SO which number 8's do you think are most likely to make the trip? We have some very very strong contenders emerging already. One major contender from each nation which is nice.
England: Ben Morgan, the rampaging giant back rower causes havoc on his barnstorming runs.
Wales: Toby Faletau, one of the most solid and consistent performers in world rugby, and is no stranger to scoring tries.
Scotland: Dave Denton broke onto the scene in the recent Six Nations tournament and produced some incredible performances, looks like he will only get better.
Ireland: Jamie Heaslip, nothing new here, Jamie has been a top player for years and has more experience than the above mentioned players, would be a safe choice.
Versatile Back Row options: Ryan Jones (Wales) and Sean O'Brien (Ireland, both are great players and are in with a good shout of selection.
This is how I see the pecking order standing at the moment:
1. Toby Faletau
2. Ben Morgan
3. Dave Denton
4. Jamie Healsip
But they are all very close.
Who would you say is in with the best shout?
Likely Lions: Number Eight
posted on 12/4/12
Hard call, all are good but I would pick Morgan if it was tomorrow for the starting spot.
posted on 13/4/12
Its going to be a bit of shock when we get to scrum half and the options fall away!
Again, another embarassment of riches!
Right now I'd say the best #8 is Ben Morgan, overall I'd say the best #8 when on top from in Jamie Heaslip.
So I'd go for Morgan, Heaslip, Denton, Faletau in that order - thats very tough on Faletau who to some degree has the problem of playing alongside two of the best flankers in the world and so his star fades in comparison. The reason for Denton over Faletau in third is his greater ability to play flanker and if we only have 3 to select he might not make it
posted on 13/4/12
Morgan, Heaslip and Faletau for now but with another 6Nations under his belt I coud see Denton moving up the order.
O'Brien would deffo make my squad as cover for all three back row spots.
posted on 13/4/12
Morgan, Heaslip and Denton. Take Ryan Jones as cover for 8 and blindside.
posted on 13/4/12
Got to go for Morgan also, He's been outstanding. I think Heaslip is a brilliant number 8 but he's just a bit off these days, and so i would actually pic Faletau 2nd with Heaslip 3'rd. For me Heaslip has been looking a little complacent in recent months. And i don't like that one little bit however on a lions tour, he would probably come right back to his former glory.
posted on 13/4/12
SARS expressed my feelings on this selection exactly.
I'm not sold on Falatau yet, seen him make too many mistakes (especially handling mistakes) for the top level.
Morgan on form or Heaslip on previous class...I'd be happy with either.
posted on 14/4/12
Just an update. Heaslip was simply outstanding last night! Right up there with his best performances. Leinster 54 - 13 Edinburgh. If he continues like that, no N8 can touch him.
posted on 16/4/12
Currently Faletau but in top form it has to be Heaslip!