The 1st (perhaps) of many annoying Lions XV Threads

Inquitus

Ok so the season is over, and the Lions Tour is looming after the Autumn and 6 Nations.

Who is in your Lions starting XV atm?

Stev_o

Scotland XV with Kearney at FB since their the only side that actually won against a SH team too early to call because everyone is sh!te at the moment.

Super Sidious

9. Cooper/Cuisiter
10. O'Gara
11. Williams
12. Fitzgerald
13. B'OD
14. Kearny
15. Cipriani

That would be a decent backline...

dc69

ogara and Bod wont play imo

Fitz and Kearney have good chances,kearney esp.

Cipriani will play 10 and kearney 15.

Stev_o

1.A. Sheridan /G.Genkins
2.Bennet
3.M. Stevens
4.O'Connel/N. Hines anyone?
5.AW.Jones
6.Haskell/A Hogg
7.T.Rees/M Willaims
8.A.Jones (C)
9.Blair/Philips/Care (depends on the game Geech wants to play]
10.Cipriani (If he recovers fully)/S.Jones
11.Willaims
12.?????
13.????? B.Cairns?T.Shanklin?Fitzgerald?Tait?
14.Sackey
15.Kearney

Midfield is going to be dire theres not many great combinations around and little options

Inquitus

BOD won't unless he finds some form.

ROG is the best 10 in the 4 nations and deserves his spot without doubt, this may change depending on Cipriani in the 6 nations, but ROG is head and shoulders above Hook / Jones etc

POC is a certainty

I think Best / Flannery are better than Mears and co.

Fitz and Kearney need to prove their case outside Ireland with a good 6 nations

Super Sidious

O'Gara easily one of the best outhalves in the world... why wouldnt he get picked? Munster EC champions etc. he has a great chance... B'OD if he regains form...

dc69

flynner13 wrote: »

O'Gara easily one of the best outhalves in the world... why wouldnt he get picked? Munster EC champions etc. he has a great chance... B'OD if he regains form...

I think George Hook has got into peoples heads.You get picked for the Lions on merit,not what your club has won.

The reality is O'Gara is a very good kicker both out of hand and off the ground but apart from that has not got much at all,there are many better 10's than him.Ireland have been very lucky to have him though,as we have a severe lack of 10's.

He is brilliant for Munster because they kick for territory,simialr to Ireland but with ball in hand and defence im sorry to say o'gara is average.

Cipriani is a cert for 10 with rog as backup.
And Cipriani deserves to be first choice 10,he will be the best in the world when Carter goes.

Inquitus

dc69 wrote: »

I think George Hook has got into peoples heads.

The reality is O'Gara is a good kicker and an outstanding territory kicker but apart from that has not got much at all.

Cipriani is a cert for 10 with rog as backup.

Cipriani has had one good International start at 10, he hasn't proven anything yet imo.....all hype, no substance.............he needs to get fit and have a good 6 nations before he is ahead of ROG.

He has potential, and indeed could be great.....but you, along with Sky etc have creamed your pants far too prematurely

dc69

Inquitus wrote: »

Cipriani has had one good International start at 10, he hasn't proven anything yet imo.....all hype, no substance.............he needs to get fit and have a good 6 nations before he is ahead of ROG.

He has potential, and indeed could be great.....but you, along with Sky etc have creamed your pants far too prematurely

Maybe so but rog is no where near as good a player as people in Ireland like to think he is.

You wait and see,I gaurantee you if he is fit Cipriani will be the first choice 10.

As for your all hype comment,you obviously dont watch much of cipriani.

Stev_o

Inquitus wrote: »

Cipriani has had one good International start at 10, he hasn't proven anything yet imo.....all hype, no substance.............he needs to get fit and have a good 6 nations before he is ahead of ROG.

He has potential, and indeed could be great.....but you, along with Sky etc have creamed your pants far too prematurely

But didnt the world say the same for BOD on his first full debut :rolleyes:

Im not believing what Skys im believing what iv seen him do and he is a fantastic player and hopefully will continue to develop into one.

Inquitus

dc69 wrote: »

Maybe so but rog is no where near as good a player as people in Ireland like to think he is.

You wait and see,I gaurantee you if he is fit Cipriani will be the first choice 10.

As for your all hype comment,you obviously dont watch much of cipriani.

I've seen plenty of him but the GP is not anywhere near international level and it makes him look good imo. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Plus your anti-Munster bias is tattoed to your head at this stage.

Super Sidious

dc69 wrote: »

Maybe so but rog is no where near as good a player as people in Ireland like to think he is.

You wait and see,I gaurantee you if he is fit Cipriani will be the first choice 10.

Jeez ur making o'gara out to be sh*t, he's not at all imo. I think having both O'Gara and Cipirani in the team would be a good option.

While I think Cipiriani has alot of potential I wouldnt go writing off O'Gara. O'Gara has plenty of merit too, he's a quality kicker in pressure matches and has lacked dynamic centres in the backline for the last few years as BOD and D'Arcy havnt been up 2 much!

Look how he's done with the Mafi and Tipoki, both of them onform for the EC and playing class!

I think the 6nations will defo make the decision... but with mcgeechan as coach and him being from Wasps, Cipriani if he was not to play 15 would defo be startin 10 on that reason alone!

Sherifu

I have no idea atm.

dc69

Inquitus wrote: »

I've seen plenty of him but the GP is not anywhere near international level and it makes him look good imo. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Plus your anti-Munster bias is tattoed to your head at this stage.

Your an idiot tbh,he is a one dimensional player.Munster are a good team,O'gara didnt win the bloody cup for you,it was a team effort.

What the hell does winning the heineken cup have to do with getting on the lions,are you going to be putting foward a case for Hurley next?

flynner13 wrote: »

Jeez ur making o'gara out to be sh*t, he's not at all imo. I think having both O'Gara and Cipirani in the team would be a good option.

While I think Cipiriani has alot of potential I wouldnt go writing off O'Gara. O'Gara has plenty of merit too, he's a quality kicker in pressure matches and has lacked dynamic centres in the backline for the last few years as BOD and D'Arcy havnt been up 2 much!

Look how he's done with the Mafi and Tipoki, both of them onform for the EC and playing class!

I think the 6nations will defo make the decision... but with mcgeechan as coach and him being from Wasps, Cipriani if he was not to play 15 would defo be startin 10 on that reason alone!

I dont think he is ****.Im very glad we have him in the Ireland setup as he is a good player,im just saying he is not "one of the best in the world" as George hook likes to wax lyrical.

Stev_o

flynner13 wrote: »

Jeez ur making o'gara out to be sh*t, he's not at all imo. I think having both O'Gara and Cipirani in the team would be a good option.

While I think Cipiriani has alot of potential I wouldnt go writing off O'Gara. O'Gara has plenty of merit too, he's a quality kicker in pressure matches and has lacked dynamic centres in the backline for the last few years as BOD and D'Arcy havnt been up 2 much!

Look how he's done with the Mafi and Tipoki, both of them onform for the EC and playing class!

I think the 6nations will defo make the decision... but with mcgeechan as coach and him being from Wasps, Cipriani if he was not to play 15 would defo be startin 10 on that reason alone!

No O'Gara's brilliant and he is a great performer for Munster and Ireland but the problem is whether Geech will look for a OH to kick the ball or to pass and create space. I know O'Gara's generally attacking play as come on leaps and bounds over the last few years but he still isnt a great attacking OH. If Geech wants to go down there with the biggest pack kick to the corners and go for the posts then fine bring ROG and Jones but if he wants a attacking game at a high tempo bring Cipriani and ROG/Jones on the bench

Inquitus

Stev_o wrote: »

No O'Gara's brilliant and he is a great performer for Munster and Ireland but the problem is whether Geech will look for a OH to kick the ball or to pass and create space. I know O'Gara's generally attacking play as come on leaps and bounds over the last few years but he still isnt a great attacking OH. If Geech wants to go down there with the biggest pack kick to the corners and go for the posts then fine bring ROG and Jones but if he wants a attacking game at a high tempo bring Cipriani and ROG/Jones on the bench

Cipriani may well make a watertight case for his inclusion in the 6 nations, if he is fit. But at this point in time ROG is a proven performer at the highest international level and Cipriani isn't. The idea of the thread is to assess the Lion's XV as it stand atm based on the season gone.

If 50% of Cipriani's potential shows itself in the 6 nations at 10, then he is nailed on for the position, but imo he has still to earn it.

RuggieBear

dc69 banned for six months for (repeated) personal abuse.
inquitus banned for 2 weeks for more inter provincial ****e.

back on topic people.

Stev_o

So anyway then lets talk about Scrum Halfs then

Who's it going to be

Reddan
Blair
Philips
Peel (The thought of it makes me cringe)
Ellis (Same)
Stringer :O

Sherifu

I like what i've seen from Reddan.

RuggieBear

Sherifu wrote: »

I like what i've seen from Reddan.

did you watch the SH tour...?:eek::)

thehighground

As far as I can remember after the Wasps / Munster HCup game, McGeechan commented on ROG giving a master class on managing a game :rolleyes: While McGeechan was praising, Dayglo was b**itching

Sherifu

RuggieBear wrote: »

did you watch the SH tour...?:eek::)

1 game on a bad quality sream. That count?

RuggieBear

Sherifu wrote: »

1 game on a bad quality sream. That count?

lol. probably saved you the horrors of his performance

Sherifu

Probably should have qualified my statement with 6 Nations games.

madds

Stev_o wrote: »

So anyway then lets talk about Scrum Halfs then

Who's it going to be

Reddan
Blair
Philips
Peel (The thought of it makes me cringe)
Ellis (Same)
Stringer :O

Philips in the driving seat at the moment IMO.

toomevara

madds wrote: »

Philips in the driving seat at the moment IMO.

Bristol's Danny Care the dark horse coming up on the outside...starting to look really useful, one of the few positives from England's trip to NZ...

Stev_o

toomevara wrote: »

Bristol's Danny Care the dark horse coming up on the outside...starting to look really useful, one of the few positives from England's trip to NZ...

Bristol? :eek: Harlequinns toomervara end of the season knowledge is getting to you! :P

RugbyFanatic

RuggieBear wrote: »

dc69 banned for six months for (repeated) personal abuse.
inquitus banned for 2 weeks for more inter provincial ****e.

back on topic people.

Don't you think 6 months is a little harsh? dc69 is one of the biggest contributors to this forum

RuggieBear

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

Don't you think 6 months is a little harsh? dc69 is one of the biggest contributors to this forum

nope. he has repeatedly been warned/banned previously.take it to feedback if you have a problem. back on topic

Pemba

toomevara wrote: »

Bristol's Danny Care the dark horse coming up on the outside...starting to look really useful, one of the few positives from England's trip to NZ...

I found him irritating to watch today. He seemed eager to boot it in good attacking positions. If you consider how physical the South Africans will be, I think Phillips is good bet at 9.

McGeechan likes to innovate with team selections, a nice change after the '05 farce. The squad could actually be quite young. Should be interesting.

Danger_Dave

Ronan O'Gara is one of the best fly halfs in europe, he will be in the squad, but i dont believe he will start. Why ? , one reason Defence!, sadly O'gara cannot defend to test match standard. with this in mind they will attack his channel all day. Are people forgetting the New Zealand Lions tour, in his warm up match, that he missed some big tackles, or in new zealand two years ago luke McAllister literally ran over him to score a try.

Ronan O'gara will travel, and depending on James Hook and Cipirani's 6 nations he might not even be in the squad to play South Africa. Harry Ellis is the best scrum half in the four nations , and will be gunning for the starting shirt. Cooper will not be in the squad, simply because he wont get into the Welsh 22 for the six nations if Peel and Philips are fit. Peel and cooper are clones with peel being the better one. Dark Horse Mike Blair that guy is a seriously good SH.

BOD i hope will regain form play at 12 all season and get into the lions team.

1Sheridan
2.Will come down to who's on form at the end of the season
3. ^^
4. POC
5. Cullen/DOC/ Nick Kennedy/Borthwick/Scott Macleod/Shaw/Alun win Jones/Casey ( who ever ireland pick as there starting SR with POC in irelands Six nation will be in with a shout.) thats Some competition for SR !
6. Jordan Crane/Denis Leamy/ Alan Quinlan ?/Ali Hogg
7. Martyn Williams/Thomas Rees/Shane Jennings (if he plays for Ireland)
8. Jamie Heaslip/Luke Narraway/ David Callam/Ryan Jones Favourite

9.Harry Ellis/Mike Blair
10. Cipirani /Hook/O'Gara

11. Shane Williams (if you saw his try vs SA , you cant put have him in the squad/Strettle
12. BOD/ Olley Barkley/ James Hook/ Toby Flood/Gavin Henson/ (Think it will have to be a very phyiscal defence 12 becuase of De Villers and how much SA go through 10/12 Channel. So BOD i think is favourite.
13. Luke Fitzgerald (if he gets his game at leinster/Ireland at 13 for most of season)/ Tom shanklin / doubt any english or scotish 13 will be there because there not great
14. Paul Sackey /Simon Danelli
15. Kearney/Henson/Jamie Robinson/


So Much of it will come down to people hitting form in 6 nations and players who play in the HC in the later stages and are game winners at that stage. People who have played so well this season and have put up a marker for me are Kearney,Quinlan,Shane Williams, Jordan Crane, Cipirani , Ryan Jones.

P.S Think we might get another poor showing from the scots for numbers in the squad again.

Diamondmaker

Inquitus wrote: »

BOD won't unless he finds some form.

ROG is the best 10 in the 4 nations and deserves his spot without doubt, this may change depending on Cipriani in the 6 nations, but ROG is head and shoulders above Hook / Jones etc

POC is a certainty

I think Best / Flannery are better than Mears and co.

Fitz and Kearney need to prove their case outside Ireland with a good 6 nations

Red tinted glasses!

BOD will go, form or otherwise ( within reason ), injury permitting, as he is a major draw card essential for the success of the tour.

ROG will go but is not "head and shoulders" over the GS winning options.
Last few times Jones went head to head with Ogara in critical 6N deciders history has seen Jones bring the GS home from that particlar fixture.
There is very little impartial arguement that can be made using Ireland games as evidence for ROGs case as a world beater, he simply does not convince me even against young Danny last 6N.

Flannery has ruled hiom self out of contention for even an Ireland place, even amongst Munster heads. Dont see how you have him in there.

Kearney is the only player to come out of the 6N and recent tour down under with international acclaim. How are you reqiring him to prove homself outside of Ireland???
Commentators and panelists gasped where was this guy during our world cup !

Chucky the tree

Diamondmaker wrote: »

Kearney is the only player to come out of the 6N and recent tour down under with international acclaim. How are you reqiring him to prove homself outside of Ireland???

Because not everyone this 2 friendly internationals is enough to sufficently judge a player.

Diamondmaker

Chucky the tree wrote: »

Because not everyone this 2 friendly internationals is enough to sufficently judge a player.

The 6N ??? You forgot that ?

Only player coming out of that with any great merit.

Hes a had some great seasons for Leinster and backed it up this season with a great 6N, he than backed that up with a good tour on 2 frienldies. Im sure hes done enugh for DK to start him in the Sutumn tests and if hes convinced EOS, Bradley and soon Kindey I think Joe Blogs poster should give him a little more credit.
Im happy to leave the discussion until the Autumn squads are picked. Lets leave DK be the judge.

In all fairness the guy has been the most consistent new comer in constantly stepping up game after game we have seen in a while.

Stev_o

Pemba wrote: »

I found him irritating to watch today. He seemed eager to boot it in good attacking positions. If you consider how physical the South Africans will be, I think Phillips is good bet at 9.

McGeechan likes to innovate with team selections, a nice change after the '05 farce. The squad could actually be quite young. Should be interesting.

He didnt kick ala Reddan in the 6N penalty given taps and kicks for touch. Simply he see's a penalty and says its on and runs and usually makes a crap load of yards. I mean he was the only bright spark for England yesterday and they would of done even worse if he hadnt of played.

Ellis is only back from injury at the moment and he's having 50/50 games with Leicester it all depends on how he gets on when the GP starts again.

I cant believe people dont have Mike Blair as there no1 SH Seriously he's a one man machine for Edinburgh and Scotland and hardly ever has a bad game hard to believe he's only recently back from a serious injury.

Peel is past it im afraid had arguably his worst season ever and his stake of passing is the biggest joke ever if gets picked on this form we are screwed.

Philips is a good choice he really has come on really well and offers that extra physicality which may be needed down there in SA.


What do people think about Second Row? Probably the most important position for the tests dew to the fact Mattfield will end up playing each test unless injury forbid. Has POC done enough to warrant another call up or will he bottle it like in 05. AW Jones good enough to control the line out? How about Nick Kennedy safest jumper in Europe probably. Even go as far as to say Nathan Hines to offer that physicality and off loading ability

zAbbo

Couldn't start ROG, I think a 10 who can pass and break will be essential, ROG is a kicker from hand and goal kicking, but Hook and Cipriani will make up the 3 fly halves.

Scrum half, you've got Blair, Philips and Ellis.

The unfortunate case is that the Munster forward style of game has been exposed at International level.

It's difficult to try and pick a team so soon, but I'm wondering do some of you watch Rugby outside of Heniken Cup? No Lee Byrne, Simon Danelli on the wings...

toomevara

Stev_o wrote: »

What do people think about Second Row? Probably the most important position for the tests dew to the fact Mattfield will end up playing each test unless injury forbid. Has POC done enough to warrant another call up or will he bottle it like in 05. AW Jones good enough to control the line out? How about Nick Kennedy safest jumper in Europe probably. Even go as far as to say Nathan Hines to offer that physicality and off loading ability

If POC kicks on from the SH tests I'd back him, not only for selection, but as a possible captaincy candidate...I'm a fan of Hines, a quality player and one of the few genuine scottish contenders I reckon...I'd hang fire on Kennedy 'til the 6N,see if he makes the shirt his own...superb player and a great line out artist (surely a key area against the boks).

Think Haskell for backrow if continues on current form....

Stev_o

zAbbo wrote: »

Couldn't start ROG, I think a 10 who can pass and break will be essential, ROG is a kicker from hand and goal kicking, but Hook and Cipriani will make up the 3 fly halves.

Scrum half, you've got Blair, Philips and Ellis.

The unfortunate case is that the Munster forward style of game has been exposed at International level.

It's difficult to try and pick a team so soon, but I'm wondering do some of you watch Rugby outside of Heniken Cup? No Lee Byrne, Simon Danelli on the wings...

The main problem with Hook at OH is that his goal kicking can go absolutely sh1te under pressure. He isnt a consistent player which is a shame for a player of good talent and still has the problem of making a break and going on his own rather then passing to the free man for a certain try

toomevara

zAbbo wrote: »

Simon Danelli on the wings...

He's a lovely, talented, natural player, but a bit erratic form wise of late, no?

Amazotheamazing

O'Gara won't start for the Lions but he will tour, what's going to kill him is he completely lacks a break.

Guys like Heaslip won't tour imo, Mcgeehan has indicated he will take a smaller squad and imo, Wales, Scotland and England have better 8's than Heaslip, who hasn't really stepped up and only covers one position. I suspect Ryan Jones will captain the Lions from 8.

While Blair is the best scrumhalf available, a Cipriani-Reddan club partnership could see Reddan get the spot, I'd go with Blair, the guy's class.

Henson will be 12, people overlook just how important he was to this years Welsh grandslam.

Stev_o

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

O'Gara won't start for the Lions but he will tour, what's going to kill him is he completely lacks a break.

Guys like Heaslip won't tour imo, Mcgeehan has indicated he will take a smaller squad and imo, Wales, Scotland and England have better 8's than Heaslip, who hasn't really stepped up and only covers one position. I suspect Ryan Jones will captain the Lions from 8.

While Blair is the best scrumhalf available, a Cipriani-Reddan club partnership could see Reddan get the spot, I'd go with Blair, the guy's class.

Henson will be 12, people overlook just how important he was to this years Welsh grandslam.

But he's arguably the worst player in Europe he cant tackle for his life he never could and he ll be asked to lead the defence he'll be shredded !

toomevara

Stev_o wrote: »

But he's arguably the worst player in Europe he cant tackle for his life he never could and he ll be asked to lead the defence he'll be shredded !

Think thats a tad harsh...hopefully Henson has learned from past mistakes and the ridiculous quasi-celebrity soccer lifestyle he tried to cultivate...tbh Shaun Edwards will knock that sh1te out of him...

But he's a very talented player and I'd agree wit amazo's sentiments above, he was a huge component of Wales success this season and he's an immense defensive force when he's switched on and clued in....his positioning and reading of the game is nigh on faultless and as long as he doesn't go missing in action (happens on occasion) he's a class act...

Amazotheamazing

Stev_o wrote: »

But he's arguably the worst player in Europe he cant tackle for his life he never could and he ll be asked to lead the defence he'll be shredded !

You're joking right?

Edwards singled him out for praise for his defence, he was one of the leaders of the Welsh defensive line.

Whatever you think of Henson as a person, on the pitch he's the best 12 available to the Lions.

Stev_o

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

You're joking right?

Edwards singled him out for praise for his defence, he was one of the leaders of the Welsh defensive line.

Whatever you think of Henson as a person, on the pitch he's the best 12 available to the Lions.

No i dont care about his personal life but on the field he is a terrible tackler he tackles like he plays League he has no technique he goes in with his should ever time doesnt even bother to wrap his arms around the player.

thehighground

zAbbo wrote: »

Couldn't start ROG, I think a 10 who can pass and break will be essential, ROG is a kicker from hand and goal kicking, but Hook and Cipriani will make up the 3 fly halves.

Whatever about not having a break (with Ireland) - he does with Munster, ROG has a pass! Have you forgotten his part in Tommy Bowe's try against Scotland?

Scrum half, you've got Blair, Philips and Ellis.

The unfortunate case is that the Munster forward style of game has been exposed at International level.

It will be interesting to see if Gert Smal makes a difference with the Irish forwards.

It's difficult to try and pick a team so soon, but I'm wondering do some of you watch Rugby outside of Heniken Cup? No Lee Byrne, Simon Danelli on the wings...

No too sure what you mean by that? Lee Byrne & Danelli play Heineken cup & Magners Most people in rugby would see all 6Ns games I suspect and a bit of the English Premiership.

Abercrombie Dud

15.Kearney/Lee Byrne
14.Simpson Daniel (Never got a chance under ashton (sorta like Murphy and EOS!) and will defo get a chance under Johnsen)
13.Noon
12.????
11.Williams
10.Cipriani/O'Gara (It will really come down to small margins and how geech will want to play)
9.Blair
8.Ryan Jones (Capt)
7.Williams(If he can play to the high level he did this season)/White
6.Quinlan/Hogg
5.POC
4.A.W. Jones/Hines/Kennedy
3.Stevens
2.????
1.Sheridan

Hooker and center lads....suggestions

Chucky the tree

Diamondmaker wrote: »

The 6N ??? You forgot that ?

Only player coming out of that with any great merit.

Hes a had some great seasons for Leinster and backed it up this season with a great 6N, he than backed that up with a good tour on 2 frienldies. Im sure hes done enugh for DK to start him in the Sutumn tests and if hes convinced EOS, Bradley and soon Kindey I think Joe Blogs poster should give him a little more credit.
Im happy to leave the discussion until the Autumn squads are picked. Lets leave DK be the judge.

In all fairness the guy has been the most consistent new comer in constantly stepping up game after game we have seen in a while.

He wasnt great in the 6N. He was solid.

When did I not give him credit? I think he's potential to be a great player but handing him the 15 Lions jersey now is a bit OTT I think.

He'll need to play in the Autumn int. and all the 6N's matches to be considered .


I'll probaly get slated for this but I think this time next year Ollie barkley will be the lead runner for the 12 spot.

Abercrombie Dud

Chucky the tree wrote: »

Ollie barkley will be the lead runner for the 12 spot.

he might actualy and his move to Gloucester will make him an even better player.

the one thing i'd say is that his international carrer could come down to whether rob andrew holds a grudge,because Barkley criticised him during midweek.

Stev_o

Chucky the tree wrote: »

He wasnt great in the 6N. He was solid.

When did I not give him credit? I think he's potential to be a great player but handing him the 15 Lions jersey now is a bit OTT I think.

He'll need to play in the Autumn int. and all the 6N's matches to be considered .


I'll probaly get slated for this but I think this time next year Ollie barkley will be the lead runner for the 12 spot.

Yeah i would have had him my first choice but after his rubbish display against Wasps and then really bad performance against Nzl im not too sure at the moment i ll put it down to a mix of bottling and bad coaching.

If we want a very good 12 and a traditional one then id have Toby Flood made the most tackles in the 6N by any back and is in the top 5 tackler list (only back in it rest are forwards)

Danger_Dave

Anthony Allen if he stays fit all of next season and is picked at 12 for england during the 6 nations. Barkley vs Allen at Gloucester . Still think BOD playing at 12 for most of the season for leinster/ireland will be at least in the squad.

James Simpson Daniel got 3 games under Robinson , didnt play well, like anthony allen gets recurrent injuries, hes great in the GP, but never proven at Test match level, will have to play top notch rugby all season for Gloucester to get picked for england, then the same for england to be picked for the lions.

The Club partnership situation i believe wont be a big factor, there are plenty of warm up games for Geechan to play is preferred 9/10 and see how they gel. I really hope Mike Blair gets it, he plays some wonderful rugby for both Scotland and Edinburgh.