British and Irish Lions Watch 2012-13

by maestegmafia Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:32 pm

First topic message reminder :

This thread started many months back and has been a gradual examination of who is picking who for the impending Lions Tour.

Now the Six Nations is over and all we have left to judge is the HEC and the various national leagues.

by mikey_philVIII Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:12 pm

Wales are a 'champion team' so of course a number of welsh will go on tour.

by maestegmafia Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:15 pm

Riskysports wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Oh god. I've forgotton how depressing these articles are. The danger is always that pundits pick players based on the final 80 minutes for each team and so it is proving. England had a superb, efficient tournament and that has not suddenly completely evaoprated.

Kitson's article is just bizarre. Why the hell should Ryan be an automatic take whereas Parling (who called the most efficient lineout in the tournament) is not? Why is Heaslip on the plane when (really pains me to say it) he was flat out the worst 8 in the tournament? Delve? WTF? More Lydiate and Ferris nonsense too. Why is he talking about Croft, who has given very candid interview suggesting the Lions is likely to be too early for him.

As for Mr Moore (who normally talks a lot of sense)....those liqueur choccies are strong, aren't they, Brian?

every team in the six nations had moments of inconsistency, there were times when they were dreadful times when they were brilliant. The big deciding factor that seems to have swayed most journalists, pundits and commentators in the media after last weekend, is that in a pressure, all to win scenario there was one very clear winner, and one very clear loser.

We all want a tour party that can win down under. If you can prove that you can deal with the pressure it will certainly help you get selected. Hense the call for 16 or 17 Welshman in some squads and a great deal less Englishman than there were when they beat the All Blacks last December.

If that is the criteria, then very few Welsh would travel as they failed to win in Australia when the crunch came last year

Not saying it it the criteria, and I think it will be a reasonable mix of players

Fair point... We lost consecutively against Australia, very close games mind. Maybe if you took the best of Wales and added a couple of our English, Irish and Scots mates we we beat Australia as the Lions.

To be honest, and it has been said in nearly every article mauling over Saturdays game that losses like that make you a much stronger team for the future.

I was impressed that after the match the England players stayed on the pitch, huddled together and Robshaw told them something in a very expressive, shouty manor. God only knows what he said, but i bet what he said will make a blwdi huge difference the next time those boys play together, for the Lions or for England.

by Geordie Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:16 pm

We all want a tour party that can win down under. If you can prove that you can deal with the pressure it will certainly help you get selected. Hense the call for 16 or 17 Welshman in some squads and a great deal less Englishman than there were when they beat the All Blacks last December

In all fairness if your going on the basis of beating Australia...the squad should be mostly Scots with some irish in there.

Lets get as good a mix as possible...each nation has some top players who should be able to combine to beat the Aussies.

by dragonbreath Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:20 pm

Glas a du wrote:There are two states, but England and Wales count as one country following the Acts of Union. Ireland is another country, although only a bit of it is left and Scotlans is another which makes, with the Stare and country of the Republic of Ireland 4 countries.

Need to check your facts Wales is officially a Country these days. Google it

by maestegmafia Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:00 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:
We all want a tour party that can win down under. If you can prove that you can deal with the pressure it will certainly help you get selected. Hense the call for 16 or 17 Welshman in some squads and a great deal less Englishman than there were when they beat the All Blacks last December

In all fairness if your going on the basis of beating Australia...the squad should be mostly Scots with some irish in there.

Lets get as good a mix as possible...each nation has some top players who should be able to combine to beat the Aussies.

Yes i think the tour party will be a good mix. Ireland suffered from injury, suspension and a good deal of bad luck too, Scotland would have been as worthy of Wales place in the top two going into the final weekend if they had of won in Edinburgh, they have a very good team.

by maestegmafia Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:44 pm

ESPN s Lions team of the week

The countdown to the eagerly-awaited British & Irish Lions tour to Australia is well and truly on following the final round of this year's Six Nations.

As we all tick off the days until the team depart Down Under, ESPNscrum will cast an eye across the action and pinpoint those players eligible for the elite tourists who are pushing their selection claims with strong performances.

So who has made our latest Team of the Week?

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Wales' Mr Consistency failed to gather a kick in the opening moments of his side's clash with England but it was the only foot he put wrong all afternoon.

14. Alex Cuthbert (Wales)

The Welsh winger grabbed a brace of tries against England to propel his side to the Six Nations crown with both scores showcasing his impressive power and pace.

13. Jamie Roberts (Wales)

Switched from inside to outside centre for the purposes of our selection, Roberts delivered his best performance of the championship to deny England any time and space while also giving them food for thought with ball in hand.

12. Matt Scott (Scotland)

Scott can lay claim to an assist for team-mate Tim Visser's try against France and kept the hosts busy with an industrious display that included 10 tackles.

11. Tim Visser (Scotland)

Visser emerged from the shadow of his fleet-footed team-mates with his second try of the championship against France with his performance set to re-ignite his Lions hopes.

10. Dan Bigger (Wales)

Bigger was able to dominate his England rival Owen Farrell thanks largely to the efforts of his pack but that is not to take away from his contribution at the Millennium Stadium with his distribution turning the screw at every opportunity.

9. Mike Phillips (Wales)

Phillips was back to his best with his dominant pack giving him time and space to exploit England's stretched defence to the tune of 60m with ball in hand. He also weighed in with 10 tackles to help deny England a foothold in the game.

1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Jenkins returned from injury to play a pivotal role in his side's destruction of England. A tower of strength at scrum time, he was also inspirational as skipper having taken on the captaincy in the absence of the injured Ryan Jones.

2. Richard Hibbard (Wales)

Another key element of a dominant Welsh pack that proved far too good for England in Cardiff. A real contender for the trip Down Under with his impressive work-rate arguably his trump card.

3. Adam Jones (Wales)

Handed out a scrummaging lesson to England's Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola to help set the tone for a superb Welsh performance and underline his Lions credentials.

4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)

An unsung hero, Jones retains his place in our line-up having delivered another quietly effective display against England and appears to be peaking nicely for the season run-in.

5. Geoff Parling (England)

One of the few England players to emerge from their Slam failure with any credit, Parling racked up plenty of yards with ball in hand and did more than most to work an opening in a resolute Welsh defence.

6. Sam Warburton (Wales)

Warburton moved to blindside from openside as part of a back-row shuffle for the England game but was equally influential whether running hard at their rivals or chopping them down in their tracks - his return to top form will not have gone unnoticed.

7. Justin Tipuric (Wales)

Tipuric quite rightly picked up the Man of the Match honour in Cardiff with his work-rate in defence and attack causing England no-end of problems. His vision, pace and power makes him a formidable threat all over the park.

8. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

Heaslip did more than anyone to prevent his side from slipping to a first ever Six Nations defeat to Italy and while his efforts were in vain, his commitment and work-rate was impressive.

by maestegmafia Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:45 pm

Heaslip ahead of is a surprise!

I thought Toby had his best game for Wales since the RWC on Saturday.

by Guest Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:51 pm

Toby must've done alright on Saturday. His rating of himself has gone up from 5/10-6/10.

by 100%beefy Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:55 pm

Heaslip will go but very much behind Faletau

by maestegmafia Wed Mar 20, 2013 9:30 am

Clive Woodward suggested Robshaw at eight?

Bizarre call to put a 6 playing 7 at 8

by maestegmafia Wed Mar 20, 2013 12:05 pm

Here is the Daily Mail's article with SCW's thoughts and meanderings

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2294982/Sir-Clive-Woodwards-British-Irish-Lions-side.html

by Guest Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:46 pm

Bit from Gatland

http://www.espnscrum.com/lions-tour-2013/rugby/story/179072.html

by maestegmafia Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:30 pm

Squad to be announced on the 30th of April to everyone.

"We are not going to let any player know that he has been selected before it has been announced to the public," Gatland told the Telegraph. "That is how it was traditionally done. I can remember an All Blacks squad being announced on the radio while I was driving a car and hearing that I was in the squad! I nearly drove off the side of the road.

by maestegmafia Tue Mar 26, 2013 11:37 am

Will Greenwoods XV

15 Hogg
14 Halfpenny
13 Tuilagi
12 Roberts
11 North
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
8 Faletau
7 Warburton
6 Robshaw
5 Parling
4 Evans
3 Jones
2 Hibbard
1 Grant

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Mar 27, 2013 1:37 pm

With the excitement building ahead of 2013's visit to Australia, we decided to pump up the volume by bringing you another British and Irish Lions watch!

Every three weeks or so Planet Rugby will update its leaderboard for who should pack their bags, who should keep the diary open and who should stock the fridge with a few beers, pizzas and ice creams for soaking up the tour on the couch, as the most coveted of selections fast approaches.

We must stress that long-term injuries have been taken into account for our calls. However, those nearing a return to action are accommodated.

Here we go - make sure to give your feedback.

FULL-BACKS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: The first man on the plane has to be the 2013 Six Nations Player of the Championship, Leigh Halfpenny. Outstanding with the boot and a rock under the high ball, Halfpenny's award is richly deserved but his versatility could see him put out on the wing. That would open up a spot for Stuart Hogg at 15, with the young Scot impressing once again in his second season in the Six Nations. Hogg's speed and attacking threat would make him a smart choice on the hard ground in Australia. That leaves Rob Kearney, who endured a frustrating Six Nations campaign as he continues to look for his best form after returning from injury. Kearney was one of the standout backs in 2009 and has key experience, putting him ahead of the other challengers.

On standby: Lee Byrne, Alex Goode, Mike Brown

Best make other plans next June: Ben Foden, Felix Jones

WINGS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: After persistently improving as the Six Nations wore on, George North is the prime candidate for either the 11 or 14 shirt. The 20-year old has showcased his talent once again on the biggest stage and this tour could prove to be the making of him as a Test winger. One player who has plummeted out of the reckoning is Chris Ashton, with the Saracen short on confidence but high on frustration. In his place is two-try Wales hero Alex Cuthbert, the giant Blues winger making his mark against England despite a hamstring strain - which shouldn't rule him out of the tour. The flying Dutchman Tim Visser is also on our list, adding another score to his tally against France as Scotland finished third in the table. That leaves one more spot, which in a shootout between Sean Maitland, Simon Zebo and Craig Gilroy is currently edged by the Ulsterman. Ashton may regather his form and there is still the likes of Tommy Bowe to return from injury, but right now the Lions seem well stocked out wide.

On standby: Chris Ashton, Sean Maitland, Simon Zebo, Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe

Best make other plans next June: Liam Williams, Ugo Monye, Christian Wade, David Strettle, Sean Lamont

CENTRES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Same again for our pride of Lions centres, although the same candidates have seen spikes and dips in form. Jamie Roberts was at his most effective for Wales against England, making the metres and sucking in defenders that underline what he has to offer in midfield. Brian O'Driscoll toiled through a tough championship where he looked jaded and weary as Ireland struggled for cohesion - his stamp against Italy an out-of-character action from a player who has more to give. Manu Tuilagi is another who can do better - his knock-on against Wales a sign of things to come. The game-breaking ability he has showed in the past however cannot be ignored. Brad Barritt appeared dull in attack but his defence keeps him in as a coach's favourite. Last but not least, Jonathan Davies is knocking on the door to make the trip after he grafted through another title-winning championship. Billy Twelvetrees though is applying pressure from the reserves.

On standby: Scott Williams, Matt Scott, Billy Twelvetrees, Luke Marshall

Best make other plans next June: James Downey, Anthony Allen, Darren Cave, Gordon D'Arcy, Ashley Beck

FLY-HALVES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: A frontrunner in the fly-half jersey is no longer clear given concerns over Jonathan Sexton's injury that ruled him out of the remainder of the Six Nations, with the new Racing Métro recruit still being selected in many people's Lions XVs. Owen Farrell performed well throughout the championship until he arrived in Cardiff, suffering the same fate as his England team-mates when his normally accurate boot missed a couple of penalties. Still a contender to start in the Test series, Farrell's age may count against him given Sexton's Heineken Cup pedigree. That leaves Dan Biggar, who deserves plenty of praise for guiding Wales to a Six Nations title after being on the end of such harsh criticism for so long. Still only 23, Biggar has put his hand up to start and will provide a good option throughout the tour. On the edges are Toulon veteran Jonny Wilkinson for his experience, and Irish upstart Paddy Jackson.

On standby: Jonny Wilkinson, Paddy Jackson, Greig Laidlaw

Best make other plans next June: Toby Flood, Rhys Priestland, Ronan O'Gara, Rhys Patchell, Charlie Hodgson, James Hook

SCRUM-HALVES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Back in the last Lions watch, Mike Phillips was trailing the England duo of Ben Youngs and Danny Care by some distance. How things change. Phillips has now stormed to the front of the queue after his rumbustious performance against England in Cardiff, with Youngs hot on his heels. Care's form has dipped slightly in recent weeks, giving Conor Murray a sniff behind him.

On standby: Conor Murray, Paul Marshall, Lloyd Williams

Best make other plans next June: Tavis Knoyle, Issac Boss, Richard Wigglesworth,Lee Dickson, Henry Prygos

NUMBER EIGHTS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: The first number eight to make our squad is Toby Faletau, whose Six Nations showings improved by the round. Jamie Heaslip stays in the mix despite leading an Irish side to one of their worst championships to date. Our only change to the trio sees Tom Wood swap his flank spot for this section while Kelly Brown goes in the other direction. One wonders though if the injured Ben Morgan will sneak in.

On standby: Ben Morgan, Thomas Waldrom, David Denton, Billy Vunipola, Johnnie Beattie

Best make other plans next June: James Coughlan, Jordan Crane, Nick Easter

FLANKERS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: We stick with three of the five from our most recent edition as Chris Robshaw, Sean O'Brien and Justin Tipuric remain on the plane. Kelly Brown is now almost a certainty to make the trip and we reiterate that he would make an ideal midweek captain in Australia. Our final name included is Sam Warburton, who put in a top effort against England that's seen him become favourite for the captaincy.

On standby: Ryan Jones, Stephen Ferris, Ross Rennie, Dan Lydiate, Peter O'Mahony, Tom Croft, Steffon Armitage

Best make other plans next June: Tom Johnson, John Barclay, Alasdair Strokosch, Chris Henry, Iain Henderson, James Haskell

SECOND-ROWS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Despite being on the losing side in Cardiff, Geoff Parling continued to be one of the stand-out locks this Six Nations and should make the trip with his England colleague Joe Launchbury. Whether or not they will be the starting duo in the Tests remains a grey area as Richie Gray is joined by Alun-Wyn Jones, who pips Donnacha Ryan to our fourth spot. Ian Evans is also pushing hard for a ticket.

On standby: Nathan Hines, Donnacha Ryan, Ian Evans, Jim Hamilton, Courtney Lawes, Andrew Coombs

Best make other plans next June: Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Al Kellock, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Mike McCarthy

HOOKERS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Barging his way into the selection headache comes Wales hooker Richard Hibbard. Both he and Ken Owens have been very good of late and at the moment the Osprey is pushing Rory Best hard for the starting jersey. The dynamic Tom Youngs remains ahead of Dylan Hartley.

On standby: Dylan Hartley, Sean Cronin, Richardt Strauss

Best make other plans next June: Ross Ford, Matthew Rees, Mike Sherry, Ken Owens

PROPS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Once again the nailed on quartet of Cian Healy, Gethin Jenkins, Dan Cole and Adam Jones are on Planet Rugby's list but there is one change to the fifth spot. Mako Vunipola is that inclusion in place of Mike Ross following an exceptional performance for Saracens against Harlequins on Sunday. His dynamism and power could be a welcome option off the bench so we feel he is worth taking.

On standby: Paul James, Ryan Grant, Mike Ross, Matt Stevens

Best make other plans next June: Alex Corbisiero, Euan Murray, Andrew Sheridan, Tom Court, Joe Marler, Dave Kilcoyne

Planer Rugby's take on the Lions candidates post 6N.

by LordDowlais Wed Mar 27, 2013 2:10 pm

maestegmafia wrote:Will Greenwoods XV

15 Hogg
14 Halfpenny
13 Tuilagi
12 Roberts
11 North
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
8 Faletau
7 Warburton
6 Robshaw
5 Parling
4 Evans
3 Jones
2 Hibbard
1 Grant

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH !!!!! If I see another team with Hogg at fullback I will eat my computer. He is about 4th choice fullback behind Halfpenny, Kearny annd Foden, and there is definatley no room on the wing for him, not when we have Cuthbert, North, Bowe, Visser, come on I am all for the token Scottish player, but there are more deserving players than him.

by R!skysports Wed Mar 27, 2013 2:14 pm

Still not sure why Roberts is in the list

Terrible all 6 nations

One good game does not make it worth it (IMO)

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:29 pm

LordDowlais wrote:

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH !!!!! If I see another team with Hogg at fullback I will eat my computer. He is about 4th choice fullback behind Halfpenny, Kearny annd Foden, and there is definatley no room on the wing for him, not when we have Cuthbert, North, Bowe, Visser, come on I am all for the token Scottish player, but there are more deserving players than him.

You don't watch much rugby do you? Or didn't watch much of Scotland in the 6N where Hogg set up Maitland's try against the English by putting Alex Goode firmly on his erse, and scored 2 brilliant individual tries in this 6N (against Englad and Italy).

Halfpenny had a better game when the 2 met at Murrayfield no doubt, but Kearney hasn't impressed and didn't impose on Hogg when Scotland played Ireland and when Northampton met Glasgow in the Heineken cup this year Foden looked comfortably 2nd best against Hogg.

by **RDW** Wed Mar 27, 2013 6:45 pm

I'm sorry LordDowlais but you lose all credibility by stating that foden is ahead of Hogg even though he can't even get in the England squad and hasn't showed his best form for a while! picard

by RubyGuby Wed Mar 27, 2013 6:49 pm

Dowlais is entitled to his opinion RDW - Foden is out of favour for England but Goode has the flair of porridge at FB for them - Foden has a history of being a very very talented attacking FB with good experience under his belt. Hogg has shown some great potential this 6 Nations - Not much between those 2 where I'm sitting thumbsup

by **George Carlin** Wed Mar 27, 2013 6:53 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Will Greenwoods XV

15 Hogg
14 Halfpenny
13 Tuilagi
12 Roberts
11 North
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
8 Faletau
7 Warburton
6 Robshaw
5 Parling
4 Evans
3 Jones
2 Hibbard
1 Grant

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH !!!!! If I see another team with Hogg at fullback I will eat my computer. He is about 4th choice fullback behind Halfpenny, Kearny annd Foden, and there is definatley no room on the wing for him, not when we have Cuthbert, North, Bowe, Visser, come on I am all for the token Scottish player, but there are more deserving players than him.

And I am all for the token poster on these boards who clearly has a laughably weak knowledge of any teams and players save for their own, Dowlais. However, there are more deserving posters than you.

Of course Dowlais is entitled to his opinion, Ruby. But to suggest that he can inflict it on the rest of us in a pointlessly antogonistic and disrespectful way is something that I disagree with. But then again, I fully accept some people just don't like inconveniencing themselves by having to be magnanimous and polite.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Mar 27, 2013 6:54 pm

RubyGuby wrote:Dowlais is entitled to his opinion RDW - Foden is out of favour for England but Goode has the flair of porridge at FB for them - Foden has a history of being a very very talented attacking FB with good experience under his belt. Hogg has shown some great potential this 6 Nations - Not much between those 2 where I'm sitting

didn't see Northampton vs Glasgow then no?

by Glas a du Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:15 pm

However good or not Hogg is Gatland won't take him after the embarrassment of falling off a jogging Fofana.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:35 pm

Yeah everyone remembers the missed tackles and forgets that the guy brought down the fridge freezer on roller skates (Vahaminaa) in open play just a few minutes earlier.

Fofana is a really elusive runner and does ghost through tackles regularly. I know it's no excuse and Hogg will be pished off that he missed it, but he isn't a terrible defender. I would say Kearney and Halfpenny are stronger in defence but his defence is better than Brown and Goode's. He also offers more in attack than Halfpenny or Kearny and he can place kick too.

back in 2009 geech took a punt on 20 year old halfpenny. I hope gatland does the same for Hogg. He is still a kid and has had a very good 6N. I think he is a great player and he would learn a lot from players like Kearney and Halfpenny of he got a chance to tour.

by maestegmafia Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:43 pm

I rate Hogg if purely for him being one of the few exciting runners we have seen emerge from any country this season.

I would like to see him go. Played better than Kearney and Halfpenny on the counter attack and held his own in defence. Fofana slipping past has happened to some very stout defenders. Respect to Fofana.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:57 pm

I have said it plenty of times, I would like to see Hogg in the test side. Either starting on the Wing or moving Halfpenny on the wing with North or Cuthbert on the other wing.

as i have said i prefer to have wings with different skills. Cuthbert and North works for Wales but as a result Halfpenny (a very dangerous runner in his own right) doesn't come into the line as much as I would like, and it's a shame since he offers a different threat compared to the bish bash bosh wingers.

Route one didn't serve Wales well against the Ozzies in the past so I reckon we need to change the angle of attack, North/Cuthbert/Visser offering deadly strike running Gilroy/Halfpenny/Bowe offering the elusive attack and Hogg or Brown offering a deadly counter attack.

Halfpenny truly is magnificent. A possible captain?

by maestegmafia Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:50 pm

The Telegraph Readers Lions XV

15 Halfpenny
14 Cuthbert
13 O'Driscoll
12 Roberts
11 North
10 Sexton
9 Phillips
8 Faletau
7 Tipuric
6 Lydiate
5 Gray
4 AW Jones
3 A Jones
2 Best
1 Jenkins

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/9937458/Poll-who-would-be-in-your-British-Lions-starting-XV-to-take-on-Australia.html

by maestegmafia Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:08 pm

Not sure how aware you guy's are of "The Rugby Blog" always an interesting read in my opinion... Here are there thoughts on Lions XVs and Squads

http://www.therugbyblog.co.uk

Post-Six Nations Lions Squads
Posted on Mar 22, 2013

The 6 Nations is done and dusted and so, with great trepidation, here at The Rugby Blog we have each picked a Lions touring squad along with an XV to start the first test. We’re still not sure exactly how many will be in the squad (Gatland has said it will be 35-37), but in the interest of consistency (and making things more difficult for ourselves) we’ve each picked 35. Without further ado, here they are:

Charlie

35-man squad:
Props (6) – Gethin Jenkins, Cian Healy, Ryan Grant, Adam Jones, Dan Cole, Mike Ross
Hookers (3) – Richard Hibbard, Rory Best, Tom Youngs
Locks (5) – Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Geoff Parling, Nathan Hines, Joe Launchbury
Back row (6) – Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Chris Robshaw (midweek captain), Jamie Heaslip.
Scrum halfs (3) – Ben Youngs, Mike Phillips, Danny Care.
Fly halfs (3) – Jonny Sexton, Owen Farrell, Freddie Burns
Centres (4) – Jamie Roberts, Manu Tuilagi, Brian O’Driscoll (capt), Jonathan Davies
Back three (5) – Tommy Bowe, George North, Alex Cuthbert, Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg

Test XV:
1. Healy 2. Best 3. A Jones 4. A-W Jones 5. Parling 6. Warburton 7. Tipuric 8. Faletau 9. Phillips 10. Sexton 11. North 12. Roberts 13. BOD (c) 14. Cuthbert 15. Halfpenny

Wow. This was exceptionally tough, especially after a Six Nations that ripped up the form book before stitching it back together in a thrilling finale. Problem positions for me were the back row – for the crazy abundance of potential options – and fly half – for a distinct lack of them. In the end, Jamie Heaslip ousts Sean O’Brien on the basis of his 2009 experience and the fact that Warren Gatland would pick Dan Lydiate on one leg. Outside of that, Dan Biggar is the only member of the fifteen that started Wales’ Millennium massacre to lose out, purely because Freddie Burns is handed a wildcard.

Other notably unlucky absentees on standby are Euan Murray, Dylan Hartley, Donnacha Ryan, Tom Wood, Ben Morgan, Conor Murray and Alex Goode. Nathan Hines is the only man to come in from the Top 14, ousting Paul O’Connell. The captaincy goes to Brian O’Driscoll on the basis that a three-week suspension can ready his body for an injury-free season’s end. I’ll get my tin hat!

Jamie

35-man squad
Props (5) – Gethin Jenkins, Alex Corbisiero, Cian Healy, Adam Jones, Dan Cole
Hookers (3) – Richard Hibbard, Rory Best, Tom Youngs
Locks (5) – Alun-Wyn Jones, Geoff Parling, Ian Evans, Richie Gray, Joe Launchbury
Back row (7) – Chris Robshaw (capt), Sam Warburton, Sean O’Brien, Toby Faletau, Justin Tipuric, Kelly Brown, Dan Lydiate
Scrum-half (3) – Ben Youngs, Mike Phillips, Greig Laidlaw
Fly-half (3) – Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell, James Hook
Centres (3) – Jamie Roberts, Manu Tuilagi, Brian O’Driscoll
Back three (7) – George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg, Alex Cuthbert, Simon Zebo, Sean Maitland

Test XV
1. Healy 2. Hibbard 3. A Jones 4. A-W Jones 5. Parling 6. Robshaw (c) 7. Warburton 8. Faletau 9. Youngs 10. Sexton 11. Halfpenny 12. Roberts 13. O’Driscoll 14. Cuthbert 15. Hogg

35 men is, quite simply, not enough. For Gatland’s sake I hope he takes 37, as there are tough decisions across the board. Scotland props Euan Murray and Ryan Grant are next in line on either side of the scrum, while in the second row Welsh rookie Andrew Coombs can count himself unlucky. The back-row is the most difficult area to choose from – Lydiate makes it because, if fit, his relationship with Gatland will almost definitely see him tour. Tom Wood is desperately unlucky, and Jamie Heaslip, despite not impressing recently, has experience from 2009 to call upon. Oh, and Stephen Ferris – remember him? – will also be waiting in the wings if returning to fitness, as will fellow 2009 tourist Tom Croft. The list (Beattie, Rennie, Morgan) goes on.

In the backs Greig Laidlaw pips Conor Murray to the third scrum-half spot due to his versatility – also, for my money Murray looks like a slightly poorer version of Phillips at the moment. James Hook’s versatility gets him the nod ahead of Dan Biggar, while he and Farrell can both cover centre so there is no place for Jonathan Davies, who hasn’t impressed recently. The centres do not inspire me much, and I was very close to including Kyle Eastmond – common sense says his chances of actually being picked are incredibly slim, however.

In the back three, there is room on the wing for Welsh giant duo North and Cuthbert as well as Irish box-of-tricks Zebo. My (half) bolter comes in the form of Sean Maitland, who sparked without quite setting alight in the Six Nations – given better service and, perhaps, some flakier defences, he could shine. He will be familiar with Aussie opposition from his time in Super Rugby, too. Full-backs Halfpenny and Hogg are nailed on – Rob Kearney is unlucky but has not been in great form, and is a good replacement to be able to call upon. Stuart Hogg was the most exciting player of the 6N for me, and deserves a starting spot – imagine what he could do with a bit more ball. Halfpenny, never to be left out, shifts to the wing in my starting XV.

Hutch

35-man squad
Props (5) – Gethin Jenkins, Alex Corbisiero, Cian Healy, Adam Jones, Dan Cole
Hookers (3) – Rory Best, Richard Hibbard, Tom Youngs
Locks (4) – Alun Wyn Jones, Joe Launchbury, Ian Evans, Donnacha Ryan
Back row (8) – Dan Lydiate, Tom Wood, Sean O’Brien, Chris Robshaw, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau, Jamie Heaslip
Scrum-half (3) – Greig Laidlaw, Mike Phillips, Ben Youngs
Fly-half (2) – Jonathan Sexton, Owen Farrell
Centres (4) – Brian O’Driscoll (capt), Jamie Roberts, Manu Tuilagi, Jonathan Davies
Back three (6) – Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg, Rob Kearney, Alex Cuthbert, Tim Visser, George North

Test XV
1. Healy 2. Best 3. Jones 4. Launchbury 5. A-W Jones 6. Lydiate 7. Tipuric 8. Faletau 9. Phillips 10. Sexton 11. Visser 12. Roberts 13. BOD (c) 14: Cuthbert 15: Halfpenny

The initial frustration of trying to narrow down a selection to 35 players has given way to delight at the wealth of options available in most positions, and I’m hugely optimistic about a series win in Australia. I found the half-backs tricky to pick, and Dan Biggar is unlucky to miss out on the basis that Greig Laidlaw travels as a scrum-half that can cover fly-half if necessary. I can see Jonny Sexton and Owen Farrell battling for the Test jersey, and their contrasting styles makes it an interesting duel.

In the front row, I’ve picked Alex Corbisiero for similar reasons of versatility. Adam Jones and Dan Cole are the standout tightheads, with Mike Ross in contention but probably missing out – unless Gatland takes 37 players, in which case he’d be in. The back row is probably the hardest to select. Tipuric, Faletau and Robshaw are non-negotiables based on Six Nations form, as is Dan Lydiate if he stays fit – he’s been out of the public eye, but it shouldn’t take too much game time for him to remind us that he’s world class. Tom Wood and Sean O’Brien make my squad, along with Jamie Heaslip and Sam Warburton, with players like Ben Morgan, Stephen Ferris and Kelly Brown not too far behind.
There are a few contentious selections, and I’m lacking a real ‘bolter’ – Sean Maitland or Craig Gilroy could fit the bill, but I’m looking forward to seeing some candidates emerge as we return to domestic action.

by MacKnocked-on Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:14 pm

If club games count, Hogg just put himself in the Lions squad.

by maestegmafia Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:29 pm

You referring to:-

Glasgow 51-24 Munster

Tries: Maitland, Matawalu, Jackson, Bennett, Hogg, Barclay

by TJ1 Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:31 pm

Barclay and Hogg had good games - I hope Gatland was watching

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