Backline Dilemma for Gatland in the British Lions Team

[Groundhog]

Murray's actually a lovely guy, but a narky little **** on the pith as all good 9s should be.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Well aye, that's what i mean.
He's one of the least likeable 9s in the game, just as loads hate farrell - farrell is, by all accounts, a good guy away from.the pitch.

 

[munstermuffin]

Well aye, that's what i mean.
He's one of the least likeable 9s in the game, just as loads hate farrell - farrell is, by all accounts, a good guy away from.the pitch.

Met Farrell off field. He's a gentleman. But I think younneed to be a narky **** to be a good half back

 

[Peat]

Only ever person I met who knew Farrell off the pitch reckoned he was a complete pillock there as well.

I think Farrell's come on a lot but I want to see him look the business at 10 for England before I believe he is the business. He hasn't yet, he's got a losing record against good teams as an England 10. I appreciate he's had little recent chance to do so but I'm still waiting for it anyway. Looking great behind Sarries' behemoth pack isn't the proof I want. Alex Goode looks great for Sarries but we're all agreed he doesn't merit discussion based on his past performances for England. Where's Farrell's previous England performances that should lead me to believe he's not another Alex Goode?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Murray lovely guy? I've heard otherwise...

 

[munstermuffin]

Murray lovely guy? I've heard otherwise...

He's a fair lad to be fair. But like any players I'm sure that it only bad stiries that get out.
Like Keith Earls is pure gent off field and never see it displayed butbthe amount he does for charity and the regen programme in Moyross is phenomenal helping kids there daily

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Only ever person I met who knew Farrell off the pitch reckoned he was a complete pillock there as well.

I think Farrell's come on a lot but I want to see him look the business at 10 for England before I believe he is the business. He hasn't yet, he's got a losing record against good teams as an England 10. I appreciate he's had little recent chance to do so but I'm still waiting for it anyway. Looking great behind Sarries' behemoth pack isn't the proof I want. Alex Goode looks great for Sarries but we're all agreed he doesn't merit discussion based on his past performances for England. Where's Farrell's previous England performances that should lead me to believe he's not another Alex Goode?

The only way that Farrell has a shot at 10 is if a 12 puts there hands up. I know that's odd but we just don't have anyone else to play there who is a second play maker.

Slade hasn't really come on, teo is meh, I wonder if Alex L might be considered at 12 with Farrell at 10 at some point.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

The only way that Farrell has a shot at 10 is if a 12 puts there hands up. I know that's odd but we just don't have anyone else to play there who is a second play maker.

Slade hasn't really come on, teo is meh, I wonder if Alex L might be considered at 12 with Farrell at 10 at some point.

I'd have thought if Loz really comes into first team contention and Faz is the one alongside him, it'll be the other way around (Loz 10, Faz 12). The only player in England that I can really see taking the 12 shirt is Harry Mallinder if he develops right. Devoto with a chance.

 

[munstermuffin]

The only way that Farrell has a shot at 10 is if a 12 puts there hands up. I know that's odd but we just don't have anyone else to play there who is a second play maker.

Slade hasn't really come on, teo is meh, I wonder if Alex L might be considered at 12 with Farrell at 10 at some point.

If Henshaw hasn't put in a serious case for being 12 I'd say Gatland isn't wanting to win

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

If Henshaw hasn't put in a serious case for being 12 I'd say Gatland isn't wanting to win

I meant with England (sorry, should really be the England thread).

For lions the centres can include henshaw and Farrell and JJ. All are top notch.

We all know it's going to be roberts and Davies though.

 

[munstermuffin]

I meant with England (sorry, should really be the England thread).

For lions the centres can include henshaw and Farrell and JJ. All are top notch.

We all know it's going to be roberts and Davies though.

If Roberts is in it will be a travesty. A great player in his prime but not even best 12 for Wales

 

[Peat]

The only way that Farrell has a shot at 10 is if a 12 puts there hands up. I know that's odd but we just don't have anyone else to play there who is a second play maker.

Slade hasn't really come on, teo is meh, I wonder if Alex L might be considered at 12 with Farrell at 10 at some point.

I think you're right that he needs another 12 to step up, although he could also benefit from Ford getting injured/really losing form again. It doesn't have to be a second playmaker though, Jones is interested in a crash 12 too it looks like.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Jon Davies was pure ****e yesterday vs Sale

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

I hear his brother is pretty talented.....at falling over

 

[Zed]

Yeah Tuilagi isn't even key for England currently he might be if he ever gets fit again but that seams unlikely. Do you actually watch NH rugby?

Sorry that's what I meant, if he was fit and not perpetually injured he'd be key.

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I don't get why people don't think highly of Farrell in terms of being no fan of him. I'm huge fan of him and think he's a brilliant 10. I think Sexton is a better 10 but if Sexton was out I'd prefer him as next in line.

He's certainly playing better than he was when he first entered the England setup, but I think his attacking ability is pretty limited. He's not quick, doesn't have a great step and isn't particularly powerful, so he's easy to defend against. Defending players can hang off him a bit, knowing there's little chance of him running it and if he does there's little chance of him making a break/half break. You look at players like Carter, Giteau, James O'Connor, you almost have to have 2 players on them because of their pace and ability to step at speed. Not saying Farrell can't become a great player, but he has those limitations. I thought he played well over here during the 3 tests last year, very consistent and reliable.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Sorry that's what I meant, if he was fit and not perpetually injured he'd be key.

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He's certainly playing better than he was when he first entered the England setup, but I think his attacking ability is pretty limited. He's not quick, doesn't have a great step and isn't particularly powerful, so he's easy to defend against. Defending players can hang off him a bit, knowing there's little chance of him running it and if he does there's little chance of him making a break/half break. You look at players like Carter, Giteau, James O'Connor, you almost have to have 2 players on them because of their pace and ability to step at speed. Not saying Farrell can't become a great player, but he has those limitations. I thought he played well over here during the 3 tests last year, very consistent and reliable.

That was true about Farrell a year or two ago but not now. If you watch him you'll see he does interest defences and does attack very well now. Not world class but definitely international class as a FH.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Agree with that and he's got good defence and goal kicking. But his biggest attribute is his mental toughness - he's always up for the fight and recovers well from set backs. Give me that over talented but flaky any day.

At the weekend EJ was pretty much intimating that he was in line to take over from Hartley.

 

[MikeTheNative]

Jon Davies was pure ****e yesterday vs Sale

Yeah he was, he is really struggling for form at the moment. I wouldn't have him in the Wales team currently so nowhere near the Lions Squad. My back line of throw the ball around a bit - Webb, Russel, Liam Williams, Henshaw, Joseph, Watson ,Hogg

 

[martinspoonboy1]

Chances of Rhys Webb making the Lions squad now that Laidlaw is out?

Sky has it at evens which seems insane. Worth a punt methinks!

 

[Saint4805]

Chances of Rhys Webb making the Lions squad now that Laidlaw is out?

Sky has it at evens which seems insane. Worth a punt methinks!

Wouldn't be surprised if Ali Price outshines him in the next game at Murrayfield. Great form for Glasgow and now has his chance to show what he can do on the international stage.