Madigan...potential bolter for the Lions?

First topic message reminder :

Sexton seems to be the first choice 10 for the Lions in most peoples eyes, but who will tour with him is certainly up for grabs. Priestland is no doubt going to push Sexton all the way. Laidlaw, Farrell and Flood dont exactly fill me with much enthusiasm.

I expect a big year from Madigan and it seems not just I rate him ahead of ROG as second choice 10 for Ireland. I just hope Kidney gives him a good run out in the AI's. I know he played full back for Leinster at the weekend but I'd like to see him play 12 (is he too small?), D'arcy is finished and has been for a couple of years now.

Has he got any chance of touring?
Could he play 12 for Leinster and possibly Ireland?

Maybe they aren't better but they have proven it on a higher level, a Lions tour is not a time to test players out.

As I said I rate Madigan but he needs testing on the Int stage.

But Pooly it may be worth taking a risky player over somebody who has been tested at International level, but were at best a C grade. I'd personally risk taking one untested player who could light up the side, alongside Sexton and Biggar.

Farrell will tour, he's a top class proven 10.

If Sexton gets injured I wouldn't fancy Madigan coming in.

10 isn't a position to gamble on.

Pooly are you watching the Sarries game, Farrell's having a pretty poor match so far, just blew a 3 on 1 about 10 metres off the line.

Yea I'm watching it, must be rubbish eh lol

He's not playing poorly though, that was garbage from him.

I'd take Farrell & Wilko (who's playing v well today) over Madigan every time.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Farrell will tour, he's a top class proven 10.

If Sexton gets injured I wouldn't fancy Madigan coming in.

10 isn't a position to gamble on.

I don't see it being a choice between 2 players,if Madigan did get the call it'd be as a 3rd choice OH who could cover 12 and 15 at a push.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I'd take Farrell & Wilko (who's playing v well today) over Madigan every time.

If it was a one off match I'd take Wilko but it's a series where a young guy can add depth to the squad and cover a few positions so I think Madigan is a far better option.

Madigan won't tour, it's hypothetical really

He probably won't but unless you've been on the blower to Gatland we don't know yet.

He won't tour 100%

Then don't worry about it Pooly

Sgt_Pooly wrote:He won't tour 100%

He probably won't but unless you've been on the blower to Gatland we don't know yet.

Farrell is having a nightmare at the moment.

I am Gatland

Farrell certainly did himself no favours today

You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

theslosty wrote:You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

Yeah, variety. Wilkinson (Da Vinci - master), Sexton (Van Gogh - improviser), Madigan (Picasso - madman)

theslosty wrote:You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

A worthy player, an overhyped hasbeen and an overhyped untested newb?

SecretFly wrote:

theslosty wrote:You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

Yeah, variety. Wilkinson (Da Vinci - master), Sexton (Van Gogh - improviser), Madigan (Picasso - madman)

Sexton's had a rough time with injuries of late, but surely he isn't entering into ear-severing antics?

TJ wrote:

theslosty wrote:You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

A worthy player, an overhyped hasbeen and an overhyped untested newb?

Well if you're looking for an underrated, modest type of player, we do have Owen "World Player of the Year" Farrell!

Draw lots for a compromise. If talent won't swing it, by God a short straw should!

theslosty wrote:

TJ wrote:

theslosty wrote:You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

A worthy player, an overhyped hasbeen and an overhyped untested newb?

Well if you're looking for an underrated, modest type of player, we do have Owen "World Player of the Year" Farrell!

:-)

SecretFly wrote:

theslosty wrote:You have to say a Sexton, Wilkinson and Madigan package has the best of everything.

, Madigan (Picasso - madman)

A dodgy haircut does not a madman make!

Sgt_Pooly wrote:It's not "show boating top players" by picking proven International players.

Players play Int rugby because they are the best in their respective position in their country, Madigan isn't this currently.

Well that rules out Sam Warburton touring.

Burns is better than Farrell...and hopefully in Argentina he will prove it and make that England 10 spot his own.

I think Burns has the worst defensive stats in the AP GF, sure I read it a few weeks back.

I'd personally love Madigan to go on the Lions tour. Just the sort of maverick needed, and I thought his performance at 12 against Biarritz was excellent and full of ambition.

I think Gatland will go with Hook personally as his "utilty" stand-off (and I rate Hook highly), but Madigan certainly has something about him.

Farrell was dog poo yesterday, but he's had a strong season overall. I think he'll still go as second choice, despite Stuart Barnes' best efforts.

I can see Gatland taking a punt on Madigan. He has total self-confidence and some of his performances this season have been outstanding. If we're going to Australia to play with ball in hand, he's just the kind of player you'd want.

ooooh exciting twitchy bum time. Wouldnt be shocked if Madigan or Scott are the utility bolter covering 10/12/13... 15 announced just after 11am today

Hmm let me see.... will the Welsh coach who hates Ireland select an uncapped back up Leinster fly half ahead of the English golden boy who happens to be the assistant coaches son.......

Rodders.... whatever are you suggesting!!?..... is there treachery afoot!!. Actually Madigan coming on for the last 25mins at 10 and creating space for a fired up Jon Davies and BOD or Tualagi tandem is quite mouth watering

My fingers are crossed hoping that Gats gives him a go,Wade also would be great pick.Let us have a bit of sparkle in the party.Come on Warren,you know it makes sense!

Told yer

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Told yer

he wasn't picked. Whether or not he turns up in Australia playing for the Lions is another thing though Anything can happen...just ask young 'wildcard' Stevens.

Stevens is a mad call