The Anti-Lions thread

[Scrumpy]

I've been a huge fan of the B+I Lions over the years, I've watched every game bought the shirts etc.

But after hearing Gatlands selections this morning (30th April) I feel completely numb, very odd selections and admissions of some great in form players like Rory Best have left me with a very bitter taste in my mouth, and don't even start me on Farrell, Hartley and Stevens.

Next time I hope a British or Irish coach is selected.

At the moment I feel too angry to make a decision whether to follow this year’s tour or not. Gatlands talking to Talksport at this very moment about the French based players and how they can’t commit to the tour yet Jenkins gets selected? Very odd.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Terrible slection imo. I can't see anything passed a Australia seriers win.

[Cardiff Taffy]

Grow up mate. So Gatland, who's won just about everything in Northern Hemisphere game, has a different opinion to you as to what's best to pick for the tour.

That's no reason to stop supporting the Lions. Get a grip, get this years jersey and get watching.

[Kingshu]

I'm annoyed Best wasn't picked, but I ain't going to throw my toys outta the Pram.

Anyway there will be injuries, and I be surprised if all the squad gatland names travels, rem last Lions tour how many players were injuried or suspended and replaced, before the plane even departed.

[LondonTiger]

Non selection of Best is a shock - but the 3 hookers selected were all being touted in various quarters.

Selection of Stevens - well I heard his name mentioned in a number of papers, but did not believe it would happen. Cannot believe he is now a two time Lions tourist.

selection of Farrell is no real shock - after Sexton there were no real contenders and based on form over the last 18 month is a fair enough call.

[Scrumpy]

Fingers crossed kingshu

[thebluesmancometh]

A few shocks but thats what we're here for, we love it secretly!!!

Best must be gutted to see Youngs AND Hartley travel

[RubyGuby]

Is Stephens up to Speed

[Scrumpy]

To be fair I think Youngs is a good pick but Hartley over Best, really?

Look I'll follow them but don't expect me not to say 'I told you so' if it all goes jubblies up.

[lostinwales]

Is Stephens up to Speed

Is there some kind of implication that his career has faltered due to a tendency to go to ground anywhere there is a white line?

[thebluesmancometh]

Is Stephens up to Speed

Is there some kind of implication that his career has faltered due to a tendency to go to ground anywhere there is a white line?

Are you accusing him of white line fever?

[XR]

Is Stephens up to Speed

Is there some kind of implication that his career has faltered due to a tendency to go to ground anywhere there is a white line?

Are you accusing him of white line fever?

Fair play to him though, he nose his way to the line

[RubyGuby]

Is Stephens up to Speed

Is there some kind of implication that his career has faltered due to a tendency to go to ground anywhere there is a white line?

Are you accusing him of white line fever?

[mikey_philVIII]

To be fair I think Youngs is a good pick but Hartley over Best, really?

Look I'll follow them but don't expect me not to say 'I told you so' if it all goes jubblies up.

HERSH is that you?

[Scrumpy]

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall during the selection meeting for fly half’s, hopefully it will make the DVD.

I can picture Andy Farrell talking up Owen.

'Hey guys I agree Sexton 1st choice, but you know who else will do as he is told, My Boy’ at which point he shows a hour long compilation of highlights showing what his boy can do on his tablet, probably got his school reports out too.

[RubyGuby]

I doubt it would be an hour long Victor

[gowershowerpower]

U3, I just hope your anger makes you avoid the tour. . personal attack removed

[Scrumpy]

I doubt it would be an hour long Victor

I don't know Ruby throw in a few slow motion shots like they do in the 6 nations!

[mikey_philVIII]

U3, I just hope your anger makes you avoid the tour. personal attack removed.

Yep. . personal attack removed

[RubyGuby]

You might have a point there Vic - I think you could get about 48 minutes of him tilting his head back and forth before he kicks a penalty

[munkian]

Non selection of Best is a shock - but the 3 hookers selected were all being touted in various quarters.

Selection of Stevens - well I heard his name mentioned in a number of papers, but did not believe it would happen. Cannot believe he is now a two time Lions tourist.

selection of Farrell is no real shock - after Sexton there were no real contenders and based on form over the last 18 month is a fair enough call.

Um..Biggar ? Kicked for the team that beat Leinster in Dublin numerous times, including Rabbo final, far out played Farrell in the Six Nations but his Daddy isn't on the board ?

[Scrumpy]

I can't help but think we had the talent to destroy Aus this summer, yet with some of these odd selections I think we have given them a chance.

[munkian]

By omitting who though ?

[RubyGuby]

By omitting who though ?

Ken Owens and Nathan Hines

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

I can't help but think we had the talent to destroy Aus this summer, yet with some of these odd selections I think we have given them a chance.

To be honest, Australia were favourites yesterday & they're still favourites today. Unless the Lions can secure over 60% of possession they're toast given the way the Aussie backs are shaping up this season.

[mikey_philVIII]

U3, I just hope your anger makes you avoid the tour. personal attack removed.

Yep. . personal attack removed

Can't remember what I posted here, but I apologise if it was deemed off topic.

[Guest]

I've been a huge fan of the B+I Lions over the years, I've watched every game bought the shirts etc.

But after hearing Gatlands selections this morning (30th April) I feel completely numb, very odd selections and admissions of some great in form players like Rory Best have left me with a very bitter taste in my mouth, and don't even start me on Farrell, Hartley and Stevens.

Next time I hope a British or Irish coach is selected.

At the moment I feel too angry to make a decision whether to follow this year’s tour or not. Gatlands talking to Talksport at this very moment about the French based players and how they can’t commit to the tour yet Jenkins gets selected? Very odd.

Hersh,

It's very narrow minded to wish for a Coach from our shores. Gatland knows what he needs and has understudied the man when it comes to the Lions.

It's not that odd about Gatland picking Jenkins, as he's been released for it. Toulon would no way let Jonny go (as an example).

Your attitude is pretty appalling to be honest. I would back them whoever was selected if I was a fan of them (which I am). Waiting to say, I told you so like I've seen you say is a really spiteful thing to do, as you're basically willing them to fail.

[mikey_philVIII]

Rev, that comment did sound very hersh-like and it was reminiscent of something I read after the 2009 tour. Very childish indeed. Some people just don't understand the lions!

[kiakahaaotearoa]

All those unhappy with the Lions squad make your own squad with non selected players and play in Moral Stadium and speculate on how much Gatland's Lions will lose by.

Murray Best ?
Launchbury Ryan jones
Wood Robshaw Brown
Care Flood twelve trees
Lamont wade visser brown

Hang on... Maybe Gatland got it mostly right.

[Scrumpy]

It's funny how people only pick parts that fit their agenda!

I also said 'I'd follow them' as any Brit/Irish fan would.

But I'm not happy with 'some' of the selections and I don't think I'm alone on that one.

[Cyril]

Rev, that comment did sound very hersh-like and it was reminiscent of something I read after the 2009 tour. Very childish indeed. Some people just don't understand the lions!

I see Morgannwg/WelshLadGareth etc is back.

[Guest]

It's funny how people only pick parts that fit their agenda!

I also said 'I'd follow them' as any Brit/Irish fan would.

But I'm not happy with 'some' of the selections and I don't think I'm alone on that one.

You're hardly following them, if you're wanting them to fail, just so you can be so petty as to say I told you so.

[Scrumpy]

Did I say I want them to fail?
Bending the truth there a little Rev

[Guest]

So you're going to say I told you so if they win? Hardly likely. Personally, my first instinct would be to be gutted if they lost, not looking to criticise players. I don't see the need to act all uppity and say I told you so should they lose, but obviously I'm in the wrong aye.

[mikey_philVIII]

Did I say I want them to fail?
Bending the truth there a little Rev

Just admit you're incensed at the number of Wales players going on tour and that's why you refuse to commit to the lions ethos. It should be of no surprise to you, with Wales being the 'back to back champions'

[Guest]

Did I say I want them to fail?
Bending the truth there a little Rev

You may also want to rename your thread too? I'm really not sure where I get this feeling from, that you want the Lions to lose.

[Alex_Germany]

I can't help but think we had the talent to destroy Aus this summer, yet with some of these odd selections I think we have given them a chance.

To be honest, Australia were favourites yesterday & they're still favourites today. Unless the Lions can secure over 60% of possession they're toast given the way the Aussie backs are shaping up this season.

Are they favourites? They're the weakest of the tri-nations and would barely be favorites to beat England. If the Lions can't do the job, might as well pick the England team (perhaps with a Celtic back 3 and Ritchie Gray) to do the job.

[Scrumpy]

Did I say I want them to fail?
Bending the truth there a little Rev

Just admit you're incensed at the number of Wales players going on tour and that's why you refuse to commit to the lions ethos. It should be of no surprise to you, with Wales being the 'back to back champions'

Where did I say or indicate that? please re-read the OP!

and the title just represents the general mood from people reactions to this mornings news.

[beshocked]

Non selection of Best is a shock - but the 3 hookers selected were all being touted in various quarters.

Selection of Stevens - well I heard his name mentioned in a number of papers, but did not believe it would happen. Cannot believe he is now a two time Lions tourist.

selection of Farrell is no real shock - after Sexton there were no real contenders and based on form over the last 18 month is a fair enough call.

Um..Biggar ? Kicked for the team that beat Leinster in Dublin numerous times, including Rabbo final, far out played Farrell in the Six Nations but his Daddy isn't on the board ?

I didn't realise beating Leinster makes Biggar a shoo in for the Lions. How about Dan Parks? He also managed to beat Leinster this season.

Biggar didn't get very far in the HC did he?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

All those unhappy with the Lions squad make your own squad with non selected players and play in Moral Stadium and speculate on how much Gatland's Lions will lose by.

I love the crowds they get at Moral Stadium. So po-faced.

[SecretFly]

All those unhappy with the Lions squad make your own squad with non selected players and play in Moral Stadium and speculate on how much Gatland's Lions will lose by.

I love the crowds they get at Moral Stadium. So po-faced.

Returning Lions crowds can be pretty po-faced too.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

I can't help but think we had the talent to destroy Aus this summer, yet with some of these odd selections I think we have given them a chance.

To be honest, Australia were favourites yesterday & they're still favourites today. Unless the Lions can secure over 60% of possession they're toast given the way the Aussie backs are shaping up this season.

Are they favourites? They're the weakest of the tri-nations and would barely be favorites to beat England. If the Lions can't do the job, might as well pick the England team (perhaps with a Celtic back 3 and Ritchie Gray) to do the job.

They were weakest of the 3 nations last year -but they had a shedload of injuries, and depth is still a major problem in Oz. This year their stars (ok, Beale excepted) are fit and firing in Super Rugby. At full strength and at home the Aussies will beat anyone.

[Exiledinborders]

It's not that odd about Gatland picking Jenkins, as he's been released for it. Toulon would no way let Jonny go (as an example).

That just about says it all. Jenkins is picked because he is not good enough to be any great loss to Toulon where Andrew Sheridan keeps him on the bench.

[R!skysports]

All those unhappy with the Lions squad make your own squad with non selected players and play in Moral Stadium and speculate on how much Gatland's Lions will lose by.

Murray Best ?
Launchbury Ryan jones
Wood Robshaw Brown
Care Flood twelve trees
Lamont wade visser brown

Hang on... Maybe Gatland got it mostly right.

He got the most right, where it was almost impossible to not get it right (Such as Cole and Jones)

he failed where it was a 50/50 or even a 60/40 is certain areas

The biggest fail imo is the tactic he is shaping up to play

Bish Bash Bosk - has not worked for him the last 7 times he tried it and won't this time - he has not learnt

Plus Matt Stevens!

[R!skysports]

It's not that odd about Gatland picking Jenkins, as he's been released for it. Toulon would no way let Jonny go (as an example).

That just about says it all. Jenkins is picked because he is not good enough to be any great loss to Toulon where Andrew Sheridan keeps him on the bench.

And Grant is better than both of them at the moment and on form

[Scrumpy]

All those unhappy with the Lions squad make your own squad with non selected players and play in Moral Stadium and speculate on how much Gatland's Lions will lose by.

Murray Best ?
Launchbury Ryan jones
Wood Robshaw Brown
Care Flood twelve trees
Lamont wade visser brown

Hang on... Maybe Gatland got it mostly right.

He got the most right, where it was almost impossible to not get it right (Such as Cole and Jones)

he failed where it was a 50/50 or even a 60/40 is certain areas

The biggest fail imo is the tactic he is shaping up to play

Bish Bash Bosk - has not worked for him the last 7 times he tried it and won't this time - he has not learnt

Plus Matt Stevens!

Good point Risky, one I fear you may be right.

[Cardiff Taffy]

It's not that odd about Gatland picking Jenkins, as he's been released for it. Toulon would no way let Jonny go (as an example).

That just about says it all. Jenkins is picked because he is not good enough to be any great loss to Toulon where Andrew Sheridan keeps him on the bench.

Yeah that's it. Jenkins, the three time Grand Slam winner, is no good.

[thebluesmancometh]

It's not that odd about Gatland picking Jenkins, as he's been released for it. Toulon would no way let Jonny go (as an example).

That just about says it all. Jenkins is picked because he is not good enough to be any great loss to Toulon where Andrew Sheridan keeps him on the bench.

Yeah that's it. Jenkins, the three time Grand Slam winner, is no good.

Ye maybe we should swap Jenkins for Sheri, he'll do a far better job against the tight, arm wrestle of Oz... oh!

[maestegmafia]

It's not that odd about Gatland picking Jenkins, as he's been released for it. Toulon would no way let Jonny go (as an example).

That just about says it all. Jenkins is picked because he is not good enough to be any great loss to Toulon where Andrew Sheridan keeps him on the bench.

Yeah that's it. Jenkins, the three time Grand Slam winner, is no good.

Ye maybe we should swap Jenkins for Sheri, he'll do a far better job against the tight, arm wrestle of Oz... oh!

Bernard Laport picks Sheridan for the first sixty then brings Gethin on in every game. Sheridan is a better scrummager for sure, better player? No.

There is a very good reason why Gethin has achieved so much in his career he is a phenomenally talented player.

[RubyGuby]

If Sheridan was any good then surely he'd be in the England squad, they're not exactly blessed in that department

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