Would Gatland dare take 3 Welsh fly halves?

Not such a crazy idea...

Dan Biggar - six nations winner form NH fly half
James Hook - triple six nations winner double grandslam utility back
Rhys Priestland - grandslam winner world cup star

This could actually happen.

Sexton injured, flood and farrell nothing special and maybe Wilkinson won't get picked.

It's the forwards we need to get right, the lions will have an excellent backline whoever they pick but we need to bully Australia off the park upfront.

What about Sexton, OGara and Madigan...just as likely?
Farrell, Flood and Wilko?

Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

He could take the whole Welsh team, of course he could...and he'd save on the money for shirts as well. The Welsh guys could just use their Welsh ones.....................
.................. hmmmm.................. the eternal Wales v Australia game that never seems to end. I'll buy the box set when it's finally concluded.

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

No-one has yet mentioned Jackson, Weir and Heathcote. I can't think why....

well he could pick three welsh fly halves if you wanted three people who specialized in losing to australia

I'm sure "daring" has nothing to do with it. Gatland is a man of conviction, and he'll take the three best 10's as he sees it.

Given that Priestland has been injured for so long (and wasn't playing well before his injury), he's out of the equation until he completes his comeback and shows some form.

As for Hook and Biggar, I think they both have strong cases to tour, especially if Sexton is ruled out.

He has said in TV interview (not sure if it was Scrum V or Sky Rugby Club, as I watched them both yesterday), that he'll take 2 Fly-Halfs with another who can cover in the 3/4 line. So from that I read Hook is in, who the other 2 will be is still for debate. However, I reckon Sexton has to be 1st choice. Farrel isn't up to it (yet...IMO), but saying that I'm not sure Biggar is the finished article yet either, even though he has matured a hell of a lot recently. I think the 2nd place could be between Flood and Wilko. I think Wilkinson would be the wrong call though.

I wouldn't take Wilkinson. I don't think the rugby justification is there based on performance, and there are several additional downsides as well. Firstly he'll likely miss the start of the tour playing for Toulon, and secondly it'll just create a distracting media circus.

Time to move on.

Agreed.. why I wouldnt take him.. Sorry didnt elaborate on my reasons why...

Also, I think he is the past.. we need to look to the future. Wilko's sellby date was in 2003.... 10 years ago..

funnyExiledScot wrote:I wouldn't take Wilkinson. I don't think the rugby justification is there based on performance, and there are several additional downsides as well. Firstly he'll likely miss the start of the tour playing for Toulon, and secondly it'll just create a distracting media circus.

Time to move on.

...from? All the other distracting media circuses that will be ongoing? Oh there'll be more than enough media darlings and devils to keep the pages full, even without Wilkinson.

Fly, I dont think fES was suggesting Wilko would create the media circus himself, more that if selected the media would have a field day making the whole Lions tour about him. You can see the headlines... Wilko Back After 10 Years, etc... - Ok, I'm not good at writing catchy headlines, but you can see the picture.

I know, but Wilkinson returning to Australia will create a furore in and of itself.

That's not the main reason I wouldn't take him, just to be clear. More a contributing factor.

I wouldn't take him because I don't think he's good enough at rugby anymore, and with his injury record, I would fully be expecting to have to replace him after two weeks, disrupting the planning for the Test series.

He's having a nice indian summer to his career out in Toulon. Let's leave it at that.

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

France

t1000advancedprototype wrote:

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

What has that last question got to do with anything? Makes your first sentence pretty funny.

Biggar yes. Hook, maybe. Preistland? No chance..

Those player descriptions straight out of the daily star?

Didnt anyone else see the Gatland interview. He clearly said there wil be 2 dedicated fly-halfs as he wants them to get game time. They will be covered by a "utility" back who can play at 10 if needed. So that has to be Hook at 2 others...surely.

I know he ain't popular in these parts..... but I'd have Hook....as the utility.

Or Farrell, who has played a lot of rugby in the centres, or Madigan, who can play 15 as well.

I agree that Hook does seem the more likely though to fulfil that "versatility" tag line, given that he's actually played quite a bit on international rugby in several position (to a high standard).

I'd have no issues with Hook going. He's a very gifted player, and a footballer as well.

t1000advancedprototype wrote:Not such a crazy idea...

Dan Biggar - six nations winner form NH fly half
James Hook - triple six nations winner double grandslam utility back
Rhys Priestland - grandslam winner world cup star

Based on this post youy made, would you really countenance Priestland being selected?

t1000advancedprototype wrote:Just putting it out there?

Reminds me of the copious selections of a shoite Rhys Priestland.
Wade is gonna be this years John Bentley.

I don't care if Gatland picks all Welsh,all Martians even all Scottish as long as we win the series!!

To answer the question, he would dare but he probably won't.

I wouldn't complain about Hook as a utility player and frankly I see Biggar, Farrell, Flood, Madigan as much of a muchness really, none of them as good as Sexton on form.

Interesting how our perceptions change of who will go, after England vs NZ half that team were going, after the 6N half the welsh team are.

Do people think that with no representation in the HC final rounds, players like Biggar are more likely to be overlooked in favour of Irish/English players?

I mean Farrell will have a HC semi to play in which Gatland will clearly watch, as well Munster and Leinster (ok amlin). This exposure will surely lead to more Irish representation that would have been thought at the end of the 6Ns?

Why must the utility player be Hook it could equally be

Farrell
Madigan
Laidlaw

Biggar maybe
Hook maybe
Priestland not a chance in hell

t1000advancedprototype wrote:

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

It suggests inconsistency in performance, most other countries stick to their pivots. The questuion is rather has any other country had such inconsistency in selection at 10, ignoring of course injuries?

Hook and Priestland have done nothing to warrant a Lions place. Biggar maybe, but Gatland has said he will take two specialist 10's and a utility back. Hook has looked flakey every time he's played a test recently. There are better players to choose and I hope Gatland takes a broader look.

Lets look at the FH's we have. Sexton, Biggar, Priestland, Flood, Farrell, Burns, Madigan, Laidlaw...Now has far as i know Sexton is injured.( So rule him out. )

Priestland has been injured and only just coming back in to the game. (rule him out)

Biggar? Is he rally good enough to take on the Aussies? Yes he really came on the 6ns. But does is form the 6ns make a dead cert for the Lions 10 shirt?

Flood? Played against the Aussies before, but he is not really having a good time right now. If he gets chosen will his form improve?

Farrell? Played well in the 6ns apart from the last game against Wales. Did he do enough to get the 10 shirt for the Lions?

Madigan? Have not seen that much of him myself, but watched him the other week end and looked better in my opinion then Sexton did before he (Sexton) got injured. Would he be the better of the rest of the 10s for the shirt? maybe.

Burn? Not really experenced enough in my opinion, may this tour has come too early for him.

Laidlaw? The same as Burns in my opinion.

majesticimperialman wrote:Lets look at the FH's we have. Sexton, Biggar, Priestland, Flood, Farrell, Burns, Madigan, Laidlaw...Now has far as i know Sexton is injured.( So rule him out. )

Priestland has been injured and only just coming back in to the game. (rule him out)

Biggar? Is he rally good enough to take on the Aussies? Yes he really came on the 6ns. But does is form the 6ns make a dead cert for the Lions 10 shirt?

Flood? Played against the Aussies before, but he is not really having a good time right now. If he gets chosen will his form improve?

Farrell? Played well in the 6ns apart from the last game against Wales. Did he do enough to get the 10 shirt for the Lions?

Madigan? Have not seen that much of him myself, but watched him the other week end and looked better in my opinion then Sexton did before he (Sexton) got injured. Would he be the better of the rest of the 10s for the shirt? maybe.

Burn? Not really experenced enough in my opinion, may this tour has come too early for him.

Laidlaw? The same as Burns in my opinion.

Sexton will not be injured for much longer so not sure why you would rule him out. He is due to be back for Leinster's next match.

GunsGerms wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:Lets look at the FH's we have. Sexton, Biggar, Priestland, Flood, Farrell, Burns, Madigan, Laidlaw...Now has far as i know Sexton is injured.( So rule him out. )

Priestland has been injured and only just coming back in to the game. (rule him out)

Biggar? Is he rally good enough to take on the Aussies? Yes he really came on the 6ns. But does is form the 6ns make a dead cert for the Lions 10 shirt?

Flood? Played against the Aussies before, but he is not really having a good time right now. If he gets chosen will his form improve?

Farrell? Played well in the 6ns apart from the last game against Wales. Did he do enough to get the 10 shirt for the Lions?



Madigan? Have not seen that much of him myself, but watched him the other week end and looked better in my opinion then Sexton did before he (Sexton) got injured. Would he be the better of the rest of the 10s for the shirt? maybe.

Burn? Not really experenced enough in my opinion, may this tour has come too early for him.

Laidlaw? The same as Burns in my opinion.

Sexton will not be injured for much longer so not sure why you would rule him out. He is due to be back for Leinster's next match.

GunsGerms.

Will he have enough game time to get back to full match fitness?

majesticimperialman wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:Lets look at the FH's we have. Sexton, Biggar, Priestland, Flood, Farrell, Burns, Madigan, Laidlaw...Now has far as i know Sexton is injured.( So rule him out. )

Priestland has been injured and only just coming back in to the game. (rule him out)

Biggar? Is he rally good enough to take on the Aussies? Yes he really came on the 6ns. But does is form the 6ns make a dead cert for the Lions 10 shirt?

Flood? Played against the Aussies before, but he is not really having a good time right now. If he gets chosen will his form improve?

Farrell? Played well in the 6ns apart from the last game against Wales. Did he do enough to get the 10 shirt for the Lions?



Madigan? Have not seen that much of him myself, but watched him the other week end and looked better in my opinion then Sexton did before he (Sexton) got injured. Would he be the better of the rest of the 10s for the shirt? maybe.

Burn? Not really experenced enough in my opinion, may this tour has come too early for him.

Laidlaw? The same as Burns in my opinion.

Sexton will not be injured for much longer so not sure why you would rule him out. He is due to be back for Leinster's next match.

GunsGerms.

Will he have enough game time to get back to full match fitness?

Yes.

Sexton and Farrell will definitely travel. Sexton is back this week and will play in the Rabo playoffs and Amlin knockouts.

He has a long standing pedigree and will clearly travel. Missing three Six Nations games won't rule him out.

I'd expect Sexton, Farrell and another guy. Literally nobody would surprise me as the third choice 10 but I'd be astounded if there were no Sexton and Farrell.

Biggar is head of Farrell personally he would get the backs playing alot better than Farrell.
I think also that Hodgson would be a better choice for lions great form and gets the backs moving

I totally agree Biggar trumps Farrell, he was consistent and solid throughout the 6 Nations. Assuming Sexton is the starting 10 that leaves 3 in contention for 1 spot - Biggar, Farrell and Flood i think, and then i expect Hook to go as the utility 10/back that Gats loves to have. I also think this is why R Jones will go.

red_stag wrote:Sexton and Farrell will definitely travel. Sexton is back this week and will play in the Rabo playoffs and Amlin knockouts.

He has a long standing pedigree and will clearly travel. Missing three Six Nations games won't rule him out.

I'd expect Sexton, Farrell and another guy. Literally nobody would surprise me as the third choice 10 but I'd be astounded if there were no Sexton and Farrell.

+1

sirBiggles wrote:He has said in TV interview (not sure if it was Scrum V or Sky Rugby Club, as I watched them both yesterday), that he'll take 2 Fly-Halfs with another who can cover in the 3/4 line. So from that I read Hook is in, who the other 2 will be is still for debate. However, I reckon Sexton has to be 1st choice. Farrel isn't up to it (yet...IMO), but saying that I'm not sure Biggar is the finished article yet either, even though he has matured a hell of a lot recently. I think the 2nd place could be between Flood and Wilko. I think Wilkinson would be the wrong call though.

Can't believe people are taking any of these comments as serious. Despite appearing as dry as dust, Gatland is a wicked bugger who loves a wind up. He probably means nothing he says and sits back and laughs at morons trying to interpret his WUMING. Got to like the guy. He is just fucling with you

t1000advancedprototype wrote:

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

Carter, Slade, Cruden, Donald all helped NZ win in 2011. Long time ago though.

nganboy wrote:

t1000advancedprototype wrote:

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

Carter, Slade, Cruden, Donald all helped NZ win in 2011. Long time ago though.

Don't forget Joubert, could have given him the 10 shirt, he was more interested in NZ winning than Donald and had more influence in them doing so. Also a better player

Biggar - Yes in with a great shout to tour

Hook - Hope not though have sneaky feeling he might

Priestland - Not a hope in hell

dragonbreath wrote:

nganboy wrote:

t1000advancedprototype wrote:

Toohey wrote:Dan Biggar - Pants
James Hook - Pants
Rhys Priestland - Pants

If he does take them it will only be as he'll have mixed up his player notes with his packing list.

Insightful, intelligent and well rounded response.

Yep all pants. What other nation has got 3 different championship winning 10s current at their disposal?

Carter, Slade, Cruden, Donald all helped NZ win in 2011. Long time ago though.

Don't forget Joubert, could have given him the 10 shirt, he was more interested in NZ winning than Donald and had more influence in them doing so. Also a better player

I don't do the complaining about refs thing.

Stephen Jones, Dan Biggar and James Hook?

Sexton is clearly the best of the 10s available and should be playing this /next week

Farrell is a known quantity, a steady competent international player ( apart from losing it a bit against Wales)

They are surely the top two

Bigger could be next in line - - OK just a bit dull

Flood would be next - but has been not at his best.

Preistland is out of the equation - injured and badly out of form

Hook - might go as utility back as might laidlaw

TJ wrote:Sexton is clearly the best of the 10s available and should be playing this /next week

Farrell is a known quantity, a steady competent international player ( apart from losing it a bit against Wales)

They are surely the top two

Bigger could be next in line - - OK just a bit dull

Flood would be next - but has been not at his best.

Preistland is out of the equation - injured and badly out of form

Hook - might go as utility back as might laidlaw

Eh Madigan?!?

Do you think Gatland will risk it, GG?

Maybe take him for the mid-week matches and the day off to Old Sovereign Hill?

Linebreaker wrote:Do you think Gatland will risk it, GG?

Maybe take him for the mid-week matches and the day off to Old Sovereign Hill?

Its not uncommon for an un-established player to get picked. Usually not at OH mind you but Madigan is a very exciting player to watch. A bit like Cooper but can tackle and kick. He has some step on him.

I honestly haven't seen much of him but judging from all the raps on here... I too would like to see him play over here. Would add some spark so I hear.

GunsGerms wrote:

TJ wrote:Sexton is clearly the best of the 10s available and should be playing this /next week

Farrell is a known quantity, a steady competent international player ( apart from losing it a bit against Wales)

They are surely the top two

Bigger could be next in line - - OK just a bit dull

Flood would be next - but has been not at his best.

Preistland is out of the equation - injured and badly out of form

Hook - might go as utility back as might laidlaw

Eh Madigan?!?

I was thinking about who was Hooks competition as a utility back (as Gatland has aluded to taking one, though he is a WUM) and hadn't thought about Madigan. Of all the bolters mentioned this makes the most sense to me. He can play a number of positions, would offer some flair at 10 an alternative to Farrell (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz) or Biggar and is a confident young man is very very good form.

Sexton has a lot to do to prove he is better than Madigan right now.

I honestly think if Madigan had just been given one chance by Deccie to play at 10 he would be very much favoured to tour.

Some people may say it's a gamble, but I am confident in his ability to at least light up the mid-week side, and his lack of international experience is compensated by composure to match his flair. He showed this despite coming on in the most dire of circumstances against Italy.

Goalkicking - Immaculate, 33 of his last 35 good enough for you?
Defence - Strong, more than just average
Running - Is there a better running 10 in Europe right now? Not that I have seen anyway.
Passing - I'd say he is the best passer of a ball in Ireland. Bar none.

Farrell will tour, but in what area is Farrell stronger in? Defence, by a smidgeon maybe?

Plus he can play 12 and 15.

Unlike Wade, who although is very exciting, Madigan is well-rounded and if there is to be a bolter in the Lions, there is no looking past him. I don't think he even has to be considered a bolter in order to tour.

If it helps clear up any hints of national bias, I think without question he has been the best player in Ireland in 2013.

TJ wrote:Sexton is clearly the best of the 10s available and should be playing this /next week

Farrell is a known quantity, a steady competent international player ( apart from losing it a bit against Wales)

They are surely the top two

Bigger could be next in line - - OK just a bit dull

Flood would be next - but has been not at his best.

Preistland is out of the equation - injured and badly out of form

Hook - might go as utility back as might laidlaw

That is BS. I haven't seen Farrell play a decent game yet for Saracens or England. Please name one. He is not up to it, England have a number of better flyhalfs why would the Lions take Farrell? He is not even the best goal kicker in the UK or Ireland and has nothing else to offer.

maestegmafia wrote:

TJ wrote:Sexton is clearly the best of the 10s available and should be playing this /next week

Farrell is a known quantity, a steady competent international player ( apart from losing it a bit against Wales)

They are surely the top two

Bigger could be next in line - - OK just a bit dull

Flood would be next - but has been not at his best.

Preistland is out of the equation - injured and badly out of form

Hook - might go as utility back as might laidlaw

That is BS. I haven't seen Farrell play a decent game yet for Saracens or England. Please name one. He is not up to it, England have a number of better flyhalfs why would the Lions take Farrell? He is not even the best goal kicker in the UK or Ireland and has nothing else to offer.

He played well against Scotland this Six Nations, and against New Zealand in the Autumn.He has shown to be an above average outhalf, and unfortunately that's good enough to be 2nd choice for the Lions.