Test Squad?

Chanandler Bong

After viewing the Lions destruction of Golden State, what's your pick for the first test team?here would be mine, after viewing tonight.

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Lee Mears (immaculate tonight)
3. Phil Vickery
4. Paul O'Connell
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Tom Croft
7. Martyn Williams
8. David Wallace
9. Mike Phillips
10. Steven Jones
11. Shane Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe (stormer tonight)
15. Lee Byrne

Podge_irl

Wallace at 8 ahead of Heaslip? Odd call.

Chanandler Bong

Podge_irl wrote: »

Wallace at 8 ahead of Heaslip? Odd call.

have to have wallace in there, savage power runner, i'd have him at 7 but have to accommodate martyn williams for his pure guile

Podge_irl

That's all well and good, but Heaslip is a significantly better number 8, as evidenced tonight. Wallace will play 7 or be on the bench.

bleg

i'd have to agree, heaslip has been anonymous tonight.



still far far too early to be talking about test teams when we haven't even seen everybody play.

conf101

I reckon it'll be something pretty close to that anyway, back row is pretty tough to pick!

twinytwo

Chanandler Bong wrote: »

After viewing the Lions destruction of Golden State, what's your pick for the first test team?here would be mine, after viewing tonight.

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Lee Mears (immaculate tonight)
3. Phil Vickery
4. Paul O'Connell
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Tom Croft
7. Martyn Williams
8. David Wallace
9. Mike Phillips
10. Steven Jones
11. Shane Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe (stormer tonight)
15. Lee Byrne

id go for that except ferris in for croft and monye in for williams now that would be a team

eoin99

No one giving O'Gara a test spot so??

Chanandler Bong

phillips and jones go really well together though

bleg

eoin99 wrote: »

No one giving O'Gara a test spot so??

still too early to decide for me

eoin99

bleg wrote: »

still too early to decide for me

would like to see him start on saturday against the cheetahs and stake his claim for the no.10 shirt. Although with Phillips more than likely to be the test SH, that's likely to swing it in Jones' favour.

Stev_o

Anyone else think we are slightly fupped at 8? Don't think we have had a convincing show by either 3 guys yet. Id like to see Ferris get a 30 or so minutes at their see what he's like.

jam_on_toast

i thought heaslip had a great game. didnt make any mistakes, presented clean ball when carrying, made some big hits, controlled base of scrum well. He is a much better 8 than wallace. Would be suprised to see anyone take 8 ahead of him.

I reckon the following are certs for the 15 (barring injury).

1. Jenkins
4. O'Connell
5. Jones
9. Philips
10. Jones
13. O'Driscoll
14. Bowe

Everywhere else is still open enough. Byrne has one foot in 15 but needs another good game to get it.

mr_edge_to_you

Fitzgerald still has to get his run out yet. Don't think Shane Williams has the other wing nailed yet.

GymJim

jam_on_toast wrote: »

i thought heaslip had a great game. didnt make any mistakes, presented clean ball when carrying, made some big hits, controlled base of scrum well. He is a much better 8 than wallace. Would be suprised to see anyone take 8 ahead of him.

I reckon the following are certs for the 15 (barring injury).

1. Jenkins
4. O'Connell
5. Jones
9. Philips
10. Jones
13. O'Driscoll
14. Bowe

Everywhere else is still open enough. Byrne has one foot in 15 but needs another good game to get it.

Agree with exception of Jenkins. While he is a massive player it'll be sheridan and murray as the starting props with jenkins on the bench. mcgeechan is certain to try target the boks scrum (especially their converted hooker john smit) and willing to sacrifice a "loose" prop for better scrummagers. Look back at the wasps props over the last few year (bracken/payne/barnard)...completely useless around the pitch but more destructive than mushy buckley on his way to the dinner table. Hope I'm wrong as sheridan is hopeless in the loose.

Also byrne is absolutely guaranteed the 15 shirt. At the end of the day his only competition is kearney who was solid but not spectacular tonight. I think last weeks game cemented it for byrne.

I think the team will be as follows:

15. Byrne
14. Bowe
13. O'Driscoll
12. Roberts
11. Williams (on form should be fitzgerald/monye I think but can't see it happening)
10. Jones
9. Phillips (would prefer blair personally)
8. Heaslip
7. Williams
6. Ferris (only specialist and don't think croft is a viable alternative really)
5. O'Connell
4. Jones
3. Murray
2. Rees
1. Sheridan

Subs:
16. Jenkins (should start but won't due to potential to hammer boks in scrum)
17. Mears
18. O'Callaghan (seems most likely though could be croft for versatility)
19. Wallace (would still start ahead of heaslip but hasn't gone well in first 2 games)
20. Blair
21. O'Gara
22. Fitzgerald (should get nod on bench for ability to play anywhere in back 5)

Special mention for BOD/roberts/jones in tonights game...link-up was fantastic and can't see this being broken up by anyone else.

Stev_o

1. Can't see Sheridian near the XV or 22
2. Monye is dead fav to take the second wing position unless Luke or 1/2P show otherwise.
3. DOC shouldn't make the bench it'll be Hines
4. Rees shouldn't even be here hardly looks up to this level and looks drastically unfit. Mears will start every test bar any injury.
5. Id move Jenkins to 1 and Vickery to bench (Vickery actually impressed me alot thought he would be very static but he had some great runs with ball in hand and did the dirty work well)

danthefan

Wow, my opinion differs quite a lot from some of the stuff on here.

Firstly Heaslip is a far better 8 than Wallace and that showed. Wallace was struggling with very basic stuff last weekend such as controlling the ball in the scrum, can't afford that in the tests. And of course you can leave him out if there are other players in better form. As for Heaslip being anonymous tonight, we were obviously watching different games.

Secondly on Monye, I know he scored a few tries but aside from that I thought he was very ordinary. His skill levels were an absolute mile below Bowe for example and he made a few mistakes. I think one of the wing spots is very much up for the taking.

Theus

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Lee Mears
3. Euan Murray
4. Alun Wyn-Jones
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Stephen Ferris (Will most likely be Tom Croft)
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Stephen Jones
11. Luke Fitzgerland
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Lee Byrne

16. Matthew Rees
17. Andrew Sheridan
18. Nathan Hines
19. Tom Croft
20. Harry Ellis
21. James Hook
22. Rob Kearney.

subfreq

Too early to write Flutey off unless his injury is really serious. He turned the game on Saturday.

Monye claimed the other wing tonight but again far too early for that to be settled. Bowe was immaculate. I can't get my head around how casual he looks when he is having a stormer. It just looks like his down the park having a kick about with his mates. Must have ice in his blood.

Jones has the fly half jersey to lose in my opinion. Much more dynamic back line when he plays. If Hook finds a dramatic vein of form he could sneak it. ROG controls a game but it's a bit too static and predictable.

Great to see Croft in full flight, I had heard the hype but not really seen him play much. Had a stormer tonight.

GymJim

danthefan wrote: »

Wow, my opinion differs quite a lot from some of the stuff on here.

Firstly Heaslip is a far better 8 than Wallace and that showed. Wallace was struggling with very basic stuff last weekend such as controlling the ball in the scrum, can't afford that in the tests. And of course you can leave him out if there are other players in better form. As for Heaslip being anonymous tonight, we were obviously watching different games.

Secondly on Monye, I know he scored a few tries but aside from that I thought he was very ordinary. His skill levels were an absolute mile below Bowe for example and he made a few mistakes. I think one of the wing spots is very much up for the taking.

Agree re Heaslip. My point was that Wallace is a better player all round but you are correct Heaslip is a better 8. I suppose I'd like Wallace to be in a position to be able to break off the back of the scrum as he's almost unstoppable whereas I feel Heaslip still lacks a little in the power stakes, especially in the legs.

Also while Monye may be ever so slightly lesser in the skill levels relative to Bowe (most improved player in world rugby I have to mention) he is an awesome defender and combined with speed he would be well set to tackle the boks speedsters. Though I would still have fitzgerald ahead of him and realistically can anyone really see shane williams left out?

danthefan

GymJim wrote: »

Agree re Heaslip. My point was that Wallace is a better player all round but you are correct Heaslip is a better 8.

That makes no sense.

Looking at their seasons Heaslip has been every bit as good as Wallace, or better.

GymJim wrote: »

I suppose I'd like Wallace to be in a position to be able to break off the back of the scrum as he's almost unstoppable whereas I feel Heaslip still lacks a little in the power stakes, especially in the legs.

Don't agree with that, but meh. We have different views.

GymJim wrote: »

Also while Monye may be ever so slightly lesser in the skill levels relative to Bowe (most improved player in world rugby I have to mention) he is an awesome defender and combined with speed he would be well set to tackle the boks speedsters. Though I would still have fitzgerald ahead of him and realistically can anyone really see shane williams left out?

The spot is up for grabs still imo. Williams should be left out because there are several players in better form.

GymJim

Stev_o wrote: »

1. Can't see Sheridian near the XV or 22
2. Monye is dead fav to take the second wing position unless Luke or 1/2P show otherwise.
3. DOC shouldn't make the bench it'll be Hines
4. Rees shouldn't even be here hardly looks up to this level and looks drastically unfit. Mears will start every test bar any injury.
5. Id move Jenkins to 1 and Vickery to bench (Vickery actually impressed me alot thought he would be very static but he had some great runs with ball in hand and did the dirty work well)

1. Personally don't like Sheridan but he is a monster in the scrum. I think he'll just benefit from the picking of a specific powerful team to win the match rather than being the best player.
2. Realistically just can't see williams being left out. I believe fitz/monye better options on current form just being realistic.
3. In what respect is Hines a better player than DOC? Hines is limited to a line-out man and is too stupid to play as he'll not only give away easy penalties but will definitely be sin-binned. Also factor in partnership with POC.
4. With Rees again I just see this as a most likely rather than best option. I agree Mears would be better but just think Rees is in driving seat from 6 nations.
5. Still just can't see past Sheridan starting and Jenkins on bench. Don't rate Vickery at this stage of career. think lack of discipline in general and no realistic competition in scrum tonight will be factored in here.

GymJim

danthefan wrote: »

That makes no sense.

Looking at their seasons Heaslip has been every bit as good as Wallace, or better.




Don't agree with that, but meh. We have different views.



The spot is up for grabs still imo. Williams should be left out because there are several players in better form.

While they are different players I just think the extra power in making hard yards which wallace has should be factored in. I'm not saying heaslip is a poor player (in fact I think he's very good and will be awesome) just that he isn't as powerful as wallace and looking at the boks back row the main focus will have to be on power. So I'm saying a good 8 could be sacrificed for a good all round back-rower in this case. But scrumwise you are right heaslip knows his role and is an exemplary 8.

Also on form I agree re Shane Williams just I think reputations (and experience) do play a part. Hope it is fitzgerald on form though.

bleg

we haven't really seen shane williams rip it up on the hard ground yet. only once or twice on saturday. fitzgerald hasn't even played his first lions match yet so pencilling him in for a start is ridiculous. tommy bowe has all but nailed down a starting position on the wing. ugo monye didn't do his chances any harm today either.

saying who's going to start in the 2nd row is also ridiculous with o callaghan yet to get a start. jones has definitely put down a marker in the last two games (certain people on here wouldn't be happy with him seeing as he doesn't pass). but it depends on how o callaghan plays presuming he starts on saturday.

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Lee Mears
3. Euan Murray
4. Alun Wyn-Jones
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Luke Fitzgerland
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Lee Byrne

16. Ross Ford
17. Phil Vickery
18. Nathan Hines
19. Tom Croft
20. Harry Ellis
21. James Hook
22. Rob Kearney.

I dont see how people think Monye was good tonight,he scored 2 easy try's.
Hes also knocked on,some shocking foward pass thing and just general headless chicken stuff esp in defence.
Williams was crap aswell,so imo its lukes if he impresses which I think he will.

GymJim

Emery Steep Swinger wrote: »

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Lee Mears
3. Euan Murray
4. Alun Wyn-Jones
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Luke Fitzgerland
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Lee Byrne

16. Ross Ford (Can't throw)
17. Phil Vickery (Cant' scrum)
18. Nathan Hines (Can't not get sinbinned)
19. Tom Croft (Can't be Marty Williams)
20. Harry Ellis (Can't even get into club team)
21. James Hook (Can't control a game like ROG)
22. Rob Kearney (Can't play centre and can't get back to form in time)

I dont see how people think Monye was good tonight,he scored 2 easy try's.
Hes also knocked on,some shocking foward pass thing and just general headless chicken stuff esp in defence.
Williams was crap aswell,so imo its lukes if he impresses which I think he will.

Do you really think both Shane and Marty Williams will be left out of 22?

Not sure what you're thinking with subs I actually don't think even one of these will actually make the bench. Only possibility is croft but as second-row backup, they will certainly have another actual back-rower there.

dan719

Emery Steep Swinger wrote: »

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Lee Mears
3. Euan Murray
4. Alun Wyn-Jones
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Luke Fitzgerland
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Lee Byrne

16. Ross Ford
17. Phil Vickery
18. Nathan Hines
19. Tom Croft
20. Harry Ellis
21. James Hook
22. Rob Kearney.

I dont see how people think Monye was good tonight,he scored 2 easy try's.
Hes also knocked on,some shocking foward pass thing and just general headless chicken stuff esp in defence.
Williams was crap aswell,so imo its lukes if he impresses which I think he will.

This is road to Damascus stuff right here people.:eek:

GymJim

GymJim wrote: »

Do you really think both Shane and Marty Williams will be left out of 22?

Not sure what you're thinking with subs I actually don't think even one of these will actually make the bench. Only possibility is croft but as second-row backup, they will certainly have another actual back-rower there.16. Ross Ford (Can't throw)
17. Phil Vickery (Cant' scrum)
18. Nathan Hines (Can't not get sinbinned)
19. Tom Croft (Can't be Marty Williams)
20. Harry Ellis (Can't even get into club team)
21. James Hook (Can't control a game like ROG)
22. Rob Kearney (Can't play centre and can't get back to form in time)

Ross Ford can throw,he just didnt do well tonight,he is a big lad and can bolster the scrum and is big in the loose.
Rees is unbelievably **** so it has to be ford.

Nathan Hines is another big man he will be good at impact,we need tough ****ers in the squad.

Tom Croft is a perfect impact sub,coming on with fresh legs he is a nightmare.

Harry Ellis is the best of a bad bunch,Blair is shockingly out of form.

Vickey is a shed load better scrummager than the waster sheridan.

James Hook can play a number of position inc 10,12,13
Kearney can play 15,11,14
Fitz in the team can cover 15,14,13,12,11
Bowe can cover 15,14,13,11

I dont really understand your criticisms of the bench at all.

If Martyn Williams isnt starting hes uselss on the bench imo,Shane Williams could be argues but imo hes too small and isnt in good form.

corny

15. Byrne
14. Bowe
13. BOD
12. Roberts
11. Williams (can the Welsh coaches leave him out? I don't think so)
10. Jones
9. Phillips
8. Heaslip
7. Williams (same as above. I dont think he'll be left out regardless of form)
6. Ferris (has to be. Croft isn't abrasive enough around the fringes)
5. POC
4. A W Jones
3. Vickery (impressed by his workrate today)
2. ????? Not sure
1. Jenkins

GymJim

Emery Steep Swinger wrote: »

Ross Ford can throw,he just didnt do well tonight,he is a big lad and can bolster the scrum and is big in the loose.
Rees is unbelievably **** so it has to be ford.

Nathan Hines is another big man he will be good at impact,we need tough ****ers in the squad.

Tom Croft is a perfect impact sub,coming on with fresh legs he is a nightmare.

Harry Ellis is the best of a bad bunch,Blair is shockingly out of form.

James Hook can play a number of position inc 10,12,13
Kearney can play 15,11,14
Fitz in the team can cover 15,14,13,12,11
Bowe can cover 15,14,13,11

I dont really understand your criticisms of the bench at all.

If Martyn Williams isnt starting hes uselss on the bench imo,Williams could be argues but imo hes too small and isnt in good form.

1. My criticism of Ford is not based on tonight. I think he is good in the scrum but he just isn't an international class thrower (similar to rory best). And you must surely question why he wasn't originally selected. I mean can we really afford to have a pie-chucker coming on and feeding matfield and the boys. Not a Rees fan but pure and simple he is a better thrower.

2. Hines...yes he is tough but there is a point where tough and foolish can't be blurred (perhaps note where the ball was relative to his rucking in the penalty he gave away in tonight's game).

3. Croft as I said is a possibility but in the test scenario can we really afford a jack of all trades but master of none?

4. Blair is a class player and whatever form he's in I'd certainly prefer him to Ellis whose form we have no idea of. Now if Ellis proves me wrong if started on Saturday I'll hold my hands up but I just think he'll be swallowed up by the boks backrow too easy.

5. I'm one of Kearney's biggest fans but I just don't think he has the form (or confidence at the moment) to warrant a place in the 22. Perhaps 2nd test but I would suggest Shane Williams on the bench based on your first xv selection. Shane does possess a certain fear factor which others have yet to and again realistically I just don't think he'll be dropped from the 22.

6. Hook is a good player and may well be a great player but he lacks ROG's ability to control a game as yet. I just don't rate him in the centre and defensively he wouldn't be able to cope with the runners the boks would send down either centre channel so don't see him as the likely centre cover.

GymJim

Emery Steep Swinger wrote: »

If Martyn Williams isnt starting hes uselss on the bench imo,Shane Williams could be argues but imo hes too small and isnt in good form.

Marty Williams will start no matter what so my point really is Wallace will be on the bench as backrow cover. So is Croft realistically the best second-row cover?

Also on Shane he will be in 22 no doubt. Don't really think his size is relevant if you actually look at the boks wingers...speed is the key here really. And at this stage of his career I hardly think his size is relevant as he has certainly proved his ability in the past, the only issue really is his recent form. I do agree with Luke deserving to start just think he'll end up on the bench with shane starting.

I accept you opinion on the subs is different but the Hook one i cant understand.

He may not be able to control a game like Rog but why would you want a player like Rog i.e Jones on the bench,the whole idea is to make an impact and Jones and Rog are similar whereas Hook is completely different and his inclusion can change a game.

Martyn Williams I dont think will start he is simply too small,Gerald Davies described the team as beasts when he picked them and you will see this when the test team is selected.

danthefan

GymJim wrote: »

Marty Williams will start no matter what so my point really is Wallace will be on the bench as backrow cover. So is Croft realistically the best second-row cover?

Also on Shane he will be in 22 no doubt. Don't really think his size is relevant if you actually look at the boks wingers...speed is the key here really. And at this stage of his career I hardly think his size is relevant as he has certainly proved his ability in the past, the only issue really is his recent form. I do agree with Luke deserving to start just think he'll end up on the bench with shane starting.

You're tying yourself in knots here. Kearney won't get a bench spot because he can't play centre but Shane Williams will?

GymJim

corny wrote: »

15. Byrne
14. Bowe
13. BOD
12. Roberts
11. Williams (can the Welsh coaches leave him out? I don't think so)
10. Jones
9. Phillips
8. Heaslip
7. Williams (same as above. I dont think he'll be left out regardless of form)
6. Ferris (has to be. Croft isn't abrasive enough around the fringes)
5. POC
4. A W Jones
3. Vickery (impressed by his workrate today)
2. ????? Not sure
1. Jenkins

Thank you (except vickery - euan murray surely?!). Welsh coaching bias and reputations will influence selection and can't be ignored.

Think Mears is best of a poor lot at hooker and while I agree Jenkins should play still think sheridan will get the nod.

GymJim

danthefan wrote: »

You're tying yourself in knots here. Kearney won't get a bench spot because he can't play centre but Shane Williams will?

I suppose my main point is that williams will start and fitzgerald will be on the bench as he can provide more cover. So I really mean that it'll really be a competition between fitzgerald and kearney for the bench spot.

GymJim

GymJim wrote: »

I suppose my main point is that williams will start and fitzgerald will be on the bench as he can provide more cover. So I really mean that it'll really be a competition between fitzgerald and kearney for the bench spot.

Monye and Fitzgerald have a much better chance than Williams,he was lucky to even get selected in the first place and did nothing in the first match to justify himself.

GymJim

Emery Steep Swinger wrote: »

I accept you opinion on the subs is different but the Hook one i cant understand.

He may not be able to control a game like Rog but why would you want a player like Rog i.e Jones on the bench,the whole idea is to make an impact and Jones and Rog are similar whereas Hook is completely different and his inclusion can change a game.

Martyn Williams I dont think will start he is simply too small,Gerald Davies described the team as beasts when he picked them and you will see this when the test team is selected.

On Marty Williams I think we'll have to agree to disagree.

I actually think Hook and Jones are more alike. These guys are strong defenders (should probably point this out as relative to ROG's tackling efforts) in the 10 channel who can take the ball into contact, play on the front foot and kick when necessary. Whereas ROG is very much a pass/kick merchant. Neither Jones nor Hook can actually control the game like ROG when he kicks for territory.

Jones to start for certain though.

GymJim

Emery Steep Swinger wrote: »

Monye and Fitzgerald have a much better chance than Williams,he was lucky to even get selected in the first place and did nothing in the first match to justify himself.

I think we will continue to go around in circles on this so all I can point out again is I don't think williams deserves to start based on form but I realistically think he will based on the management in place. On that basis fitzgerald would most likely make the bench.

Based on 6 nations form I think fitzgerald should start.

Podge_irl

I'm sorry, but having watched the highlights of the game again, anyone having Wallace ahead of Heaslip at 8 is out of their mind. He tackled ferociously and played well off the base of the scrum. Its between him and Powell and Heaslip is well ahead at the moment. Wallace showed that he is a 7 and not much else. Decent bench option, but wont start anywhere else.

RichTea

Very premature selections. What I will say is that Tommy Bowe, Jamie Roberts and Lee Mears have definitely stood up to the mark tonight.

Alun Wyn Jones looks a likely candidate thusfar for the other second row berth.

themont85

Pfft Heaslip did nothing tonight:rolleyes:

Massive hits, great at the breakdown and solid lineout. Carried as well as Wallace, no mistakes.

Rugby is not just about the explosive Rocky Elsom breaks. Of course its a huge part but work in the tight can be just as important to the team. Doing both is the complete game. Heaslip is the best 8 in the squad and can be explosive, tonight he didn;t need to be.

How anyone can have Wallace ahead of him is strange to me.

corny

GymJim wrote: »

Thank you (except vickery - euan murray surely?!). Welsh coaching bias and reputations will influence selection and can't be ignored.

Think Mears is best of a poor lot at hooker and while I agree Jenkins should play still think sheridan will get the nod.

If Vickery doesn't play there won't be an Englishman in my side (wont happen)! And like i said i was very impressed with his work rate. I know as soon as Murray came on their scrum went backwards at a rate of knots but i suppose its whatever you value.

Mears is under 100kg and 5"9 and not very strong, well comparatively of course. The Boks have centres bigger and stronger. Jean de Villiers would run over him! I'd have the other 2 ahead of him given the nature of the game we'll face.

jayteecork

Most people have gone for Williams on the left wing and I don't think he should be anywhere near the team.

Hopefully Fitzgerald will play a stormer on Saturday and get the nod.
Monge just looks like a speedster and nothing else, you'd need the complete game against the Sprongboks and Luke has that.

GymJim

corny wrote: »

If Vickery doesn't play there won't be an Englishman in my side (wont happen)! And like i said i was very impressed with his work rate. I know as soon as Murray came on their scrum went backwards at a rate of knots but i suppose its whatever you value.

Mears is under 100kg and 5"9 and not very strong, well comparatively of course. The Boks have centres bigger and stronger. Jean de Villiers would run over him! I'd have the other 2 ahead of him given the nature of the game we'll face.

As I said though I think Sheridan will most likely start with Jenkins on bench so that's your Englishman. Scrummaging is going to be the key focus on tour with the props the boks will be putting out.

Mears may also play though I would expect Rees to probably get the nod based on Welsh management. While Mears isn't the best hooker in the world he's probably the best of a bad lot. Other hookers probably better in scrum but mears is best thrower. Still think Rees is probably better thrower than Ford and better scrummager than Mears so likely starter. Doesn't mean I rate Rees very highly though. Also have you ever actually seen Mears steamrollered? Yes he is small but his core strength is as good as most hookers and he is good in the loose due to his low centre of gravity.

danthefan

Where are you getting this idea that Sheridan is a dominant scrummager from? Because it's completely wrong. Jenkins is far far better than him.

GymJim

danthefan wrote: »

Where are you getting this idea that Sheridan is a dominant scrummager from? Because it's completely wrong. Jenkins is far far better than him.

It's the reaon he's there ahead of the Irish lads. Jenkins is a good scrummager just not as dominant as Sheridan (have you seen the Sale scrum this year?). Jenkins as a player is far better than Sheridan (and personally I would prefer to see him start) I just don't think that he's the type of prop that will be required by the management. (IF he is on the bench) He will however come on once Sheridan and Murray have worn the boks front row down.

I guess we'll just have to see when the test team is named next week at this stage.

danthefan

GymJim wrote: »

I guess we'll just have to see when the test team is named next week at this stage.

That's true, so any chance you could stop telling us what WILL happen?

And what type of prop is Jenkins exactly? Aside from the best LH in the Northern Hemisphere that is.

Stev_o

Im a bit lost at the whole Mears is the worst of a bad lot. He was clearly the best No2 in the 6N and would of been expected to start in every Test.

danthefan

Stev_o wrote: »

Im a bit lost at the whole Mears is the worst of a bad lot. He was clearly the best No2 in the 6N and would of been expected to start in every Test.

Flannery would have been in the mix for a test start. I was impressed by Mears yesterday though, had a very good game.

Stev_o

danthefan wrote: »

Flannery would have been in the mix for a test start. I was impressed by Mears yesterday though, had a very good game.

Granted Flannery may have start if POC and DOC where the 2 starting locks otherwise i couldn't see any argument against not having Mears starting every TEST.