Lions reinforcements (or why we should learn to love Roberts)

First topic message reminder :

Since we're all being so nice to each other and we haven't had one for a while,  i thought we needed to relieve some tension with a new Lions thread.

We know that by the 1st test there will be at least 15-20% casualties so we'll lose up to 8 players. Its likely we'll lose a couple before the squad even leaves and unlike the boyos at Rorke's Drift Gatland can call on reinforcements to swell the ranks to hold off the All Black hordes. With the club games and well documented All Black perceptions of what is and what isn't foul/dangerous play, it could get messy.

I expect the following to get the nod in this order. I've picked players who should have been in the squad, are leaders, or who are former Lions and can make an impact.

Props: Healy, Jenkins, Evans,
Props: Nel, Lee, Francis
Hookers: Hartley, Brown, Hibbard
Locks: Launchbury, Ryan, R Gray, Charteris,
Flank: Watson, Lydiate, Wobshaw
8: Heaslip, ?
9: Care, Davies
10: Ford, Russell.
Centre: Roberts, Ringrose
back 3: Kearney. Never Mike Brown

Fire at will.

Gwlad wrote:

miaow wrote:Up at 4am posting on 606 Gwlad?

pretty scary stalking miaow and nice try but, thankfully, we dont live in the same time zones. Would have thought your genius would have made that obvious

There's a time attached to your post. "Stalking"

Considering you're half the world away, and the fact you're a ubiquitous presence on this site, it makes it even worse. Go outside! Meet new people! Get into ice hockey!

As mentioned, does explain the nationalist wumming. Nothing like insecurity to make someone overcompensate through overzealous self fashioning.

Out of interest, are you WQ? Would you need a three year residency? Or are you as Welsh as Tomas Franics? Rupert Moon? Shane Howarth...?

Considering your own posting on England revealed your own bias miaow take a step back and relax. I disagree with a host of gwlad s posts and yours and several others....post offering opposition rather than tell them to remove themselves from posting.

miaow wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

miaow wrote:Up at 4am posting on 606 Gwlad?

pretty scary stalking miaow and nice try but, thankfully, we dont live in the same time zones. Would have thought your genius would have made that obvious

There's a time attached to your post. "Stalking"

Considering you're half the world away, and the fact you're a ubiquitous presence on this site, it makes it even worse. Go outside! Meet new people! Get into ice hockey!

As mentioned, does explain the nationalist wumming. Nothing like insecurity to make someone overcompensate through overzealous self fashioning.

Out of interest, are you WQ? Would you need a three year residency? Or are you as Welsh as Tomas Franics? Rupert Moon? Shane Howarth...?

More stalking, nothing to do with the thread just constant harassment trying to get me off the site.

Gwlad wrote:

Taylorman wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

miaow wrote:Up at 4am posting on 606 Gwlad?

He's in Canada if I remember right. Nothing like the nationalistic self righteousness of the expat.

says 'lostinwales', shame it hasn't rubbed off on you a bit.

Not in wales anymore, and as an England supporter I actually have a team to be proud of (for now....)

Makes two of us Lost, can't wait to meet

ah sweet, you belong together

Do try harder. Jealousy won't get you anywhere.

Gwlad wrote:

miaow wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

miaow wrote:Up at 4am posting on 606 Gwlad?

pretty scary stalking miaow and nice try but, thankfully, we dont live in the same time zones. Would have thought your genius would have made that obvious

There's a time attached to your post. "Stalking"

Considering you're half the world away, and the fact you're a ubiquitous presence on this site, it makes it even worse. Go outside! Meet new people! Get into ice hockey!

As mentioned, does explain the nationalist wumming. Nothing like insecurity to make someone overcompensate through overzealous self fashioning.

Out of interest, are you WQ? Would you need a three year residency? Or are you as Welsh as Tomas Franics? Rupert Moon? Shane Howarth...?

More stalking, nothing to do with the thread just constant harassment trying to get me off the site.

Not at all, I'd love you to stay, just stop being such a bad WUM.

Incidentally, how Welsh are you, Gwlad?

Miaow

Since you refuse to talk rugby, constantly solicit me to leave the site, accuse me of nationalism without even understanding it and now question my nationality i strongly suggest you foe me or remove yourself from a thread i drafted, to which you have contributed nothing but bilious rubbish. I will not be baited by you and refuse to correspond with you as you are very very boring. ta ta

https://youtu.be/RpEaEbPoJu0?t=50s

miaow wrote:https://youtu.be/RpEaEbPoJu0?t=50s

Yes very good, pity it doesn't pick up the last two or three matches highlights which are even more outrageous.

Cyril wrote:It may sound pessimistic but I can see the Lions only winning 2-3 games all tour.

I wouldnt judge the Lions chances on the Wales tour to NZ.

I watched the Chiefs v the Sunwolves on Saturday. The Chiefs have some really good players like Damian McKensie and Cruden but were fairly unconvincing at home against probably the weakest side in Super rugby. Im guessing their ABs like Messam, Retallick and Cane wouldnt all be playing. Wales may have been slaughtered by them but I reckon the Lions will beat them. The Lions should also be able to beat the Blues and the Highlanders but you never know.

I also think that the Lions should really beat the Maori and the Barbarians and one test v NZ. I think they need to win at least one test for tour to be a success.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

Cyril wrote:It may sound pessimistic but I can see the Lions only winning 2-3 games all tour.

I wouldnt judge the Lions chances on the Wales tour to NZ.

I watched the Chiefs v the Sunwolves on Saturday. The Chiefs have some really good players like Damian McKensie and Cruden but were fairly unconvincing at home against probably the weakest side in Super rugby. Im guessing their ABs like Messam, Retallick and Cane wouldnt all be playing. Wales may have been slaughtered by them but I reckon the Lions will beat them. The Lions should also be able to beat the Blues and the Highlanders but you never know.

I also think that the Lions should really beat the Maori and the Barbarians and one test v NZ. I think they need to win at least one test for tour to be a success.

I mean, we could base the chances on one of the weakest performances by a NZ team this season, or the average game where they are running in 8 or 9 tries.

Will the Chiefs have the same lineup as an average game? The Chiefs game is one week before the first test. Surely guys like Messam, Cane and Retallick will not be playing.

Also I dont think they have scored 8 or 9 tries in any game this year. It definitely isnt their average tally. The most they have scored in any one game is 6 this year which is obviously above their average and its unlikely they would score that many against a team of international players.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

Cyril wrote:It may sound pessimistic but I can see the Lions only winning 2-3 games all tour.

I wouldnt judge the Lions chances on the Wales tour to NZ.

I watched the Chiefs v the Sunwolves on Saturday. The Chiefs have some really good players like Damian McKensie and Cruden but were fairly unconvincing at home against probably the weakest side in Super rugby. Im guessing their ABs like Messam, Retallick and Cane wouldnt all be playing. Wales may have been slaughtered by them but I reckon the Lions will beat them. The Lions should also be able to beat the Blues and the Highlanders but you never know.

I also think that the Lions should really beat the Maori and the Barbarians and one test v NZ. I think they need to win at least one test for tour to be a success.

Chiefs have had a fairly poor last 3-4 weeks in general.

The NZ Barbarians are a team of (mostly) semi-pros, if the Lions can't win that one I'd be very worried.

Word in NZ is that the Maori will be allowed to pick some AB squad members, so they could be strong - the likes of Messam, Squire, Cruden, Damian McKenzie.

The Crusaders and Blues will be at full strength, & the Crusaders are unbeaten through 9 matches this year, matching the 2002 and 2006 title winning sides. Granted the Blues have been poor against the other NZ sides (0-5 this season so far), though they've been decent at home vs foreign teams - so as long as the Lions pick players who know how to beat the Aussies they'll probably be fine .

The Lions winning a test would be one in the eye for the bookies, and would probably be a gauge for marking a "successful" tour. I'd expect the Lions to win vs the depleted Chiefs, Canes & Highlanders, probably the Blues, with the Maori & Crusaders as 50:50 matches

Yeah I think the Lions will lose to the Crusaders alright and probably another super rugby side.

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

Cyril wrote:It may sound pessimistic but I can see the Lions only winning 2-3 games all tour.

I wouldnt judge the Lions chances on the Wales tour to NZ.

I watched the Chiefs v the Sunwolves on Saturday. The Chiefs have some really good players like Damian McKensie and Cruden but were fairly unconvincing at home against probably the weakest side in Super rugby. Im guessing their ABs like Messam, Retallick and Cane wouldnt all be playing. Wales may have been slaughtered by them but I reckon the Lions will beat them. The Lions should also be able to beat the Blues and the Highlanders but you never know.

I also think that the Lions should really beat the Maori and the Barbarians and one test v NZ. I think they need to win at least one test for tour to be a success.

Chiefs have had a fairly poor last 3-4 weeks in general.

The NZ Barbarians are a team of (mostly) semi-pros, if the Lions can't win that one I'd be very worried.

Word in NZ is that the Maori will be allowed to pick some AB squad members, so they could be strong - the likes of Messam, Squire, Cruden, Damian McKenzie.

The Crusaders and Blues will be at full strength, & the Crusaders are unbeaten through 9 matches this year, matching the 2002 and 2006 title winning sides. Granted the Blues have been poor against the other NZ sides (0-5 this season so far), though they've been decent at home vs foreign teams - so as long as the Lions pick players who know how to beat the Aussies they'll probably be fine .

The Lions winning a test would be one in the eye for the bookies, and would probably be a gauge for marking a "successful" tour. I'd expect the Lions to win vs the depleted Chiefs, Canes & Highlanders, probably the Blues, with the Maori & Crusaders as 50:50 matches

Well Im backing my Blues to beat the Lions, firstly, because they have access to all their All Blacks and will probably know well before then that theyre out being last in the NZ conference despite the possibility of scoring more table points than the automatic qualifying oz leader in a ridiculous scenario.

If that happens they will be looking to seek redemption for their fans by beating the Lions at Eden park.

Depending on whether the Lions play their top side against the Saders or the Blues... they wont do both, the Blues could be very difficult. And theyre only losing to NZ sides, just, with 1,4,5,9 across four.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Yeah I think the Lions will lose to the Crusaders alright and probably another super rugby side.

There is one Irish player in the Crusaders squad, Oliver Jager. He is as yet uncapped but would be interesting to see how he gets on. He is a tight head prop.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Yeah I think the Lions will lose to the Crusaders alright and probably another super rugby side.

There is one Irish player in the Crusaders squad, Oliver Jager. He is as yet uncapped but would be interesting to see how he gets on. He is a tight head prop.

He's gotten 53 minutes over 2 matches this season for 5 tackles made, 2 missed. 0 turnovers conceded. He's 3rd choice tighthead behind Franks and Michael Alaalatoa (Alaalatoa is Australian Samoan, his brother Alan is a capped Wallabies' prop).

Just reviewing this as I see we've already had some movement and even though Maitland is out I refuse to add Mike Toys Brown to the list. With Hogg, Half, Williams and Watson I think we have adequate 15 cover anyway. I'll pick Goode there before Brown.

I have Care as 9 replacement over Laidlaw and still feel should an injury occur to Webb or Murray who will be the Test 9s, that Care will be the bench option over Laidlaw. Some buffoon suggested Philipps might be. decent replacement, obviously that would be nonsense.

I do hope Robert's selection as Wales skipper doesn't interfere with his chances of being selected as centre replacement.

Gwlad wrote:Just reviewing this as I see we've already had some movement and even though Maitland is out I refuse to add Mike Toys Brown to the list. With Hogg, Half, Williams and Watson I think we have adequate 15 cover anyway. I'll pick Goode there before Brown.

I have Care as 9 replacement over Laidlaw and still feel should an injury occur to Webb or Murray who will be the Test 9s, that Care will be the bench option over Laidlaw. Some buffoon suggested Philipps might be. decent replacement, obviously that would be nonsense.

I do hope Robert's selection as Wales skipper doesn't interfere with his chances of being selected as centre replacement.

Anyone but Roberts. by the sounds of it Ringrose is next in line anyway.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

Gwlad wrote:I do hope Robert's selection as Wales skipper doesn't interfere with his chances of being selected as centre replacement.

Anyone but Roberts. by the sounds of it Ringrose is next in line anyway.

Would depend upon which centre was being replaced surely? An injury to Te'o may result in a different replacement than would an injury to JJ.

Possibly although there are a lot of players that cover multiple positions so may not matter.

LondonTiger wrote:

GunsGermsV2 wrote:

Gwlad wrote:I do hope Robert's selection as Wales skipper doesn't interfere with his chances of being selected as centre replacement.

Anyone but Roberts. by the sounds of it Ringrose is next in line anyway.

Would depend upon which centre was being replaced surely? An injury to Te'o may result in a different replacement than would an injury to JJ.

If Teo drops out I'd say Dunbar is probably next in line. he also has 100% lineout completion stats.

I just really want Robshaw to get a chance

(without actually wanting any of the current backrowers to get - or remain, given that half of them already are - injured)

Robshaw is not Lions material. He is a nice bloke and a journeyman flanker but he hasn't ever set the world alight. Nor will he.

Gwlad wrote:Robshaw is not Lions material. He is a nice bloke and a journeyman flanker but he hasn't ever set the world alight. Nor will he.

You are entitled to that opinion

I mean, I think you're so wrong that you could take that comment, show it to Trump and get a place on his Cabinet, but what would the world be like if we all agreed on everything?


What? Peaceful? Respectful? pah! Boring

Gwlad wrote:Robshaw is not Lions material. He is a nice bloke and a journeyman flanker but he hasn't ever set the world alight. Nor will he.

As a Scotsman, he would be one of the first backrowers from all the 6 nations I would want to pinch.....

If not, I'm sure England will be happy to have him

ChequeredJersey wrote:I mean, I think you're so wrong that you could take that comment, show it to Trump and get a place on his Cabinet, but what would the world be like if we all agreed on everything?


What? Peaceful? Respectful? pah! Boring

I love that in true Wobshaw fashion you appeared accepting at firsT, then got all hot under the collar and LET ME HAVE IT WITH BOTH BARRELS

Trump's better than Hillary

R!skysports wrote:

Gwlad wrote:Robshaw is not Lions material. He is a nice bloke and a journeyman flanker but he hasn't ever set the world alight. Nor will he.

As a Scotsman, he would be one of the first backrowers from all the 6 nations I would want to pinch.....

Ditto, I'd take him and POM. In a heartbeat.

Nah, I'm accepting your right to have an equally valid opinion as me, whilst emphasising that I still think you are wrong. That fact doesn't mean I don't respect your opinion, nor does it mean that it is any less valid or potentially right than mine.

As for the latter comment, that's a discussion for elsewhere

Whilst of course, being a bit of a douche and embracing the opportunity for some flippancy whilst I'm doing it

ChequeredJersey wrote:Whilst of course, being a bit of a douche and embracing the opportunity for some flippancy whilst I'm doing it

Bravo!!!!

Rugby knowledge is proportional with how much you rate Robshaw.

No surprise then that Gwlad who finished roughly bottom of the 6 Nations prediction competition doesn't rate him.

ChequeredJersey wrote:

Gwlad wrote:Robshaw is not Lions material. He is a nice bloke and a journeyman flanker but he hasn't ever set the world alight. Nor will he.

You are entitled to that opinion

Well, I'd probably agree with Gwlad on that one. Mind you, we had a whole squad of Journeymen in red jerseys come out last year so he's probably pretty good at recognising them. For him they're probably all around him.

Scottrf wrote:Rugby knowledge is proportional with how much you rate Robshaw.

No surprise then that Gwlad who finished roughly bottom of the 6 Nations prediction competition doesn't rate him.

Ahhh the World renowned 606v2 6 Nations competition, anyone who seriously puts any weight on performance in said competition is obviously doing better than Chris Robshaw who lead his team to the first ignominious (look it up Scott) failure to qualify of a host RWC Nation from the pool stages, largely by not taking the points to level the game ( )

This is why Welsh players like AWJ who listen to their kickers get selected for Lions tours and Wobshaws dont.

That is all any of us needs to know

Gwlad wrote:

Scottrf wrote:Rugby knowledge is proportional with how much you rate Robshaw.

No surprise then that Gwlad who finished roughly bottom of the 6 Nations prediction competition doesn't rate him.

Ahhh the World renowned 606v2 6 Nations competition, anyone who seriously puts any weight on performance in said competition is obviously doing better than Chris Robshaw who lead his team to the first ignominious (look it up Scott) failure to qualify of a host RWC Nation from the pool stages, largely by not taking the points to level the game ( )

This is why Welsh players like AWJ who listen to their kickers get selected for Lions tours and Wobshaws dont.

That is all any of us needs to know

Gats kicks players?

lostinwales wrote:

Gwlad wrote:

Scottrf wrote:Rugby knowledge is proportional with how much you rate Robshaw.

No surprise then that Gwlad who finished roughly bottom of the 6 Nations prediction competition doesn't rate him.

Ahhh the World renowned 606v2 6 Nations competition, anyone who seriously puts any weight on performance in said competition is obviously doing better than Chris Robshaw who lead his team to the first ignominious (look it up Scott) failure to qualify of a host RWC Nation from the pool stages, largely by not taking the points to level the game ( )

This is why Welsh players like AWJ who listen to their kickers get selected for Lions tours and Wobshaws dont.

That is all any of us needs to know

Gats kicks players?

No but he gave Mike Brown the boot

I crack myself up

Lifelong England fan. Didn't buy into 2013 lions as seemed too Wales bias. However, lions 13 DVDs delivered today. Just watching the extras and I am proud to have Sam Warburton as Captain.

Gwlittlelads still proud to be 5th I see

Rugbyjk wrote:Lifelong England fan. Didn't buy into 2013 lions as seemed too Wales bias. However, lions 13 DVDs delivered today. Just watching the extras and I am proud to have Sam Warburton as Captain.

Patronising fair weather fans can stay at home and watch their RWC 2015 dvds.

Sad little fella still eh glad? Fairweather? U were where in the 90s?

Did u get any prizes for being 5th btw? Guess u were chuffed with that though.

Rugbyjk wrote:Did u get any prizes for being 5th btw? Guess u were chuffed with that though.

Oh dear, an England fan talking up RWC, does it get anymore embarrassing.

Yup, being Welsh and thinkn u r any good.

So...six nations. Best keep Italy in, stops u from being last.

Rugbyjk wrote:Yup, being Welsh and thinkn u r any good.

Take the points Rob take the points

At least, little brother, u can support a decent team this summer. Nice change? Eh?

Rugbyjk wrote:At least, little brother, u can support a decent team this summer. Nice change? Eh?

I supported a decent team in 2013 which thanks to Wales brought the plaudits home for everyone. A decent supporter means always being consistent whatever is going on, not being a fair weather fan, something you have admitted you are.

Enjoy the Lions, maybe you'll learn something about support from Sam.

Wasn't Fairweather, saw mainly Welsh which was wrong, owing to their superb record v Oz. Luckily the others made the difference. As we are so bad, clearly your coach is wrong taking so many English players? The Welsh will make up the midweek, whom will u support for tests? Abs I bet.

Btw FIFTH heh heh heh heh heh heh