Lions 2017 [MOD WARNING IN OP]

whatawaster wrote: »

bilston wrote: »

So that's saying a 44 man squad. That's getting to 2005 levels of overkill.

No, it's saying 2005 had a 44 man squad

Missed the asterix...d'oh...

shuffol wrote: »

Looking at it in a glass half empty way there's a lot of overrated/out of form players in that backrow.

Midfield is turgid distribution wise if they go with 2 boshers.

Who is over rated or out of form with that back row? Both Faletau and Vuinipola have shown good form since returning from injuries including MoM displays for their clubs.

All the rest of the back rows had good to excellent six nations and continued their form after.

I would hope that Farrell will start at 12 so distribution wont be an issue. The 'boshers' to come on later in game (as Te'o does for England). Hopefully this means Henshaw at 13?

Is it just me or has there been far more squad leaks this year compared to previous tours?

thomond2006 wrote: »

Is it just me or has there been far more squad leaks this year compared to previous tours?

who says they are accurate?

Teferi wrote: »

Nothing against Warbs, he's a fine captain and does the job well but he decided to give it up for Wales to focus on his game. Will we get the best out of him if he has to deal with the extreme stress and hyper-focus of the Lions? Beyond that, it's indicative of Gatland's mindset - we're going to get a horses-for-courses selection and try play gatlandball against the kiwis.

We got the best out of him last time.

I've no idea, but it may be that it's a completely different thing captaining a tour than it is being a full time national captain.

As for gatlandball... Not really sure what else people were expecting, nor am I at all sure what else people would suggest as a good approach to beat the ABs.

thomond2006 wrote: »

Is it just me or has there been far more squad leaks this year compared to previous tours?

Feels that way. Given the players don't know until we do, or at least very close to when we find out it has to be the coaches leaking it. Of course club coaches and national coaches may have some idea as well based on conversations they'd have with Garland and his crew.

They should really just officially announce the captain first thing in the morning at the photo shoot rather than let it be leaked out like this morning and last year.

Gatlandball and Warrenball have actually changed drastically through the years. Wales haven't played anything like the original, very successful, style they played before. I think its just a term used to describe rugby being played by a team being coached by a specific person that people don't like.

I think we'll see a difference to the 2013 approach as well. Instead of attempting that disciplined possession focused game I think we'll see them go after NZ's set piece because it's one of the only areas they've been exposed in the past couple of years. So rather than going after 15 phase possessions I think we'll be looking at Murray/Farrell/Sexton using the kicking game much more often. if that is our style i think it'll also have a big influence on our selection in the back row (maybe POM is a test Lion this year...).

EDIT: Although Howley is coach. So.... who knows.

https://twitter.com/simonrug/status/854643314905239553

JUICY

leakyboots wrote: »

Telegraph are saying confirmed that Jamie Roberts is NOT in the squad

As always, some of the leaks will turn out to be pure rubbish.

I mean, who the f*ck in their right mind ever even suggested Roberts for the Lions tour?

Some people are off their rocker.

Sky saying that Roberts hasn't actually made it after initially reporting he had. They did add that there has been a surprise in the backline though. Heard rumours about Nowell so could be him.