Get the article live show and put the fixtures up too
comment by RKW (U13169)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
Get the article live show and put the fixtures up too
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I will do when I figure out how
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Guv
It was a tough choice between him and Youngs for the third slot. Murray is a no brainer and you just can't ignore Webb.
I'm not much of a Webb fan personally; also think he had a poor tournament which is why Wales came fifth.
Team looks pretty good to me though, can't think of any terrible omissions.
Who would you start at 8 if fit?
Hard to say Hodgey but I'd probably go with Billy V with his cousin on the bench, but neither looked to be anywhere near when they did play.
That back row is disgustingly good.
Still have a hunch Gatland will go with what he knows and go for Faletau. I'd have Vunipola too, but his form isn't what it was in the summer (understandable with injury I guess).
Love the depth of our pack but fear for our backline somewhat against the ABs.
Is Kruis definitely out injured then? Real shame, top player.
Tough call between Biggar and Ford for me.
Hartley ahead of George.
comment by Hodgey (U1271)
posted 9 hours, 49 minutes ago
Who would you start at 8 if fit?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Parisse
the lions will have to win it up front, they can more than match and better nz there, keep it tight good scrum and lineout, if it becomes a open game they will get torn apart
Some responses to posts
RKW
Neo. Behave yourself. As a Saint I don't think Hartley is anywhere near. England have looked better when George came on and if he can only last 55 minutes these day he'd come under massive pressure in NZ. His Lions race is run I'm afraid.
Kaz. Prop is where I think we are weakest. Yes, the rest of the pack is very strong but I fear for our scrums.
Now we have the first injury pull out, Huw Jones. This throws up some interesting choices for replacement. The choices to me are.
Daly - straight forward centre replacement
Dunbar - straight forward centre replacement
Davies - straight forward centre replacement
Biggar - an extra 10 and a kicking option. Considered him for the original selection but went for Halfpenny only because of his kicking. I think he had a poor 6N - too many mistakes. If I went for Biggar it would mean that I'd bin Halfpenny and put in a more inventive attacking force to replace Jones. That would be Kearney if fit and Brown if not. Brown hasn't really be at previous levels this time round.
Seymour - a bit left field, but there's always a bit of the unexpected about Tommy.
On balance I think I'll go for Biggar in, Halfpenny out, Kearney in.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/28/adopt-a-lion-new-zealand-rugby-fans-offer-to-host-british-for-free
a nice touch
1 Vinipola
2 Best
3 Cole
4 Launchbury
5 Lawes
6 Itoje
7 O'Brien
8 Vinipola
9 Webb
10 Sexton
11 North
12 Farrell
13 Joseph
14 Nowell
15 Hogg
comment by United_kaz (U9943)
posted 2 days, 3 hours ago
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/28/adopt-a-lion-new-zealand-rugby-fans-offer-to-host-british-for-free
a nice touch
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you imagine it? Dan Cole sitting down to breakfast with some sheep shearer from Rotorua.
"OK Deen, how comes a sheet prop like you geets to go on a Lions tour?"
comment by theresgonnaebeashow - John, you're immortal now. (U5686)
posted 3 days, 23 hours ago
comment by United_kaz (U9943)
posted 2 days, 3 hours ago
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/28/adopt-a-lion-new-zealand-rugby-fans-offer-to-host-british-for-free
a nice touch
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you imagine it? Dan Cole sitting down to breakfast with some sheep shearer from Rotorua.
"OK Deen, how comes a sheet prop like you geets to go on a Lions tour?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They'd be upset, they were expecting Dane Coles
In terms of a 15, this would be my current starting line-up.
1 McGrath
2 Best
3 Furlong
4 Launchbury
5 Itoje
6 O'Mahony
7 O'Brien
8 Vunipola
9 Murray
10 Sexton
11 North
12 Farrell
13 Joseph
14 Seymour
15 Hogg
6 x English
7 x Irish
2 x Scottish
1 x Welsh
On reflection I can see more in the way of a Welsh contingent in the first xv that I have. Perhaps Webb or Warburton, or even Liam Williams, although I think Nowell, Maitland and even Keith Earls with his lions tour experience could be ahead of him.
Also been thinking about the match-ups. I know people are excited about the back row of the Lions, but I do worry. Ardie Savea has been tearing up the Super XV these first few weeks of the season. Elliot Dixon, Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Matt Todd have all been playing well too.
The second row I fancy the ABs to be stronger than the Lions, and the same (in the loose anyway) for the front row. Would be nice to get a shunt on in the scrum but can appreciate that can be tricky to do if the team's not been together for long.
In terms of the backs, you could probably pick 2 or 3 distinct AB back 3's and most of the players could make the lions XV. Jordie Barrett is breaking out this season, Julian Savea has been playing well. Mackenzie is coming along, Ben Smith has been in good form when playing. So I worry there, especially if we have Hogg behind the line as I'm not sure of his defensiveness skills against a big power runner like Savea.
At half back, Aaron Smith, TKB and TJP could all at least match Murray at 9 I think.
Where the Lions could edge it I think is at fly half and 3/4s. There's no settled AB option for IC and OC and not many players have been putting themselves right in first place for a test spot in the Super XV. Barrett will start at 10 but I am not convinced by his place kicking, which would help to influence how we play at the breakdown around half-way. We could probably get away with infringements and not be punished by 3 points. A familiar 12-13 partnership with farrell and joseph, and with Sexton at 10 strong defensively (concussions permitting) then there could be the chance to exploit what could be gaps in a relatively new 3/4ers.
bmcl1987 (U14177)
most of the nz teams this year have started brilliantly as well in super rugby, ardie savea has looked like a wrecking ball this year such a shame he went down at the weekend, will be touch and go if he makes it bk for the lions. a back row of savea, kaino, read will be devastating to watch
also I think the way he's been playing tj peranara will take the scrum half role 1st test, he's outperforming a smith who doesn't seem to have recovered from the controversy of last year, barrets goal kicking is a big concern that's why I have a sneaky feeling cruden might take one of the centre spots just for the goalkicking
comment by United_kaz (U9943)
posted 2 days, 2 hours ago
bmcl1987 (U14177)
most of the nz teams this year have started brilliantly as well in super rugby, ardie savea has looked like a wrecking ball this year such a shame he went down at the weekend, will be touch and go if he makes it bk for the lions. a back row of savea, kaino, read will be devastating to watch
also I think the way he's been playing tj peranara will take the scrum half role 1st test, he's outperforming a smith who doesn't seem to have recovered from the controversy of last year, barrets goal kicking is a big concern that's why I have a sneaky feeling cruden might take one of the centre spots just for the goalkicking
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting. So you can see the set-up being not too dis-similar from England's, where you have 2 fly halves playing? It would be a change from what they've done in the past year, but for sure they're still experimenting so it's entirely conceivable.
I also like the idea of TJ at half-back from an NZ perspective. He's physical enough to compete with Murray and his passing & decision making has been improving the last 18 months.
Interesting. So you can see the set-up being not too dis-similar from England's, where you have 2 fly halves playing? It would be a change from what they've done in the past year, but for sure they're still experimenting so it's entirely conceivable.
I also like the idea of TJ at half-back from an NZ perspective. He's physical enough to compete with Murray and his passing & decision making has been improving the last 18 months
------------
they might have to as I think some of the games will come down to goalkicking and don't think nz can rely on b barret for that, its a shame the lions tour has come this year for a few players in nz because the way his brother jordie barret is playing and kicking he could be starting for nz soon, a bit early this year perhaps,
TJ is the standout scrum half in super rugby this year, playing behind a pretty dominant hurricanes team at the moment and the fact he plays week in week out with b barrett will be a plus for him as well
Daly surely will tour, is a centre with wing experience with a siege gun of a boot. Ahead of Joseph for me, I think Marler will go and Furlong must go too. Murray and Sexton test half backs if fit. Stander, O'Mahony, Tipuric and SO'B all in with a shout and Hogg if fit has a great chance of being test F/B.
A surprise or two could include Wade and maybe Solomona if a replacement is called for?
Good point on Solomona, who are the dark horses?
I'd like to see Chris Robshaw and Greig Laidlaw go on the basis of it being a the rugby equivalent of a lifetime achievement award as for others Ringrose would be one with Chris Ashton and Nick Abendanon as others I think Steffon Armitage seems to be slipping away a bit, but whomelse is there - jamie Roberts maybe?
I can see at least a couple scots called up for injuries, given they'll be in Australia at the same time too. Maybe Hamidh Watson or Fagerson? I'd love to see ringrose tour as he's got a real spark about him and injuries permitting he could be a key part of the next tour, like Hogg last time compared to this time.
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posted on 20/3/17
Get the article live show and put the fixtures up too
posted on 20/3/17
No Biggar?
posted on 20/3/17
comment by RKW (U13169)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
Get the article live show and put the fixtures up too
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I will do when I figure out how
posted on 20/3/17
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 21/3/17
Guv
It was a tough choice between him and Youngs for the third slot. Murray is a no brainer and you just can't ignore Webb.
posted on 21/3/17
I'm not much of a Webb fan personally; also think he had a poor tournament which is why Wales came fifth.
Team looks pretty good to me though, can't think of any terrible omissions.
posted on 21/3/17
Who would you start at 8 if fit?
posted on 21/3/17
Hard to say Hodgey but I'd probably go with Billy V with his cousin on the bench, but neither looked to be anywhere near when they did play.
posted on 21/3/17
That back row is disgustingly good.
posted on 21/3/17
Still have a hunch Gatland will go with what he knows and go for Faletau. I'd have Vunipola too, but his form isn't what it was in the summer (understandable with injury I guess).
posted on 21/3/17
Love the depth of our pack but fear for our backline somewhat against the ABs.
Is Kruis definitely out injured then? Real shame, top player.
Tough call between Biggar and Ford for me.
Hartley ahead of George.
posted on 21/3/17
comment by Hodgey (U1271)
posted 9 hours, 49 minutes ago
Who would you start at 8 if fit?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Parisse
posted on 22/3/17
the lions will have to win it up front, they can more than match and better nz there, keep it tight good scrum and lineout, if it becomes a open game they will get torn apart
posted on 22/3/17
Some responses to posts
RKW
Neo. Behave yourself. As a Saint I don't think Hartley is anywhere near. England have looked better when George came on and if he can only last 55 minutes these day he'd come under massive pressure in NZ. His Lions race is run I'm afraid.
Kaz. Prop is where I think we are weakest. Yes, the rest of the pack is very strong but I fear for our scrums.
Now we have the first injury pull out, Huw Jones. This throws up some interesting choices for replacement. The choices to me are.
Daly - straight forward centre replacement
Dunbar - straight forward centre replacement
Davies - straight forward centre replacement
Biggar - an extra 10 and a kicking option. Considered him for the original selection but went for Halfpenny only because of his kicking. I think he had a poor 6N - too many mistakes. If I went for Biggar it would mean that I'd bin Halfpenny and put in a more inventive attacking force to replace Jones. That would be Kearney if fit and Brown if not. Brown hasn't really be at previous levels this time round.
Seymour - a bit left field, but there's always a bit of the unexpected about Tommy.
On balance I think I'll go for Biggar in, Halfpenny out, Kearney in.
posted on 28/3/17
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/28/adopt-a-lion-new-zealand-rugby-fans-offer-to-host-british-for-free
a nice touch
posted on 30/3/17
1 Vinipola
2 Best
3 Cole
4 Launchbury
5 Lawes
6 Itoje
7 O'Brien
8 Vinipola
9 Webb
10 Sexton
11 North
12 Farrell
13 Joseph
14 Nowell
15 Hogg
posted on 30/3/17
comment by United_kaz (U9943)
posted 2 days, 3 hours ago
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/28/adopt-a-lion-new-zealand-rugby-fans-offer-to-host-british-for-free
a nice touch
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you imagine it? Dan Cole sitting down to breakfast with some sheep shearer from Rotorua.
"OK Deen, how comes a sheet prop like you geets to go on a Lions tour?"
posted on 3/4/17
comment by theresgonnaebeashow - John, you're immortal now. (U5686)
posted 3 days, 23 hours ago
comment by United_kaz (U9943)
posted 2 days, 3 hours ago
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/28/adopt-a-lion-new-zealand-rugby-fans-offer-to-host-british-for-free
a nice touch
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you imagine it? Dan Cole sitting down to breakfast with some sheep shearer from Rotorua.
"OK Deen, how comes a sheet prop like you geets to go on a Lions tour?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They'd be upset, they were expecting Dane Coles
In terms of a 15, this would be my current starting line-up.
1 McGrath
2 Best
3 Furlong
4 Launchbury
5 Itoje
6 O'Mahony
7 O'Brien
8 Vunipola
9 Murray
10 Sexton
11 North
12 Farrell
13 Joseph
14 Seymour
15 Hogg
6 x English
7 x Irish
2 x Scottish
1 x Welsh
On reflection I can see more in the way of a Welsh contingent in the first xv that I have. Perhaps Webb or Warburton, or even Liam Williams, although I think Nowell, Maitland and even Keith Earls with his lions tour experience could be ahead of him.
posted on 3/4/17
Also been thinking about the match-ups. I know people are excited about the back row of the Lions, but I do worry. Ardie Savea has been tearing up the Super XV these first few weeks of the season. Elliot Dixon, Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Matt Todd have all been playing well too.
The second row I fancy the ABs to be stronger than the Lions, and the same (in the loose anyway) for the front row. Would be nice to get a shunt on in the scrum but can appreciate that can be tricky to do if the team's not been together for long.
In terms of the backs, you could probably pick 2 or 3 distinct AB back 3's and most of the players could make the lions XV. Jordie Barrett is breaking out this season, Julian Savea has been playing well. Mackenzie is coming along, Ben Smith has been in good form when playing. So I worry there, especially if we have Hogg behind the line as I'm not sure of his defensiveness skills against a big power runner like Savea.
At half back, Aaron Smith, TKB and TJP could all at least match Murray at 9 I think.
Where the Lions could edge it I think is at fly half and 3/4s. There's no settled AB option for IC and OC and not many players have been putting themselves right in first place for a test spot in the Super XV. Barrett will start at 10 but I am not convinced by his place kicking, which would help to influence how we play at the breakdown around half-way. We could probably get away with infringements and not be punished by 3 points. A familiar 12-13 partnership with farrell and joseph, and with Sexton at 10 strong defensively (concussions permitting) then there could be the chance to exploit what could be gaps in a relatively new 3/4ers.
posted on 4/4/17
bmcl1987 (U14177)
most of the nz teams this year have started brilliantly as well in super rugby, ardie savea has looked like a wrecking ball this year such a shame he went down at the weekend, will be touch and go if he makes it bk for the lions. a back row of savea, kaino, read will be devastating to watch
also I think the way he's been playing tj peranara will take the scrum half role 1st test, he's outperforming a smith who doesn't seem to have recovered from the controversy of last year, barrets goal kicking is a big concern that's why I have a sneaky feeling cruden might take one of the centre spots just for the goalkicking
posted on 6/4/17
comment by United_kaz (U9943)
posted 2 days, 2 hours ago
bmcl1987 (U14177)
most of the nz teams this year have started brilliantly as well in super rugby, ardie savea has looked like a wrecking ball this year such a shame he went down at the weekend, will be touch and go if he makes it bk for the lions. a back row of savea, kaino, read will be devastating to watch
also I think the way he's been playing tj peranara will take the scrum half role 1st test, he's outperforming a smith who doesn't seem to have recovered from the controversy of last year, barrets goal kicking is a big concern that's why I have a sneaky feeling cruden might take one of the centre spots just for the goalkicking
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting. So you can see the set-up being not too dis-similar from England's, where you have 2 fly halves playing? It would be a change from what they've done in the past year, but for sure they're still experimenting so it's entirely conceivable.
I also like the idea of TJ at half-back from an NZ perspective. He's physical enough to compete with Murray and his passing & decision making has been improving the last 18 months.
posted on 7/4/17
Interesting. So you can see the set-up being not too dis-similar from England's, where you have 2 fly halves playing? It would be a change from what they've done in the past year, but for sure they're still experimenting so it's entirely conceivable.
I also like the idea of TJ at half-back from an NZ perspective. He's physical enough to compete with Murray and his passing & decision making has been improving the last 18 months
------------
they might have to as I think some of the games will come down to goalkicking and don't think nz can rely on b barret for that, its a shame the lions tour has come this year for a few players in nz because the way his brother jordie barret is playing and kicking he could be starting for nz soon, a bit early this year perhaps,
TJ is the standout scrum half in super rugby this year, playing behind a pretty dominant hurricanes team at the moment and the fact he plays week in week out with b barrett will be a plus for him as well
posted on 9/4/17
Daly surely will tour, is a centre with wing experience with a siege gun of a boot. Ahead of Joseph for me, I think Marler will go and Furlong must go too. Murray and Sexton test half backs if fit. Stander, O'Mahony, Tipuric and SO'B all in with a shout and Hogg if fit has a great chance of being test F/B.
A surprise or two could include Wade and maybe Solomona if a replacement is called for?
posted on 10/4/17
Good point on Solomona, who are the dark horses?
I'd like to see Chris Robshaw and Greig Laidlaw go on the basis of it being a the rugby equivalent of a lifetime achievement award as for others Ringrose would be one with Chris Ashton and Nick Abendanon as others I think Steffon Armitage seems to be slipping away a bit, but whomelse is there - jamie Roberts maybe?
posted on 11/4/17
I can see at least a couple scots called up for injuries, given they'll be in Australia at the same time too. Maybe Hamidh Watson or Fagerson? I'd love to see ringrose tour as he's got a real spark about him and injuries permitting he could be a key part of the next tour, like Hogg last time compared to this time.
Page 1 of 15
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10