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(Very) early thoughts on the 2017 Lions

The Oggmonster said:
Well argued. Another disadvantage Watson has is that he plays for Edinburgh and won't get to showcase his talents in the ECC unlike Haskell who'll get a chance to play against Leinster not to mention the Saracens, Glasgow & Munster lads. He only has Italy left in the 6N and I'm not sure if a good performance against them will carry too much weight in the selectors' eyes.

I wouldn't at all be surprised if the only Scots to make the plane are Hogg, J Gray and possibly Huw Jones as I think he's Gatland's kind of 13. The likes of Seymour and Russell are really going to have to impress when Glasgow visit Saracens if they are to have any chance.
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I really hope we get more Sots than that. Even last time round there were 3 or 4 Scots if you include Ryan Grant, and Scotland are obviously a much better side now. I think Seymour should go, but Russell I have to say is extremely unlikely now.

The main advantage England players have over their counterparts is that they are the only team winning any away games. You obviously need as much of that as possible going away to New Zealand. I think this will decide a lot of tight calls.
 
The Oggmonster said:
No love for Hamish Watson at 7? If we look at the campaign as a whole and not just the last game, he came off the bench and gave Wales a torrid time at the breakdown. Turnovers galore. Admittedly he didn't get to shine at Twickers but did very well against Ireland and Wales. Certainly wouldn't feel aggrieved if Warbs or Tips got the nod as both playing great and would be good bets to deliver in the tests.
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Please I've been watsons number one fan on here for a while. But he wouldn't make the test side over warbs for me.

Would have him as the wid week 7 though.
 
HenryChinaski said:
I really hope we get more Sots than that. Even last time round there were 3 or 4 Scots if you include Ryan Grant, and Scotland are obviously a much better side now. I think Seymour should go, but Russell I have to say is extremely unlikely now.

The main advantage England players have over their counterparts is that they are the only team winning any away games. You obviously need as much of that as possible going away to New Zealand. I think this will decide a lot of tight calls.
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I would also take Seymour but the lack of Scots on the coaching team could hinder his/their chances, particularly for those marginal calls. Dunbar was also in the mix until his poor display last weekend. Scotland are touring Australia at the same time and I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of those featuring in those marginal calls get asked to hop over the water in the event of injuries.

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Tigs Man said:
Please I've been watsons number one fan on here for a while. But he wouldn't make the test side over warbs for me.

Would have him as the wid week 7 though.
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I meant him being in the conversation for a squad place as opposed to making the case that he's my first choice 7. It's natural to look back at the most recent round of games and I was just trying to look at the campaign as a whole. The fact that he's had one of the weakest packs also shows how well he did up until the England game.
 
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Anyone reckon O'Mahony may break in to Lions squad? Hasn't been mentioned much but after yesterday and he offers a different style.
 
Tallshort said:
Yeah a one off home game doesn't make him automatic selection.
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Well I accept people haven't seen much of him bar yesterday but I'm struggling to think of a bad game he's had since he came back from his very long injury. He added great balance to our backrow yesterday, and is top notch in the line-out. He's not a shoe in, but he's a very useful guy to have in the squad.
Not a one off performance by any means.
 
I like a 6 who is a bit of dog at the breakdown, but also gives a good lineout option. POM has both of those qualities and would be in my Lions squad.
 
POM may have just edged ahead of all the English and Scottish flankers. It's going to be an Irish and Welsh affair with only Vunipola to mix it up.

As we all know, England don't have actual flankers . We have flakers.
 
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HenryChinaski said:
POM may have just edged ahead of all the English and Scottish flankers. It's going to be an Irish and Welsh affair with only Vunipola to mix it up.

As well all know, England don't have actual flankers . We have flakers.
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Robshaw and Haskell are Flakers? Right OK then
 
Must add I'm not saying O'Mahony should be an automatic choice. Personally I'd pick him even before yesterday but just that he does offer something different. But again it all depends on Gatlands approach and gameplan
 
Starter (Squad players)

15. Hogg (Payne, Williams)
14. Nowell (Seymour)
13. Daly (JJ, Ringer)
12. Henshaw (Farrell)
11. North
10. Sexton (Ford)
9. Murray (Webb, Youngs)
8. Vunipola (Heaslip, Faletau)
7. Warburton (Tipuric, SOB )
6. Stander (POM)
5. Kruis (Launchbury, AWJ)
4. Itoje (J Gray)
3. Furlong (Cole, Sinkler)
2. George (Owens, Best)
1. McGarth (Mako, Marler)

Scotland - 1 (+2)
England - 6 (+9)
Ireland - 6 (+6)
Wales - 2 (+6)

Bench:
16. Owens
17. Mako
18. Sinkler
19. Launchbury
20. SOB
21. Webb
22. Farrell
23. Williams
 
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munstermuffin said:
When is squad named? Usually mid April isn't it
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April 19th so another month yet and a fair bit of domestic and European rugby to be played. 6N performances will be a bit of a distant memory by the time the squad is announced.

Looking forward to the outrage on here when Biggar is confirmed as the second fly half.
 
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The Oggmonster said:
April 19th so another month yet and a fair bit of domestic and European rugby to be played. 6N performances will be a bit of a distant memory by the time the squad is announced.
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Thats true. So by my reckoning thats the Friday after the European SF's.
Unfortunately we've yet to receive a big injury which rules someone out.
 

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