(Very) early thoughts on the 2017 Lions

[g6mcg]

Because it's not a full time job I can see it might be hard for the post to attract good candidates, but I don't like choosing a national coach because it creates the dressing room problem you mention.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

It'll be disappointing if the likes of Roberts, Biggar and Davies all make it. In fairness to Geechs, he never showed any bias towards Scots and generally remained objective, making selections on merit. Although at the same time he didn't have a Scottish dressing room to worry about maintaining. It's interesting because if the ABs win the series as expected there will be a new head coach in South Africa who won't have had prior exposure to a Lions tour. Although that should be a very winnable series so perhaps not so much a big issue.

None of the players you mentioned should be anywhere near the squad, and I don't think they will be. I'm absolutely certain Davies won't go, and the other two are highly unlikely. Biggar in particular would be utterly indefensible from any point of view. Roberts would be exceptionally lucky but at least he offers a lot of experience.

EDIT: When you said Davies I assumed Sam Davies for some reason but I'm guessing you meant Jonathan?

 

[Goodey]

England's flankers missing out after their performance in Australia stings.

Feel that maybe the squad's been picked too early if missing the six nations means you don't go.

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England's flankers missing out after their performance in Australia stings.

Feel that maybe the squad's been picked too early if missing the six nations means you don't go.

 

[General Melchett]

None of the players you mentioned should be anywhere near the squad, and I don't think they will be. I'm absolutely certain Davies won't go, and the other two are highly unlikely. Biggar in particular would be utterly indefensible from any point of view. Roberts would be exceptionally lucky but at least he offers a lot of experience.

EDIT: When you said Davies I assumed Sam Davies for some reason but I'm guessing you meant Jonathan?

The rumours are that only two Scots have made it and my feeling is that they will be Hogg and Seymour which might suggest Biggar has got the nod over Russell. Remember that Howley is head attack coach and will probably favour Biggar and the Welsh centres.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Correct I meant JD

Yeah, that's a different case then - he probably will go. Which I don't mind too much I just wish he could pass.

 

[General Melchett]

Yeah, that's a different case then - he probably will go. Which I don't mind too much I just wish he could pass.

After watching the last few minutes against England I wish he could kick too!

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

The rumours are that only two Scots have made it and my feeling is that they will be Hogg and Seymour which might suggest Biggar has got the nod over Russell. Remember that Howley is head attack coach and will probably favour Biggar and the Welsh centres.

I hadn't heard that but it's not the case that one of the two (biggar and Russell) have to go. Remember there's Ford, and that's if we're taking 3 fly halves (we didn't last time)

 

[TRF_Cymro]

It'll be disappointing if the likes of Roberts, Biggar and Davies all make it. In fairness to Geechs, he never showed any bias towards Scots and generally remained objective, making selections on merit. Although at the same time he didn't have a Scottish dressing room to worry about maintaining. It's interesting because if the ABs win the series as expected there will be a new head coach in South Africa who won't have had prior exposure to a Lions tour. Although that should be a very winnable series so perhaps not so much a big issue.

Personally hope that neither of those three tour ... none of them have been great in recent times for Wales ... better options from the other nations.

 

[munstermuffin]

Where you hearing that?
I'd be surprised about Moriarty, not that it would be undeserved just you know someone pretty big has to miss out if that's the case. At this point Vunipola looks certain to be the only English backorder, particularly if Moriarty is going.

On a few media outlets. May ot be true but most seem consistent

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

On a few media outlets. May ot be true but most seem consistent

Not doubting it, would like to know where to look to get the rumours.

For all their faults, the English backrowers are pretty consistent and hardworking. None of them are flashy but all good players. I will certainly raise an eyebrow or two if 4 Wales backrowers go

 

[big ginger 8]

Not bringing O'Brien would be a mistake. He hasn't consistently been at his best recently but he's the type that raises his level and I can't remember him having a bad game against NZ. The depth at backrow is good but I don't think that's an argument for leaving him out, instead it allows you to bring him in the knowledge that someone else can step up if he is suddenly at a low level. His peak performance is at a level few others can match so that (tiny) gamble is definitely worth it imo.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

don't think that's a danger really Ginger.

If rumours are true we are probably looking at:

Faletau, Moriarty, O'Brien, Stander, Tipuric, Warburton, Vunipola.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Rumours rife squad is already picked.
The 3 suprises are Sinckler, Te'o and Moriarty.
Rumours also have suggested there in 2 Scottish and no more.

Telegraph is the source for Sinckler and Te'o.

Where did Moriaty rumour come from? Hope it's not at SOB or POM's expense.

If only 2 Scots, my guess is Hogg and Maitland.

 

[munstermuffin]

Telegraph, Independent and few articles like JoeSport but they drag them from few different areas. Doesn't say at who's expense just that they're expected.

On POM I'd be shocked if he's not on tour. He was brilliant again yesterday and his strengths are not the same to any other Backrow. His lineout stats too especially defensive lineout is crazy.

 

[welshglory]

I would rather have Faletau as 6/8 cover with Heaslip over Moriarty. Don't know the logic behind his consideration, he's way too one dimensional and won't be that effective on carrying versus New Zealand sides.

 

[General Melchett]

Telegraph is the source for Sinckler and Te'o.

Where did Moriaty rumour come from? Hope it's not at SOB or POM's expense.

If only 2 Scots, my guess is Hogg and Maitland.

Maitland wouldn't surprise me which would be classic Gatland with marginal calls favouring the Welsh and kiwis. Actually, Maitland isn't even a marginal call. Seymour is a far superior winger and even Visser had a better 6N than him.

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I would rather have Faletau as 6/8 cover with Heaslip over Moriarty. Don't know the logic behind his consideration, he's way too one dimensional and won't be that effective on carrying versus New Zealand sides.

Is Faletau back to his best yet? Granted I haven't seen him play for his club lately but he didn't look himself when he made his return at the 6N.

 

[g6mcg]

Maitland wouldn't surprise me which would be classic Gatland with marginal calls favouring the Welsh and kiwis. Actually, Maitland isn't even a marginal call. Seymour is a far superior winger and even Visser had a better 6N than him.

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Is Faletau back to his best yet? Granted I haven't seen him play for his club lately but he didn't look himself when he made his return at the 6N.

Playing very well for Bath. He's receiving the ball in space more, and getting to switch the point of contact near the line, and looking much better for it.

Maitland over Seymour would suggest the Lions will just be trying to create a Saracens/Wales esque miserly defence. Put money on Halfpenny to start at fullback!

 

[BPM]

I would rather have Faletau as 6/8 cover with Heaslip over Moriarty. Don't know the logic behind his consideration, he's way too one dimensional and won't be that effective on carrying versus New Zealand sides.

Moriarty was Wales' best carrier against NZ last summer and arguably the find of that series. He backed that up with a very good 6 Nations too, so he'd hardly be a leftfield selection.

 

[General Melchett]

Playing very well for Bath. He's receiving the ball in space more, and getting to switch the point of contact near the line, and looking much better for it.

Maitland over Seymour would suggest the Lions will just be trying to create a Saracens/Wales esque miserly defence. Put money on Halfpenny to start at fullback!

That's good to hear. I'm a big Faletau fan.

I think you're right re. Halfpenny. I have a feeling he'll be given 'lab conditions' in the warm up games to make himself look like the first choice full back. Wouldn't at all be surprised to see a test back three of North, 1/2P and L Williams.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

A couple of names I'd like to throw out there that a few "pundits" have suggested: Wigglesworth (Barnes) and Ringrose (BOD). What are peeps' thoughts?