What do you do if Roberts and Bowe are fit?

I can't see Davies being dropped and I can't see a fit Roberts not starting. 

We missed Jamie Roberts yesterday and his partnership with davies has grown from strength to strength over the past few seasons. 

BOD is so influential but Davies and Roberts must start. Phillips has had his bogey game and will be far more effective on Saturday. 

I would sacrifice a prop and have 4 backs on the bench.

19. Youngs
20. Farrell
21. BOD
22. Bowe

Imagine those in the 2nd half.

Too much of a risk not having a specialist 10 on the bench but how can you omit either BOD, Bowe, Roberts or Davies. They're all too good.

How many times will people suggest this.

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SACRIFICE A PROP

LondonTiger wrote:How many times will people suggest this.

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SACRIFICE A PROP

The gods prefer leaner meat

Plus sacrifice is illegal in most countries now anyway

Sorry, I'm bored of revision and poorly motivated and going slightly delirious

ChequeredJersey wrote:Sorry, I'm bored of revision and poorly motivated and going slightly delirious

Don't worry U20 will be on later

HammerofThunor wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:Sorry, I'm bored of revision and poorly motivated and going slightly delirious

Don't worry U20 will be on later

That does make me less worried about being bored but not any less worried about screwing up exams, unfortunately

Has Jamie done anything to merit a starting place yet?

After all, a team is being played on Tuesday where guys are still being patronised to an extent when it's suggested they still could have an opportunity to play next Saturday if they really give a good account of themselves on Tuesday.

A few of those might think they've already done more than Roberts to have a test spot.

Roberts and Bowe should have been on Tuesday's replacement bench.  Let them go through the auditions too.

SecretFly wrote:Has Jamie done anything to merit a starting place yet?

After all, a team is being played on Tuesday where guys are still being patronised to an extent when it's suggested they still could have an opportunity to play next Saturday if they really give a good account of themselves on Tuesday.

A few of those might think they've already done more than Roberts to have a test spot.

Roberts and Bowe should have been on Tuesday's replacement bench.  Let them go through the auditions too.

Played for Wales?

Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

He is getting tested by playing on Tuesday though

ChequeredJersey wrote:

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

He is getting tested by playing on Tuesday though

Is Barritt being tested too then?

maestegmafia wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

He is getting tested by playing on Tuesday though

Is Barritt being tested too then?

Just saying that Tuilagi is being road-tested more if he were to get picked than Roberts is post both their injuries. Or Bowe. I don't think any of the three will start on Saturday though

ChequeredJersey wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

ChequeredJersey wrote:

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

He is getting tested by playing on Tuesday though

Is Barritt being tested too then?

Just saying that Tuilagi is being road-tested more if he were to get picked than Roberts is post both their injuries. Or Bowe. I don't think any of the three will start on Saturday though

I think Barritt would be a better option at 12 than Tuilagi. Looks like Roberts is going to be fit, the partnership is between Roberts, Davies and O'Driscoll.

Tuilagi has a lot to prove vs rebels...! His attacking lines are great, but he lacks the skill set and defensive sense of Roberts, Davies and Bod.

Well if that's the case then Roberts was tested in the match before the Lions first test. Suffice to say he passed the test. If Bowe and Roberts are fit I'd put them into the starting team at the expense of two Welsh Lions. If Roberts is not fit and Tuilagi is, I'd put Tuilagi to the bench.

I'd probably swap Cuthbert for Bowe, not sure about JD2 vs Roberts

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

Well JD2 was just average yesterday.

ChequeredJersey wrote:I'd probably swap Cuthbert for Bowe, not sure about JD2 vs Roberts

Agreed. I thought Davies had a great game. Nice chips, good hands and great defence.

Bowe has to come in & hopefully Gats will have the gumption to play form players & drop Phillips.

Centres yesterday did well in defence but provided no incision in attack & looked like they hadn't played together before.

I hope Tuilagi can force his way into selection with BOD.

Same goes for SOB who should come on he bench & provide proper cover for the whole back row.

I would also like Faletau to up his game & put pressure on Heaslip further.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

Well JD2 was just average yesterday.

Him and BOD were a very good partnership against the best opposition the Lions have played on this tour.

The Saint wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

Well JD2 was just average yesterday.

Him and BOD were a very good partnership against the best opposition the Lions have played on this tour.

I am amazed anyone thought JD was average? Almost gave bod a try in the first quarter with a superb kick, some fine running nearly taking a try himself.

His defence has been well covered. One of the highest tackles made scores of the team.

If you were forcing yourself to be highly critical of the centres surely BOD would come in for more slack than JD after conceding two kickable penalties...? But BOD did so much good in the game.

The Saint wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

Well JD2 was just average yesterday.

Him and BOD were a very good partnership against the best opposition the Lions have played on this tour.

JD2 started ok but tailed off & I think we should be aiming to get more out of our centres in terms of attack. Tuilagi & BOD worked very well earlier but I realistically don't expect him to get selected by Gats/Howley for the next test.

maestegmafia wrote:

If you were forcing yourself to be highly critical of the centres surely BOD would come in for more slack than JD after conceding two kickable penalties...? But BOD did so much good in the game.

Doing what he does naturally in Europe and gets plaudits for.  Beauty is in the eye of NH/SH refs

I wouldn't blame players individually for the game (although Phillips did look really out of sorts and didn't have his usual abrasive bite - and that's from a guy who has rated him highly).  I wouldn't blame the players, I think a gameplan was used to keep a genuine pumping, menacing engine on the cool side for a time until Gatland and crew got a hang of how Australia intended to play this series.

As a whole, the Lions just have to have more gears than that one used at the weekend.  I still have a feeling part of it was held back.

SecretFly wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

If you were forcing yourself to be highly critical of the centres surely BOD would come in for more slack than JD after conceding two kickable penalties...? But BOD did so much good in the game.

Doing what he does naturally in Europe and gets plaudits for.  Beauty is in the eye of NH/SH refs

I wouldn't blame players individually for the game (although Phillips did look really out of sorts and didn't have his usual abrasive bite - and that's from a guy who has rated him highly).  I wouldn't blame the players, I think a gameplan was used to keep a genuine pumping, menacing engine on the cool side for a time until Gatland and crew got a hang of how Australia intended to play this series.

As a whole, the Lions just have to have more gears than that one used at the weekend.  I still have a feeling part of it was held back.

Yes that could well be the case. We knew little about the opposition, though they knew masses about us. They had done their homework and made life hard. There was plenty of strategy involved in their performance.

06.23.201316:53:44

The Saint wrote:Well what's Tuilagi done? Some of you English are convinced he's going to waltz back into the team after Sexton and BOD made him look above average.

Shame he took a knock as him and bod looked good together. Hope he has a stormer on tues...

I can see Tuilagi going into the 3rd test if we loose the second, but I wouldnt be surprised if he misses out if we go 2-0 up. If he fires he is a very dangerous player, but he has played a lot of rugby this year and maybe isnt in as good form as we'd like.

LOL what else does Cuthbert need to do to win you lot over?

t1000advancedprototype wrote:LOL what else does Cuthbert need to do to win you lot over?

Drop the top try scorer, great idea!
Bring in Manu instead of JD another great Idea again no game time.

I'd only really change Phillips from the starting 15 if everyone's fit - manu to the bench if he shows well Tuesday

Roberts wasn't having a particularly good tour anyway. Whereas Bowe looked excellent before he was injured.  But Roberts fits perfectly with "Gatland-ball", so might be picked anyway.

Not that I'm complaining. Gatland-ball has won two 6 Nations on the trot and the first match of a Lions series.

I would definitely drop Phillips though.

If Phillips is dropped, I think I may eat my boxer shorts

Poc may be out too.

I'd put Bowe in for Cuthbert. Murray in for Philips. Grey on the bench if Poc is out. 23 is a tough one. Roberts & Tuilagi don't really cover the back 3. So one of Cuthbert, Kearney, Zebo, Maitland or Hogg.

Any of them really as Bowe and Farrell can cover the centre in a pinch. (as would Hogg)

A case could be made for them all.

Only other change would be Sob for either Lyd or Croft. Let's see how they all play on Tuesday first.

I wish people would learn the rules before they commentate on here, you cant sacrifice a prop.  It would be harsh on Cuthbert to be dropped and would leave Bowe on the bench then again what if Roberts is fit? Or what if Manu and Kearney have stormers on Tuesday, I guess tehse are the selection problems the coaches want.

I think yerman was extracting the wee wee with the prop comment.

Personally I think Bowe is at least as good as Cuthbert going forward. (and Cuthbert is excellent) but more versitile and a better defender.

Also he was in good form before he got hurt, and it was just a hand which would not affect his abillity to run and keep fit.

bedfordwelsh wrote:I wish people would learn the rules before they commentate on here, you cant sacrifice a prop.  It would be harsh on Cuthbert to be dropped and would leave Bowe on the bench then again what if Roberts is fit? Or what if Manu and Kearney have stormers on Tuesday, I guess tehse are the selection problems the coaches want.

I'd guess nothing will happen. 

Manu...a remote possible perhaps.  Kearney - zilch chance, even if he creates a mini-earthquake with his seismic efforts.

4 day turn around after playing well enough and hard enough to be included in a test side is never going to be doable for inclusion in that test.  Gatland will want fresh legs.  If Kearney and Manu do enough to impress, by definition they won't have fresh legs no more.

You have to pick your best team. Cuthbert did nothing wrong and as usual took his only chance expertly, but Bowe is just a better player. Roberts is a better 12 than JD and will start, Manu will not start if he plays Tuesday. Is JD better than BOD? Similar to Cuthbert JD has done nothing wrong but will probably miss out. Why Gats hasn't called for Paul James or Sheridan is beyond me. The lack of a quality LH could cost us the series. If Corbs is injured we have a major problem. I like Parling but he is smaller than the other SR options. Grays form is debatable and his confidence may be low. Ianto is too dull to have his feelings hurt by non selection and would be my choice, we need to replace POC edge with edge and Ianto has that hardness about him.

So I think Cuthbert and JD miss out. I fear that Mako will start he just doesn't look up to it at this level yet. He is young and will become a very good LH if he works on his technique. Options are however limited, Grant looks out of sorts and Tom Court, really! make someone a Lion because he is there? Given Parling and Gray start on Tuesday Ianto may replace POC if he is injured. I would pick Murray at 9 but Youngs will probably get the nod after Mikes poor showing and the fact that Murray starts Tuesday

I hope Gats has learned his lesson and leaves Adam to do his job for the full 80

Mako
T Youngs
Jones
AWJ
Ianto
Croft
Warbs
Heaslip
B Youngs
Sexton
North
Roberts
BOD
Bowe
Halfpenny

Its a strong side, the only concern is at LH