Lions 2017: Name the Squad Competition

by **LondonTiger** Fri 31 Mar 2017, 7:37 am

First topic message reminder :

Rules

Following the same format as 2013, name the squad you expect to be named by Gatland next month.

List them in the order you most expect to be selected.

You may edit your squad at any time before Gats starts his press conference at the Hilton London Syon Park on Wednesday April 19th.

You will be awarded points for the number of successful players you name before you list an incorrect one.*

Most points win.

Prizes

None whatsoever, except the ~~admiration~~ scorn of the 606 community for thinking just like Gats.

*In 2013 the player that caught most people out was Rory Best, followed by Ryan Grant. It remains to be seen if Gats selects Best from the start this time around.

by No 7&1/2 Tue 11 Apr 2017, 8:19 pm

With this...I think an exclusion of Robshaw would be my biggest bugbear (should Warburton make it).

by Gooseberry Tue 11 Apr 2017, 8:27 pm

Which is interesting when half the England armchair pundits are trying to retire robshaw.

by Cyril Tue 11 Apr 2017, 8:34 pm

As with most conversations here are we just talking about beshocked and Gwlad? Christ, this is depressing.

by Gooseberry Tue 11 Apr 2017, 8:39 pm

Think this is depressing? Christag is the one about to get reminded of how he got nailed to a cross for Hartleys sins

by Gwlad Tue 11 Apr 2017, 8:57 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Ah suicide or murder joke. What fun.

Pass it again i missed Rolling Eyes

by Gwlad Tue 11 Apr 2017, 9:01 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:With this...I think an exclusion of Robshaw would be my biggest bugbear (should Warburton make it).

why so. Robshaw took no part in the 6 Nations so can't prove his current form at international level. And he isn't that good anyway. Further he is a sacked English captain who presided over a massive humiliating RWC defeat and not an ex WINNING Lion Caot who had a sublime 6 nations and has a tweak.

Your suggestion the two are comparable smacks of stupidity. And we dont need a 6 because we have Itoje thumbsup

by No 7&1/2 Tue 11 Apr 2017, 9:15 pm

I'll agree it is humiliating losing to Wales. Just so you know I'm aware you're a wum so you probably won't get as much fun out of me as you did our kiwi friends!

by Hammersmith harrier Tue 11 Apr 2017, 9:16 pm

Gwlad wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:With this...I think an exclusion of Robshaw would be my biggest bugbear (should Warburton make it).

why so. Robshaw took no part in the 6 Nations so can't prove his current form at international level. And he isn't that good anyway. Further he is a sacked English captain who presided over a massive humiliating RWC defeat and not an ex WINNING Lion Caot who had a sublime 6 nations and has a tweak.

Your suggestion the two are comparable smacks of stupidity. And we dont need a 6 because we have Itoje

Robshaw>Warburton.

by Gwlad Tue 11 Apr 2017, 9:21 pm

Hammersmith harrier wrote:
Gwlad wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:With this...I think an exclusion of Robshaw would be my biggest bugbear (should Warburton make it).

why so. Robshaw took no part in the 6 Nations so can't prove his current form at international level. And he isn't that good anyway. Further he is a sacked English captain who presided over a massive humiliating RWC defeat and not an ex WINNING Lion Caot who had a sublime 6 nations and has a tweak.

Your suggestion the two are comparable smacks of stupidity. And we dont need a 6 because we have Itoje

Robshaw>Warburton.

He's fatter yes, especially in the lips.

by BigTrevsbigmac Tue 11 Apr 2017, 9:49 pm

Tipuric>Warburton

by Gwlad Tue 11 Apr 2017, 11:37 pm

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Tipuric>Warburton

In some ways definitely and if given his head behind avery strong tight 5, but not over the ball

by Gwlad Tue 11 Apr 2017, 11:53 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:I'll agree it is humiliating losing to Wales. Just so you know I'm aware you're a wum so you probably won't get as much fun out of me as you did our kiwi friends!

No flies on you eh? Rolling Eyes

by Geordie Wed 12 Apr 2017, 9:33 am

Gooseberry wrote:Which is interesting when half the England armchair pundits are trying to retire robshaw.

Not strictly true...

by Cyril Wed 12 Apr 2017, 9:39 am

Stuart Barnes reckons Wigglesworth should be a key squad member.

Anyone going to put him in?

by Gooseberry Wed 12 Apr 2017, 9:51 am

I know Barnes is a paid troll but where on Earth did he say this Cyril?

by **LondonTiger** Wed 12 Apr 2017, 9:56 am

Gooseberry wrote:I know Barnes is a paid troll but where on Earth did he say this Cyril?

Cannot access full article without breaking paywall - but this ay be the reference:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/forget-age-lions-need-wigglesworth-v3h2q8088

by Cyril Wed 12 Apr 2017, 9:58 am

Gooseberry wrote:I know Barnes is a paid troll but where on Earth did he say this Cyril?

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/forget-age-lions-need-wigglesworth-v3h2q8088

It's behind a paywall so you only get the start of the article (I read the hard copy version over the weekend, it's legit, honest!).

Wigglesworth is very good player in the Sarries system (like Goode) but I can't see him being close to the England squad, let alone the Lions.

Barnes (like other pundits) like to throw a few curve balls out there and when one sticks (can curve balls stick?) they can say 'I told you so'.

Mind you, Mike Phillips is retiring so maybe that's one Lions spot up for grabs...

by Sin é Wed 12 Apr 2017, 9:59 am

Donal Lenihan's squad in today's examiner:

PROPS: Jack McGrath (Ireland), Mako Vunipola (England), Tadgh Furlong (Ireland), Dan Cole (England), Cian Healy (Ireland), WP Nel (Scotland)

HOOKERS: Rory Best (Ireland), Ken Owens (Wales), Jamie George (England)

SECOND ROW: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Joe Launchbury (England), Maro Itoje (England), George Kruis (England), Jonny Gray (Scotland)

FLANKERS: CJ Stander (Ireland), Peter O’Mahony (Ireland), Sam Warburton (Wales), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sean O’Brien (Ireland)

NUMBER EIGHTS: Billy Vunipola (England), Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

HALF-BACKS: Conor Murray (Ireland), Rhys Webb (Wales), Ben Youngs (England), Johnny Sexton (Ireland), Dan Biggar (Wales)

CENTRES: Owen Farrell (England), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Gary Ringrose (Ireland), Jonathan Joseph (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales)

FULL BACKS: Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Liam Williams (Wales)

WINGERS/UTILITY: Tommy Seymour (Scotland), George North (Wales), Anthony Watson (England), Simon Zebo (Ireland), Elliot Daly (England)

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/donal-lenihan/my-lions-squad-getting-the-chemistry-right-is-key-447560.html

by Geordie Wed 12 Apr 2017, 10:03 am

Interesting squad by Lenihan...

by Sin é Wed 12 Apr 2017, 10:05 am

Cyril wrote:
Gooseberry wrote:I know Barnes is a paid troll but where on Earth did he say this Cyril?
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/forget-age-lions-need-wigglesworth-v3h2q8088

It's behind a paywall so you only get the start of the article (I read the hard copy version over the weekend, it's legit, honest!).

Wigglesworth is very good player in the Sarries system (like Goode) but I can't see him being close to the England squad, let alone the Lions.

Barnes (like other pundits) like to throw a few curve balls out there and when one sticks (can curve balls stick?) they can say 'I told you so'.

Mind you, Mike Phillips is retiring so maybe that's one Lions spot up for grabs...

He reckons the only reason he isn't selected for England is because of his age with next world cup in mind. He reckons he is a really good facilitating scrum half and that he is a better box kicker than Conor Murray.

by beshocked Wed 12 Apr 2017, 10:12 am

Wigglesworth is one of the best box kickers in European rugby but no it doesn’t mean I’d pick him for England or Lions tour. If he was younger he’d still be behind Youngs and Care.

Pretty sensible squad by Lenihan I'd say.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 12 Apr 2017, 10:20 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting squad by Lenihan...

Not an unreasonable selection by him. As you would expect from any pundit, there are some calls that perhaps show a greater familiarity with fellow countrymen, but that is pretty standard.

by Gooseberry Wed 12 Apr 2017, 10:25 am

beshocked wrote:Wigglesworth is one of the best box kickers in European rugby but no it doesn’t mean I’d pick him for England or Lions tour. If he was younger he’d still be behind Youngs and Care.

Pretty sensible squad by Lenihan I'd say.

I could understand if he saying "I think this guys the best scrum half in Briteland" (whilst disagreeing) but if hes trying to suggest that hes a relaistic pick that just way off base. Its not going to happen.
He also praised Jones for ditching Wigglesworth when he took over ( that was only partly around the idea that he was likely too old for the world cup)

Lenihan ... if thats his " Id pick" squad then sure its all reasonable candidiates, and understanably Irish heavy given the audience. But if its his " I expect Gatland will pick" squad then he really needs to put Leigh Halfpenny in for starters.

by Geordie Wed 12 Apr 2017, 10:34 am

LondonTiger wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting squad by Lenihan...

Not an unreasonable selection by him. As you would expect from any pundit, there are some calls that perhaps show a greater familiarity with fellow countrymen, but that is pretty standard.

Its actually one of the fairest ive seen from a pundit..

Theres always going to be arguments by each nations fan when there are close calls....but Lenihan hasn't been too bad at all.

I could go with that squad.

by SecretFly Wed 12 Apr 2017, 11:37 am

You're all letting yourselves down by wilfully neglecting to mention Vickery. Ok, so it hasn't been a vintage year for him and he just missed selection by Eddie for the 6N, but since then, he's been tearing up the AP. I knew he'd come good when it counted.

by Gooseberry Wed 12 Apr 2017, 11:43 am

SecretFly wrote:You're all letting yourselves down by wilfully neglecting to mention Vickery. Ok, so it hasn't been a vintage year for him and he just missed selection by Eddie for the 6N, but since then, he's been tearing up the AP. I knew he'd come good when it counted.

You might not be the first .....

(to do this joke in this thread)

by SecretFly Wed 12 Apr 2017, 11:52 am

Ah...glad he was remembered then............

I'm just looking out for his interests, even though he is English and will undoubtedly get a an Irish player dropped if picked.

by **Rugby Fan** Wed 12 Apr 2017, 11:58 am

The pair on Blood and Mud podcast have Gethin Jenkins in their selection. I'm waiting for someone to remember that Matt Stevens is younger than Jenkins, and brings his own guitar.

by aucklandlaurie Wed 12 Apr 2017, 12:04 pm

Rugby Fan wrote:The pair on Blood and Mud podcast have Gethin Jenkins in their selection. I'm waiting for someone to remember that Matt Stevens is younger than Jenkins, and brings his own guitar.

RF sure youre not getting confused with Cat Stevens?

by Sin é Wed 12 Apr 2017, 12:22 pm

In fairness, its fairly evenly spread. If anything, its a bit top heavy with Welsh players.

10 Wales
12 Ireland
12 England
4 Scotland

by Geordie Wed 12 Apr 2017, 12:29 pm

That's 3 more Scots than we all expected.... Wink

by Gwlad Wed 12 Apr 2017, 2:52 pm

Sin é wrote:Donal Lenihan's squad in today's examiner:

PROPS: Jack McGrath (Ireland), Mako Vunipola (England), Tadgh Furlong (Ireland), Dan Cole (England), Cian Healy (Ireland), WP Nel (Scotland)

HOOKERS: Rory Best (Ireland), Ken Owens (Wales), Jamie George (England)

SECOND ROW: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Joe Launchbury (England), Maro Itoje (England), George Kruis (England), Jonny Gray (Scotland)

FLANKERS: CJ Stander (Ireland), Peter O’Mahony (Ireland), Sam Warburton (Wales), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sean O’Brien (Ireland)

NUMBER EIGHTS: Billy Vunipola (England), Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

HALF-BACKS: Conor Murray (Ireland), Rhys Webb (Wales), Ben Youngs (England), Johnny Sexton (Ireland), Dan Biggar (Wales)

CENTRES: Owen Farrell (England), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Gary Ringrose (Ireland), Jonathan Joseph (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales)

FULL BACKS: Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Liam Williams (Wales)

WINGERS/UTILITY: Tommy Seymour (Scotland), George North (Wales), Anthony Watson (England), Simon Zebo (Ireland), Elliot Daly (England)

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/donal-lenihan/my-lions-squad-getting-the-chemistry-right-is-key-447560.html

Plagiarising fenian, thats my squad plus Zebo

by chris_501 Thu 13 Apr 2017, 8:30 am

Furlong
Cole
Mako
McGrath
Itoje
AWJ
Warburton
Billy
Stander
Murray
Farrell
Sexton
Hogg
North
Liam Williams
Faletau
Henshaw
George
Tipuric
Daly
Webb
Youngs
Zebo
O'Mahony
JD2
O'Brien
Kruis
Sinkler
Owens
Lawes
Best
Biggar
Maitland
Seymour
Teo
Ryan
Henderson
Marler

by Winzer Thu 13 Apr 2017, 11:49 am

Donal Lenihan's squad looks pretty good to me; I'd swap Biggar for Jackson. It feels as though there should be more Scottish players in, but it is harder to say exactly where; maybe Laidlaw, maybe Watson.

by Guest Thu 13 Apr 2017, 12:24 pm

Gooseberry wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Announced on the 19th April last I heard.

I heard April 1st :

Andrews
Ball
Baldwin
Bigger
Charteris
Cracknell
Cuthbert
Dacey
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Evans
Evans
Evans
Evans
Evans
Evans
Faletau
Francis
Halfpenny
Hewit
Hill
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
King
Lee
Moriarty
North
Owens
Roberts
Shingler (token Scot)
Smith
Thornton
Tipuric
Webb
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Young

Love that you left Warburton out Cool

I'd go with this but I'd take out Shingler and replace him with Williams. Too many scots in that squad otherwise.

by Guest Thu 13 Apr 2017, 3:31 pm

IanBru wrote:
cascough wrote:It's got nothing to do with how Gatland reads them out.
I was kind of hoping he'd read the list in iambic pentameter.

I'd prefer dactylic dimeter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F39vAn3veHE

by **LondonTiger** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 8:58 am

Please find below the entries from the Sunday times mob:

Stephen Jones wrote:Kearney, Halfpenny, Williams(L), Watson, North, Zebo, Maitland, Daly, Joseph, Taylor, Williams (S), Farrell,
Sexton, Biggar, Murray, Webb, Wigglesworth; Vunipola (B), Faletau, Warburton, O'Mahoney, Haskell, O'Brien, Itoje, Jones (AW), Kruis,
Charteris, Lawes, FurlongCole, Francis, Sinckler, George, Hartley, Hibbard, Vunipola (M), McGrath, Marler

Stuart Barnes wrote:Hogg, Williams (L), Watson, North, Daly, Seymour, Ringrose, Joseph, Farrell, Henshaw, Sexton, Biggar, Ford,
Murray, Webb, Wigglesworth; Vunipola (B), Faletau, Stander, Warburton, O'Mahony, Haskell, O'Brien, Itoje, Jones (AW), Kruis,
Launchbury, Lawes, Furlong, Cole, Francis, George, Hartley, Best, Owens, Vunipola (M), McGrath, Healy

Shane Horgan wrote:Hogg, Williams (L), Watson, North, Seymour, Zebo, Ringrose, Davies, Daly, Henshaw, Farrell, Sexton,
Ford, Murray, Webb, Youngs; Vunipola (B), Faletau, Tipuric, Warburton, O'Mahony, O'Brien, Itoje, Jones (AW), Kruis, Launchbury,
Charteris, Furlong, Cole, Sinckler, Hartley, Owens, Cronin, Vunipola (M), McGrath, Healy)

Laurence Dallaglio wrote:Halfprnny, Hohh, Williams (L), Watson, North, DalyRingrose, Joseph, Davies, Henshaw, Farrell, Sexton,
Biggar, Murray, Webb, Youngs; Vunipola (B), Faletau, Stander, Warburton, Tipuric, Haskell, O'Brien, Itoje, Jones (AW), Kruis, Ryan,
Launchbury, Furlong, Cole, Francis, George, Best, Owens, Vunipola (M), McGrath, Healy

by No 7&1/2 Sun 16 Apr 2017, 9:03 am

Stephen jones. King of the wums.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 9:08 am

This means that the entry from the Sunday Times reads:

Liam Williams
Anthony Watson
George North
Elliot Daly
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Connor Murray
Rhys Webb
Billy Vunipola
Taulupe Faletau
Sam Warburton
Sean O'Brien
Maro Itoje
Alun-Wyn Jones
George Kruis
Tadhg Furlong
Dan Cole
Mako Vunipola
Jack McGrath
Stuart Hogg
Jonathan Joseph
Robbie Henshaw,
Gary Ringrose
Dan Biggar
Peter O'Mahony
James Haskell
Joe Launchbury
Tomas Francis
Jamie George
Dylan Hartley
Ken Owens
Richard Wigglesworth

by **LondonTiger** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 9:14 am

Hmm, white does not show up well.

by nathan Sun 16 Apr 2017, 9:36 am

Apparently there's been a leak and sinckler will be a bolter according to the telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/04/15/exclusive-kyle-sinckler-earns-lions-call-up-surprise-selection/

by **LondonTiger** Sun 16 Apr 2017, 9:48 am

nathan wrote:Apparently there's been a leak and sinckler will be a bolter according to the telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/04/15/exclusive-kyle-sinckler-earns-lions-call-up-surprise-selection/

There does seem to be a groundswell of opinion that this could happen. Not sure it would be especially good for his career though, especially as some of the noise suggests that Gatland is planning to take 38 players with 7 props - meaning Sinckler could be the 4th TH. This could mean his gametime is seriously limited, but he would still miss the pre-season with Quins meaning he would then be racing to get up to speed for 2017/18. Sure there woudl be benefits to touring with the best players of GB&I, but my feeling is his own career and development would be better served going on tour with England to Argentina as the starting TH then having a good holiday before returning for pre-season with quins looking to hit the new season full on and ousting Dan Cole from the 3 shirt for the AIs.

by alive555 Sun 16 Apr 2017, 12:02 pm

LondonTiger wrote:This means that the entry from the Sunday Times reads:

Liam Williams
Anthony Watson
George North
Elliot Daly
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Connor Murray
Rhys Webb
Billy Vunipola
Taulupe Faletau
Sam Warburton
Sean O'Brien
Maro Itoje
Alun-Wyn Jones
George Kruis
Tadhg Furlong
Dan Cole
Mako Vunipola
Jack McGrath
Stuart Hogg
Jonathan Joseph
Robbie Henshaw,
Gary Ringrose
Dan Biggar
Peter O'Mahony
James Haskell
Joe Launchbury
Tomas Francis
Jamie George
Dylan Hartley
Ken Owens
Richard Wigglesworth

For a side ranked 5th in the world, there are far too many Scots in that squad.

Also the welsh have only 9 players and that really seems a little light given they are up at 8th

by bedfordwelsh Sun 16 Apr 2017, 12:59 pm

PROPS: Jack McGrath (Ireland), Mako Vunipola (England), Tadgh Furlong (Ireland), Dan Cole (England), Rob Evans (Ireland), WP Nel (Scotland)

HOOKERS: Rory Best (Ireland), Ken Owens (Wales), Dylan Hartley (England)

SECOND ROW: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Joe Launchbury (England), Maro Itoje (England), Courtney lawes, Jonny Gray (Scotland)

FLANKERS: CJ Stander (Ireland), Chris Robshaw, Sam Warburton (Wales), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sean O’Brien (Ireland)

NUMBER EIGHTS: Billy Vunipola (England), Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

HALF-BACKS: Conor Murray (Ireland), Rhys Webb (Wales), Ben Youngs (England), Johnny Sexton (Ireland), George Ford (England)

CENTRES: Owen Farrell (England), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Gary Ringrose (Ireland), Jonathan Joseph (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales)

FULL BACKS: Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Liam Williams (Wales)

WINGERS/UTILITY: Tommy Seymour (Scotland), George North (Wales), Anthony Watson (England), Leigh Halfpenny, Elliot Daly (England)

Not all who I'd pick but what I think he'll pick

by king_carlos Sun 16 Apr 2017, 4:07 pm

1.McGrath, Vunipola, Healy
2.Best, Hartley, George
3.Furlong, Cole, Sinckler
4.Itoje, Launchbury
5.Wyn Jones, J Gray, Lawes
6.Stander, Robshaw
7.Warburton, Tipuric, O'Brien
8.Vunipola, Faletau

9.Murray, Webb, Youngs
10.Sexton, Ford

11.North, Seymour
12.Farrell, Henshaw
13.Joseph, Davies
14.Watson, Daly
15.Hogg, Williams, Halfpenny

Sam Warburton
Alun Wyn Jones
Jonny Sexton
Owen Farrell
Billy Vunipola
Toby Faletau
Maro Itoje
Dan Cole
Tadhg Furlong
Jack McGrath
Mako Vunipola
Connor Murray
Rhys Webb
Justin Tipuric
Stuart Hogg
CJ Stander
George North
Liam Williams
Leigh Halfpenny
Sean O'Brien
Jonny Gray
Robbie Henshaw
Ben Youngs
Jonathan Davies
Courtney Lawes
Jonathan Joseph
Anthony Watson
Dylan Hartley
Jamie George
Rory Best
Elliot Daly
Kyle Sinckler
Iain Henderson
Hamish Watson
Cian Healy
George Ford
Tommy Seymour

by Gwlad Sun 16 Apr 2017, 5:23 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Hmm, white does not show up well.

never does on a Lions tour

by majesticimperialman Sun 16 Apr 2017, 7:06 pm

alive555 wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:This means that the entry from the Sunday Times reads:

Liam Williams
Anthony Watson
George North
Elliot Daly
Owen Farrell
Jonny Sexton
Connor Murray
Rhys Webb
Billy Vunipola
Taulupe Faletau
Sam Warburton
Sean O'Brien
Maro Itoje
Alun-Wyn Jones
George Kruis
Tadhg Furlong
Dan Cole
Mako Vunipola
Jack McGrath
Stuart Hogg
Jonathan Joseph
Robbie Henshaw,
Gary Ringrose
Dan Biggar
Peter O'Mahony
James Haskell
Joe Launchbury
Tomas Francis
Jamie George
Dylan Hartley
Ken Owens
Richard Wigglesworth

For a side ranked 5th in the world, there are far too many Scots in that squad.

Also the welsh have only 9 players and that really seems a little light given they are up at 8th

The Welsh have only 9 players and that seems a little light.

Seems way too may to me.

by Gwlad Sun 16 Apr 2017, 7:35 pm

You actually don't even understand irony do you?

by Guest Sun 16 Apr 2017, 8:53 pm

Or sarcasm!

by Barney McGrew did it Sun 16 Apr 2017, 9:18 pm

it's ironic that one confuses the misuse of one with the other though

especially when we all know the maj understands both Wink

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