The 606v2 Lions Selection Left Wing

Alright guys!

I figured we could get this going to give us a bit of a heads up on the general consensus of opinions for Lions Test shirts. We'll have a starting XV in no time BUT I am going to leave vote cancelling on so people can change their minds over the next 8 days or so.

Keep the debate honest and punch above the belt.  

ps: remember this is not a prediction, it is a "who would YOU select" poll.

So far our team is

Vunipola-Youngs-Jones
Gray-POC (c)
SOB-Heaslip-Tipuric

Bowe has not been included as he will not be fit for the first test.

North
Looks really good, very powerful guy obviously but showed he has some guile as well. He enters the line really well and is such a go forward option. On the back foot he is not quite so strong but again his power can hold up the ball waiting for support to come. Not an awful kicking and catching game but we'd like to see more from him.

Maitland
Has absolutely massive pace. He also links well and makes sure he finds support. He has a good kicking game and is a natural footballer, maybe doesn't have the power or vision that other options have.

Zebo
Is getting his first start tomorrow and will do very well to be involved in anything other than midweek matches. He is very quick and scores a lot of tries, he has a massive boot and fields the high ball well. Defensively he has improved a lot. Perhaps doesn't have that vision for getting off his wing and also doesn't seem to beat his man as often as we'd like.



Ok guys get the debate started and get the votes coming in. 
Much love.
Buachaill

northwing

Has to be North.  His ability coming off the wing and breaking the gainline in midfield is going to key.  He also has the hands to move the ball on in contact so can and does generate great forward momentum.

He is the only player in the squad that I am genuinely worried about if he is not fit.  In all other positions if the first choice is not availabel we have back up who is pretty much of the same standard. 

With North, we do not have another winger that can bring what he brings.  Bowe would have been a player who could have replced him but he's not available.

This should be a fairly simple one I think

George North for me. If he's out I'd go for superman or chuck norris.

Sadly rodders, North ate both Superman and Chuck Norris at the same sitting, so we really are screwed if he's out!

OP wrote:
Who would YOU start against the Wallabies (left wing)?

Leo Trotsky

rodders wrote:George North for me. If he's out I'd go for superman or chuck norris.

Dammit and I was going to watch "Man of Steel" tonight. You have spoilt the ending for me.

Grey Tiger-

That is outstanding stuff!!! 

Amazed that NORTH is not 100% on this , the guy has been outstanding on tour

Would the 3 'dissenters'  not have him in the side at all ? or do they see him in another position ?

North – Halfpenny – Bowe
 
Would be the perfect back 3. But Bowe is out, and now it looks like North is out with a tight hamstring.
 

Getting worrying….

I'm hearing elsewhere that North is possibly out of the tour.

Pete (boe) wrote:
Grey Tiger-

That is outstanding stuff!!! 

Actually I voted Zebo. (don't tell anyone).

How is North so big? He really is a freak of nature. For a man his age or even when he was 18 to be the size he was/is is just unbelievable.

Rumours are North's hamstring is worse than hoped...

Now makes sense why he brought over Twelvetrees and Zebo.

If he's fit it has to be North for me. The Aussie press seem nervous of him which is always a good start. If they try and double mark him it just leaves space elsewhere.

Pay your money and take your choice

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2341362/British-Irish-Lions-2013-George-North-fit-Test.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/jun/13/lions-george-north-manu-tuilagi

They basically say the same, just one plays a very negative bat the other a little more optomistic.

The truth, is he has a tight hamstring, and no one will say yet whether or not it is serious.

My concern is that a tight hamstring, could be the start of something more severe unless he has time to rest it. And on a tour like this, he isnt going to get much rest time.

I'd have north on one wing and Maitland on the other to be honest!

If fit it has to be George North, if not then Maitland.