Lions 2017 [MOD WARNING IN OP]

Former Former

Buer wrote: »

I'd move Owens and Halfpenny into the nailed on category, FF. Owens completely deserves it and has a great chance of being the test hooker. Halfpenny simply won't be left out. It would be a bigger shock than him dropping BOD, in my opinion.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=102994289&postcount=1010

irishbucsfan

Some VERY upset people on twitter already and the squad hasn't even been announced yet!

Various objects have had involvement suggested with various aspects of Mr. Gatland's anatomy should he leave Launchbury out of his squad.

Tigerandahalf

Only thing going against Launchbury is that he is not very mobile. Still I would be shocked if he was left out. He is a real leader and if AWJ got injured who would lead that pack from 4? Itoje is still very inexperienced.

Gatland is always likely to favour a Welsh player in a 50/50 call as afterall he will have to return and coach the same players after the tour.

Did Gatland coach Launchbury when at Wasps?

Buer

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Did Gatland coach Launchbury when at Wasps?

Nah, would have been long gone. He might, just about, have given Haskell his debut.

Launchbury only turned 26 last week.

CMOTDibbler

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Did Gatland coach Launchbury when at Wasps?

No, not even close really. Gatland left 12 years ago when Launchbury was 14.

Tigerandahalf

Didnt realise he was only 26. He looks about 30.

Buer

Interesting that Howley was at the Bath vs Worcester game at the weekend which featured several candidates. Worcester, who have nothing to play for, won 25-19.

From those featuring, Te'o started at 12 and is apparently set to be included. Ford and Joseph played at 10 and 13 and are going to be left out. Watson played at 15 and it would be a surprise if he was left out although there's no real rumours about his involvement.

If Ford is omitted, it will be interesting to see will Biggar be brought despite his form and spiky personality.

Also interesting to note that reports are now saying the squad will be 37-39 in size which means we could see some additional depth brought that wasn't considered earlier. Probably for the best given the difficulty of the schedule.

Rightwing

Buer wrote: »

If you want one that might cause outrage, I reckon Jamie Roberts isn't out of the picture. He has lost his starting spot for Wales this 6N but was still starting under Gatland last summer in NZ before he went on sabbatical.

I'm still convinced there's going to be a couple of calls that will leave most scrathing their heads.

EDIT: I'd move Owens and Halfpenny into the nailed on category, FF. Owens completely deserves it and has a great chance of being the test hooker. Halfpenny simply won't be left out. It would be a bigger shock than him dropping BOD, in my opinion.

He is just the type of player that's needed. A big, strong game lad. It will be a very tough tour, war of attrition.

awec

Rightwing wrote: »

He is just the type of player that's needed. A big, strong game lad. It will be a very tough tour, war of attrition.

We won't beat the All Blacks playing warrenball. Guaranteed whitewash.

irishbucsfan

If Ben Te'o and Robbie Henshaw are going as rumoured then there's no need for Roberts really. He only plays 12 and they're both better than him currently.

If you bring him then you leave one of Te'o or Henshaw behind. I would be totally fine with that, Roberts is still capable of playing great rugby.

A lot of people are assuming Farrell will play 12, which makes sense, however I think it is a real possibility that Howley's backline will only have one pivot again.

Rightwing

awec wrote: »

We won't beat the All Blacks playing warrenball. Guaranteed whitewash.

Probably will be a whitewash anyway, but the ABs will be dirty, the non test matches will be very dirty, best have big lads like Roberts for those matches.

FellasFellas

I know he's got absolutely no chance, but Kristian Dacey for Cardiff is some player. He'd be the closest that the Lions could have to match Coles.

sydthebeat

FellasFellas wrote: »

I know he's got absolutely no chance, but Kristian Dacey for Cardiff is some player. He'd be the closest that the Lions could have to match Coles.

nah...

they have a much better option.

sounds like "chug it"

irishman86

Clegg wrote: »

Deleted User wrote: »

Henshaw has been one of Ireland's best players since 2015. He'll be our starting inside centre for the next decade. He has nothing to worry about. I wouldn't move him from the centre and i don't think he'll even be considered for 15. I think we're underestimating how much Ringrose has improved this season too. On this season's form he's well ahead of Olding, Marshall, McCloskey and even Aki.

I disagree regarding Ringrose, he has improved a lot, but I dont think hes at Aki's level. Not a bad problem to have mind.
I also dont understand why everyones mad to move Henshaw to fb he has been a center for years now and should continue to do so

thomond2006

Has Jamie Roberts done anything notable in the last few years?

thomond2006

thomond2006 wrote: »

Has Jamie Roberts done anything notable in the last few years?

I think he became a doctor

sydthebeat

thomond2006 wrote: »

Has Jamie Roberts done anything notable in the last few years?

played for cambridge uni ?

Rightwing

Helped John Hayes on the farm.

Clegg

It's a shame VdF was injured during the 6N. He has two standout performances against NZ in November and is currently in smashing form. He has the right sort of game to face teams from the Southern Hemisphere.

irishman86

I predict hes going to pick a lot of questionable Welsh lads, leaving a lot disgusted and getting white washed against the AB's. I wouldnt be surprised to see more Welsh than English or Irish in his test squads tbh

Buer

Clegg wrote: »

It's a shame VdF was injured during the 6N. He has two standout performances against NZ in November and is currently in smashing form. He has the right sort of game to face teams from the Southern Hemisphere.

I would say he has a very strong chance of being called if Tipuric or Warburton get injured.

CMOTDibbler

irishman86 wrote: »

I predict hes going to pick a lot of questionable Welsh lads, leaving a lot disgusted and getting white washed against the AB's. I wouldnt be surprised to see more Welsh than English or Irish in his test squads tbh

He wants to win. If he picks lots of 'questionable' Welsh lads, it'll be because he won't have any questions about them.

ClanofLams

The Lions are going to get smashed, 3-0 whitewash and 50 points plus difference over the three tests along with losing a few other tour games. The fewer Irish involved, the better.

Rightwing

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

He wants to win. If he picks lots of 'questionable' Welsh lads, it'll be because he won't have any questions about them.

Exactly.

Just like the way he axed BOD, absolutely no questions if you win. If he doesn't he is certainly open to criticism given that Eng have been the best over the last 2 years.

sydthebeat

seeing as the bookies have a 3-0 white wash to NZ at odds of 10/11 ... its not much of a prediction.

Redo91

Launchbury being felt out would be a joke. Expect a big Welsh bias which won't help our chances given their woeful record against the SH.

irishman86

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

He wants to win. If he picks lots of 'questionable' Welsh lads, it'll be because he won't have any questions about them.

Ya thats why he will pick them

Erik Shin

A few rumours that Rory Best isn't going, surely that's a load of bull?

awec

I'd be surprised if Best gets picked.

(Hope I haven't missed a joke here).

sydthebeat

Erik Shin wrote: »

A few rumours that Rory Best isn't going, surely that's a load of bull?

personally id very surprised to see best travelling.

unfortunately his last lions performances have tainted his worth in my opinion.