British & Irish Lions Squad 2017

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 12:19 pm

First topic message reminder :

Scottrf wrote:Lawes was better than AWJ every week in the 6 Nations and isn't injured yet he's the strange call

AWJ is a leader and well respected by his peers as well as being a former winning Lions test captain.

Lions players aren't just based on how well they did in the six nations, they are picked on how well the coaches think they will gel into the squad.

You need leaders on and off the pitch.

by Guest Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:24 pm

SecretFly wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Auto correct. Reading the direct quotes from gatland rather than the journalists opinion you can take both that Joseph sneaked in ahead of ringrose or that Joseph was a definite pick and that ringrose was unlucky to miss out on another spot.

I'd read it that everyone had settled on Ringrose but that Gatland kept coming to them with his dreams about Joseph that just wouldn't go away. He had what ya might call a casting vote and insisted on using it.... cause of that dream sent to him by an angel.

...or the ghost of BOD?

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:27 pm

Griff wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Auto correct. Reading the direct quotes from gatland rather than the journalists opinion you can take both that Joseph sneaked in ahead of ringrose or that Joseph was a definite pick and that ringrose was unlucky to miss out on another spot.

I'd read it that everyone had settled on Ringrose but that Gatland kept coming to them with his dreams about Joseph that just wouldn't go away. He had what ya might call a casting vote and insisted on using it.... cause of that dream sent to him by an angel.

...or the ghost of BOD?

...only when Gats eats cheese..... only when he eats cheese...

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:28 pm

beshocked wrote:I expect Best will start.

Lions is less about player development and more about winning so if George will add the most from the bench that's where he should play. Depends on how everyone does.

Of course injuries might happen, maybe Hartley will start for the Lions after all. I know it's what you want no 7 & 1/2.

I don't think George should have been a permanent substitute for England but that's for another discussion.

Saracens generally rotate George and Brits. Having 2 first choice hookers who can be useful as a starter and from the bench is the ideal situation.

Best is lucky to be touring let alone start !

7 1/2 - No, but I think their lack of backbone in a very big game didn't help their chances. I can't speak for the Lions selection team can I ?

by No 7&1/2 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:30 pm

You can give your opinion. Well done for the answer. It ignores the injuries they suffered of course.

by GunsGermsV2 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:30 pm

Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too. Warburton is only tour captain aka nice polite media and sponsor liaison.

by Cyril Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:32 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.

Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:32 pm

munkian wrote:

Best is lucky to be touring let alone start !

7 1/2 - No, but I think their lack of backbone in a very big game didn't help their chances. I can't speak for the Lions selection team can I ?

You've been a good spokesman so far, munk.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:33 pm

Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

Like Hartley is used to?

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:34 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:You can give your opinion. Well done for the answer. It ignores the injuries they suffered of course.

Ya gotta ignore those technicalities when picking a Welsh Lions Team.

by GunsGermsV2 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:35 pm

Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

He could throw a pineapple in a hurricane and Maro Itoje would catch it every time so it hardly matters.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:36 pm

It would still get called as not straight if it happens even if caught.

by Cyril Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:36 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

Like Hartley is used to?

Hartley gets 55 mins. It's in his contract (whether he plays well or not). I hear it's because he needs to get home in time to let the cat out.

by Cyril Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:37 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

He could throw a pineapple in a hurricane and Maro Itoje would catch it every time so it hardly matters.

I want that printed on a t-shirt ready for the tour Smile

by Sgt_Pooly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:38 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

Like Hartley is used to?

Fair point on Best, he's not the best even with players he knows. I imagine he will start and he needs to build up a good relationship with Kruis, who is excellent in the lineout.

NZ have arguably the best lineout in the game right now, we need to spot on there. Hartley has his faults but he's a very good thrower, has been for most of his career.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:38 pm

Cyril wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

Like Hartley is used to?
Hartley gets 55 mins. It's in his contract (whether he plays well or not). I hear it's because he needs to get home in time to let the cat out.

Decent man. Gatland hates pussies. Now we're beginning to uncover the selection process.

by nlpnlp Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:39 pm

Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:39 pm

Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

He could throw a pineapple in a hurricane and Maro Itoje would catch it every time so it hardly matters.
I want that printed on a t-shirt ready for the tour

Just turn the GS Winners shirt inside out and that's a blank canvas, Cyril Wink

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:40 pm

nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Of course. These threads are only fantasy league stuff. We know it'll be 15 Welshmen in reality when the chips are down.

by Cyril Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:42 pm

SecretFly wrote:
nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Of course. These threads are only fantasy league stuff. We know it'll be 15 Welshmen in reality when the chips are down.

It would be funny (after all this) if it was 13 Welsh + Seymour and Hogg to start the 1st test.

by Gooseberry Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:54 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:Best is front runner to start the first test. Good chance he will captain the first test too.
Decent chance he'll be hauled off after 20 minutes when a few line-outs go 45 degrees.

He could throw a pineapple in a hurricane and Maro Itoje would catch it every time so it hardly matters.

Not if it hits the melon sat on Coles shoulders

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 1:59 pm

SecretFly wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:You can give your opinion. Well done for the answer. It ignores the injuries they suffered of course.

Ya gotta ignore those technicalities when picking a Welsh Lions Team.

Seem to remember an injury ravaged Wales team beating a certain RWC host nation at home #justsayin

by GunsGermsV2 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:03 pm

nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Haha. It will be an all Ireland front row. Thats our only hope.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:07 pm

munkian wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:You can give your opinion. Well done for the answer. It ignores the injuries they suffered of course.

Ya gotta ignore those technicalities when picking a Welsh Lions Team.

Seem to remember an injury ravaged Wales team beating a certain RWC host nation at home #justsayin

Everyone was beating them then... even the Aussies, a side everyone can beat.................. *cough*

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:08 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Haha. It will be an all Ireland front row. Thats our only hope.

An all Ireland bench, not needed due to superior fitness of Valley genes.

by Guest Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:12 pm

SecretFly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Haha. It will be an all Ireland front row. Thats our only hope.

An all Ireland bench, not needed due to superior fitness of Valley genes.

Not sure there's many of the Welsh lads from the valleys to be honest. Think they're mainly coastal lads from memory.

by Scottrf Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:13 pm

Griff wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Haha. It will be an all Ireland front row. Thats our only hope.

An all Ireland bench, not needed due to superior fitness of Valley genes.

Not sure there's many of the Welsh lads from the valleys to be honest. Think they're mainly coastal lads from memory.

Mostly born in England.

by SecretFly Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:18 pm

Griff wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Haha. It will be an all Ireland front row. Thats our only hope.

An all Ireland bench, not needed due to superior fitness of Valley genes.

Not sure there's many of the Welsh lads from the valleys to be honest. Think they're mainly coastal lads from memory.

They drink Valley water don't they!!!??? Shocked

Tell me they drink Valley water! Sad

They just gotta get their minerals from good clean Valley spring water!

by No 7&1/2 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:18 pm

So you feel that Wales suffer a similar lack of depth to Scotland then munkian. Can't agree.

by Guest Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:24 pm

Scottrf wrote:
Griff wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
nlpnlp wrote:Owens to start, Warburton to captain.

Haha. It will be an all Ireland front row. Thats our only hope.

An all Ireland bench, not needed due to superior fitness of Valley genes.

Not sure there's many of the Welsh lads from the valleys to be honest. Think they're mainly coastal lads from memory.

Mostly born in England.

Genes, Scottrf. We're talking about genes. Those 3 born in England have Welsh parents, I believe. Genes.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:32 pm

A Scot mocking another country's selection policy Laugh

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:34 pm

munkian wrote:A Scot mocking another country's selection policy

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

I seriously doubt Scottrf is Scottish but by all means tar him with that brush if it makes you more comfortable...

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:36 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:A Scot mocking another country's selection policy

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

I seriously doubt Scottrf is Scottish but by all means tar him with that brush if it makes you more comfortable...

The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

by Scottrf Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:37 pm

munkian wrote:The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

Or Scott is my name, numbnuts.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:38 pm

Scottrf wrote:
munkian wrote:The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

Or Scott is my name, numbnuts.

So, you are a Scot then ? kiss

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:38 pm

munkian wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:A Scot mocking another country's selection policy

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

I seriously doubt Scottrf is Scottish but by all means tar him with that brush if it makes you more comfortable...

The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

Maybe Gatland the Hypocrite should have gotten his input on the selection of the squad.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:40 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:A Scot mocking another country's selection policy

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

I seriously doubt Scottrf is Scottish but by all means tar him with that brush if it makes you more comfortable...

The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

Maybe Gatland the Hypocrite should have gotten his input on the selection of the squad.

Or at least one of the Jocks that were asked could've joined the coaching team ?

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:41 pm

munkian wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:A Scot mocking another country's selection policy

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

I seriously doubt Scottrf is Scottish but by all means tar him with that brush if it makes you more comfortable...

The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

Maybe Gatland the Hypocrite should have gotten his input on the selection of the squad.

Or at least one of the Jocks that were asked could've joined the coaching team ?

So that's an admission that Scotland have been discriminated against because there wasn't any representation on the coaching panel?

by Scottrf Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:42 pm

If Townsend had accepted the job as assistant kit manager we wouldn't have this issue.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:43 pm

How can I admit to something I was in no way party to ya flid ?

by R!skysports Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:43 pm

munkian wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
munkian wrote:A Scot mocking another country's selection policy

Love it.

Least most of ours were born an hour or so's drive from Wales.

Jock Shingler says hello.

I seriously doubt Scottrf is Scottish but by all means tar him with that brush if it makes you more comfortable...

The more logical conclusion being that he just really really likes Scotland ?

Maybe Gatland the Hypocrite should have gotten his input on the selection of the squad.

Or at least one of the Jocks that were asked could've joined the coaching team ?

Or the Scots coach could have been asked to NOT be an understudy (Allegedly)

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:45 pm

Scottrf wrote:If Townsend had accepted the job as assistant kit manager we wouldn't have this issue.

'We' being a royal 'We' or are you a representative of the entire Lion's fan base ?

by Scottrf Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:46 pm

munkian wrote:
Scottrf wrote:If Townsend had accepted the job as assistant kit manager we wouldn't have this issue.

'We' being a royal 'We' or are you a representative of the entire Lion's fan base ?

I'm an official representative of the non-Welsh contingent. Or 'the others' as Gatland calls us.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:47 pm

This is shooting giant fish, in a tiny barrel, with a fish seeking missile launcher, loaded with anti piscine warheads.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:49 pm

Scottrf wrote:
munkian wrote:
Scottrf wrote:If Townsend had accepted the job as assistant kit manager we wouldn't have this issue.

'We' being a royal 'We' or are you a representative of the entire Lion's fan base ?

I'm an official representative of the non-Welsh contingent. Or 'the others' as Gatland calls us.

Hugely sure the Irish and the English didn't elect you.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:50 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:This is shooting giant fish, in a tiny barrel, with a fish seeking missile launcher, loaded with anti piscine warheads.

If it gets it out of your system so the rest of the adults can get on with enjoying the rugby then Im more than happy to oblige wee man.

by TrailApe Thu 20 Apr 2017, 2:54 pm

I'm an official representative of the non-Welsh contingent. Or 'the others' as Gatland calls us.

Hugely sure the Irish and the English didn't elect you.

He gets my vote.

by munkian Thu 20 Apr 2017, 3:02 pm

TrailApe wrote:
I'm an official representative of the non-Welsh contingent. Or 'the others' as Gatland calls us.

Hugely sure the Irish and the English didn't elect you.

He gets my vote.

1 vote ! Get in, another fwiend and it will be the same amount as Scottish Lions.

by beshocked Thu 20 Apr 2017, 3:04 pm

Wasn't Townsend asked to be an assistant to Howley?

An assistant to an assistant basically?

Think Gatland is still holding a grudge.

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/16057/10688295/lions-decision-will-be-gregor-townsends-loss-says-warren-gatland

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 20 Apr 2017, 3:07 pm

beshocked wrote:Wasn't Townsend asked to be an assistant to Howley?

An assistant to an assistant basically?

Think Gatland is still holding a grudge.

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/16057/10688295/lions-decision-will-be-gregor-townsends-loss-says-warren-gatland

Oh do you think so?!!!

by Guest Thu 20 Apr 2017, 3:09 pm

beshocked wrote:Wasn't Townsend asked to be an assistant to Howley?

An assistant to an assistant basically?

Think Gatland is still holding a grudge.

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/16057/10688295/lions-decision-will-be-gregor-townsends-loss-says-warren-gatland

No, that was only ever suggested in a quote by a Scottish Daily Mail (!) journo. It's never been mentioned by anyone else or come out via any official channels. Howley was geared up to lead Wales on their summer tour to the PIs.

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