1st TEST: South Africa v Lions

[shazbooger]

Ahhh your right. There is a gulf in class between the two sides. If you were to try and identify truly world class players in either teams I'd say you could easily pick 4 for South Africa (Matfield, De Villiers, Du Preez, and Spies). There would be other close calls (Habana and Burger) but those four would probably walk into a world selection. In the Lions team you have a lot of good players but only O'Driscoll and probably Jenkins could be considered world class.

 

[Jer1cho]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Logorrhea @ Jun 18 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ahhh your right. There is a gulf in class between the two sides. If you were to try and identify truly world class players in either teams I'd say you could easily pick 4 for South Africa (Matfield, De Villiers, Du Preez, and Spies). There would be other close calls (Habana and Burger) but those four would probably walk into a world selection. In the Lions team you have a lot of good players but only O'Driscoll and probably Jenkins could be considered world class.[/b]

I disagree. I don't know what it is, but this Lions team is bursting with class. Sure, some performances were below par, but every time i see these players, i can't help but think that the future of NH rugby is looking exceptional. I think that with the Australian having a really average Super 14, and New Zealand losing a lot of their stars, both of those teams are relieved that this Lions team is facing South Africa. We have a really strong team, and are an incredible side, but even that is not enough to make me confident. I'm really worried we lose this series.

It honestly doesn't get better than this. In the past, The European sides had one or two world class players... but now, i think the playing field is beginning to level. The resurgence of the Irish and Welsh this year was testament to that. One thing that is changing, is the mindset of the players up there. In 2005 it was a case of 'Let's do our best, forget about winning in New Zealand lads.' Whereas at the moment it's more a case of 'We are ready, so bring it on!'

It's a case of the Lions confidence versus the Springbok arrogance i guess...

 

[Olyy]

Lions (vs South Africa, first Test, Saturday June 20)

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)



Exactly the side i was expecting the see, even the bench

 

[Jer1cho]

Speculation confirmed then... BRING IT!

 

[JoshBarker]

was hoping to see martyn at 7 but meh, we'll see what happens.

 

[bman2112]

can't complain about that

 

[Sir Speedy]

Williams not on the field?

The Irish claim Wallace is a good scavenger on the ground, but I don't quite believe he has the mind Martyn has on field. I'll back him for a big performance though; backrow choice was going to get some complaints no matter what.

Interesting to see Sheridan not making the bench. Ah well, good side otherwise. We'll shock 'em in the first game, then tear them to shreds in test 2.
Third test can be the token consolation match for them; us Northerners aren't that mean.

 

[Jer1cho]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Jun 18 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

We'll shock 'em in the first game, then tear them to shreds in test 2.
Third test can be the token consolation match for them; us Northerners aren't that mean.[/b]

 

[Steve-o]

WOW, what a team.

Boks by 16 :lol:

In all seriousness though that is one hell of a Lions team. The subs are awesome and will prove vital in this game because of the great alternatives. If the Lions are struggling at the rucks they bring on M.Williams, if they want to bash it up a bit more they bring on O'Callaghan, etc.

I can't wait till Saturday! I feel like sleeping until then and waking up before the kickoff

 

[Olyy]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams come on at half time/very soon after

 

[Sir Speedy]

That's the worst lolcat pic ever. You disappoint me, Jericho.

 

[An Tarbh]

thought Williams should have got the nod but Wally is that but more physical, either way it's a 50/50 call and I don't think we'd be let down either way.

The one surprise for me is to see O'Callaghan on the bench, he's not the impact sub type, AWJ would certainly make more of an impact were he to come on after 50 or 60 minutes, this is nothing against Wyn Jones before people start getting up on their high horses but O'Callaghan is the type you'd start and replace later on, don't think it'll work the other way round. The best option probably would have been to have Hines on the bench.

 

[QKXV]

Tom Croft - Big selection blunder, Martyn Williams should have made the starting XV

 

[Jer1cho]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Jun 18 2009, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

That's the worst lolcat pic ever. You disappoint me, Jericho.[/b]

:huh: :wah:

 

[JoshBarker]

actually can't wait for saturday now...

come on lions.

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Jun 18 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Williams not on the field? The Irish claim Wallace is a good scavenger on the ground, but I don't quite believe he has the mind Martyn has on field.[/b]

Yeah I'd say that was close and while I still cant believe thats the best the 4 nations could have offered in the backrow, its the best combination available, sigh.

I'm still pished Ferris wont be around as his power could have made a difference but I really think Williams is too lightweight for the nasty stuff at the breakdown, especially in the opening exchanges. I dont think Wallace will fare much better but at least we know Williams and Jones will come in when the game loosens up in the final 30 or so. Its a pretty good bench to have. They better damn well use it wisely and early.

 

[KZNSharksFan]

At the risk of sounding arrogant, I honestly believe the boks outclass the lions in most positions and will win, provided thay can play as a cohesive unit in the first match. If not, things will be shaky.

 

[SimonTaylor]

Not enough strength in the forwards. Worry for back row.

 

[Bull]

I was a bit worried about the Boks front row but now that the Lions don't even have Sheridan on the bench I'm a lot less worried. Also Jones in front of O'Gara?

 

[SimonTaylor]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Jun 18 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Jun 18 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We'll shock 'em in the first game, then tear them to shreds in test 2.
Third test can be the token consolation match for them; us Northerners aren't that mean.[/b]

[/b][/quote]


lol!!

U not sure then fella