Alun Wyn Jones on brink of stunning return to Lions squad

by LordDowlais Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:27 pm

I could not see where this could be discussed so I started a new thread on it, but it looks as though he is be doing a Lazarus again, I tell you the man is a machine, he could be back for the tests.

Alun Wyn Jones on brink of stunning return to Lions squad and could be in South Africa within days as next 24 hours crucial Jones dislocated his shoulder in the Lions' warm-up match with Japan prior to the squad departure for South Africa wrote:

Alun Wyn Jones on brink of stunning return to Lions squad and could be in South Africa within days as next 24 hours crucial Jones dislocated his shoulder in the Lions' warm-up match with Japan prior to the squad departure for South Africa. Warren Gatland has now revealed the talismanic second row is back in training with Wales at their Vale Resort base this week. Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones could be on the verge of making a stunning return to the Lions squad out in South Africa, with the Test series due to begin in less than two weeks. Jones, who was initially named as tour captain, had to leave the camp after dislocating his shoulder during the warm-up match against Japan prior to the Lions' departure to South Africa. Mischievously, Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus claimed in a press conference that Jones was due to link up with the Lions in the coming days. Elaborating, Gatland then explained that Jones was due to go through a double session with Wayne Pivac's side on Tuesday. The suggestion is that if he comes through unscathed, he will then travel out to South Africa. "A few weeks ago, we didn't think it was an option," said Gatland. wrote:

by No 7&1/2 Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:41 pm

Truly selfless.

by LordDowlais Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:53 pm

More on this from the BEEB, looks like they will decide tomorrow:-

Lions head coach Warren Gatland says he will decide tomorrow if Alun Wyn Jones can rejoin the squad after he returned to training with Wales. The 35-year-old was set for his first Lions tour captaincy in South Africa. Jones dislocated his shoulder in a warm-up win over Japan and was ruled out of the tour, but could now return having recovered quicker than expected. There is a possibility [he could play]," Gatland said. "A few weeks ago we didn't think there was an option." Conor Murray leads side for first time against South Africa A Lions come through tough Sharks test The British and Irish Lions face South Africa A in Cape Town on Wednesday and the possibility is increasing that Wales' captain could re-join the squad. "We're waiting for medical reports from him to see what happens with that," Gatland said. "He's been back fully training with Wales - he's training this week with them. I think he's doing a double session with them tomorrow and we'll see what the outcome of that is. "He has made a remarkable recovery. It would be a boost to the squad having someone of his experience and calibre come back into the squad. We will decide, probably tomorrow." Jones has featured in the last nine Lions' Test matches. "If anyone could get back to play a Test series at this level, he could," kicking coach Neil Jenkins said. "If someone of that calibre becomes available and he's able to represent us, it's a no-brainer. "I have never written him off in any way, shape or form. Nothing surprises me with Al. He's an incredible player both on and off the pitch." wrote:

by Guest Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:59 pm

Geraint Thomas did the same injury a few weeks back in the TdF, didn’t he? And he just kept on cycling there and then after the medics popped his the shoulder back in. So if it’s the same for AWJ then it’s not a mega serious injury in the grand scheme of things (like a broken leg or ACL tear, etc), although I appreciate that there’s obviously more contact in rugby than cycling so recovery is obviously a bit different!

by LordDowlais Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:20 pm

Looks as though if he comes through Wales training today and tomorrow unscathed he's back in.

by flyhalffactory Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:34 pm

LordDowlais wrote:Looks as though if he comes through Wales training today and tomorrow unscathed he's back in.

LD
That's got to be the best bit of news on the Lions tour, aside from the less than average communication with the refs, the slowness to the breakdown, rucks, mauls have been an area of weakness. They have sorely missed him as a player and a captain

In for the first test maybe?

by Soul Requiem Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:35 pm

Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

by LordDowlais Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:37 pm

Looking at the performances from our 2nd rowers who are out there, we need him. Only really Adam Beard and Itoje have looked decent.

by flyhalffactory Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:39 pm

Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form? picard

by Soul Requiem Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:42 pm

flyhalffactory wrote:
Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form?

Yes they would.

by R!skysports Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:43 pm

flyhalffactory wrote:
Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form?

Well he did before, taking an out of form and injured AWJ which did not go well

by Guest Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:46 pm

Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Oh yay, another sarcastic comment from Soul Requiem.

by flyhalffactory Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:52 pm

R!skysports wrote:
flyhalffactory wrote:
Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form?

Well he did before, taking an out of form and injured AWJ which did not go well

He wasn't out of form, he was carrying an injury and was injured at the squad announcement but 6 weeks later was fit to start the games (very much like Gats attitude to Tuilagi when he was injured this time) and it did go well. Gats clear strategy was to play AWJ all out for 40-50 mins then bring on the bench which worked pretty damn good

by R!skysports Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:52 pm

The truth is, Gatland has a history of taking players (mainly ones he has coached) that have been coming back from injury or out of form.

If AWL can prove his fitness and have a least one warm up match, then he can prove he is ready.

If he goes straight in, without any matches, then I will be very disappointed indeed

by R!skysports Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:54 pm

flyhalffactory wrote:
R!skysports wrote:
flyhalffactory wrote:
Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form?

Well he did before, taking an out of form and injured AWJ which did not go well

He wasn't out of form, he was carrying an injury and was injured at the squad announcement but 6 weeks later was fit to start the games (very much like Gats attitude to Tuilagi when he was injured this time) and it did go well. Gats clear strategy was to play AWJ all out for 40-50 mins then bring on the bench which worked pretty damn good

How did it go well?

He was not up to speed and took several test to get there.

I even watched the one where we came back and won, and when he was subbed off we were miles behind....... go figure.....

If he is fit, he should certainly play, but needs to prove it, like all players should need to

by Collapse2005 Mon Jul 12, 2021 4:21 pm

If he comes back who is going to be captain then? Probably Owen Farrell.

by flyhalffactory Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:40 pm

R!skysports wrote:The truth is, Gatland has a history of taking players (mainly ones he has coached) that have been coming back from injury or out of form.

If AWL can prove his fitness and have a least one warm up match, then he can prove he is ready.

If he goes straight in, without any matches, then I will be very disappointed indeed

Agree with you but that means 5 days to get one game in!. Itoje has only played 82 mins in total in a month

14/07/2021
South Africa A

17/07/2021
DHL Stormers

and 12 days before the 1st test

The only lock (in my opinion) who has shown some consistency is Henderson (very good v Japan). Johnny Hill and Beard some parts good but still a concern, Itoje against Sigma Lions called his lineout expertly, stole 2 LOs and won a TO but was so slow to the breakdown (which is his strength) on a number of occasions and missed 2 tackles, he lasted 69 mins then and had 13 mins against the Sharks.

At this point none of locks are filling me with confidence but
4 Itoje
5 Henderson
are looking like the guys in the driving seat, with Beard on the bench
However if one of them has a mare then I'd seriously consider AWJ

The British and Irish Lions face South Africa A in Cape Town on Wednesday and the possibility is increasing that Wales' captain could re-join the squad.
"We're waiting for medical reports from him to see what happens with that," Gatland said.
"He's been back fully training with Wales - he's training this week with them. I think he's doing a double session with them tomorrow and we'll see what the outcome of that is.
"He has made a remarkable recovery. It would be a boost to the squad having someone of his experience and calibre come back into the squad. We will decide, probably tomorrow."

by flyhalffactory Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:54 pm

R!skysports wrote:
flyhalffactory wrote:
R!skysports wrote:
flyhalffactory wrote:
Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form?

Well he did before, taking an out of form and injured AWJ which did not go well

He wasn't out of form, he was carrying an injury and was injured at the squad announcement but 6 weeks later was fit to start the games (very much like Gats attitude to Tuilagi when he was injured this time) and it did go well. Gats clear strategy was to play AWJ all out for 40-50 mins then bring on the bench which worked pretty damn good

How did it go well?

He was not up to speed and took several test to get there.

I even watched the one where we came back and won, and when he was subbed off we were miles behind....... go figure.....

If he is fit, he should certainly play, but needs to prove it, like all players should need to

Seriously! are we talking about the 2017 tour?
He was up to speed from the first match v the Baa Baas, he never took a backward step, had three huge late hits to "test his injury" and he took it all, he certainly looked pretty damn good in the ground and our gang had that consensus (mostly Scottish but a couple of English and Irish), Hogg, Marler & Henderson had a mares tbh but AWJ had a good game

RNZ (New Zealand) Extract
4 - Alun Wyn Jones - 7/10
Played a lot of minutes and was solid at line-out and physical throughout. Was on the receiving end of a couple of big Barbar hits, but looked classy and helped plenty at ruck time.
5 - Iain Henderson - 5/10
Another Lion who failed to make a real impact and will need to do more to play the big games. He made a few tackles but had a largely quiet game before being pulled early in the second half.

by TJ Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:05 pm

flyhalffactory wrote:
Soul Requiem wrote:Oh yay, a barely fit AWJ for the tests.

Do you think Gats & Co will pick a player that wouldn't be able to contribute be it lack of fitness or just plain poor form?

Yes - he hasd plenty of previous for doing so

its also really really stupid from AWJ. the ligaments are damaged, it will re dislocate very easily and do further long term damage. He is potentially crippling himself for this

by Poorfour Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:21 pm

The Oracle wrote:Geraint Thomas did the same injury a few weeks back in the TdF, didn’t he? And he just kept on cycling there and then after the medics popped his the shoulder back in. So if it’s the same for AWJ then it’s not a mega serious injury in the grand scheme of things (like a broken leg or ACL tear, etc), although I appreciate that there’s obviously more contact in rugby than cycling so recovery is obviously a bit different!

Speaking as someone who had what I suspect is a similar injury to AWJ - a dislocation that popped back into place easily - what I was told by my specialist was that the critical thing is to ensure that the ligaments heal tightly or I would risk having another dislocation later. To that end I was supposed to limit the range of movement for several weeks and then gradually extend it through physio and exercise. I could have gotten back to cycling - holding the handlebars and careful signalling was not an issue - but was advised not to in case I had to overextend the arm in an emergency.

Rugby - not that I was playing at the time - would have been a completely different kettle of fish. Your arm is exposed, has to be extended in all directions, has to take contact, will be under stress a lot of the time and ultimately will be targeted by an opposition who know it is vulnerable.

Against that, you have to set AWJ's remarkable powers of recovery, his tolerance for pain, his well-developed shoulder musculature, his access to top class medical advice and possibly his willingness to take a risk for the sake of the cause. He's clearly not doing this against medical advice and seems to have come through a fair degree of contact... but I still worry. I'd hate to see him pick up a further injury that could affect him for the rest of his life and it feels like a big risk.

by Guest Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:32 pm

Good post Poorfour, and yes I agree. The risks are clearly greater in rugby. But I’m sure he’s not going against advice, as you say.

by Pot Hale Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:59 pm

The Welsh hyperbole over Jones is remarkable.

If he’s recovered from an injury then clearly it wasn’t as severe as originally thought.

by doctor_grey Tue Jul 13, 2021 1:41 am

It all depends on whether the dislocation was forwards or downwards, or if it went backwards which is usually worse. Also a partial or full dislocation (partially out of the joint or fully so) which is critical. Having strong muscles in the area will help keep the shoulder in place to a greater degree in recovery, but if ligaments were damaged in any way being a tough guy with high tolerance for pain don't mean sh!t (apologies for the medical term). And if the medical team thinks he might be able to play then I am sure there was no damage to the joint itself or any surrounding bone (for the caveat, please see below).

Shoulder dislocations are painful as hell no matter who you are. It is frequently difficult to properly assess the degree of the damage until days afterwards. As I think I said somewhere, we all know AWJ is a tough and competitive guy. Players like him can suck up incredible levels of pain and will lie like a rug to get back in the squad. And I say that with respect. He will be more susceptible to repeat dislocations in the future, and the likelihood is greater closer to the date of the original injury. Which is why his word cannot be completely trusted and the med team have to be tougher. With highly competitive athletes this is not remotely easy (this is the caveat I mentioned above, the med team in some cases need balls of steel for this).

by Oakdene Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:21 am

Some very silly comments on here from people who have an issue with AWJ in some way....that said I agree, it's not like AWJ has played almost 150 times internationally (& the Lions) & is respected throughout the world for his incredible work rate & durability... oh wait... Rolling Eyes

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:33 am

I never get those comments re 150 caps or a version of it to support a view someone should play now. Similar to listing honours won to demonstrate x is better than y. 150 caps does not demonstrate in any way why Jones should again be rushed back.

by LordDowlais Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:55 am

Oakdene wrote:Some very silly comments on here from people who have an issue with AWJ in some way....that said I agree, it's not like AWJ has played almost 150 times internationally (& the Lions) & is respected throughout the world for his incredible work rate & durability... oh wait...

A lot of people really do not like AWJ for some reason, there are a lot on here. His record speaks for itself, and it's not as though this is a one off, he always seems to recover from injuries a lot quicker than most, the most recent one I remember was his broken wrist, I think, where he came back in about half the time suggested, that didn't seem to hamper him.

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:02 am

Last Lions tour even you were saying it was a mistake to rush him back LD. That was after the 1st, possibly 2nd test. There is no need to rush him back.

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:03 am

What if it’s not rushed though, medically speaking?

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:07 am

Hes coming back into the Lions squad potentially without full training without the matches to get him up to speed. Its rushed and unnecessary. We don't need to do it, there is cover there already in Beard who is supposedly better than Jonny Gray and Ryan.

Similar circumstances to a previous Lions tour. What is the point of these warm ups? Is Marler right that there is no way certain players can ever earn the right to get in Gatlands teams?

by Oakdene Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:09 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:Hes coming back into the Lions squad potentially without full training without the matches to get him up to speed. Its rushed and unnecessary. We don't need to do it, there is cover there already in Beard who is supposedly better than Jonny Gray and Ryan.

Similar circumstances to a previous Lions tour. What is the point of these warm ups? Is Marler right that there is no way certain players can ever earn the right to get in Gatlands teams?

He has been training with Wales.

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:13 am

For a handful of days apparently. Like I said LD is probably one of his biggest supporters and didn't think it worked last time around. Why should this time be different.

And a slight injury to Ryan which didn't even keep him out of a game justified his non selection and now this. Underhill was supposedly not considered due to a pen injury, played twice.

Would Beard drop out of the squad if Jones is called up?

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:15 am

I think we need more lock cover personally. If AWJ is injured then I’d call someone else. If he’s not injured then, as someone originally selected and therefore deemed by Lions selectors (I.e. not the opinion of you or I) to be one of the top 4 locks in the B&I nations then I would bring him back. Itoje is apparently carrying an injury. Beard was called up to cover AWJ. So if Itoje is a risk then we still need another lock to be safe.

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:17 am

Well it was a mistake to go with such a small squad especially with covid.

Itoje is obviously starting tomorrow.

by Oakdene Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:17 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:For a handful of days apparently. Like I said LD is probably one of his biggest supporters and didn't think it worked last time around. Why should this time be different.

And a slight injury to Ryan which didn't even keep him out of a game justified his non selection and now this. Underhill was supposedly not considered due to a pen injury, played twice.

Would Beard drop out of the squad if Jones is called up?

I'm fairly certain that Andy Farrell told Gatland that Ryan was injured & unavailable so if Gatland is told that then there's not much he can do is there?

At the end of the day AWJ has a good history of making recoveries from injuries & fitting in seamlessly back into a team/squad so I am not overly concerned. I have no idea on whether Beard will stay or come home though logic would dictate that with all the COVID issues he would stay with the squad.

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:20 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:Well it was a mistake to go with such a small squad especially with covid.

Itoje is obviously starting tomorrow.

So you’d keep the squad deliberately small and not call up/call back any players just to prove a point about the squad size being too small? Odd. But I’m not surprised!

by R!skysports Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:21 am

LordDowlais wrote:
Oakdene wrote:Some very silly comments on here from people who have an issue with AWJ in some way....that said I agree, it's not like AWJ has played almost 150 times internationally (& the Lions) & is respected throughout the world for his incredible work rate & durability... oh wait...

A lot of people really do not like AWJ for some reason, there are a lot on here. His record speaks for itself, and it's not as though this is a one off, he always seems to recover from injuries a lot quicker than most, the most recent one I remember was his broken wrist, I think, where he came back in about half the time suggested, that didn't seem to hamper him.

This is the problem.....

Anyone who dares questions whether AWJ should jump straight into a test teams, be captain and generally have him walk on water, is tarred with the brush for Anti AWJ or anti Welsh.

Most people thought he certainly should tour, but had a concern that making him captain before the games even started was a mistake - as he was not 100% the best lock there (and had a poor last 20 against France in terms of playing and Captaining).

He has had tours before where he was not fit and the team suffered for it. Gatland has done it before, picking his favourites even if injured (ie Genthin jenkins) where the team suffered.

A fully fit AWJ would certainly be in a strong position for a test place, but if the parachute him in after all the others have worked so hard during the warm up and training, then it shows again some get special treatment.

I hope he gets a game before the test, as a fully fit AWJ would be a real boost to the squad (look I paid him a well deserved compliment)

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:25 am

R!skysports wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
Oakdene wrote:Some very silly comments on here from people who have an issue with AWJ in some way....that said I agree, it's not like AWJ has played almost 150 times internationally (& the Lions) & is respected throughout the world for his incredible work rate & durability... oh wait...

A lot of people really do not like AWJ for some reason, there are a lot on here. His record speaks for itself, and it's not as though this is a one off, he always seems to recover from injuries a lot quicker than most, the most recent one I remember was his broken wrist, I think, where he came back in about half the time suggested, that didn't seem to hamper him.

This is the problem.....

Anyone who dares questions whether AWJ should jump straight into a test teams, be captain and generally have him walk on water, is tarred with the brush for Anti AWJ or anti Welsh.

Most people thought he certainly should tour, but had a concern that making him captain before the games even started was a mistake - as he was not 100% the best lock there (and had a poor last 20 against France in terms of playing and Captaining).

He has had tours before where he was not fit and the team suffered for it. Gatland has done it before, picking his favourites even if injured (ie Genthin jenkins) where the team suffered.

A fully fit AWJ would certainly be in a strong position for a test place, but if the parachute him in after all the others have worked so hard during the warm up and training, then it shows again some get special treatment.

I hope he gets a game before the test, as a fully fit AWJ would be a real boost to the squad (look I paid him a well deserved compliment)

Come off it Risky, if you can’t see that ALL nations on here champion their own and defend their players then you’re completely one eyed. Look at all the talk of Gatland being anti-Scottish when he didn’t take the players YOU wanted. Funny how that talk seems to have dried up since the squad announcement. See the posts yesterday when someone dared mention that VDM was a poor defender and gets himself in the wrong position!

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:26 am

The Oracle wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Well it was a mistake to go with such a small squad especially with covid.

Itoje is obviously starting tomorrow.

So you’d keep the squad deliberately small and not call up/call back any players just to prove a point about the squad size being too small? Odd. But I’m not surprised!

I think the Lions agreed for certain squad sizes and normally when considering a squad I try then to fit into the constraints. Ie I don't pick a squad of 50 for a world cup.

If we're allowed to increase the squad he should do so. There's 2 really good locks ready to go in Ryan and Gray. Underhill can be in the next plane out same as Genge. Get them out there.

by Oakdene Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:30 am

Itoje certainly wants him back in the camp.

For those who are concerned, AWJ will take part in a double training session with Wales today before a decision is made.

by LordDowlais Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:37 am

R!skysports wrote:Anyone who dares questions whether AWJ should jump straight into a test teams, be captain and generally have him walk on water, is tarred with the brush for Anti AWJ or anti Welsh.

I don't think that is fair.

I defended him a lot when people were complaining that he was captain, and they were saying he wasn't good enough, even though his record with Wales and the Lions speaks for itself.

I think there was a degree of spitefulness aimed towards him from others as he wasn't "their" favourite.

A lot of the angst has stemmed over for us Welsh from the last Lions tour where a lot of the Welsh players were lambasted for their selection because Wales finished 5th in the prior 6N. Even though the highest representation this time around has come from a country that faired exactly the same in this 6N and it has not even been spoken about.

I hope he comes back, it would be a massive boost, if he is fit, he starts for me, he is better than his peers, but we need to make sure that this is done for all the right reasons, although he does have a record of making more than human recoveries from injuries.

Anyway, we do not know if he is coming back yet. Laugh

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:38 am

Last time around LD you were one of those saying he shouldn't have been picked. Yet you want to repeat what you considered a mistake.

by Oakdene Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:39 am

Given that he is in the Welsh squad bubble, I'd think of selecting him to face Argentina to give him game time & fly him out thereafter if he comes through unscathed.

by LordDowlais Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:44 am

Maro Itoje on Alun Wyn's potential return wrote:"Alun Wyn is a great player. He was our captain for this tour and we want the best players here," Itoje said.

"He comes with a massive amount of experience. This is his fourth tour. He's a great player and a great person to have around. If he's fit and healthy, then it would be great to have him around.

"Initially everybody thought he was out. He thought himself that he was out! But all things can happen with hard work and preparation and dedication. He has that in abundance.

"If he's able to come out, I'm sure the Lions will sort him out with a nice private jet and he'll fly quickly straight over to Cape Town. If he's here that will help our cause."

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:49 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:Last time around LD you were one of those saying he shouldn't have been picked. Yet you want to repeat what you considered a mistake.

Not sure squad selections, injury return, etc. should hang on what LD says to be honest. Let’s go with the experts (no offence LD).

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:51 am

Yes you're right Oracle we could simply nod along with any comment or decision from the set of coaches.

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:57 am

vs a comment a poster on an Internet forum made 4 years ago on the last tour. Hmmm, OK.

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:59 am

From my point of view Oracle its a discussion forum. We can all state our opinion.

by Guest Tue Jul 13, 2021 10:01 am

Get some new material, 7.5. You use that line every time someone disagrees with you.

by LordDowlais Tue Jul 13, 2021 10:08 am

The Oracle wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:Last time around LD you were one of those saying he shouldn't have been picked. Yet you want to repeat what you considered a mistake.

Not sure squad selections, injury return, etc. should hang on what LD says to be honest. Let’s go with the experts (no offence LD).

Just to be clear, I have this member on ignore.

But he is constantly hanging on to a hypothetical comment I made where I hypothetically "agreed" with people on here that AWJ should not have gone and who should have been picked in his place.

More of a case of I said something along the lines OK, so perhaps he shouldnt have been selected, then who else should have instead ?

All of a sudden, I have him banging on about this for the past 5 years and trying to convince himself and everybody else that I was against his selection on the last tour, when in all honesty I wasn't.

So if he is reading this, AWJ is one of my favourite ever Welsh players, he is up there with Jiffy, Gareth Edwards, Scott Gibbs, JPR, Ieuan Evans the Pontypool front row ect.....

So why would I ever say he shouldn't have been selected ? Now, can we please put it to bed ? FFS, even on ignore he winds me up. steam

by No 7&1/2 Tue Jul 13, 2021 10:37 am

The Oracle wrote:Get some new material, 7.5. You use that line every time someone disagrees with you.

I'll continue to use the line every time someone suggests we should only agree with decisions made by coaches.

by Sponsored content