But I'll ask so on certain issues.
a) When they trained in Ireland why bring Welsh U.20 players to make up numbers? Why not Irish U.20s or even Munster/Leinster/Ulster lads not on duty. And when in Wales and short players why use Wales U.20 full squad why not just call in extra players from standby list? There were lots that werent with National teams until following week or 2. Players off top of my head in Munster - Zebo, O'Mahony, Mike Sherry, Kilcoyne and James Downey. (All internationals) Add in likes of Robshaw, Ashton etc all these lads better than Wales U.20's so why was Welsh teams used heavily?
b) Bowe and Cuthbert were never in same class as defensively Cuthbert (isn't versatile for bench) is poor so that was never close. Same with Tipuric wasn't on form really so SOB was always ahead and Tipuric would only have been in ahead of Lydiate.
c) The issue of Phillips over the first 2 tests Phillips has been by a large distance the worst of the 3 9's so why select him? Murray had excellent game when on last week and Youngs wasn't as bad in his appearances so what is the reasoning behind Phillips suddenly been parachuted back in as a starter.
d) Youngs has outshone Hibbard in darts and argubally around field so why sacrifice our lineout for scrum.
e) Regards BOD I'd have no problem in BOD been dropped if it was based fairly on form and on form Tuilagi is the man deserving a 13 shirt ahead of BOD but nobody else.
f) Warburton was handed the captaincy when he wasn't even guaranteed his Welsh jersey.
g) Gatland picked all Welsh coaches with Farrell who is a yes man and Rowntree who also just is a puppet for Gatland. I've respect for Rob Howley but the Lions is about entertaining rugby and Joe Schmidt openly revealed he'd love the Backs/Attack role for Lions and Gatland didn't even consider him. Now as a Munster man it's not easy to say but how can you overlook a man who is 1 of the best in World Rugby - I'll tell you why because Gatland was worried he might get credit and the All Blacks might be shown his talent and he's a threat.
h) You mention subconsiousness but I'll ask question so - IF it's all about Combinations and that reason Davies was retained then why isn't Murray at 9 as he's showed better than Phillips but more so on same reasoning as Davies him and Sexton are national partners?
Same could be argued for Heaslip beside SOB? I don't think it subconsiousness when it basically said.
i) And finally my point why so many changes like we haven't been hammered but I would question is it a coincidence that every Welsh player except Evans will see test duty and if you add in had Gethin Jenkins been fit and Priestland they would've too.
Maybe all coincidence but
a) I believe an U20 player was only used as a tackle bag holder during the time the Lions were training in Wales. Similarly, they trained with/against the Welsh squad while they were at the same training base in Glanmorgan. Hardly the end of the world tbh. This has been made into some huge deal, when it really, really isn't. If he wanted to somehow use the Lions in order to develop a young prop, Rob Evans wouldn't be the obvious choice!
b) Much too much is made of Cuthberts poor defence. He get's caught out about as often as Kearney does at fullback, and with similar consequences. Cuthbert's try scoring has been second to none in the NH during his international career. Still nothing wrong with Bowe starting, he's a world class player.
c) I agree to some extent. Murray has been the form 9 this tour. Picking Phillips is all about gambling that he'll have one of his big games, the type of game where he controls everything and scores a ridiculous try in the corner. Double standards here certainly, as BOD hasn't been offered the same pass.
d) Youngs' lineout throwing wasn't great last week. It's also evident that he's incapable of throwing to the tail, hence Croft standing at the front of the lineout in the first test. Hibbard has been below his best, but I don't think he'll weaken the lineout, whereas he'll strengthen the scrum and offer something the little different with his brute strength. Always was a 50/50 call for this test imo.
e) Yeah I agree, although looking at combinations things start to get a little cloudy.
f) I think everyone should stop going on about Warburton being the captain. He was magnificent last week, and fully justified his inclusion in the team and as captain. Things unravelled when he went off.
g) I have issues with the coaches as well, but not because he picked Howley and Jenkins. Jenkins has earned his place, the kickers on tour have been magnificent. I would have picked Schmidt as well. But Gatland did leave behind his long time college Shaun Edwards, and wrongly so imo. Still, difficult to claim he just picked Welsh coaches, when he left such an important one out.
h) Faletau fully deserves to start ahead of Heaslip. It would have been a bigger travesty imo if Faletau missed out on a test than BOD being dropped, because Faletau has genuinely played well in just about every game he's played.
i) Starting to wish he hadn't picked as many Welshmen, as the resentment is almost deafening. Many of the Welsh players deserve their positions. Lydiate, Phillips and Davies are the three that possibly don't. There's been far worse calls on previous Lions tours tbh. Still, I can understand the hostility, but all of those players will give their 100%, and I hope they can win. Just think of Halfpenny..... he was so upset after the last test, do you really want to see him like that again. :cryy:
the other centre can do the thinking for clever lines etc
