[Tox56]

On this topic, Strauss was excellent yesterday, particularly in his role as the mythical seven. He won thousands of turnovers and was constantly slowing things down on the floor.

[castie]

Dont forget Fogs!

[Spudmonkey]

Saw the Fla training harder than ever in the Arena. Maybe he's having second thoughts.

[onlyrocknroll]

Originally Posted by Podge_irl

I don't think he is 'well above' Best at all. Comfortably better then the others though.

Best's performances during and the since the World Cup have put him roughly on par with Flannery IMO. But when they were both competing for the 2 jersey 3 years ago Flannery was a good head and shoulders above Best.

It's worth noting that Flannery would most probably have been the starting hooker during the last Lions tour back then, Best will most probably start in this tour.

[nerd69]

Originally Posted by durkadurka

A poor man's Woody!

thats like comparing a Ferrari to a pair of burnt out slippers

[Brewster]

Flannery was a very good player, an excellent pro and a thoroughly decent man. He has some great displays for Ireland and like everyone else I wish him all the best. Talk of him being world class and an Ireland great are wide of mark, he may have had a world class lineout throw but that was it. Rory Best on the form of last 18 months is a comfortably better player than Flannery was at his peak in 2009 in most aspects of play most notably- leadership, scrummaging, tackling, work rate.

[Amazotheamazing]

Originally Posted by Brewster

Flannery was a very good player, an excellent pro and a thoroughly decent man. He has some great displays for Ireland and like everyone else I wish him all the best. Talk of him being world class and an Ireland great are wide of mark, he may have had a world class lineout throw but that was it. Rory Best on the form of last 18 months is a comfortably better player than Flannery was at his peak in 2009 in most aspects of play most notably- leadership, scrummaging, tackling, work rate.

And most notably he's still a weak thrower. It's like saying a fullback is great at everything except catching, or an outhalf is great except for his kicking.