British and Irish Lions Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

rchendz92

I'm not going to call the team until after the Heineken Cup. That's a big chance for players who have upped their chances (e.g. Robshaw, Murray) to cement their places on the plane/in the team and for those who have damaged their chances (Best is the one that comes to mind first) to step it up.

Tigerandahalf

That aussie view is pretty close to what the team could be. I wouldnt see Maitland even travelling, too many guys ahead of him like Cuthbert, Zebo and Bowe if he gets back.

.ak

Swiwi wrote: »

And the Australians have spoken! Or at least www.rugbyheaven.com.au (bookmark this if you want to get the Australian view of the Lions Series - it includes columnists such as John Eales & Matt Burke)

1. Cian Healy (Ireland)
2. Richard Hibbard (Wales)
3. Adam Jones (Wales)
4. Alun Wyn-Jones (Wales)
5. Geoff Parling (England)
6. Tom Wood (England)
7. Sam Warburton (Wales)
8. Toby Faletau (Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
10. Jonny Sexton (Ireland)
11. George North (Wales)
12. Manu Tuilagi (England)
13. Brian O’Driscoll [c] (Ireland)
14. Sean Maitland (Scotland)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Reserves: Rory Best (Ireland), Dan Cole (England), Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Joe Launchbury (England), Sean O’Brien (Ireland), Ben Youngs (England), Owen Farrell (England), Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/bulk-squared-lions-simple-equation-20130318-2gar7.html

Fairly close to what I'd have picked. Apart from Wood, and I'd probably start Youngs.

.ak

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

That aussie view is pretty close to what the team could be. I wouldnt see Maitland even travelling, too many guys ahead of him like Cuthbert, Zebo and Bowe if he gets back.

Think they're all debatable tbh. Maitland probably has the all round best skillset out of all those players, but doesn't do some things as good as them. Can't see Zebo traveling tbh. Don't think Gatland had a good enough look at him, unfortunately.

Tox56

.ak wrote: »

Think they're all debatable tbh. Maitland probably has the all round best skillset out of all those players, but doesn't do some things as good as them. Can't see Zebo traveling tbh. Don't think Gatland had a good enough look at him, unfortunately.

I think Zebo will be back for the H Cup QF? If he single handedly wins the game (wouldn't put it past him), he'll be a form pick

.ak

Tox56 wrote: »

I think Zebo will be back for the H Cup QF? If he single handedly wins the game (wouldn't put it past him), he'll be a form pick

Yeah, tall order though.

trouttrout

Maitland doesn't seem to be too fit. Noticed it a few times during the French game. Either that or he's lazy

Tigerandahalf

.ak wrote: »

Think they're all debatable tbh. Maitland probably has the all round best skillset out of all those players, but doesn't do some things as good as them. Can't see Zebo traveling tbh. Don't think Gatland had a good enough look at him, unfortunately.

I dont think it is good if Maitland who couldnt get into the NZ squad can get into the Lions. I havent really seen him other than few bits with Scotland but what would he bring to the party. I think Zebo has a chance as all the other wings are v similar, big strong runners. With Shane Williams gone there is very little creativity or spark among the banks. Whether Zebo is good enough to replace that element is debatable I suppose. He is a very good finisher but still unsure of him when he runs with ball from deep. Gilroy probably has more ability in that sense.

Tox56

.ak wrote: »

Yeah, tall order though.

Yeah just realized that sounds a bit fanciful, but I mean that in the sense that already this season he has looked great with little or no help from the rest of the Munster backline. There will be a lot of people watching, and if he really takes it to Quins there'll be some momentum behind him, especially after his early season performances

Tigerandahalf

trouttrout wrote: »

Maitland doesn't seem to be too fit. Noticed it a few times during the French game. Either that or he's lazy

Ya I would wonder what his attitude is like. Seem to lose form for Crusaders and then was delisted. No other province seemed too keen and he took up possibly the easier option of going to Scotland. Does he really want to be a Lion and if he is not involved how will he react.

Paddywiggum

I think there will be more Irish players in first team than left in squad if you know what i mean.

I think Healy, Sexton and O'Driscoll start. I think O'Brien & Best in squad.

Hibbard is getting rave reviews across channel and best has played himself out of team.

The way Ireland have employed O'Brien, he is in danger of becoming a one-trick pony.

Swiwi

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Ya I would wonder what his attitude is like. Seem to lose form for Crusaders and then was delisted. No other province seemed too keen and he took up possibly the easier option of going to Scotland. Does he really want to be a Lion and if he is not involved how will he react.

Where to start? Attitude was never a problem. He lost form after injury, and played little SXV last year. Was (IMO) foolishly delisted by Blackadder, such that ZG's drinking problem meant mediocre players such as Adam Whitelock got starts on the wing, and Izzy Dagg moving to 14 etc :mad:

I guess he realised his dream of representing NZ was unlikely to materialise, and decided to get guaranteed international game time with Scotland, and a possible shot at Lions glory. I'm sure he'd be very keen to play for the Lions, in fact NZ newspapers have reported same, but if he misses out I don't expect he'd throw his toys out of the cot. Some posters on boards have watched a reasonable amount of SXV, and know that Sean can be a very good player, you don't get top try-scorer in the SXV by being disinterested, lazy etc.

I'm pretty sure he signed for Scotland well before it was time for the franchises to start selecting delisted players.

One thing he does have is a genuine ability to play wing & FB, so he is more versatile than Visser for example.

Tigerandahalf

What sort of player is he? Who would you compare him to in NH?

Swiwi

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

What sort of player is he? Who would you compare him to in NH?

TBH, Simon Zebo.

Because I'm Kiwi myself, I don't want to be seen to be running a PR campaign on his behalf, and I don't necessarily think he will travel, but I have no doubt he would do the Lions proud if selected.

These are the best highlights I could find, admittedly a fair few of the tries are simple run-ins, but he definitely has pace.

Tigerandahalf

Paddywiggum wrote: »

I think there will be more Irish players in first team than left in squad if you know what i mean.

I think Healy, Sexton and O'Driscoll start. I think O'Brien & Best in squad.

Hibbard is getting rave reviews across channel and best has played himself out of team.

The way Ireland have employed O'Brien, he is in danger of becoming a one-trick pony.

I still think Best will be number 2. Hibbard wasnt even mentioned until after the Eng game. His throwing is also an issue. I think OBrien will be kept for the bench. The Lions will need a lineout specialist at either 6 or 8 and Faletau is not noted for his lineout work. 6 will be a position up for grabs. Wasnt Tom Croft the 6 on the last Lions tour? He was v good on that.

Paddywiggum

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I still think Best will be number 2. Hibbard wasnt even mentioned until after the Eng game. His throwing is also an issue. I think OBrien will be kept for the bench. The Lions will need a lineout specialist at either 6 or 8 and Faletau is not noted for his lineout work. 6 will be a position up for grabs. Wasnt Tom Croft the 6 on the last Lions tour? He was v good on that.

Robshaw and Tipuric in with shout for squad, hard to pin down the back row.

Wales have just won 2 Championships in a row, and in a World Semi, they showed on Saturday that they've very good players who can perform on the big occasion.

so if there's a 50/50 position and Gatland goes for a welsh man above others then id have no argument with it.

Tigerandahalf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9sxzIODwA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Couldnt see your youtube link as boards youtube vids dont work for me so found that on youtube. Just watching the clips the speed of the game down under is much better than here, offloading fantastic. Would love to have seen ODriscoll play down there. He would be so suited.

Swiwi

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9sxzIODwA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Couldmt see your youtube link as boards youtube vids dont work for me so found that on youtube. Just watching the clips the speed of the game down under is muvch better than here, offloading fantastic. Would love to have seen ODriscoll play down there. He would be so suited.

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UgMLB5vzukY

It's like all SH rugby, if the Lions can win the battle of the breakdown, slow ball won't suit the Aussie gameplan. However, if there is quick ruck ball, SH sides generally know how to put men into space, offload, draw & pass etc.

badabing106

Healy and BOD only Irish in starting 15 I reckon

penybont exile

Fireball07 wrote: »

I haven't posted in this topic for a while, but things have changed a good bit. Depending on players coming back from injury, there could still be changes.

Full-Backs: Halfpenny, Hogg

Halfpenny is pretty much a certainty to start, I was really quite disappointed with Kearney over the course of the tournament. Goode and Brown are both good players, but I really like Hogg and think the fact that there mightn't be many Scottish players could count in his favour. He's very versatile too.

Wings: Cuthbert, North, Zebo, Maitland/Ashton/Bowe

If Zebo gets back to fitness and form, I really think he could go, there aren't that many standout players on the wing. Cuthbert and North are both likely to go, big and strong, good finishers. I'd have Maitland ahead of Visser, more secure defensively...Ashton isn't in unbelievable form but will score tries if given the chance. Bowe is probably unlikely due to injury, but is a well-rounded player. If Zebo doesn't make it, then Maitland and Ashton are both likely to go.

Centres: Tuilagi, BOD, Davies, (somebody else)

I think Tuilagi has to go, he's a very effective player but he has to play beside someone more creative. Brad Barritt can't go, he's just so limited..... I didn't think BOD was amazing in the 6N but if he's fit and playing well, he'll probably go, because there isn't anyone else. Davies didn't have the best championship but is a good option at 12 or 13. As for the last spot, there's always Roberts but I wouldn't like to see a Roberts/Tuilagi partnership (if BOD were to get injured), Marshall did well enough for Ireland but isn't guaranteed to start for Ulster, the Scottish centres are also fairly limited. Real chance of a wild card here imo...

Out-halves: Sexton, Farrell..... Laidlaw

Sexton has to go if fit because he's the best. Farrell also should go. Last spot between Biggar and Laidlaw, but I like Laidlaw, especially for his versatility.

Scrum-halves: Care, Youngs, Murray

I think the two English ones are the two best, Murray had a very good 6N and did his chances no harm. You could put Laidlaw here and bring Biggar too, I suppose. I wouldn't bring Phillips, I'd bring Williams ahead of him tbqh.

No. 8s: Faletau, Beattie

I guess..... I don't think either are amazing, and Heaslip still has a chance despite a poor enough campaign. The two mentioned did well enough but are a level below the genuinely top 8s like Parisse. I still think SOB could possibly play here.

Back-rows: SOB, Robshaw, Tipuric, Lydiate/Armitage/Brown/Warburton

SOB has to go, he was in great form and he's so versatile. Wasn't a massive fan of Robshaw but you can't argue with his performances and again, versatility is important. I rate Tipuric really highly and think he should start at 7. As for the last spot...I've been impressed with Armitage any time I've seen him but I don't know if Gatland will bring him. Lydiate, if fit, should go. Otherwise...Brown had a good campaign, and Warburton is still a real possibility.

Second-row: Parling, Launchbury, Evans/Ryan/Hamilton/Jones

I was very impressed with the 2 English locks tbh, and both will probably go even if they don't start. I still think Ryan is an excellent player, one of the best lineout jumpers around. Evans and Jones are both impressive too, and Hamilton did a great job for Scotland, even if I don't think he's actually on the same level of the others. He does his job effectively though. (I'm still hoping POC comes back in great form and gets picked....but it's unlikely)

Tighthead Props: Jones, Cole... Murray

Jones and Cole are pretty much nailed on. I think 3 THs should go and I couldn't think of anyone else beyond Murray.

Hookers: Hibbard, Best, Youngs

I think those 3 are fair enough...

Loosehead Props: Healy, Jenkins, Marler/Sheridan


Healy has to go, Jenkins was good...toss-up for the last spot, Sheridan has been ignored for England but is a good scrummager and is possibly deserving. Marler or maybe even Vunipola/James otherwise.

I stopped reading this after the scrum-half selections.
How you do not pick Phillips is beyond me.
He is by far the best 9 in the NH.
Barring injury he will be the starting 9 for the first test.

Tigerandahalf

Against the Head picked the following team
Sheehan's picks 1 to 5
Jenkins
Best
Jones
Hamilton
Jones

Quinlan picked 6 to 10
Robshaw
Warburton
OBrien
Phillips
Sexton

Thornley picked 11 to 15
North
Roberts
ODriscoll
Cuthbert
Halfpenny

Thornley picked Warburton as captain, Sheehan went for Jenkins while Quinlan went for Best.

Red Pepper

Can you imagine O'Driscoll looking around him and seeing Sexton, Roberts, North, Cuthbert and Halfpenny supporting him. He would think all his Christmases have come at once. He could let them to the grunt work while he looks for breaks, offloads, intercepts and steals. The Aussie backline wouldn't target him either with the other Welsh monsters posing equal threats.

Tox56

penybont exile wrote: »

I stopped reading this after the scrum-half selections.
How you do not pick Phillips is beyond me.
He is by far the best 9 in the NH.
Barring injury he will be the starting 9 for the first test.

I stopped reading this after the suggestion that Phillips is by far the best 9 in the NH...

I mean, he will travel, but what???

jamiedav2011

Tox56 wrote: »

I stopped reading this after the suggestion that Phillips is by far the best 9 in the NH...

I mean, he will travel, but what???

I'd say Kahn and Parra might have something to say about who the best 9 in the NH is.

And it's not Phillips.

Tigerandahalf

Tox56 wrote: »

I stopped reading this after the suggestion that Phillips is by far the best 9 in the NH...

I mean, he will travel, but what???

To be fair he is very good when he is up for it. Youngs for England has had a poor enough tournament. Care has discipline issues, might be an issue on tour.

Rightwing

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Against the Head picked the following team
Sheehan's picks 1 to 5
Jenkins
Best
Jones
Hamilton
Jones

Quinlan picked 6 to 10
Robshaw
Warburton
OBrien
Phillips
Sexton

Thornley picked 11 to 15
North
Roberts
ODriscoll
Cuthbert
Halfpenny

Thornley picked Warburton as captain, Sheehan went for Jenkins while Quinlan went for Best.

O driscoll didn't do enough in the 6N to justify a start,let alone captain. He was excellent v Wales, and I didn't see him after that. So I agree with Thornley, Warburton for captain.

Tigerandahalf

Rightwing wrote: »

O driscoll didn't do enough in the 6N to justify a start,let alone captain. He was excellent v Wales, and I didn't see him after that. So I agree with Thornley, Warburton for captain.

It is a hard call to make. The Lions captain will need to start every test so has to be nailed on for place in team. The last 2 captains have been Irish so I think Warburton could well be captain. He seems to have the attitude Gatland likes too. He doesnt drink either I believe.

RoundBox11

penybont exile wrote: »

I stopped reading this after the scrum-half selections.
How you do not pick Phillips is beyond me.
He is by far the best 9 in the NH.
Barring injury he will be the starting 9 for the first test.

He really isnt... I'd have Parra, Youngs and Murray all equal or ahead tbh

JoeyDoh

Rightwing wrote: »

O driscoll didn't do enough in the 6N to justify a start,let alone captain. He was excellent v Wales, and I didn't see him after that. So I agree with Thornley, Warburton for captain.

On that merit Warburton doesn't deserve it either. He was terrible at the beginning of the tournament.

darragh_haven

badabing106 wrote: »

Healy and BOD only Irish in starting 15 I reckon

Healy and Sexton for me. But I think anyone thinking out side of these 3 is "overeating our players".
I think well have about 8 travel....