O' Learys replacement on the Lions?

thomond2006

ffs, how unlucky is O' Leary? A freak accident in a mickey mouse match.

Any opinions on who should replace him?

ScrubsfanChris

Chris Cusiter

It seems very obvious that the replacement will be Mike Blair considering the shock of him not getting in to the squad last Tuesday.

ALH-06

Peter Stringer

If Geech still persists in selecting purely on form, then it has to be Cusiter. Blair's a great player but just isn't playing well enough.

themont85

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

It seems very obvious that the replacement will be Mike Blair considering the shock of him not getting in to the squad last Tuesday.

The injury opens the door for Scotland to increase their representation of two – Nathan Hines and Euan Murray – with Chris Cusiter and Mike Blair in the running to replace O'Leary. Wales's Dwayne Peel, England's Danny Care and Ireland's Brian Stringer will also be in the running, but it is believed Cusiter, despite not starting every week for Perpignan, is next in line.; The Guardian.

crisco10

themont85 wrote: »

The injury opens the door for Scotland to increase their representation of two – Nathan Hines and Euan Murray – with Chris Cusiter and Mike Blair in the running to replace O'Leary. Wales's Dwayne Peel, England's Danny Care and Ireland's Brian Stringer will also be in the running, but it is believed Cusiter, despite not starting every week for Perpignan, is next in line.; The Guardian.

BRian Stringer must a hot prospect to already be touted for Lions..;):rolleyes:

toomevara

Ben Foden

Blair had a terrible 6N, admittedly behind an persistently outplayed pack. I'd love to see Ben Foden go...if you're picking on form alone he's the pick of the above bunch...but it'll never happen so I've gone for Care....

Diabhal Beag

Chris Cusiter

Ben Foden or Mike Blair

themont85

crisco10 wrote: »

BRian Stringer must a hot prospect to already be touted for Lions..;):rolleyes:

Ye saw that, didn't change it though from the original copy per their website.

jam_on_toast

Peter Stringer

Feel bad for O'leary. He is the first to pull out but I doubt he will be the last.

I picked cusiter on form.

Have a feeling it will be blair though.

anonymous_joe

Ben Foden

I went for Care, but Cusiter followed by Blair would be very close behind.

I kinda wish I'd gone for Cusiter now actually.

Judgement Day

Danny Care

Sorry to see that only 20% of you think Peter Stringer should replace Tomas O'Leary on the Lions tour but maybe the doubters will come on board after we put Leinster to the sword next Saturday? :D

C'MON MUNSTER!

Podge_irl

Chris Cusiter

I think Blair would be the obvious next in line but I'm not sure Geech will pick him actually. All three original scrum-halves were of a similar style so he has clearly decided that that is the way the lions will play. Someone like Care would be more in line with those picked already. Interestingly, if Peel goes then the Welsh will have the largest contingent on the tour.

gearstick

Chris Cusiter

Judgement Day wrote: »

Sorry to see that only 20% of you think Peter Stringer should replace Tomas O'Leary on the Lions tour but maybe the doubters will come on board after we put Leinster to the sword next Saturday? :D

i think most irish people would love to see stringer replace o'leary but reddan probly has more of a chance than stringer!

i went for blair because i dont think form had a lot to do with the SH choices, apart from o'leary obviously, but the 3 SHs are very similar, i.e. size and physicality, nd i dont think any of the remaining SHs can bring this to the tour, so i think blairs experience will get him on the plane

Chucky the tree

Chris Cusiter

Infairness to Blair he got MOM against leinster and was excellent in that game.

barnesd

Ben Foden

Voted for Care, he'd be a real unknown quantity in SA and he's been really impressive this season imo. A major factor in Quins' success this season.

thehighground

I wouldn't rule out Eoin Reddan (is he injured though, or completely off form, because he isn't playing today for Wasps). His advantage is that he has played a fair bit with ROG and Riki Flutey and if they need to fly out a late OH - he knows young Danny's game well.

btw - Wasps hammered Gloucester today 34-3 (I didn't see the game - just saw the result).

Stev_o

Chris Cusiter

thehighground wrote: »

I wouldn't rule out Eoin Reddan (is he injured though, or completely off form, because he isn't playing today for Wasps). His advantage is that he has played a fair bit with ROG and Riki Flutey and if they need to fly out a late OH - he knows young Danny's game well.

btw - Wasps hammered Gloucester today 34-3 (I didn't see the game - just saw the result).

He won't pick a guy who he isn't picking for his own club, Reddan has fallen behind Simpson in Wasps and probably won't reclaim that spot.

Crash

Chris Cusiter

Chucky the Tree wrote:

Infairness to Blair he got MOM against leinster and was excellent in that game.

He was unreal. The only reason that Edinburgh backline looked at all threatening was because of the speed and distribution that he brought to it.

toomevara

Ben Foden

thehighground wrote: »

btw - Wasps hammered Gloucester today 34-3 (I didn't see the game - just saw the result).

Pretty meaningless really, Gloucester are a shambles.....

thehighground

Stev_o wrote: »

He won't pick a guy who he isn't picking for his own club, Reddan has fallen behind Simpson in Wasps and probably won't reclaim that spot.

Thanks - didn't know whether Reddan was injured or dropped.

Stev_o

Chris Cusiter

thehighground wrote: »

Thanks - didn't know whether Reddan was injured or dropped.

Nah just dropped, probably adds to the weight that he'll be coming over these shores come September.

Micky Dolenz

TOL out for up to four months

Poor guy

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2009/0425/lions.html

barnesd

Ben Foden

Stev_o wrote: »

Nah just dropped, probably adds to the weight that he'll be coming over these shores come September.

He is leaving Wasps, McGeechan said as much at the end of the Wasps game today, thanking the departing players for their service (mentioned Reddan obviously). With your season all but over it makes sense to play your long term option, and give him as much gametime as possible. Reddan did pick up an injury recently enough too.

thehighground

toomevara wrote: »

Pretty meaningless really, Gloucester are a shambles.....

How was Cipriani's game today? (just wondering is this the reason only 2 x OHs are travelling so far on Lions Tour and they are hoping he will play himself back into form to be sent out at a later date (I know, a bit OT)!

Zzippy

Judgement Day wrote: »

Sorry to see that only 20% of you think Peter Stringer should replace Tomas O'Leary on the Lions tour but maybe the doubters will come on board after we put Leinster to the sword next Saturday? :D

C'MON MUNSTER!

Hardly surprising considering Stringer wouldn't even be playing next Saturday if it wasn't for O'Leary's injury. Kinda hard to pick a player based on form if that player's not even first choice for his own club/provincial team.

Off topic, really feel for TOL, what a blow, I'm sure he was over the moon to be picked and then for this to happen... can't imagine how low he must feel.

thehighground

Zzippy wrote: »

Hardly surprising considering Stringer wouldn't even be playing next Saturday if it wasn't for O'Leary's injury. Kinda hard to pick a player based on form if that player's not even first choice for his own club/provincial team.

Wouldn't agree with that logic at all - bearing in mind the injured player to be replaced is in front of him at his club. Stringer would be first choice SH in most other clubs at the moment.

Notice, Munster fans are not in a panic that Tomas is injured for next week's semi and are mostly just gutted for Tomas himself because he is missing the Lions Tour.

Thats because Stringer is such a quality replacement for the Heineken Cup.

il gatto

Danny Care

I think Stringer should go, but I'm fairly sure he won't. I don't think CAre should be anywhere near the tour. A liability and not even used to international level. Foden is a possibility, but I doubt it. No international experience and there's too much competition for the spot to have a fairly raw recruit, unlike Earls going because we have some issues at center and maybe wing (Williams).
Peel would be a great option, if his form was good enough. It's probably between Blair and Cussiter I think, but I feel Stringer offers the most different style to Phillips and Ellis. His style can bring some pace and urgency to a flagging team. I don't think any other eligible SH offers the same at the moment. But it'll probably be a Scot.

Stev_o

Chris Cusiter

thehighground wrote: »

How was Cipriani's game today? (just wondering is this the reason only 2 x OHs are travelling so far on Lions Tour and they are hoping he will play himself back into form to be sent out at a later date (I know, a bit OT)!

Funny enough iv been keeping a eye on Wasps to see how he is getting on and it looks like he is about 3/4 of the way their in terms of his own standards. His goal kicking is back to a good standard and he seems to be getting his head right in terms of seeing space for others. Just probably needs to start his trade mark breaks and he'd be back to where he was.

toomevara

Ben Foden

thehighground wrote: »

How was Cipriani's game today? (just wondering is this the reason only 2 x OHs are travelling so far on Lions Tour and they are hoping he will play himself back into form to be sent out at a later date (I know, a bit OT)!

Still has the capacity to implode and/or go missing and definitely not a good scrambling 10. Needs a pack to achieve parity before he shines...also suffering with the blockdown problem, needs too much time, too many steps on the ball..a hungry back-row can have him for breakfast...The Lions is a step too far for him as yet..

il gatto

Danny Care

I agree. A midtable clash at the tail end of the season is not comparable to the Lions. If a player has not played in the 6N or in the latter stages of the HEC, he couldn't be up the the level required.

Chucky the tree

Chris Cusiter

il gatto wrote: »

I agree. A midtable clash at the tail end of the season is not comparable to the Lions. If a player has not played in the 6N or in the latter stages of the HEC, he couldn't be up the the level required.

So no stringer then? Or is spending most of the time on the bench still fine?

il gatto

Danny Care

Chucky the tree wrote: »

So no stringer then? Or is spending most of the time on the bench still fine?

He played in the 6Ns, albeit off the bench. He's played a fair bit of ML at the top of the table and will now be playing HEC in the semi and possibly final. It's a long way from a shoddy Wasps with nothing to play for.

the immortals

Ben Foden

barnesd wrote: »

Voted for Care, he'd be a real unknown quantity in SA and he's been really impressive this season imo. A major factor in Quins' success this season.

yeah would agree with that

jayteecork

Chris Cusiter

lol, there's about two hopes Stringer will go on the Lions tour - no hope and Bob hope.

thehighground

il gatto wrote: »

He played in the 6Ns, albeit off the bench. He's played a fair bit of ML at the top of the table and will now be playing HEC in the semi and possibly final. It's a long way from a shoddy Wasps with nothing to play for.

Didn't Stringer start against Scotland - and was he not Man of the Match as far as I can remember.

Judgement Day

Danny Care

Peter Stringer was indeed Man of the Match at Murrayfield but I can't remembered whether he started or not but I think so. Again, too much Guinness is fuddling my brain but I seem to remember that Stringer participated in Ireland's (Ronan O'Gara's) 17-12 victory over the 'mighty' Springboks in 2004 - so his ability to stand up to the physical South African game should not be in question. I predict that The Lions will win the coming series 2-1 - remember where you heard it first!

wixfjord

Chris Cusiter

Has to be between blair peel and care. My personal choice would be blair as I think peel is quite similar to whats already there and care is a mentalist
I cant understand the calls for stringer to be brought back in he adds nothing and I wouldnt agree with anyone who says his pass is a million miles better than phillips. Likewise reddan has no chance after a poor season.

Fishtits

Between Cusiter & Stringer IMHO, chances are that they'll hold off until the last minute, watch form etc.

I wouldn't touch Care with a bargepole, OK he can piss off his opponents, but the guy just doesn't have the maturity for a tour party IMHO.

leeroybrown

Chris Cusiter

I think Mike Blair is the right option. Even if didn't have a great 6N he's still a really good player. Cusiter doesn't have the same quality as Peel even if he was in better form during the 6N. Stringer could have a reasonable chance as a different option especially if they delay the decision and he has a good end to the season. Danny Care is an all action guy and is great to watch but I think he lacks the game management skills, maturity and experience to be selected. I don't even know why Foden is in the poll given that he's played almost all his rugby at full back in the second half of the season. Peel was third choice for Wales and hasn't been playing an enormous amount of rugby with Sale either. I don't really see any other player sticking their hand up.

I also think that if it's an even 50:50 call involving one Scottish player they'll get the nod.

Nukem

Chris Cusiter

Has to be Blair - another leader on the pitch cannot hurt.

Stringer or Custoir? Maybe but I reckon he will go Scottish in form'ish player.

Danny Care:eek:
Dwyane Peel (not international rugby in how long......)
Ben Foden (Who?)

Heart goes out to O'Leary. Snapped my ankle pretty much the same way 5 months ago and don't recommend it to anyone.

leeroybrown

Chris Cusiter

Nukem wrote: »

Danny Care:eek:
Dwyane Peel (not international rugby in how long......)
Ben Foden (Who?)

In fairness to Care, while he may have had the obvious indiscretion in an England shirt, he has generally been excellent for Harlequins in the GP. Peel did get called up to the Wales 6N squad when Cooper got injured but he only played one game before he picked up an injury himself. Foden is a very good player but he's even admitted himself that his future is mostly as a full back who can cover scrum half rather than the other way around. It's funny given that he left Sale to join Northampton last season in order to get game time at scrum half.

il gatto

Danny Care

thehighground wrote: »

Didn't Stringer start against Scotland - and was he not Man of the Match as far as I can remember.

He started and set up the Heaslip try with his break off the line out. :cool:

wixfjord, he must bring something as succesive coaches at Munster and Ireland have given him a decade long career and 90ish caps for Ireland. His pass is far better than Phillips. Phillips pass is frequently at the wrong height and the ball moves slower. It also takes him longer to get behind the ruck and longer to get the ball out. He's a good scrum half but his strenghts are size, running and defence. Stringer is a better, quicker passer. Horses for courses, but each can do things the other can't. That's why some people would like Stringer to go. And you can't compare Reddan to Stringer. A dire Wasps slugging it out mid table is Reddan's season. Stringer has been, or will be involved in a Grand Slam winning team and at the sharp end of the HEC. Reddan isn't even on the Lions radar.

toomevara

Ben Foden

Nukem wrote: »

Ben Foden (Who?)

Currently the form SH in England...watch a game if you can (he plays for Northampton), a serious talent and I'd say he'll be England's first choice 9 next year. If McGeechan is honestly picking on form, he's above Care, but without the international experience, the Bokke will eat him alive...

thomond2006

Danny Care

He may not be first choice replacement, but imo it would be a travesty if the best Irish scrum half ever Peter Stringer never went on a Lions tour.

toomevara

Ben Foden

thomond2006 wrote: »

if the best Irish scrum half ever Peter Stringer never went on a Lions tour.

Lions selection isn't, nor should it ever be, a reward for past greatness or sterling service. Its about form. Stringer is a fantastic player and a model professional. He's also really good at re-modelling himself and his game in the face of advancing years (in this respect, you might call him the madonna or indeed U2 of Irish rugby;))..

He's fashioned a brilliant niche for himself as an excellent impact sub and change of gear of Munster..but as regards this years lions tour, he's nowhere close, and he, no doubt, would be the first to admit it..

thomond2006

Danny Care

toomevara wrote: »

Lions selection isn't, nor should it ever be, a reward for past greatness or sterling service. Its about form. Stringer is a fantastic player and a model professional. He's also really good at re-modelling himself and his game in the face of advancing years (in this respect, you might call him the madonna or indeed U2 of Irish rugby;))..

He's fashioned a brilliant niche for himself as an excellent impact sub and change of gear of Munster..but as regards this years lions tour, he's nowhere close, and he, no doubt, would be the first to admit it..

+1, agree but still.... All the great players of the EOS era can say they have been a lion, Strings can't. :(

zAbbo

Dwayne Peel

It's a tough choice, the form players are Cusiter, Foden and Care.

I don't think Stringer or Reddan are near selection, but Stringer won't let anyone down - that said I think the selection needs to be someone with a difference to Ellis and Phillips, an no doubt Stringer is the polar opposite there.

I'd take Care, but Foden has the x-factor.

bluedoor

Danny Care

Come on guys,has to be Stringer.Has too much experience to be ignored and his understanding with O Gara is unbelievable.2 Heineken cup medals dont lie.

conf101

Danny Care

Lads I feel so bad for O'Leary. I really like the guy and I think he gets a lot of undeserved criticism so I was delighted when he was picked for the squad. The poor guy must be gutted but i guess that's the nature of professional sport.

I went for Stringer but only because I think he deserves a Lions tour but he won't be picked and, like as has been said above, a Lions tour isn't a reward for a great career and at the moment there are probably better choices.

wixfjord

Chris Cusiter

How can people say foden is the form 9 in england when he plays much if not all of his rugby at full back, and cannot displace dixon at 9?

OT there are some exciting 9s up and coming in the gp, newcastles mickey youn and wasps joe simpson to name but too.

Stev_o

Chris Cusiter

toomevara wrote: »

Currently the form SH in England...watch a game if you can (he plays for Northampton), a serious talent and I'd say he'll be England's first choice 9 next year. If McGeechan is honestly picking on form, he's above Care, but without the international experience, the Bokke will eat him alive...

Ill cry (metaphorically of course) if he spends the rest of his playing days as a SH. Someone who has as much talent as Jason Robinson and who is just natural gifted at being a full back should never be confined to SH. There's things he's done things in a 15 shirt that make you completely gob smacked.