Why did Gatland select Tipuric to tour?

It seems like Gatland never had any intention in going with a ball playing link man at 7, or anywhere else in the backrow so the question is why did he select Tips when he had Warbs as captain and SOB as his back up 7?

Would have thought he would've opted for another bruiser like Brown or Robshaw or maybe an extra No.8.

Was he just selected to be a part of the midweek games a la Matt Stevens?

He's anti Welsh, sometimes.

Another question would be why did Gatland select wingers for the tour? It's not like there's any point in them being there.

Those precious spots could have been taken by more battering ram centres or back rows that just tackle all day. Oh, and some more loosehead props.

Pulling names out of a hat will always lead to some bizarre picks.

Cyril wrote:Another question would be why did Gatland select wingers for the tour? It's not like there's any point in them being there.

Those precious spots could have been taken by more battering ram centres or back rows that just tackle all day. Oh, and some more loosehead props.

Entertainment? The highlight of the tour so far was a wrestling match between two tall men....out on the wing. There was a ball there somewhere too but it was only getting in the way of the real fun.

Cyril I think Gatland's problems stem from not picking the right players plus poor tactics.

Ulster12 he picked Tipuric because he evidently doesn't like backrowers like Brown and Robshaw for whatever reason.

Look at Gatland's backrow options all bar SOB can only play one position.

Heaslip and Faletau are just no 8s. Warburton and Tipuric are just 7s. Lydiate and Croft are just 6s.

This has meant that there has been very little flexibility/balance in the backrow because two of the most versatile and best backrowers were left at home.

In regards to why Tipuric is touring but not picked to play in any of the tests. That's just Gatland - the Scottish guys have got no gametime, Farrell,Tuilagi,Faletau have also had no game time.

Is Croft just a 6 beshocked? I had thought he was picked because he offers more than a trad 6 tbh.

beshocked wrote:Cyril I think Gatland's problems stem from not picking the right players plus poor tactics.

Ulster12 he picked Tipuric because he evidently doesn't like backrowers like Brown and Robshaw for whatever reason.

Look at Gatland's backrow options all bar SOB can only play one position.

Heaslip and Faletau are just no 8s. Warburton and Tipuric are just 7s. Lydiate and Croft are just 6s.

This has meant that there has been very little flexibility/balance in the backrow because two of the most versatile and best backrowers were left at home.

In regards to why Tipuric is touring but not picked to play in any of the tests. That's just Gatland - the Scottish guys have got no gametime, Farrell,Tuilagi,Faletau have also had no game time.

Spare a thought for Matt Stevens - called from international wilderness because he 'covers both sides of the scrum' to ... nothing! Surely the oddest initial selection EVER?

Yes tigerleghorn he just plays as a 6. Yes he is good in the lineout and is quite fast but they are add on extras.

I would admit Croft offers more than Lydiate who can do nothing but tackle but he is still just a 6. One of the most unorthodox 6s too.

Croft has had a lot of difficulty comfortably slotting into backrows for whatever reason.

Robshaw in comparison can play 6 and 7. Brown can play 6,7 and 8.

It's just strange because he picked all specialists, and spoke pre tour about the importance of a genuine open side flanker. But now his first choice has been injured he has replaced him with a player more suited to playing 6, although O'Brien can do a great job at 7.

Just think if he always held this opinion and pecking order at 7 he would've been better bringing another 6 or 8, or even someone like Launchbury who can do a job in the back row but is a second row predominantly.

beshocked wrote:Yes tigerleghorn he just plays as a 6. Yes he is good in the lineout and is quite fast but they are add on extras.

I would admit Croft offers more than Lydiate who can do nothing but tackle but he is still just a 6. One of the most unorthodox 6s too.

Croft has had a lot of difficulty comfortably slotting into backrows for whatever reason.

Robshaw in comparison can play 6 and 7. Brown can play 6,7 and 8.

Beshocked

Don't get confused at been good at one position and been moved around through necessity

Lydiate has a more effective tackle rate (look at the Aussie try and see Crofts tackle contribution or should I say lack of it), more efficient line-out rate (I believe 2 out of 2), no comparison in the breakdown, has scored a try and made a try, oh and been made captain and formed an excellent partnership with SOB in that match. Lydiate is much more than a tackle machine however as he is so good at that its the only thing a lot of people see.

Croft by comparison has lost a few line-outs including the crucial one in the last test. He can run but he cant hide.

Brown and Robshaw are 6s who have been moved around (unwisely in my opinion particularly in the case of Brown who rarely plays 7 anywhere else). I am sure if the NGD or Wales management had made the same rather short sighted view they would have looked at Lydiate at 8 as I am certain he would be better option than Robshaw or Brown at the back of the pack.

SecretFly wrote:

Cyril wrote:Another question would be why did Gatland select wingers for the tour? It's not like there's any point in them being there.

Those precious spots could have been taken by more battering ram centres or back rows that just tackle all day. Oh, and some more loosehead props.

Entertainment?  The highlight of the tour so far was a wrestling match between two tall men....out on the wing.   There was a ball there somewhere too but it was only getting in the way of the real fun.

Who was Croft wrestling with? Surely you mean dancing?

flyhalffactory Brown had the highest turnovers in the 6 nations. I think he's shown he is competent enough at 7 internationally even if it's not his best position.

Brown has played at no 8 too. Seeing that Brown has actually played at no 8 and Lydiate hasn't that's an awful statement to make.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21233592

Just an example of Brown playing an international at no 8.


Obviously you part of the Lydiate fan club as well as the Grant one. I ask genuinely - how many turnovers for Lydiate vs the Aussies in the 2nd test?

Cyril wrote:Another question would be why did Gatland select wingers for the tour? It's not like there's any point in them being there.

Those precious spots could have been taken by more battering ram centres or back rows that just tackle all day. Oh, and some more loosehead props.

Do you mean the wingers who have scored the only tries for the Lions in the tests so far?

Yeah, what's the point in them being there?

I do dispair at the negativety on these boards. We are 1-1 with one to go for goodness sake. History tells us that it is very difficult for a Lions team to beat a SH side. They are bloody good teams and are playing at home with months together to prepare.

The best team lost the series in 97, the Lions hung on by the skin of their teeth to win. Some have short memories.

We have a great chance to make history on Sat, so lets get behind the team.