2013 British and Irish Lions

[Leonormous Boozer]

That makes no sense though. He's given a defensive job for Wales, and that's to defend quite wide, which he is comfortable in doing due to his pace (doesn't have issues keeping up with most backs). Considering Wales have had one of the best defences in the NH in recent times, and have once again returned to form in that regard, not conceding a try in 3 1/2 games, it seems to be working.

As for the ruck thing, that's what he does, he goes for the ball. Nothing wrong with that when there are other players there to hit rucks. Heaslip plays in a similar manner, hence why he often makes a decent amount of turnovers for Ireland. Cole does the same for England, which is very uncommon for a tighthead prop, doesn't make it wrong, or poor to do so, so long as the balance in the team is right.

Meh, I always think to myself that he should leave tackles to the inside man and he's putting his outside backs under pressure at times. Heaslip hits a lot of rucks in attack as well and plays like a link man between backs and forwards very effectively.

I've never seen what all the fuss about Faletau is though, it's just my opinion though, Gatland's is the important one.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

Stats might not be everything, but they can be very suggestive. Other than to call the stats wrong, there's no way round the fact that Faletau's tackling has been better for example.

Warburton is suddenly back to being a Lions contender btw. Gave performance of the tournament imo today. If he can back it up against England next week, and continue back into the season with it, then a Robshaw/Warburton combo is on the cards.

I really don't know how people can look past O'Brien at the minute. He really reduced his penalty count today, and I thought he played outstanding. He's been very consistent, more consistent than most in this tournament. Without him I dont think Ireland would have done as good as they have done.

 

[big ginger 8]

I really don't know how people can look past O'Brien at the minute. He really reduced his penalty count today, and I thought he played outstanding. He's been very consistent, more consistent than most in this tournament. Without him I dont think Ireland would have done as good as they have done.

I'm sticking the chip on my shoulder and saying because he's Irish.....

 

[TRF_Olyy]

With Warburton and Heaslip putting in better performances, and SOB having an impressive 6N it's really making it impossible to call the backrow.
If I were picking a squad tomorrow I'd go (on current form/injury status) for 6. Robshaw, 7. Warburton, 8. Beattie, 20. SO'B
But, hell, you could pick pretty much any combination of any of the 6N backrows and it'd be top quality.

SO'B is starting to look like the S'OB of old - presumably as he's becoming more used to playing at 7. He has his improved breakdown work from playing there, but is getting back to his big carrying ways. Great news for Ireland/Lions (bad news for their opposition :lol

 

[big ginger 8]

With Warburton and Heaslip putting in better performances, and SOB having an impressive 6N it's really making it impossible to call the backrow.
If I were picking a squad tomorrow I'd go (on current form/injury status) for 6. Robshaw, 7. Warburton, 8. Beattie, 20. SO'B
But, hell, you could pick pretty much any combination of any of the 6N backrows and it'd be top quality.

SO'B is starting to look like the S'OB of old - presumably as he's becoming more used to playing at 7. He has his improved breakdown work from playing there, but is getting back to his big carrying ways. Great news for Ireland/Lions (bad news for their opposition :lol

Yeah backrow is one area at least we don't really have to worry about too much. Now if only for a standout 9 or 12.

 

[Saint Matt]

I thought Healip had a decent game today, but Beattie would still be my number 8 on current form. Robshaw would be 6 without a doubt, but that number 7 spot is still up for grabs.

If Pockock is fit, then Warburton's work at the breakdown might just give him the edge - but Sean O'Brien's ball carrying ability, coupled with his improved work at the breakdown puts him well and truly in contention.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I think Laidlaw is frontrunner for me at the moment, at 9.
Murray had a good game today, will be interesting to see if he can back it up next week. Looking forward to seeing Care get a start tomorrow, if he impresses he could start vs Wales, and then who knows. Having said that, I imagine Philips is no.1 on Gatlands list.

12 is a difficult one - Gatland's not afraid to try youth/inexperience in his sides, so there's the potential to see Marshall and/or Twelvetrees tour. Both impress at club level, and don't look out of depth internationally. It's just a matter of whether or not they've had enough exposure at the highest level for the selectors.
Roberts and Barritt would be the safe bets. Think 12 is wide open as none have particularly stood out in any of the games (apart from Marshall vs Scotland, and maybe 36 vs Scotland). I'd say Roberts is front runner due to Gatland knowing him, and him having toured (and started) last time round, however he's had a very very quiet Six Nations and hasn't had the chance to shine for an uninspiring Blues side, so who knows.

 

[big ginger 8]

I think Laidlaw is frontrunner for me at the moment, at 9.
Murray had a good game today, will be interesting to see if he can back it up next week. Looking forward to seeing Care get a start tomorrow, if he impresses he could start vs Wales, and then who knows. Having said that, I imagine Philips is no.1 on Gatlands list.

12 is a difficult one - Gatland's not afraid to try youth/inexperience in his sides, so there's the potential to see Marshall and/or Twelvetrees tour. Both impress at club level, and don't look out of depth internationally. It's just a matter of whether or not they've had enough exposure at the highest level for the selectors.
Roberts and Barritt would be the safe bets. Think 12 is wide open as none have particularly stood out in any of the games (apart from Marshall vs Scotland, and maybe 36 vs Scotland). I'd say Roberts is front runner due to Gatland knowing him, and him having toured (and started) last time round, however he's had a very very quiet Six Nations and hasn't had the chance to shine for an uninspiring Blues side, so who knows.

Agree with much of that I think Murray's an excellent 9 to have on the wet days but I wouldn't be so sure on the drier pitches in Oz. His defence is brilliant though and that could be in his favour with Genia being such a threat. However I still wouldn't have him on the plane at the moment.

At 12 I just hope one of them shows the form we know they're capable of. If not Tuilagi BO'D with them interchanging wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

 

[Aedaphon]

I believe everyone's thoughts on statistics were well summed up by Scott Johnson not all that long ago:

"Statistics are like a bikini, it shows a lot but not the whole thing"

Not sure who's seen it but Pocock's out for the next 6 months or so, so the Lions back row has a fair bit less to worry about...

 

[big ginger 8]

I believe everyone's thoughts on statistics were well summed up by Scott Johnson not all that long ago:



Not sure who's seen it but Pocock's out for the next 6 months or so, so the Lions back row has a fair bit less to worry about...

Unfortunate that Gill is playing out of his skin and they still have Hooper and George Smith! Not short on 7's are they? Says something that Pocock's still a huge loss.

 

[munstermuffin]

People jumping gun a bit on Warburton. Yea he's a good player and had superb game but has been poor all season and O'Brien has been consistently good while Robshaw at 7 has been excellent. Add in Tipuric too and there is competition

 

[Aedaphon]

Unfortunate that Gill is playing out of his skin and they still have Hooper and George Smith! Not short on 7's are they? Says something that Pocock's still a huge loss.

Australia is flooded with quality 7s, but with Richie on sabbatical, Pocock is the best openside in international rugby right now. It'll be interesting to see if Smith can take back the shirt now that he's back in Oz

 

[Saint Matt]

I agree with an early poster, Laidlaw would be my 9 at this moment in time. I like Connor Murray, and I thought he played well today, but I think Laidlaw's handling and distributional skills are more suited the firmer grounds OZ will have to offer. Mike Phillips situation is similar to that of Jamie Roberts - pretty quiet 6 nations but Gatland knows exactly what he is capable of, and has the ability to bring the best out of him. Genia is obviously a huge threat for them at 9, so you have to wonder wheather that will impact Gatland's decision.

12 is much tougher to predict, and their isn't really a stand out contender amongst them IMO. Twelvetrees has been great at club level, and has been exposed to the international scene recently. Having said that, I don't think he has played enough "top level" rugby to influence the selectors decision, although Gatland isn't afraid to give the young players opportunities. As I said earlier, Roberts has had a quiet championship for Wales, but Gatland knows the influence he can have on the side having coached him internationally, as well as touring with the Lions in 2009.

Anyway, if the Lions have taught us one thing, it is that those who you think are nailed on selections/captains etc often prove to be anything but.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Has an Irish 9 ever started for the Lions? We're not good at producing good 9's here, Peter Stringer was our best by a long shot.

9's, for me would go in this sort of order,

1. Youngs/Care (Very similar players so I think only one should tour and whoever that is should start)
2-3. Whoever is playing better between Phillips and Laidlaw
5. Murray (Service would not be quick enough with the backline the Lions would have at there disposal)

 

[munstermuffin]

As long as no Munster player goes I'm happy. But people say Garland knows what Welsh guys can do but that worthless unless they have form. Woodward knew what English boys could do in 2005 and well that turned out bad

 

[Saint Matt]

As long as no Munster player goes I'm happy. But people say Garland knows what Welsh guys can do but that worthless unless they have form. Woodward knew what English boys could do in 2005 and well that turned out bad

I think Woodward took an awful lot of unnecessary criticism during and after that tour to be honest, but you are right - he did make a few strange choices.

Having said that, I seem to remembering him throwing in an out of form Jonny Wilkinson in at 12 outside Steven Jones rather than playing an inform centre like Gavin Henson - which was a poor decision. We were short of leaders that year, so I can why he made that selection.

You have to remember than we lost BOD in the first test as well as Laurwence Dallaligio in one of the midweek games - not only two great players, but two great leaders which did made it tough for him.

 

[munstermuffin]

Don't get me wrong that was in my opinion 1 of best All Blacks team ever but as you say some players got accommodated because they were excellent in RWC 03

 

[jordiev]

Jesse Mogg from the Brumbies looks like he's pretty much nailed a place in the Wallaby 23 already. Dude is playing out of his skin.

YES! from what iv seen of him amazing attacking fullback

 

[Joseph14]

It's a shame Pocock looks set to miss out.

 

[Ospreylian]

I think recently the prop situation has become a real area of concern. Tighthead prop was being contested by Jones, Cole and Murray until recently, but with Cole not playing up to the form we know he can, and Murray being destroyed in the scrum yesterday, it looks like Jones has pretty much nailed the spot. But we really need Cole to get back to form quickly, because if Jones gets injured (which he has a habit of doing) we could be in trouble come June.

At loosehead, nobody is really standing out. Paul James is a bit up and down at the moment, and seems to get penalized a little too often. He did make 8 tackles yesterday though, which is impressive for someone who is often criticized or questioned for his work rate around the field. Marler is not playing up to standards either, and obviously cannot hold his position in the England squad. We'll have to see how Vunipola does today, he could be a serious option if he puts in a big performance. Jenkins is another option. He was beginning to find his top form again before he got injured, and was not only doing his renowned loose work but was also great in the scrum. Healy started the tournament strongly, but has since gone off the boil, and his discipline could obviously be questioned.