a forward capt is vital for that reason. You need a sentinel who stand out in the siege like atmosphere of a Lions series. Johnson is a RWC winning skipper but for me his zenith was as the winning Capt in 97. 2001 was a great fiasco, a tour we should have won but didn't, 2005 seemed to set a new bar for a fiasco and we all know why. 2009 meanwhile was almost glory.

Personally I think the Wallabies are eminently beatable. There is disarray in camp, the suggestion Deans is a marked man, uncertainty over the real talent in the amazing backline that is, for me, the best in the world. The timing is right. But there are ominous signs for the Lions. Debate over the Capt is the least of our worries; an embarrassment of riches at backrow, a paucity in the centres, no real creativity anywhere. is our plan going to be a la Wales, round the corner bang it up, round the corner bang it up.....my wife complains about variety and now i get it.

If we buy into the weak Aussie pack theory and hope we can destroy them up front then we may just be lead like lambs not Lions, to the slaughter. Ask Wales. If Oz gain any parity up front then their backs are just classier. Natural fleet footed footballing players. We have one, maybe 2 who fit that bill. But BOD's bod is buggered and JD2 is nowhere near the Aussie class on his own. So we have to field a massive aggressive set piece orientated tight 5 and a rampaging back row. I fully expect Tips and Warbs to figure after standing up in that huge 6 Nations decider. Likewise i feel Philips extra physicality at 9 is key, there is no point us even trying to go toe to toe with Genia even if he is just returning.

Ultimately what seems key is the foundation of the touring party and i think the Capt is that foundation. He must not be a squad Capt but a guaranteed starter, a man who will deal on and off the pitch and if necessary, rather as Johnson did, be willing to forego photo opps. I want a guy who is mean, frowning and aggressive and who lets it be known he is there for 1 thing only. The W. For me then it should be POC if he is fully fit. he did a job in SA, has returned to MOM form and has been outside Ireland's camp in this 6 Nations - a clear advantage. i love BOD and considered him but will he even start? Robshaw was up there had Eng won but they didn't. Warbs is no Lions Capt - he should be left to just do his job.

So, over to you...i am sure in the next few days this form will come back to life but in the meantime....................

1. Who SHOULD your Capt be?
2. Who WILL Gats select?
3. Who is your BOLTER Capt?
4. Will there be a squad skipper and if so who?

I was wondering when someone would pick up the clues.............. Sin loves playing the game of seeing how far he can get with an unwavering argument................... em,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, so do I.

It passes the time on quiet no-rugby-being-played days.

Next topic: - Are Players with Long noses suited to Lion's Captaincy? Use references and sources to back up your arguments.

and remember that Matt Stevens will sing some lovely tunes as well. Concerned as to who will play guitar now Sheridan and JW not picked. There will be a few characters coming to the fore as there always are. Last time it was Ricky Flutey who seemed to unexpectedely gel with quite a few. I have no probs with Warbs not being a character as that has not stopped him being a successful captain. As long as we win then everything will be grand.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Do you think that Dan Cole and Cian Healy won't have a bit of a joke about what happened during the Ireland - England game?

Hillarious. Just imagine if things had really gone wrong and DC had taken some serious damage- they would have been rolling on the floor discussing that one.

P.S I am sure they will talk it out and get on with each other as top professionals

SecretFly wrote:I was wondering when someone would pick up the clues.............. Sin loves playing the game of seeing how far he can get with an unwavering argument................... em,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, so do I.

It passes the time on quiet no-rugby-being-played days.

Next topic: - Are Players with Long noses suited to Lion's Captaincy? Use references and sources to back up your arguments.

100% yes, for no reason other than I have a bit of a beak myself.

lostinwales wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Do you think that Dan Cole and Cian Healy won't have a bit of a joke about what happened during the Ireland - England game?

Hillarious. Just imagine if things had really gone wrong and DC had taken some serious damage- they would have been rolling on the floor discussing that one.

P.S I am sure they will talk it out and get on with each other as top professionals

I wasn't suggesting what happened was funny.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Do you think that Dan Cole and Cian Healy won't have a bit of a joke about what happened during the Ireland - England game?

Hillarious. Just imagine if things had really gone wrong and DC had taken some serious damage- they would have been rolling on the floor discussing that one.

P.S I am sure they will talk it out and get on with each other as top professionals

I wasn't suggesting what happened was funny.

Well, you're one guy that wouldn't make a good Lion then!

RubyGuby wrote:I can only think Sin is not being serious here, but fair play you dragged us along for a while -

I am being serious - the Welsh contingent will need to up their banter game from a bit of willie waving if this team is to gel.

Hes right, the welsh must raise the craic levels whether that means slagging each other off, goin out on the lash with philips leading from the front, kidnapping a kangaroo or breaking into quade cooper's house or even simply slagging off owen farrell in unison, they guy is in for a tough tour

I find the thought of Matt Stevens with a large nose quiet dangerous. I just hope he's up to speed for this series

The big q now is having been announced as Tour Captain is SW a safe bet to start the first test...personally i think WG will start conservatively with Warbs at 7 however Tips will be on the bench. If Lydiate or Croft are firing well then Warbs at 7, if not he may be moved across for Tips