Team selection: First Lions match in Aus

First topic message reminder :

Gatland states that the first 3 games will see every tourist getting a start on rotation. It means that speculation about test preferences based on selection is put aside for that period and gives Gatland the chance to see who is hungry and look at combinations, mix them up to give him maximum flexibility come test week.

Based on what i saw this weekend some players have squandered opportunities and others have pencilled their names in. POC was immense as was Philipps and Roberts; their Lions pedigree shone. The likes of Farrell have done themselves no favours and his liability at 10 is obvious....for me Hibbard and Lydiate needed a huge game. Maitland will be annoyed with himself but remains my bolter.

For the next game it is imperative Sam starts and if he doesn't then i think questions about his worth to the squad need to be asked. This is the team i want to see on Wednesday

Healy
Youngs
Cole
Evans
AWJ
Croft
Sam
Heaslip
Youngs
Sexton
North
Manu
BOD
Bowe
Half

maestegmafia wrote:

Toohey wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Toohey wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Gibson wrote:Sexton will kick. Won't let anyone else near the ball while he's on the field. He's in the 90% range - just to dispel the online myths. Missed a few on Sat... but phookit. Weird weather conditions. And he opened the Baa Baas up like a hot knife through butter.

Think people should give young Farrell a break too. Its a high learning-curve for the lad. He will be getting lots of solid advice from those experienced heads around him. This will make him an even better player post Tour.

Its what the Lions are all about.

The lions is about trying to win a tour, not about teaching Farrell how to be a better player. He should be the best already.

I hope he starts to play well, a few people have said that his confidence has been rattled by poor performances in his last four or five big games.

Out of interest maestegmafia, if Farrell has a poor performance at some point that costs the lions a test will you blame the player for accepting a call up or Gatland for choosing him?

I am sure every player is trying their very best, whether their best is good enough is to be seen, so far I think we can all say Farrell wasn't at his best. The coaches and players will be hoping he can give a better showing.

Regarding selection, should he not improve or have a better game than showed last week, then yes it does fall on the coaches for calling him up to the squad. Certainly the ones who recommended he could do the job.

He has masses to prove after his recent form.

Pathetic. Get this in your head, the final selection (especially for such a pivotal position) was Gatlands and his alone. I think he is comfortable with that, why can't you handle it?

Wow you are a complete prat aren't you...

Mesa, attack the post not the poster...

Lovely to see a show-and-go from Sexton for the try.

Sexton setting up his stall, good start for him

Yes, looking quite a good start

thebluesmancometh wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

Jenkins wants all 3 options kicking at goals ASAP

Sexton just scored a try so as not to be left out.

maestegmafia wrote:

Toohey wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Toohey wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Gibson wrote:Sexton will kick. Won't let anyone else near the ball while he's on the field. He's in the 90% range - just to dispel the online myths. Missed a few on Sat... but phookit. Weird weather conditions. And he opened the Baa Baas up like a hot knife through butter.

Think people should give young Farrell a break too. Its a high learning-curve for the lad. He will be getting lots of solid advice from those experienced heads around him. This will make him an even better player post Tour.

Its what the Lions are all about.

The lions is about trying to win a tour, not about teaching Farrell how to be a better player. He should be the best already.

I hope he starts to play well, a few people have said that his confidence has been rattled by poor performances in his last four or five big games.

Out of interest maestegmafia, if Farrell has a poor performance at some point that costs the lions a test will you blame the player for accepting a call up or Gatland for choosing him?

I am sure every player is trying their very best, whether their best is good enough is to be seen, so far I think we can all say Farrell wasn't at his best. The coaches and players will be hoping he can give a better showing.

Regarding selection, should he not improve or have a better game than showed last week, then yes it does fall on the coaches for calling him up to the squad. Certainly the ones who recommended he could do the job.

He has masses to prove after his recent form.

Pathetic. Get this in your head, the final selection (especially for such a pivotal position) was Gatlands and his alone. I think he is comfortable with that, why can't you handle it?

Wow you are a complete prat aren't you...

Maesteg, I think we all now know how you feel about Farrell, no need to insult posters because they don't agree with you. What Toohey suggests is that Gatland makes the ultimate decision and your dislike of Farrell clouds your ability to accept any other explanation than your own.

I suggest you let it go now.

Excellent kick to touch, Force have barely had the ball

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Wow, Heaslip dumped by Norton night!

Bowe looks so sharp!

Not hugely impressed with the forward carrying so far, which is disappointing considering this is a strong carrying pack

Bowe, Cuthbert and Halfpenny have to be a shoe in for the first test

Agree with that Wales606, big runners are yet to get into the game, Bowe has been exceptional and Sexton has looked good as well. Feel that Tuilagi and BOD will come into it more as the game progresses. Also can't wait to see how ben Youngs does when he comes on.

Murray went the wrong way there. Scrum not as dominant as expected, Adam Jones look like the favourite so far

BBC website - Brian Moore refers to the opposition as the 'farce'

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Sexton's kicks werent particularly easy. If his kicking was poor then surely he should be given time to correct it. Otherwise unless 1/2 plays all three tests we will be in trouble.

Murray struggling a bit here

wales606 wrote:Bowe looks so sharp!

Not hugely impressed with the forward carrying so far, which is disappointing considering this is a strong carrying pack

Bowe is a really classy player.

Poor discipline, the Lions should be aiming for a 0 on the scoresheet - Shaun Edwards will be crying at home if the Force score

Big black mark against this scrum

Anyone else notice there's next to no gap at scrum time?

Lineouts are awful

Some black marks by Best's name - 2 poor throws

GunsGerms wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Sexton's kicks werent particularly easy. If his kicking was poor then surely he should be given time to correct it. Otherwise unless 1/2 plays all three tests we will be in trouble.

Wasnt suggesting Sexton wasnt a good kicker. What I am saying though is just because he is wearing 10 doesnt make him first choice kicker, and if Halfpenny is playing Halfpenny will be first choice to take the penalties.

As for Halfpenny playing all 3 tests, if he stays injury free, yes he will... as I believe Sexton will and he will be an able backup to Halfpenny for the penalty taking.

Far too many penalties

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Sexton's kicks werent particularly easy. If his kicking was poor then surely he should be given time to correct it. Otherwise unless 1/2 plays all three tests we will be in trouble.

Wasnt suggesting Sexton wasnt a good kicker. What I am saying though is just because he is wearing 10 doesnt make him first choice kicker, and if Halfpenny is playing Halfpenny will be first choice to take the penalties.

As for Halfpenny playing all 3 tests, if he stays injury free, yes he will... as I believe Sexton will and he will be an able backup to Halfpenny for the penalty taking.

Nothing is a dead cert yet.

Best unfortunately carrying on his awful throwing form. Generally the pack looks lacklustre.

BOD still has it - could have been a second for Sexton though

GunsGerms wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Sexton's kicks werent particularly easy. If his kicking was poor then surely he should be given time to correct it. Otherwise unless 1/2 plays all three tests we will be in trouble.

Yup, and Farrell's misses - 1 out of 7.

I despair. Time to move to another forum.

nathan wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Sexton's kicks werent particularly easy. If his kicking was poor then surely he should be given time to correct it. Otherwise unless 1/2 plays all three tests we will be in trouble.

Wasnt suggesting Sexton wasnt a good kicker. What I am saying though is just because he is wearing 10 doesnt make him first choice kicker, and if Halfpenny is playing Halfpenny will be first choice to take the penalties.

As for Halfpenny playing all 3 tests, if he stays injury free, yes he will... as I believe Sexton will and he will be an able backup to Halfpenny for the penalty taking.

Nothing is a dead cert yet.

Of course its not... but in the driving seat...




And that conversion SHOWS WHY Halfpenny is 1st choice kicker...

BOD, Sexton, Bowe and Croft are the best on show so far

Outstanding kick from Halfpenny - clear test kicker for me

wales606 wrote:BOD, Sexton, Bowe and Croft are the best on show so far

Outstanding kick from Halfpenny - clear test kicker for me

North is looking good as well.

Oh dear, Healy looks to be badly injured :/

sirBiggles wrote:

nathan wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Why is 1/2p kicking?

After Sexton and Farrell's misses on the weekend, I thought that would be obvious.

Come the Tests, the Lions cant afford to miss kicks, as it could be down to a 3 point game...

Loads of posters have been on Halfpennies back, but face it. He's the best option and the 15 shirt is his. He's great defence, attacking, and can kick from anywhere. He is also the 1st choice kicker. Anyone else wants his shirt they are going to play out of thier skin for it.

Sexton's kicks werent particularly easy. If his kicking was poor then surely he should be given time to correct it. Otherwise unless 1/2 plays all three tests we will be in trouble.

Wasnt suggesting Sexton wasnt a good kicker. What I am saying though is just because he is wearing 10 doesnt make him first choice kicker, and if Halfpenny is playing Halfpenny will be first choice to take the penalties.

As for Halfpenny playing all 3 tests, if he stays injury free, yes he will... as I believe Sexton will and he will be an able backup to Halfpenny for the penalty taking.

Nothing is a dead cert yet.

Of course its not... but in the driving seat...




And that conversion SHOWS WHY Halfpenny is 1st choice kicker...

Have to admit, he's a close as a dead cert as you can get!

Biltong wrote:

wales606 wrote:BOD, Sexton, Bowe and Croft are the best on show so far

Outstanding kick from Halfpenny - clear test kicker for me

North is looking good as well.

He is starting to get into it now

North, 1/2p, Bowe would be my test starters.

2 weeks until the first test, real blow for Healy

Call up for Paul James with Gethin needing a run on Saturday.

Big blow, hope he can recover, but it will be difficult

Healy accused of biting too, :/

Hope that's not Healy's tour over... not a nice way to go home...

Fingers crossed for him...

If that is Healy out, think it should be Ryan Grant for a call up

Mako showing his class

Easy in the end, Croft on Norths wing

Lets hope Healy is OK, it will be a real shame if he doesn't play in the tests.

Another excellent kick

That's why he is kicking tonight and why he should kick in the tests.

Another lovely conversion from Halfpenny... Think that underlines who the 1st choice kicker is and has to be... I wont labour that point any more...

Big blow losing Healy – one of the top LH in Europe IMO, particularly with questionnmarks over Gethin’s fitness.

Riskysports wrote:If that is Healy out, think it should be Ryan Grant for a call up

Grant has looked good, but James has the advantage of his combination with Adam and Hibbard

RDW_Scotland wrote:Big blow losing Healy – one of the top LH in Europe IMO, particularly with questionnmarks over Gethin’s fitness.

After a couple of weeks of games and training Gethin was back to his best in the 6Ns - im sure he will be up to speed by the first test. Still, it's a huge chance for Vunipola

sirBiggles wrote:Another lovely conversion from Halfpenny... Think that underlines who the 1st choice kicker is and has to be... I wont labour that point any more...

Good...

wales606 wrote:

Riskysports wrote:If that is Healy out, think it should be Ryan Grant for a call up

Grant has looked good, but James has the advantage of his combination with Adam and Hibbard

Possibly, but if going on form, then Grant is the top choice (should have gone before Jenkins at the start


Although actually happy for Grant to stay with Scotland, as that is almost as exciting a tour

Could just be a sprained ankle for Healy