(Very) early thoughts on the 2017 Lions

[fattyforward]

Unbelieveably the reason for not picking Launchbury is "Gatland is understood to be a supporter of the Irishman Donnacha Ryan". One can only hope this is terrible reporting due to BBc cuts ... No JJ and Joe Launchbury overlooked - Why?

 

[TRF_Cymro]

JDavies going ahead of JJ is very hard to comprehend. If Biggar goes too at the expense of Russell and Ford it'll be an absolute scandal.

If it's not set in stone yet then perhaps Gatland and co are agonising over a last minute marginal call between Daly and Shane Williams.

Where the hell has this nonsense of Biggar going coming from?

 

[General Melchett]

Where the hell has this nonsense of Biggar going coming from?

Note the word 'If'

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Unbelieveably the reason for not picking Launchbury is "Gatland is understood to be a supporter of the Irishman Donnacha Ryan". One can only hope this is terrible reporting due to BBc cuts ... No JJ and Joe Launchbury overlooked - Why?

Starting to wonder if Andy Farrell has put a word in for Donnacha Ryan

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Worries about AWJ's fitness maybe? Ryan has a bit of the dog in him that the other three don't as well as being the best lock on the pitch when England and Ireland played. Not outrageous after a very good 6 nations when you think about it but surprising given the "superstar" names there at the moment.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Note the word 'If'

Ye I noted ... still want to know how you have come to that conclusion of Biggar going!

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

I don't even care that much about JJ, I think we can find ways to win with the centres we will have, but on a meritocratic basis I just don't understand for a second Launchbury not touring.

Meanwhile Ben ****ing Youngs is tipped to tour - what the **** is that about.

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Note the word 'If'

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Starting to wonder if Andy Farrell has put a word in for Donnacha Ryan

Cymro's right - I don't think Bigger comes into this at all - it's most likely to be just 2 fly halves if Ford isn't going.

 

[fattyforward]

Not sure I agree with assessment of Ryan's performance in that game, and certainly not over last 6 months but I take your point. However to place him AND Lawes AND a barely fit Kruis above not just Launchbury but also Henderson and both Gray's is ... um ... just weird.

 

[TheSaffycen]

Launchbury, who was on the short list for player of the tournament, isn't considered? What a ridiculous decision. JJ is also absurd but then again if Gatland wants to play with physical centres than Teo'o would be the better choice. I'm sure the All Blacks would hate to play against a guy who runs straight hard lines, instead of a guy who can run around them with speed and skill. imagine the fear of going up against Farrell and Teo at 12 and 13.....

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I don't even care that much about JJ, I think we can find ways to win with the centres we will have

12. Teo
13. Davies

That'll strike fear into the all blacks souls

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Launchbury, who was on the short list for player of the tournament, isn't considered? What a ridiculous decision. JJ is also absurd but then again if Gatland wants to play with physical centres than Teo'o would be the better choice. I'm sure the All Blacks would hate to play against a guy who runs straight hard lines, instead of a guy who can run around them with speed and skill. imagine the fear of going up against Farrell and Teo at 12 and 13.....

If JJ (or Ringrose) doesn't go I think that means Farrell and Henshaw are the test centres and he has no plan B if Farrell or Sexton don't make the tests other than bosh bosh bosh.

 

[fattyforward]

You forget Webb and Biggar controlling play as well - Barrett and his boys will be terrified - especially with halfpenny at FB.

 

[ncurd]

If we go bish bash bosh all my fears about Gatland will be realised. Also we'll have to wait 12 damn years to get another chance at this. If we aren't trying to play our most daring and inventive in a style that is proven not to work against the ABs the I don't know ow what the point is....

 

[TRF_Cymro]

 

[Reiser99]

The biggest problem with Gatland's tactics when with Wales is that they haven't worked. Another issue is that recently the Welsh have not performed under pressure. Using them as a blueprint will not work. Unfrotunately it really does seem that he only has one style.

 

[General Melchett]

Ye I noted ... still want to know how you have come to that conclusion of Biggar going!

Stranger things have happened and bear in mind that Howley will have a big say in backs selection given he is head attack coach. I wouldn't have Biggar anywhere near the squad but it wouldn't surprise me if he's ahead of Ford and Russell in the pecking order. Let's see what happens on Weds.

 

[fattyforward]

Just read the BBC Article again - No inside info at all just bank holiday bulls**t - e.g. the "JJ out & Teo & Davies in" story is simply because it's Gatland: [/I]"Joseph has been tipped by many pundits to start the Test series at outside centre, but Gatland's preference for size in the midfield could see the likes of Te'o and Wales' Jonathan Davies preferred."[/I].

Still think he'll pick Biggar but I can't what he can do better than Sexton or Farrell. Ford brings many problems but he can also create in a way none of the other contenders can.

 

[munstermuffin]

Unbelieveably the reason for not picking Launchbury is "Gatland is understood to be a supporter of the Irishman Donnacha Ryan". One can only hope this is terrible reporting due to BBc cuts ... No JJ and Joe Launchbury overlooked - Why?

Ha it'd be priceless if Donnacha is seen as good enough for Lions but not good enough for Irish contract.

He'd add dog to pack hugely though and be that prick in 2nd row that good packs need. All the contenders for pack are monsters but no real agressive streak in them. Like CJ is a monster but a real nice guy. You need 1 or 2 like Ryan that are right bollixs that will puck first then ask.

 

[munstermuffin]

If JJ (or Ringrose) doesn't go I think that means Farrell and Henshaw are the test centres and he has no plan B if Farrell or Sexton don't make the tests other than bosh bosh bosh.

Think if Teo is in squad then plan A B and C are revealed.
Leinster will be screwed next year if Sexton and Henshaw are flogged to the death.

 

[General Melchett]

Think if Teo is in squad then plan A B and C are revealed.
Leinster will be screwed next year if Sexton and Henshaw are flogged to the death.

I'll be amazed if Sexton is still standing when the first test comes around.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

12. Teo
13. Davies

That'll strike fear into the all blacks souls

You're forgetting about The man, the Plan, Elliott Daly..