Jonathan Davies victim of Twitter abuse and threats after displacing Brian O'Driscoll in Lions side for deciding Test

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Jonathan Davies victim of Twitter abuse and threats after displacing Brian O'Driscoll in Lions side for deciding Test

The Scarlets and Wales centre was one of the standout performers during the 2-1 series success over the Wallabies and was given the vote to play alongside countryman Jamie Roberts in Sydney.

Coach Warren Gatland’s selection, which included nine Welshmen in the starting XV, gave rise to some serious criticism from the likes of Lions’ great Willie John McBride and former Ireland and Lions hooker Keith Wood.

The opposition to Gatland’s decision – particularly in relation to O’Driscoll – became further inflamed on Twitter, where a handful of supporters posted threatening messages towards Davies.

Davies said: “There was a lot of stuff on Twitter but I tried not to take too much notice of it. I had some good advice from players like Mike Phillips who just told me to ignore it.

“I was just grateful to have been given the opportunity to win the series. I did get a bit of verbal abuse and people wanting to break my legs and stuff. But I didn’t really care.


“I did feel like public enemy number one and there was a lot of pressure. But I felt like I had performed well under pressure.

“It was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute. Brian congratulated me afterwards and said well done. We were tight as a squad and Brian will be glad to have it on his CV.”

Davies will now turn his attention to helping the Scarlets re-establish themselves as a force in European club rugby.

“I have had six weeks offf and I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve been away on holiday and can’t wait to get back playing.”




Pretty disgusting stuff, rugby becoming more popular is attracting football like behaviour

IronMike wrote:

The Saint wrote:Jeez,some Irish people have issues.

I think some are just bitter that their favourite player didn't get to play in the emphatic win to clinch the series, forget what the Lions is about, forget the idea of a squad/team player. It was all some elaborate conspiracy from the start to give him false hope of finally winning a Lions series and take it away from him. Oh well, history will remember 41-16, without BOD and without POC.

I know, is it that difficult for them to move on though? Also I don't think some of them realise BOD has played his last test for Ireland.

This thread is another nail in the coffin of this forum. Don't know why i even come back anymore.

IronMike wrote:

The Saint wrote:Jeez,some Irish people have issues.

I think some are just bitter that their favourite player didn't get to play in the emphatic win to clinch the series, forget what the Lions is about, forget the idea of a squad/team player. It was all some elaborate conspiracy from the start to give him false hope of finally winning a Lions series and take it away from him. Oh well, history will remember 41-16, without BOD and without POC.

The only people who keep going on about it are the Welsh who are looking for apologies from Woody for saying what he thinks.

Why are you all so worried about what Woody or the Irish think in the first place? Isn't just winning the important thing?

Effervescing Elephant wrote:This thread is another nail in the coffin of this forum. Don't know why i even come back anymore.

This thread is mostly nonsense alright but I dont understand your comment. If you dont like the thread join one you do find interesting or set one up that appeals to you rather than sulk about the dreadful ones.

Sin é wrote:

IronMike wrote:

The Saint wrote:Jeez,some Irish people have issues.

I think some are just bitter that their favourite player didn't get to play in the emphatic win to clinch the series, forget what the Lions is about, forget the idea of a squad/team player. It was all some elaborate conspiracy from the start to give him false hope of finally winning a Lions series and take it away from him. Oh well, history will remember 41-16, without BOD and without POC.

The only people who keep going on about it are the Welsh who are looking for apologies from Woody for saying what he thinks.

Why are you all so worried about what Woody or the Irish think in the first place? Isn't just winning the important thing?

Not really Sin. Don't you grow tired of spouting the bull? Wood instigated all the shyte and didn't apologise for that or admit he was wrong about Gatland's selection. It's you, him and Rodders that need to move on.

The Saint wrote:

Sin é wrote:

IronMike wrote:

The Saint wrote:Jeez,some Irish people have issues.

I think some are just bitter that their favourite player didn't get to play in the emphatic win to clinch the series, forget what the Lions is about, forget the idea of a squad/team player. It was all some elaborate conspiracy from the start to give him false hope of finally winning a Lions series and take it away from him. Oh well, history will remember 41-16, without BOD and without POC.

The only people who keep going on about it are the Welsh who are looking for apologies from Woody for saying what he thinks.

Why are you all so worried about what Woody or the Irish think in the first place? Isn't just winning the important thing?

Not really Sin. Don't you grow tired of spouting the bull? Wood instigated all the shyte and didn't apologise for that or admit he was wrong about Gatland's selection. It's you, him and Rodders that need to move on.

Yeah sure he did. How about this article prior to the third test. Is Wood to blame for this too?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/10157018/Warren-Gatlands-selection-of-10-Welshmen-in-starting-XV-a-brazen-insult-to-very-concept-of-British-and-Irish-Lions.html

Also can Wood be blamed for the vast majority of Telegraph readers believing Gatland got it wrong prior to the third test?

Poll results:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/10156687/Poll-is-Warren-Gatland-right-to-drop-Brian-ODriscoll-for-the-Lions-final-Test-against-Australia.html

Should all these readers also apologise to Gatland? Never heard such nonsense.

GunsGerms wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Gatland had implied on numerous occasions that O'Driscoll was a contender for captaincy. It is certainly strage to make a guy captain, even if he did really well, that had only one cap as captain 4 years ago in a dire performance v Italy. 80 caps as captain v 1 cap as captain.

Are you sure you want to mention dire performances against Italy when dicussing O'Driscoll's suitability as captain?

Ireland werent captained by O'Driscoll in their one loss v Italy. What's your point?

Oh nothing, I was just putting the boot in.

Ha ha ha, thats really witty. Not.

Really quite petty and lame.

Of course it's petty, I'm trying to join in the spirit of the thread.

GunsGerms wrote:

Effervescing Elephant wrote:This thread is another nail in the coffin of this forum. Don't know why i even come back anymore.

This thread is mostly nonsense alright but I dont understand your comment. If you dont like the thread join one you do find interesting or set one up that appeals to you rather than sulk about the dreadful ones.

The choice is either this thread or one of ghostie's many WUMs. There is a definite lack of quality/diversity on the forum.

Irony levels rising, rising, rising.....

 

GunsGerms wrote:

The Saint wrote:

Sin é wrote:

IronMike wrote:

The Saint wrote:Jeez,some Irish people have issues.

I think some are just bitter that their favourite player didn't get to play in the emphatic win to clinch the series, forget what the Lions is about, forget the idea of a squad/team player. It was all some elaborate conspiracy from the start to give him false hope of finally winning a Lions series and take it away from him. Oh well, history will remember 41-16, without BOD and without POC.

The only people who keep going on about it are the Welsh who are looking for apologies from Woody for saying what he thinks.

Why are you all so worried about what Woody or the Irish think in the first place? Isn't just winning the important thing?

Not really Sin. Don't you grow tired of spouting the bull? Wood instigated all the shyte and didn't apologise for that or admit he was wrong about Gatland's selection. It's you, him and Rodders that need to move on.

Yeah sure he did. How about this article prior to the third test. Is Wood to blame for this too?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/10157018/Warren-Gatlands-selection-of-10-Welshmen-in-starting-XV-a-brazen-insult-to-very-concept-of-British-and-Irish-Lions.html

Also can Wood be blamed for the vast majority of Telegraph readers believing Gatland got it wrong prior to the third test?

Poll results:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/10156687/Poll-is-Warren-Gatland-right-to-drop-Brian-ODriscoll-for-the-Lions-final-Test-against-Australia.html

Should all these readers also apologise to Gatland? Never heard such nonsense.

Anyone who posted abusive messages and threatening behaviour should apologise. Wood and McBride played a part in that and showed that they were not true Lions supporters (cue Sin telling me how they've played well for the Lions in the past). I think you're reading too much into what I write as you believe I've written something that isn't there. Not all people need to apologise they need to wipe the egg off their face and admit they were wrong. People like the 'sensational' journalists you have over on the emerald isle, along with (get ready for it Sin) Wood and McBride.

Good article from Brian Moore: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/10165388/Lions-2013-Abuse-over-the-decison-to-drop-Brian-ODriscoll-for-the-third-Test-was-a-disgrace.html

Better to be petty than a hypocrite.

I don't mean you personally Luckless but it would seem that the Welsh are happy enough to whinge at everything under the sun - Irish/scottish refs, the WRU, Allan Rolland, the Regions, SCW, Thatcher...hell even Howley and Gatland when it suits them.. but when someone else has a grievance that conflicts with their interests we should all just pipe down, suck it up and be happy?

No one is denying that abusive massages are wrong. However, there is nothing abusive about what Wood or McBride said. McBride isnt a journalist by the way let alone a sensationalist journalist. He just offered his opinion which is still valid win lose or draw.

If you are looking for sensational then Brian Moore is a prime example. Moore is also being hypocritical as he was one of the "journalists" that questioned the O'Driscoll decision prior to the third test:

On twitter:

BOD not even being on the bench is a strange call.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) July 3, 2013

rodders wrote:Better to be petty than a hypocrite.

I don't mean you personally Luckless but it would seem that the Welsh are happy enough to whinge at everything under the sun - Irish/scottish refs, the WRU, Allan Rolland, the Regions, SCW, Thatcher...hell even Howley and Gatland when it suits them.. but when someone else has a grievance that conflicts with their interests we should all just pipe down, suck it up and be happy?

Yeah the Irish don't whinge about anything apart from; wrong ball, Scottish refs, Declan Kidney, Ospreys forwards domination, booing kickers, the price of Guinness, BOD being dropped, IRFU, Bradley Davies, Gavin Henson's book, English and French clubs... Too many green-eyed monsters on high horses around here .

The Welsh love to whinge, no question.

Price of guinness is pretty reasonable actually. I also dont have any gripes about the IRFU but the others are good debate fodder alright. Mind you I wouldnt be inclinde to whinge about the Ospreys forwards as much as I would be to praise them being a Leinster fan.

GunsGerms wrote:No one is denying that abusive massages are wrong. However, there is nothing abusive about what Wood or McBride said. McBride isnt a journalist by the way let alone a sensationalist journalist. He just offered his opinion which is still valid win lose or draw.

If you are looking for sensational then Brian Moore is a prime example. Moore is also being hypocritical as he was one of the "journalists" that questioned the O'Driscoll decision prior to the third test:

On twitter:

BOD not even being on the bench is a strange call.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) July 3, 2013

You're reading stuff that I haven't wrote, again. I didn't claim Wood or McBride said anything abusive, nor did I say that they themselves were journalists. I said they played their part by instigating the drama that followed. They neither condemned it or admitted how wrong they were about the whole fiasco.

Also GG, at the time I thought no BOD at all was a strange call. I'm sure a number of people outside of Ireland (Moore included it seems) also thought that. I don't see how that makes them hypocrites.

GunsGerms wrote:

Effervescing Elephant wrote:This thread is another nail in the coffin of this forum. Don't know why i even come back anymore.

This thread is mostly nonsense alright but I dont understand your comment. If you dont like the thread join one you do find interesting or set one up that appeals to you rather than sulk about the dreadful ones.

Right, so i can't comment on a thread i find distasteful? How am i to decide which thread to read without reading it first. Who the f*ck is sulking? Wind you neck in ya gobshite

The Saint wrote:

rodders wrote:Better to be petty than a hypocrite.

I don't mean you personally Luckless but it would seem that the Welsh are happy enough to whinge at everything under the sun - Irish/scottish refs, the WRU, Allan Rolland, the Regions, SCW, Thatcher...hell even Howley and Gatland when it suits them.. but when someone else has a grievance that conflicts with their interests we should all just pipe down, suck it up and be happy?

Yeah the Irish don't whinge about anything apart from; wrong ball, Scottish refs, Declan Kidney, Ospreys forwards domination, booing kickers, the price of Guinness, BOD being dropped, IRFU, Bradley Davies, Gavin Henson's book, English and French clubs... Too many green-eyed monsters on high horses around here .

And thus we always respect the rights of others, including our oft persecuted Welsh brethren, to complain where they see fit to do so.

I think this is the difference, most of us thought it was a debatable call (still do - as do pundits like Brian Moore etc) but the performance and result very much vindicated any selections Gatland made for the 3rd test. (I for one think the selection of Hibbard over Youngs had a much more important role to play - along with the return of Corbisiero).
 
There seems to be a number of people who think this was all about Gatland because he hates ireland, the irfu and BOD and this was some massive conspiracy and that BOD had the divine right to start.....
 
Debates on which player was performing better at the time (JD2 or BOD) are very subjective and to be frank neither were having a great time in the tests until Roberts showed up and JD2 exploited space behind the ozzies intelligently. Which would show favour in terms of the whole Roberts/JD2 combo being a reason for their selection.
 
Honestly, there's debating and then there's just flinging sh*t everywhere and hoping some of it sticks.

The fact this has become a welsh vs irish thing and people are slating nationalities just shows some peoples low IQ for what it is imo.

The Saint wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:No one is denying that abusive massages are wrong. However, there is nothing abusive about what Wood or McBride said. McBride isnt a journalist by the way let alone a sensationalist journalist. He just offered his opinion which is still valid win lose or draw.

If you are looking for sensational then Brian Moore is a prime example. Moore is also being hypocritical as he was one of the "journalists" that questioned the O'Driscoll decision prior to the third test:

On twitter:

BOD not even being on the bench is a strange call.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) July 3, 2013

You're reading stuff that I haven't wrote, again. I didn't claim Wood or McBride said anything abusive, nor did I say that they themselves were journalists. I said they played their part by instigating the drama that followed. They neither condemned it or admitted how wrong they were about the whole fiasco.

Also GG, at the time I thought no BOD at all was a strange call. I'm sure a number of people outside of Ireland (Moore included it seems) also thought that. I don't see how that makes them hypocrites.  

You said Wood and McBride played their part in the abusive messages. No idea how you came to that conclusion. They played as much a part as anyone who disagreed with Gatland IMO which is not much part at all.

Effervescing Elephant wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Effervescing Elephant wrote:This thread is another nail in the coffin of this forum. Don't know why i even come back anymore.

This thread is mostly nonsense alright but I dont understand your comment. If you dont like the thread join one you do find interesting or set one up that appeals to you rather than sulk about the dreadful ones.

Right, so i can't comment on a thread i find distasteful? How am i to decide which thread to read without reading it first. Who the f*ck is sulking? Wind you neck in ya gobshite

Dont think you have the temprament for this forum. Feel free to comment, I just dont understand why you want to if the best you can come up with is to have a whinge about it rather than actually contribute anything useful yourself. That doesnt make any sense at all.

Apologies also needed from:

Dan Carter: “There must be some angry Irish out there waking up to see @BrianODriscoll not playing this weekend. #ShouldBeTheCaptain”

Matt Giteau: “Gee dropping @BrianODriscoll out of the team is a huge call.. For mine, he has been the stand out unsung hero this series.. Defensively huge.”

Will Carling: “Jaw is still hanging open at Lions selection ……..!!”

Austin Healy: “So Wales v Australia it is then….hope then rain stops as the grass needs cutting Saturday morning.”

Comfort wrote:I think this is the difference, most of us thought it was a debatable call (still do - as do pundits like Brian Moore etc) but the performance and result very much vindicated any selections Gatland made for the 3rd test.

Well that's not entirely true. With the dominance the pack had, O'Driscoll could have had a field day in the third Test if he'd played. The result doesn't vindicate the outside centre selection (because the game didn't hinge on who played outside centre) but it does make it supremely moot.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

Comfort wrote:I think this is the difference, most of us thought it was a debatable call (still do - as do pundits like Brian Moore etc) but the performance and result very much vindicated any selections Gatland made for the 3rd test.

Well that's not entirely true. With the dominance the pack had, O'Driscoll could have had a field day in the third Test if he'd played. The result doesn't vindicate the outside centre selection (because the game didn't hinge on who played outside centre) but it does make it supremely moot.

100%. Thank you Luckless!!!

Comfort you said yourself that the front row decisions really were the calls that made the biggest difference. Bringing in Hibbard and Corbisiero really was the difference IMO.

Sin é wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:I just think he went too far when he said that Gatland had betrayed the traditions of the Lions, and when given the opportunity to admit that he may have got a couple of things wrong, I think he should have admitted as much.

How many Lions tours have you been on to make your opinion on the ethos of the Lions more valid than either Keith Wood or Willie John McBride?

I have no issue with his opinion that BOD should have started 13 with Roberts, and when anyone says that the Lions would probably have won with either JD2 or BOD at 13, I find it hard to think of any compelling argument against that assertion.

It's the manner of his comments and his reaction at the time which is evoking such a strong reaction in me. Heaven forbid we get stuck with the sort of bland nonsense you expect from pundits like Andy Nicol, but if you are going to stick your neck out and brand a decision plain wrong, and start questionning the fabric of the touring squad, you do look slightly silly when the same side spanks the Aussies by a record margin, and you can't admit that perhaps you let the situation and your love of one of your countries greatest ever players get the better of you.

That said, I got similarly emotional when Dan Parks didn't make the Lions squad....I knew from that point onwards that the spirit of the Lions was tainted.....

He said Gatland "made a terrible mistake". Would you ever grow a pair?

Brilliant debating skills. Well done you.

It was!!! Which I've said from the very start, and which is why i dont see the outcry over the 13 selection. and Luckless, I would suggest JD2 had a very good game with his chips in behind the ozzie defence, he pegged them back on numerous occasions - this was obviously a tactic and vindicated Gatlands selection. I'd also say the backs did run riot and their 3 tries would suggest they didnt do too badly. We dont know BOD would have had a field day either, its all if's and but's which mean nothing.

Its all become a hilarious sideshow, its getting as bad the 27 'last' games Shane had.  

GunsGerms wrote:

The Saint wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:No one is denying that abusive massages are wrong. However, there is nothing abusive about what Wood or McBride said. McBride isnt a journalist by the way let alone a sensationalist journalist. He just offered his opinion which is still valid win lose or draw.

If you are looking for sensational then Brian Moore is a prime example. Moore is also being hypocritical as he was one of the "journalists" that questioned the O'Driscoll decision prior to the third test:

On twitter:

BOD not even being on the bench is a strange call.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) July 3, 2013

You're reading stuff that I haven't wrote, again. I didn't claim Wood or McBride said anything abusive, nor did I say that they themselves were journalists. I said they played their part by instigating the drama that followed. They neither condemned it or admitted how wrong they were about the whole fiasco.

Also GG, at the time I thought no BOD at all was a strange call. I'm sure a number of people outside of Ireland (Moore included it seems) also thought that. I don't see how that makes them hypocrites.  

You said Wood and McBride played their part in the abusive messages. No idea how you came to that conclusion. They played as much a part as anyone who disagreed with Gatland IMO which is not much part at all.

They instigated in by claiming the Lions concept was destroyed by Gats (or something along those lines). Just look at Sin, he's been brainwashed.

Comfort wrote:It was!!! Which I've said from the very start, and which is why i dont see the outcry over the 13 selection. and Luckless, I would suggest JD2 had a very good game with his chips in behind the ozzie defence, he pegged them back on numerous occasions - this was obviously a tactic and vindicated Gatlands selection. I'd also say the backs did run riot and their 3 tries would suggest they didnt do too badly. We dont know BOD would have had a field day either, its all if's and but's which mean nothing. 

That's why I said he could have had a field day.  

The Saint wrote:They instigated in by claiming the Lions concept was destroyed by Gats (or something along those lines). Just look at Sin, he's been brainwashed.

Sure the article in the Telegraph a British newspaper said much the same thing!?! Wood and McBride didnt instigate anything, they just gave thier opinion which they are entitled to do. Somehow trying to argue that they are responsible for a barage of abusive comments from internet trolls is a fairly wild claim to say the least.

Sin é wrote:Apologies also needed from:

Dan Carter: “There must be some angry Irish out there waking up to see @BrianODriscoll not playing this weekend. #ShouldBeTheCaptain”

Matt Giteau: “Gee dropping @BrianODriscoll out of the team is a huge call.. For mine, he has been the stand out unsung hero this series.. Defensively huge.”

Will Carling: “Jaw is still hanging open at Lions selection ……..!!”

Austin Healy: “So Wales v Australia it is then….hope then rain stops as the grass needs cutting Saturday morning.”

Ah, tweets from so called fans, the same ones that can't appreciate what Lions rugby is. Not so sure what these particular folk need to apologise for Sin? Wood and McBride are in a different class of social networking.

ahhaaha touché  

Not sure we need lessons from Carling and Healy on Lions' traditions!!

Giteau makes the most astute comment. There's absolutely no question that BOD is a superior defender to JD2 at 13, and if Gatland truly was purely focused on defence then he undoubtedly would have selected BOD.

GunsGerms wrote:

The Saint wrote:They instigated in by claiming the Lions concept was destroyed by Gats (or something along those lines). Just look at Sin, he's been brainwashed.

Sure the article in the Telegraph a British newspaper said much the same thing!?! Wood and McBride didnt instigate anything, they just gave thier opinion which they are entitled to do. Somehow trying to argue that they are responsible for a barage of abusive comments from internet trolls is a fairly wild claim to say the least.

Those in the telegraph have pretty much back-tracked what they said. We're talking about Wood and McBride because Sin keeps on bringing them into it. If you aren't Irish it wasn't the dropping of BOD that was the most pressing issue, it was the 10 Welshman, who should have been supported as Lions from the start anyway but a number of people showed their true colours. Wood and McBride were wrong and should admit so. It would also help the BOD tension that is ripping apart Ireland...

funnyExiledScot wrote:Not sure we need lessons from Carling and Healy on Lions' traditions!!

Giteau makes the most astute comment. There's absolutely no question that BOD is a superior defender to JD2 at 13, and if Gatland truly was purely focused on defence then he undoubtedly would have selected BOD.

Yeah that's true. It's an honest opinion rather than another anti-Gatland whinge. Disappointing comment from Carter but I guess he was right in assuming the Irish didn't support the Lions tradition, hence the on-going reaction.

The Saint wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

The Saint wrote:They instigated in by claiming the Lions concept was destroyed by Gats (or something along those lines). Just look at Sin, he's been brainwashed.

Sure the article in the Telegraph a British newspaper said much the same thing!?! Wood and McBride didnt instigate anything, they just gave thier opinion which they are entitled to do. Somehow trying to argue that they are responsible for a barage of abusive comments from internet trolls is a fairly wild claim to say the least.

Those in the telegraph have pretty much back-tracked what they said. We're talking about Wood and McBride because Sin keeps on bringing them into it. If you aren't Irish it wasn't the dropping of BOD that was the most pressing issue, it was the 10 Welshman, who should have been supported as Lions from the start anyway but a number of people showed their true colours. Wood and McBride were wrong and should admit so. It would also help the BOD tension that is ripping apart Ireland...

What a terrible attempt at a WUM.

What attempt? I speak only the truth.

The Saint wrote:What attempt? I speak only the truth.

You are a bit of a class clown really arent you?

Hasn't Wood at least admitted he was wrong? He thought it would have been an important decision and as it turned out it wasn't.

The Saint wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

The Saint wrote:They instigated in by claiming the Lions concept was destroyed by Gats (or something along those lines). Just look at Sin, he's been brainwashed.

Sure the article in the Telegraph a British newspaper said much the same thing!?! Wood and McBride didnt instigate anything, they just gave thier opinion which they are entitled to do. Somehow trying to argue that they are responsible for a barage of abusive comments from internet trolls is a fairly wild claim to say the least.

Those in the telegraph have pretty much back-tracked what they said. We're talking about Wood and McBride because Sin keeps on bringing them into it. If you aren't Irish it wasn't the dropping of BOD that was the most pressing issue, it was the 10 Welshman, who should have been supported as Lions from the start anyway but a number of people showed their true colours. Wood and McBride were wrong and should admit so. It would also help the BOD tension that is ripping apart Ireland...

It really does appear to be certain Welsh fans that are stoking the dying flames of the contentious Gatland decision to drop Bod. *Like you*. Not the Irish. Start an obviously contentious thread - whinge - project that whinge onto those that contend against the same.
Where on earth do you get that 'ripping Ireland apart' nonsense from?
I could well be wrong, but I have formed the opinion that certain of you delight in flogging this particular debate to death for no other reason than it gives you a means to feed your delight that certain Welsh players were chosen over those from other nations, 'Welsh Lions', and this way get to rub it in.
Maybe it will make for an even more interesting Wales v Ireland 6N encounter.

Munchkin, I can only assume that you're referring to Sin when you say flog this subject to death? Sin pretty much does that with every subject it seems. He's even brought a number of other subjects into this in his attempt at 'moving the goals posts.'

Going by comments on these discussion forums (and the Telegraph, BBC included), Twitter and Facebook then the dropping of BOD really did tear Ireland apart. I tried to laugh but I was in shock at how much damage had actually been done.

The Saint wrote:Munchkin, I can only assume that you're referring to Sin when you say flog this subject to death? Sin pretty much does that with every subject it seems. He's even brought a number of other subjects into this in his attempt at 'moving the goals posts.'

Going by comments on these discussion forums (and the Telegraph, BBC included), Twitter and Facebook then the dropping of BOD really did tear Ireland apart. I tried to laugh but I was in shock at how much damage had actually been done.

That's right. Project it on to Sin... Did Sin create this thread? Methinks not.

No but it hasn't stopped him from talking rubbish and bringing all other types of scenario's into it. I've barely commented on the Lions selection for the 3rd test, until this article. I can only assume you'd be referring to him. He's taken his anti-Gatland agenda on to other articles and is clearly in need of help.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Hasn't Wood at least admitted he was wrong? He thought it would have been an important decision and as it turned out it wasn't.

No. Wood has stood by his view that the decision to play JD2 rather than BOD was a "terrible decision".

I seriously hope Schmidt knows that he has to start BOD and make him captain, otherwise he'll have betrayed Ireland, rugby in general and most certainly "let himself down".

I also want to make sure we see a "blend of the four provinces", in both players selected and style. If Connacht are not fairly represented they we may as well just cut the grass in the AIs and the 6 Nations......

Even if Ireland win all their games, I'll still feel that they'll have "lost", if they don't show great flair plus the aforementioned blend.....

 

Munchkin wrote:

The Saint wrote:Munchkin, I can only assume that you're referring to Sin when you say flog this subject to death? Sin pretty much does that with every subject it seems. He's even brought a number of other subjects into this in his attempt at 'moving the goals posts.'

Going by comments on these discussion forums (and the Telegraph, BBC included), Twitter and Facebook then the dropping of BOD really did tear Ireland apart. I tried to laugh but I was in shock at how much damage had actually been done.

That's right. Project it on to Sin... Did Sin create this thread? Methinks not.

Munchkin, the Saint and Co. are just attention seeking* - they can really identify with Gats - thats why they love him so much.

*I'm doing my good deed for the day by giving them some attention.

 
Seriously though, I thought BOD's contract was just one more year with Leinster with no Ireland duty? I think keeping BOD with Ireland is a backwards step, he should stay with Leinster in a player/coach role.

I know your post is tongue in cheek FES but obviously Ireland is not the Lions and obviously isnt subject to the same traditions. Its unlikely too many Connacht players will get picked as usual especially given McCarthy is playing for Leinster now.

O'Driscoll will more than likely get picked by Schmidt otherwise it would have been pointless giving him a contract extension.

Schmidt will pick him because it was he who talked him into staying because clearly he realises he's still one of the best no 13s around.

The fact that a few kiwis and Welsh don't like him on a personal level won't be an issue come Ireland selection.

It certainly was a funny post, but I thought the year extension was just with Leinster, titled "Leinster ask for just one more year from O'Driscoll." Looking at his form I certainly have my doubts about him being the No.1 contender for the 13 jersey. That's not because I dislike him, as I have a lot of admiration for everything he's achieved. Not worshipping the ground he walks on doesn't mean that I dislike him.

GunsGerms wrote:I know your post is tongue in cheek FES but obviously Ireland is not the Lions and obviously isnt subject to the same traditions. Its unlikely too many Connacht players will get picked as usual especially given McCarthy is playing for Leinster now.

O'Driscoll will more than likely get picked by Schmidt otherwise it would have been pointless giving him a contract extension.

It was most certainly tongue in cheek, and I fully realise the differences!

Were I in Schmidt's position, given the WC being two years away, I would personally take this season as an opportunity to replace BOD in the Ireland side. However, if his early season form is particularly strong, and he remains the best 13 in Ireland based on form, then Schmidt will be fully justified in selecting him.

Either way, I'm sure all Irish fans will support the decision of the coach, as they always do.......just as we do in Scotland.....  

GunsGerms wrote:I know your post is tongue in cheek FES but obviously Ireland is not the Lions and obviously isnt subject to the same traditions. Its unlikely too many Connacht players will get picked as usual especially given McCarthy is playing for Leinster now.

O'Driscoll will more than likely get picked by Schmidt otherwise it would have been pointless giving him a contract extension.

You can be guaranteed that Schmidt won't be rolling out any player who isn't going to be involved in the 23 at a pre-match press conference and hinting at it that they might be captain.