Lion 10?

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:38

What does people in UK / Ireland want to be 10 lions?

In italia we watch lion too (us who play rugby).
For me and many other Farrell is perfect player!!!

by Mickado Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:41

I’m obviously biased so I’ve gone with Sexton.

But both Sexton and Farrell will tour and both will play in test matches, I suspect Gatland will pick whichever one suits his game plan better because currently, they’re both excellent players in good form.

by GunsGerms Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:42

Are you sure youre from Italy?

by GunsGerms Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:43

Surely Dan Biggar has a better chance than OGara, Hook and Priestland. Anyway Sexton for me.

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:45

Apologies. I forget Biggar.

Priestland is favourite with Gatland. Very sad politics of rugby Sad

by maestegmafia Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:45

Parlare in italiano, se lo si desidera.... La grammatica Inglesse è orribile

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:47

maestegmafia wrote:Parlare in italiano, se lo si desidera.... La grammatica Inglesse è orribile

Why? This page is English no?

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:49

I've gone for Owen Farrell and I'm pretty sure Gatland will too. I wasn't impressed with Sexton's play in the second half against Wales. Ireland had all the points they needed and he should have been kicking for territory and slowing the game down.

by maestegmafia Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:51

vicenzolaquilarugby wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Parlare in italiano, se lo si desidera.... La grammatica Inglesse è orribile

Why? This page is English no?

You don't speak Italian.

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:53

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I've gone for Owen Farrell and I'm pretty sure Gatland will too. I wasn't impressed with Sexton's play in the second half against Wales. Ireland had all the points they needed and he should have been kicking for territory and slowing the game down.

Farrell young but has brain of 2003 Wilkinson. Mature player.

9. Youngs / Care / Murray
10. Farrell
11. North
12. Tuilagi
13. O'Driscoll
14. Ashton
15. Halfpenny

by GunsGerms Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:57

vicenzolaquilarugby wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I've gone for Owen Farrell and I'm pretty sure Gatland will too. I wasn't impressed with Sexton's play in the second half against Wales. Ireland had all the points they needed and he should have been kicking for territory and slowing the game down.

Farrell young but has brain of 2003 Wilkinson. Mature player.

9. Youngs / Care / Murray
10. Farrell
11. North
12. Tuilagi
13. O'Driscoll
14. Ashton
15. Halfpenny

Sounds like you read English newspapers. "brain of 2003 Wilkinson"

by Taylorman Thu Feb 07 2013, 08:59

GunsGerms wrote:Are you sure youre from Italy?

oh dear...

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:04

GunsGerms wrote:
vicenzolaquilarugby wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I've gone for Owen Farrell and I'm pretty sure Gatland will too. I wasn't impressed with Sexton's play in the second half against Wales. Ireland had all the points they needed and he should have been kicking for territory and slowing the game down.

Farrell young but has brain of 2003 Wilkinson. Mature player.

9. Youngs / Care / Murray
10. Farrell
11. North
12. Tuilagi
13. O'Driscoll
14. Ashton
15. Halfpenny

Can you find better 9-15?

Sounds like you read English newspapers. "brain of 2003 Wilkinson"

by GunsGerms Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:28

9.Care
10. Sexton
11.North
12.BOD
13.Tuilagi
14.Zebo
15 1/2p/ Kearney

On current form bar Tuilagi who is hard to leave out.

by GunsGerms Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:35

Hi Vincenzo. Terrible tragedy in your town a few years ago. What do think of how they jailed 6 geophysicists for failing to predict the earthquake? Bit harsh?

by Cyril Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:37

Farrell really is impressive at the moment and is becoming a very good player with more to his game than many thought.

There was a time that I thought Sexton was a shoo-in. Not anymore.

Sunday could go a long way to deciding this position.

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:40

GunsGerms wrote:Hi Vincenzo. Terrible tragedy in your town a few years ago. What do think of how they jailed 6 geophysicists for failing to predict the earthquake? Bit harsh?

It is about blame in Italy never people take responsibility

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:47

Pretty obvious that Sexton is the favourite and deservedly so.

As it stands Farrell is probably the 2nd fly half but we'll see if he can sustain his decent form.

This weekend's clash between Ireland and England will obviously give everyone an opportunity to see Sexton vs Farrell which could make or break either player.

Other fly halves haven't really put their hands up yet in my opinion.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:50

beshocked wrote:Pretty obvious that Sexton is the favourite and deservedly so.

I just don't see it. Sexton is a better running outside half than Farrell, but in all other respects, Farrell is the better player.

by AlastairW Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:57

isn't this moving towards who will be the lions starting 10? Let's face it, over the last 6 months, they've both played themselves onto the plane.

..I'd still rather just donate Cips and watch England go on it's proper summer tour though. Can we have our coaches back as well please?

by captain carrantuohil Thu Feb 07 2013, 09:59

Well let's face it, they'll take Sexton and Farrell and, I would hope, a good utility back who will do a job at 10, so someone like Hook. At the moment, Biggar and Jackson haven't a prayer of making the plane.

As to who will start, that will be decided after about three matches of the tour. Form in June will be crucial, not February. If the Lions Test were tomorrow, I'd pick Sexton, just about, but there's little enough in it.

by vicenzolaquilarugby Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:04

I would like to see an Italia / France mix team

Latinos!!

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:06

Luckless Pedestrian I hope you are right but I would like to see more of the same from Farrell. Plus I want to see if how he will handle real pressure. Most top fly halves have it relatively easy because they are behind strong packs. I want to see what he can do when his pack is under the cosh and with bad ball.

Ultimately it's about their form closer to the time.

Not Hook surely?

Flood can still make it on the plane. Plus maybe a late charge from Burns.

by GunsGerms Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:06

Farrell and Sexton will both travel. It is probably a toss of a coin at this stage who will start. I am predicting that Gatland would opt for Sexton as he has gone on record as saying that it is not a development tour and he wants players with experience therefore he will pick a 34, 35 year old if they are good enough over a younger player. Granted Farrell plays with an old head and like a more experienced player however, Sexton's experience may just be what divides them.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:09

I would like to see Flood as the starting ten but his form has dipped a little. We all know farrell can kick pts but I'm still not sure how he is under presure. All the games that he is considered to have done good in the ball has been handed to him on a plate. If he is behind a retreating pack or slow ball which we will get from pollcock i'm not so sure.

Sexton behind a struggling pack and struggle aswell though

Mentally Johnny W is were he was in 2003 just not his body.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:10

GunsGerms, I can see your point, but given that Gatland will probably want the Lions playing a territorial game, I'd say Farrell would be his choice. If Sexton and Farrell were both Welsh, he'd select Farrell I reckon.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:11

Also if halfpeeny is in the team we don't need a goal kicker. If that is Farrell's strong point I would have halfpenny and sexton then halfpenny and farrel

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:12

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:GunsGerms, I can see your point, but given that Gatland will probably want the Lions playing a territorial game, I'd say Farrell would be his choice. If Sexton and Farrell were both Welsh, he'd select Farrell I reckon.

With the backs we'd be taking I would hope it would be ball in hand and not kick it back to Oz and hope we stop them before they get to far back up the field.

by Glas a du Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:13

You forgot to put Biggar on the list Very Happy

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:16

Brendan you want to see Flood starting for the Lions? Headscratch

what's the point of picking Halfpenny when he's probably not our best full back?

Halfpenny's goalkicking is a luxury.

by Geordie Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:16

Brendan

I dont want to see Flood anywhere near the lions. He's a decent player...but i think Sexton is way better...and from an English point of view Farrell and Burns offer much more depending on what type of player your looking for...

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:17

Brendan wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:GunsGerms, I can see your point, but given that Gatland will probably want the Lions playing a territorial game, I'd say Farrell would be his choice. If Sexton and Farrell were both Welsh, he'd select Farrell I reckon.

With the backs we'd be taking I would hope it would be ball in hand and not kick it back to Oz and hope we stop them before they get to far back up the field.

You probably didn't watch the England-Scotland game. Farrell didn't kick the ball much at all. His all round game is still a work in progress but it's going in the right direction.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:22

So what will be considered for the lions.

6 Nations - It is a toss up between Ireland and England for finishing highest of the home nations. Sexton will start all his games, Flood might start the italy game and look really good and be kept for Wales.

HC/Amlin - Farrel, Flood and O'Gara in the HC but only Farrel stands a good chance of getting past the 1/4s. Sexton is in the Amlin which has to count against him unless Farrell gets knocked out in the 1/4s and Sexxton goes to the final.

League - All the big players will be contesting the play-offs

I think who ever does the best in the 6nations will get the lions. Ireland are ahead of Engalnd Sexton gets place, England get top then their finishing kicker should be the lions starter.

If halfpeeny starts we don't need a goal kicker as he is as good as any of the flyhalves at goal.

by lostinwales Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:23

I think the odds on Halfpenny being on the plane are extremely high. I also think the odds on him starting a test are nothing like as good

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:23

Brendan, I'm just going on how Wales have played under Gatland. I'd love us, both Wales and the Lions, to play more football, but I don't see it happenng.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:27

Like I said, his form has dipped. He is a great runner if he gets his form back.

Farrell was running but it is easy to run when you know the tacklers will give you time to off load. We will have to see how he does agaisnt France and Ireland and hopefully wales.

At the end of the six nations there was great hype about Farrell. Played against Clermount at home in the HC and they got killed. He did nothing in that game. It just seems when his team goes forward he is good. When they go back he isn't. We don't need to take a chance on if we will have the upper hand against Oz.

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:28

Brendan why do you want Flood starting for England? You seem to be a fan of his.

If any fly half other than Farrell is going to start vs Italy surely Burns would be the obvious choice?

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:33

beshocked wrote:Brendan why do you want Flood starting for England? You seem to be a fan of his.

If any fly half other than Farrell is going to start vs Italy surely Burns would be the obvious choice?

Well considering the importance of the Ireland game SL seems to agree with me that Flood is second choice and not Burns. If he was he would be in the 25 man squad.

It is great to think Burns is second but if he isn't even getting sub time for the big games what hope does he have for Lions squad.

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:35

Brendan wrote:Like I said, his form has dipped. He is a great runner if he gets his form back.

Farrell was running but it is easy to run when you know the tacklers will give you time to off load. We will have to see how he does agaisnt France and Ireland and hopefully wales.

At the end of the six nations there was great hype about Farrell. Played against Clermount at home in the HC and they got killed. He did nothing in that game. It just seems when his team goes forward he is good. When they go back he isn't. We don't need to take a chance on if we will have the upper hand against Oz.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17639573

Please do your homework. Farrell Jr didn't start at fly half. Hodgson did. I have been saying time and again that Farrell is not an outside centre.

He didn't start at fly half in the loss vs Munster away or the playoff semi loss to Leicester last season or the loss vs Quins at Wembley either - in all three he was shoe horned to 13 where he doesn't perform in the big matches.

I am not sure why the Saracens coaches haven't seen the pattern.

by Luckless Pedestrian Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:36

Brendan wrote:At the end of the six nations there was great hype about Farrell. Played against Clermount at home in the HC and they got killed. He did nothing in that game. It just seems when his team goes forward he is good. When they go back he isn't.

Judging by the game last Saturday, you could say the same about Sexton. When Wales came back in the second half he started kicking aimlessly infield (he wasn't alone in doin this, mind you). An O'Gara, or a Farell, would have slowed down the game, kicked for touch, kept Wales in their own half.

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:37

Brendan wrote:
beshocked wrote:Brendan why do you want Flood starting for England? You seem to be a fan of his.

If any fly half other than Farrell is going to start vs Italy surely Burns would be the obvious choice?

Well considering the importance of the Ireland game SL seems to agree with me that Flood is second choice and not Burns. If he was he would be in the 25 man squad.

It is great to think Burns is second but if he isn't even getting sub time for the big games what hope does he have for Lions squad.

Burns is injured.

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/Nations-setback-ex-Bath-schoolboy-Freddie-Burns/story-18000855-detail/story.html#axzz2KCzALcaN

by Cyril Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:40

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
Brendan wrote:At the end of the six nations there was great hype about Farrell. Played against Clermount at home in the HC and they got killed. He did nothing in that game. It just seems when his team goes forward he is good. When they go back he isn't.

Judging by the game last Saturday, you could say the same about Sexton. When Wales came back in the second half he started kicking aimlessly infield (he wasn't alone in doin this, mind you). An O'Gara, or a Farell, would have slowed down the game, kicked for touch, kept Wales in their own half.

Agreed. Doing that against Australia would be disastrous.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 10:45

Beshocked if the ulster game this year goes like the Clermount last year do you think he will have enough to turn the game for sarries or will he be helpless like he was last year.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:00

beshocked wrote:
Brendan wrote:
beshocked wrote:Brendan why do you want Flood starting for England? You seem to be a fan of his.

If any fly half other than Farrell is going to start vs Italy surely Burns would be the obvious choice?

Well considering the importance of the Ireland game SL seems to agree with me that Flood is second choice and not Burns. If he was he would be in the 25 man squad.

It is great to think Burns is second but if he isn't even getting sub time for the big games what hope does he have for Lions squad.

Burns is injured.

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/Nations-setback-ex-Bath-schoolboy-Freddie-Burns/story-18000855-detail/story.html#axzz2KCzALcaN

Farrel was dropped after the first SA match because he couldn't deal with with not haveing dominance. Flood replaced him till he got injured in the AIs when Farrel took over. If England hadn't of beaten NZ I am sure Flood would have started last Saturday.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:05

Also Se4xton has shown over the years that when the team is struggling he has what is needed to sort out the team and to call moves. I am not sure we have seen that from Farrell.

Also tell me two good performances that Farrell has had that were not at twickers. Its easy to play well at home but has he shown it where his fans are in the minority

by Scrumpy Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:10

Sexton and Farrell for the test team

Flood and Hook as cover/midweek squad.

by beshocked Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:12

Brendan you'll have to remind me how England did with Flood starting at 10 after the first SA match and in the AIs.

Beating the New Zealanders is a piece of cake. Anyone could do it.

Farrell at 10 is completely different to Farrell at 13.

Farrell at 10 has beaten the ABs,Munster, Quins away,France away,Ireland at home,Leicester in an AP final,Saints away,Racing Metro away,Gloucester in an AP semi final etc.

He has won numerous big games in the crucial 10 position.

by fa0019 Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:13

Sexton is the man in the seat but Farrell could snatch the test spot if he continues to progress with his game management and attack platform.

One thing is, Farrell does have Goode as 2nd receiver... before that he looked less impressive. With Twelvetrees now in the mix ENG have 3 options so it makes his life that more simple.

IF Farrell keeps on his 7 from 8 record it would be very difficult to not include him though. If someone has a near 90% success rate they become very valuable.

by Barney McGrew did it Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:13

The reports of Flood's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Farrell has certainly seized his current opportunity - he played well (but no more) against NZ and excellently against Scotland. That's one top game in a year against one of the weaker sides in the 6N. Got a way to go methinks. Burns is a new boy who's had 20 minutes and didn't look out of place. Got even further to go. If Flood can stay fit he's got every chance.

by Brendan Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:14

Am I right in saying that Farrell has only started two games away from HQ. One was against France in Paris and the other he was dropped after it in SA.

For the lions their wont be much cheering him on.

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