Your Lions Squad Following the 6N

[j'nuh]

Some interesting things in that interview:

Gatland saying that he'll probably take two flyhalves (presumably Sexton + Biggar or Farrell) and someone who can cover there from another area of the field. I wonder who could possibly fill out that covering role. Hook plays (exclusively?) at 10 now so I guess not him (though it's feasible)? The ones left that I can think of are Laidlaw and Twelvetrees. Not sure I'd trust either with the fly-half role tbh.

Option of using a flanker to cover 8 - maybe points to taking just the two 8s? I wonder which flanker would take the "covers 8" role? I hope it's SOB.

Also, his setup: 3 hookers, 6 props, 4/5 locks, 6/7 backrows, ? scrumhalves, 2 flyhalves, ? centers, ? outside backs. Aiming for a squad of 36/37, so probably 3 scrum-halves, 5 centers and 6/7 outside backs?

I think the locks have become pretty obvious at this point too: AWJ, POC and two or three of Parling, Evans and Hines. Gray and Hamilton left with too little time to push on claims and no one else has really stood up.

 

[Tony Manx]

............ two or three of Parling, Evans and Hines. .

Surely Hines will not be considered as he is more than likely going to be involved with Clermont through to the day of the first Lions match in HK being the same day as the Top 14 Final...................will Hines break his contract if selected because I cannot see Clermont releasing him?

 

[McTallshort]

Surely Hines will not be considered as he is more than likely going to be involved with Clermont through to the day of the first Lions match in HK being the same day as the Top 14 Final...................will Hines break his contract if selected because I cannot see Clermont releasing him?

Think Gatland said something about not cutting off his nose etc regards the French based players, would like to see Hines included.

 

[Tony Manx]

Think Gatland said something about not cutting off his nose etc regards the French based players, would like to see Hines included.

Me too....would also like to Steffan Armitage there if that is the case......cannot really think of any other outstanding eligible player that is likely to be similarly tied up? Hook (USAP) or Phillips (Ab) are candidates but not playing for sides likely to be in the barrage.....

 

[j'nuh]

Surely Hines will not be considered as he is more than likely going to be involved with Clermont through to the day of the first Lions match in HK being the same day as the Top 14 Final...................will Hines break his contract if selected because I cannot see Clermont releasing him?

I don't see that being too much of an issue. Only so many locks can play that game so they'll just pick from the other 3/4 going. He'll be able to link up a few days later and have a bench spot for the second game on the 5th then put in two starts on the 12th and 18th before the first test on the 22nd.

 

[Tony Manx]

I don't see that being too much of an issue. Only so many locks can play that game so they'll just pick from the other 3/4 going. He'll be able to link up a few days later and have a bench spot for the second game on the 5th then put in two starts on the 12th and 18th before the first test on the 22nd.

The reason I said that was I am sure that Gatland, or maybe it was just paper talk, indicated that French based players would not be considered as he wanted everyone going to go together to HK for the first game to ensure team spirit was enhanced?

Maybe my memory, yet again,, fails me and I was dreaming.......strange dreams though!

 

[j'nuh]

Fair play, I'll go on your word. I'd just take the 4 then - Parling, POC, Evans and AWJ, and just replace them if injury occurs.

 

[lynam1104]

When he said and flanker who could cover 8 I was actually thinking Wood.

So with this new info I'm going to go through my squad.

Props: Healy, Jenkins, Vunipola (I guess) A.Jones, Cole, Any-other TH (not Ross he needs a break)

Hookers: Hibbard, Best, Youngs

Locks: AWJ,POC, Parling and the last I am unsure of Hamilton, Hines, Ryan would all be acceptable, would prefer Hines.

Backrow: Tipuric, SOB, Wood, Robshaw, Warbuton, Flataue. Maybe Heaslip

Half-Backs: Care, Laidlaw, Philips (not sure about temperament here but they're pricks by nature)

Fly-Half: Sexton, Farrell

Centers: BOD, Tuilangi, Roberts, Scott, I think Barret might be this sport but considering hes South African, would rater see 12-3's tbh.

Back Three: Halfpenny, Hogg, Bowe, Cuthbert, North, Zebo

35 player by my awful counting so don't quote me on that, so room for expansion if I can count.

One think I've tried to avoid is picking non-British/Irish born/developed players therefore exculding the likes of Barret, Visser, Maitland.

 

[munstermuffin]

Lynam if we were to bring that back row option I'd worry as there's no 6 that really stands out apart from O'Brien but then again I'm trying to think will Croft or maybe Lydiate

 

[Joseph14]

When he said and flanker who could cover 8 I was actually thinking Wood.

So with this new info I'm going to go through my squad.

Props: Healy, Jenkins, Vunipola (I guess) A.Jones, Cole, Any-other TH (not Ross he needs a break)

Hookers: Hibbard, Best, Youngs

Locks: AWJ,POC, Parling and the last I am unsure of Hamilton, Hines, Ryan would all be acceptable, would prefer Hines.

Backrow: Tipuric, SOB, Wood, Robshaw, Warbuton, Flataue. Maybe Heaslip

Half-Backs: Care, Laidlaw, Philips (not sure about temperament here but they're pricks by nature)

Fly-Half: Sexton, Farrell

Centers: BOD, Tuilangi, Roberts, Scott, I think Barret might be this sport but considering hes South African, would rater see 12-3's tbh.

Back Three: Halfpenny, Hogg, Bowe, Cuthbert, North, Zebo

35 player by my awful counting so don't quote me on that, so room for expansion if I can count.

One think I've tried to avoid is picking non-British/Irish born/developed players therefore exculding the likes of Barret, Visser, Maitland.

I like this.

When talking about flankers being able to cover 8, Armitage cropped up in my mind.

I'm also taking Wade 100% and letting him have the opportunity to play his way in to the starting test side. I think Gatland will too.

 

[lynam1104]

Lynam if we were to bring that back row option I'd worry as there's no 6 that really stands out apart from O'Brien but then again I'm trying to think will Croft or maybe Lydiate

I think Wood is a very good player who didn't get to shin because he was shifted to 8 for most of 6N. So hes the other 6 option but Lydiate is another player who I forgot about, I wouldn't mind seeing him.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

The utility back might be Madigan, all the hype that has surrounded him and he's played 10, 12 and 15 to at least HEC level.

 

[munstermuffin]

Not a hope of Madian simply because 15 is well covered and he is nowhere near proven at 12 or 9 even at Rabo Level. Presume it'll be Laidlaw to cover 9 and 10 with Sexton Phillips Care/Youngs and Farrell. 5 halfbacks although I personally hope there 6. Other choice is simply there will be no Laidlaw and Murray will go with a player like Hook as a utility or Biggar as the second 10 and Farrell treated as a centre

 

[dullonien]

I'd go with Hook as the utility back. I'm not convinced with Laidlaw, and it's way too soon for Madigan. Hook is an experienced player (70 caps), and is the most versatile player there is (played internationally at 10, 12, 13 and 15). He won't let anyone down, and once he's in camp he could very well push for a starting spot at 10 or in the centres.

 

[big ginger 8]

Tony Ward now calling for PO'C to be captain.

 

[Peat]

Depends whether he wants a guy who can play 10 for a midweek game or two if needs be, or whether he wants another competitor for the 10 shirt. My guess is the former, which Twelvetrees could do.

 

[munstermuffin]

36 is a lad I forgot but agree with Peat I think it just another option at midweek games he will select but also someone who will be challenging elsewhere

 

[Feicarsinn]

Of course Madigan's going. He's hardly going to leave the captain behind fools.

 

[dullonien]

Depends whether he wants a guy who can play 10 for a midweek game or two if needs be, or whether he wants another competitor for the 10 shirt. My guess is the former, which Twelvetrees could do.

Personally wouldn't consider Twelvetrees at 10, even for the midweek games. Hook's versatility also makes him a great option to have on the bench for the three tests.

I know he's not had much opportunity for Wales recently, but I've still been hearing good things about his performances for Perpignan, and I feel like it'd be silly to leave someone of his experience and talent behind.

 

[big ginger 8]

I feel like it'd be silly to leave someone of his experience and talent behind.

Same could be said for a number of players some people feel should be left behind. From Ireland alone Best, Heaslip and Kearney.