Warburton

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What will he bring to the Lions during the Test series?

Not a WUM, just genuinely have not seen much of him for Cardiff Blues as most games aren't televised, and wasn't very impressed with him in the 6 Nations. Thought his Man of the Match against Scotland was sort of by default because he didn't play badly after a bad run of form, and he won a couple of turnovers in that game.

I know his history from u20 captain, struggling to break through, being hampered by injuries and the presence of Martyn Williams. Then was made captain out of left field and enjoyed a good run of form, having a good game in a world cup warm up vs England making some good cover tackles and a couple of turnovers.

To me at the 2011 World Cup,the star was the unit of the back row for Wales. With Lydiate Warbs and Faletau at 6,7,8 performing all the traditional roles perfectly. Lydiates chopping tackles allowed Warburton to get over the ball, and Faletaus carrying kept Warburton on the front foot when hitting rucks.

To get to the point,is Gatland hoping that the unit can rediscover that form and be as effective during the test series in Australia? Seems like a good plan A as the back row is all about balance and trust,with those players having faith in each other. But Justin Tipuric has INDIVIDUALLY been a more effective player than Sam Warburton for a long time now, as has Sean O'Brien, both players are capable of taking a game by the scruff on their own. What happens if those two guys are consistently the best players in Australia? Does Sam get pushed to 6 again? That wouldn't have the same balance as having Lydiate there, or does Tipuric(or O'Brien) bench and come on for the Captain?

This is not to mention Tom Croft, who has his detractors, but if he hits form could be key to taking out the Aussie line out, either going head to head with Dave Dennis if he plays or taking advantage of the fact that Australia are going to play two shivered open sides on the flanks in Hopper/Gill/Smith.

So many questions,apologies for the long winded way of getting there. But I suppose what I'm asking is it that Warburton is an integral part of plan A and if that doseant work does he have to be dropped along with the unit?or is he good enough individually and will be able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and win it for the lions?

I think had the available players been fit and on form the best back row would have been Warburton at six, Rennie at seven and Faletau at eight to combat the Australian Back Row with Tipuric coming on at the end to tear them up with his pace.
I don't agree with Warburton as captain I'd have selected O'Connell, the effect he has on a team merely by being there is huge.

123456789 wrote:I think had the available players been fit and on form the best back row would have been Warburton at six, Rennie at seven and Faletau at eight to combat the Australian Back Row with Tipuric coming on at the end to tear them up with his pace.
I don't agree with Warburton as captain I'd have selected O'Connell, the effect he has on a team merely by being there is huge.

Don't you think that POC will make the Test side?I'd be surprised if he didn't unless he gets injured again.

Taffineastbourne wrote:

123456789 wrote:I think had the available players been fit and on form the best back row would have been Warburton at six, Rennie at seven and Faletau at eight to combat the Australian Back Row with Tipuric coming on at the end to tear them up with his pace.
I don't agree with Warburton as captain I'd have selected O'Connell, the effect he has on a team merely by being there is huge.

Don't you think that POC will make the Test side?I'd be surprised if he didn't unless he gets injured again.

I think he definitely will, I think a pairing of him and Gray would be a perfect balance, if I was picking the squad and all the players in Britain and Ireland were available and on form, the pack I would have chosen would be:

1. Healy
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. O'Connell (captain)
5. Gray
6. Warburton
7. Rennie
8. Morgan

16. Grant
17. Best
18. Murray
19. AW Jones
20. Tipuric

123456789 wrote:

Taffineastbourne wrote:

123456789 wrote:I think had the available players been fit and on form the best back row would have been Warburton at six, Rennie at seven and Faletau at eight to combat the Australian Back Row with Tipuric coming on at the end to tear them up with his pace.
I don't agree with Warburton as captain I'd have selected O'Connell, the effect he has on a team merely by being there is huge.

Don't you think that POC will make the Test side?I'd be surprised if he didn't unless he gets injured again.

I think he definitely will, I think a pairing of him and Gray would be a perfect balance, if I was picking the squad and all the players in Britain and Ireland were available and on form, the pack I would have chosen would be:

1. Healy
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. O'Connell (captain)
5. Gray
6. Warburton
7. Rennie
8. Morgan

16. Grant
17. Best
18. Murray
19. AW Jones
20. Tipuric

You would have Murray over cole, and warburton out of position rather than have ferris or lydiate at 6

123456789 wrote:

Taffineastbourne wrote:

123456789 wrote:I think had the available players been fit and on form the best back row would have been Warburton at six, Rennie at seven and Faletau at eight to combat the Australian Back Row with Tipuric coming on at the end to tear them up with his pace.
I don't agree with Warburton as captain I'd have selected O'Connell, the effect he has on a team merely by being there is huge.

Don't you think that POC will make the Test side?I'd be surprised if he didn't unless he gets injured again.

I think he definitely will, I think a pairing of him and Gray would be a perfect balance, if I was picking the squad and all the players in Britain and Ireland were available and on form, the pack I would have chosen would be:

1. Healy
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. O'Connell (captain)
5. Gray
6. Warburton
7. Rennie
8. Morgan

16. Grant
17. Best
18. Murray
19. AW Jones
20. Tipuric

Then ,I don't follow your logic.Surely if he is in the side his presence will have the same effect or am I missing something?

Warburton and Tipuric are different kinds of 7s. Tips is quicker but my concern is that he may lack a bot of physicality as he is not as big.

The ideal for me is that Warburton starts and Tipuric comes off the bench when it opens up.

Gatland has picked him as captain because he see's him as the first name on the team sheet. Simple as that. I prefer Tipuric.