Robshaw and the English press

Lots of people (at least in England) seem surprised Robshaw wasn't picked.

Personally I wasn't, but that is because I have never thought he lived up to the hype promoted (quite ludicrously at times) by the English media. When analysed critically against those picked he doesn't cut it.

If he was Scottish he probably wouldn't even have been mentioned!

WE have done this already mate, and it didn't go too well, if this goes the same way I will remove it.

urine poor Wum.

Actually Biltong it is a comment on how the English press build players into world beaters before there is any evidence to support it. One win against a tired and sick NZ team does not make them world beaters overnight and immediately the English press ignored the defeats the previous weeks against SA and Aus.

Robshaw is a good player but he isn't quite good enough to get into this Lions team (this may not still be the case in 4 years time) and the way the English press went about building him up as Lions captain-elect earlier this season was ridiculous. I wouldn't have made Warburton captain either but that is my opinion which is what I thought the idea of forums was.

wanderingdragon wrote:Lots of people (at least in England) seem surprised Robshaw wasn't picked.

Personally I wasn't, but that is because I have never thought he lived up to the hype promoted (quite ludicrously at times) by the English media. When analysed critically against those picked he doesn't cut it.

If he was Scottish he probably wouldn't even have been mentioned!

But wouldnt the Scottish press have writing about Scottish players that werent selected?

Well I like Robshaw, I also like Waldrom and I like Croft.

I didn't see to much of the six nations this year, only the last game between Wales and England, so I can't really comment on this yea's form.

BUt I was impressed with Robshaw and Waldrom last year in SA. They are physical and strong, the way we like our backrowers here in SA.

I am not saying Robshaw should have been in the squad, but I am surprised he wasn't.

Biltong wrote:Well I like Robshaw, I also like Waldrom and I like Croft.

I didn't see to much of the six nations this year, only the last game between Wales and England, so I can't really comment on this yea's form.

BUt I was impressed with Robshaw and Waldrom last year in SA. They are physical and strong, the way we like our backrowers here in SA.

I am not saying Robshaw should have been in the squad, but I am surprised he wasn't.

I'll take that a step further and say I am amazed he wasn't in the squad, he was good last summer, very good in the AI's and this 6N was his best and probably the tournaments stand out back rower bar Brown!!

Even the final game v Wales he and Cole were superb, slowing breakdown ball, and putting themselves about. I think Robshaw spent 2 seasons plus in int wilderness for no reason, then when he finally got his chance he looked ropy for another season, but this year he really stepped up and was superb, I would easily drop Lydiate for him, and not think about it twice. Similarly Croft, althoug I see why Croft would be an weapon handy to have in the arsenal!!

Selecting Robshaw ahead of Croft and Brown ahead of Lydiate would have created a lot less controversy on here and in the press.

I was most impressed with Robshaws workrate in this years 6 nations, very similar in a way to Higginbotham and I bet Dingo has him in his squad.

I think Lydiate is there because he is Gatland's tackling machine and Warburton has always played his best with Lydiate there to make the tackles. If you want to see Lydiate at his best have a look at Wales v France in 2012 6 Nations. He was unbelievable.

Taking Lydiate is a gamble as he has played so little recently but Gatland was always likely to make that call. With Croft, Warburton and O'Brien all also capable of playing 6 it is a gamble he can afford to take. Croft makes it as he was so good on the last Lions tour and as he can cover 2nd row too offers greater versatility to who they can put on the bench for the tests.

I think Robshaw is a good player but lacks a bit of pace for an out and out 7 (Gatland pretty much said this months ago) and that has cost him as Tipuric showed how quick he is in the 6N.

Croft makes it as he was so good on the last Lions tour and as he can cover 2nd row too offers greater versatility

No way should he be playing second row for the Lions...even just cover.

His physicality is questioned as a 6 as it is...HOWEVER i do understand why he has been taken. He gives totally different options.

However i would have taken Robshaw over Lydiate.

Anyway its irrlevant...the decision has been made...Robshaw may go to Argentina or may be rested (probably the latter) and can watch his serious competition for that 7 spot get blooded in Argentina - Fraser & Kvesic...

I get confused sometimes as my memory is going for a ball of cheese, is Croft not the pacey one?

Yes 6,6 and about 17st or just under...

Pace of a winger and serious lineout weapon. Excellent defence (and obviously great covering tackling backs aswell) and gets to the breakdowns quick.
But many highlight lack of serious power as a negative.
But with Lydiate, O'Brien and Croft...they have a nice mix...

Ah, then I am not confused this time. Thanks

GeordieFalcon wrote:Yes 6,6 and about 17st or just under...

Pace of a winger and serious lineout weapon. Excellent defence (and obviously great covering tackling backs aswell) and gets to the breakdowns quick.
But many highlight lack of serious power as a negative.
But with Lydiate, O'Brien and Croft...they have a nice mix...

I think the mix is a key point. Had he gone for Wood, Robshaw and Brown he'd have three players who pretty much offer the same thing.

I still think Wood is the biggest omission of the three. Great player.

Yeah Wood is Englands best 6 by a country mile...but Croft showed in SA on hard grounds what a weapon he can be....and means that the Lions can go with a more hefty second row...knowing Croft is a lineout expert...

Wood can now put the 6nations No.8 debacle behind him go to Argentina and show the world how good a 6 and Captain he is....

Interesting about Robshaw. I don't think he has been over-hyped at all. I don't see him get a lot of hype, period.

He has been a very good player for Harlequins and England. Two seasons ago, I was clearly not a fan of his. But he has shown, though hard work and doing so much grunt work, to be a terrific player.

We have always known the back 3 was the most competitive area in the Lions. And that Gatland would most likely to the players he knows and is most loyal to. Did he pick very good players? Yes. Are they best for Lions? We will see.