Again, something of an embarassment of riches here, but one that needs to be thought of and selected carefully to provide the blend required to open the game for the three quarters.
The options would seem to be: Brad Barritt (Eng), Manu Tuilagi (Eng), Fergus McFadden (Ire), Brian O'Driscoll (Ire), Joe Ansbro (Sco), Nick De Luca (Sco), Jonathan Davies (Wal), Jamie Roberts (Wal)
I'd see the six to go as relatively straight forward with Barritt, Tuilagi, O'Driscoll, Davies & Roberts being head and shoulders clear then probably McFadden as the other
In terms of who to start, thats much harder - Roberts is probably the best 12 and Tuilagi was the best 13 in the Six Nations, but would you maybe consider Tuilagi at 12 and O'Driscoll at 13? This selection is in the eye of the beholder - better known as Warren Gatland - but my choice would be Roberts & Tuilagi to batter them to death and bring on O'Driscoll around 60 mins in to provide a) leadership & inspiration across the park and especially in the backs and b) the stilleto between the ribs in the last quarter against a bludgeoned set of packs and backs
What about you?
Likely Lions: Centres
posted on 25/4/12
I'd agree with Tuilagi and Roberts no doubt, they were the first two that came into my head at the sight of the article title!
posted on 25/4/12
Cheers Sir Eric
If you want a bash at the other positions there are a few articles on the rugby union board - we could do with a few more contributors
posted on 25/4/12
Certainly Roberts (Barritt) and Tuilagi (Davies) would provide the bish, followed by the bash, with a heavy dose of bosh for afters but would that be the best way to go?
I'd like to see a bit more finesse from one of our centres but which one?
Both Farrell and Sexton have played at inside centre in thi years 6Nations without looking at all out if place and both provided something different to Roberts in distribution and kicking if we go for Tuilagi at 13. McFadden hasn't really had a chance at international level.
Tuilagi is a similar beast to Roberts and will knock them down all day but has anyone ever seen him pass? Would it be better, if we give the nod to Roberts to go with someone more likely to compliment his style. The vision and unrivaled brilliance of O'Driscoll? The maniacal dervish that is Earls?
God, you're righth SARS, this IS a toughy but I'll plump for Roberts and O'Driscoll to renew their partnership of four years ago.
posted on 25/4/12
Earls - yes, I forgot about him, I'd be tempted to take him instead of McFadden.
Do you reckon O'Driscoll will still be able to go the distance in a years time? I know folks have asked that for a while though and always been wrong, but surely even he can't last forever - can he?
posted on 25/4/12
Only God and BOD know that, and God's not so sure.
If we're going today I'd pick him, we'll see about next year next year. He'll be 34 but as he ages so his playing style evolves and if he stays clear of injury I'd give him a fighting chance.
posted on 25/4/12
I would take Scott Williams over Macfadden, very good player.
posted on 25/4/12
For starting the tests I would have Hook and Tuilagi, because you cant play Roberts and Tuilagi. I think Hook would bring the best out of Manu and whoever Australia name would struggle to cope with them.
BOD would have a large role to play too from the bench.
posted on 26/4/12
not sure why people have a problem with playing roberts and tuilai in the centres together. They are the best 12 and 13 in the home nations and arn't as similar as they are being made out to be. Sure they are both huge and enjoy a bosh but tuilagi has more pace and can quite easily take players on the outside. Roberts is much more efficient in first phase ball where i think tuilagi is stronger in the second third phase ball when a bit of momentum has picked up. End of the day they are both animals and the amount of work the aussies would have to do to stop them for 80 mins would create so many opportunities for the players around them!!!
posted on 26/4/12
I think Tuilagi's handling skills are being overlooked here. Yes we have not seen much of them in the 6N, but the teams were set up to be hard to beat, not play open rugby.
Take a look at him at club level and you'll see deft skills with a good offload.
I agree with JR/MT at 12/13, I think BOD won't make this one, just a gut feeling.
Brad Barritt on the bench to shore up a lead if needed, and also remember Farrell is a decent 12.
posted on 26/4/12
J Roberts, J Davies, S Williams, B O'Driscoll, M Tuilagi