Lions 2017 [MOD WARNING IN OP]

bilston wrote: »

I thought Murray was back this weekend? Although we've heard that before!

I thought someone on the Munster thread he could be out until after the final?!

This on reddit made me think of FF

Buer wrote: »

I think he'll be all about setting a platform and winning the set piece.

It has been foretold by the great fat-as-a-propstrodamus.

irishbucsfan wrote:

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...).

Buer wrote: »

I think that's a pretty solid assessment of how they're going to approach things, especially if Coles is ruled out. The Lions will love a crack at a slightly unfamiliar NZ line out set up although there won't be too many concerns if Taylor comes in. Beyond him though, could be a worry for NZ.

I've been surprised by how few people have mentioned Itoje as a flanker option given his ability to play there comfortably. If there aren't real stand out performances from someone else, I think he's going to be the default selection there.

I think you're right about Itoje. When I was thinking of POM as a possible test Lion it was with the idea that Gatland used Croft as that rangy athletic back row option in Australia. Itoje offers that option while also offering a little more power.

I think if they select Itoje and Warburton (which is a strong possibility) then it'll help Stander's chances at winning the 8 jersey over Faletau. I think they'll be looking to get good position in the ABs half and then score quickly and so they need a couple of guys who offer that carrying threat and Stander is a huge threat for that.

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I think you're right about Itoje. When I was thinking of POM as a possible test Lion it was with the idea that Gatland used Croft as that rangy athletic back row option in Australia. Itoje offers that option while also offering a little more power.

I think if they select Itoje and Warburton (which is a strong possibility) then it'll help Stander's chances at winning the 8 jersey over Faletau. I think they'll be looking to get good position in the ABs half and then score quickly and so they need a couple of guys who offer that carrying threat and Stander is a huge threat for that.

Stander might well be ahead of Faletau, but as an 8 I'd say they're both well behind Vunipola in the pecking order.
So, Stander's best chance of a spot is still at 6 I'd say, but as you say there is serious competition there too.

Buer wrote: »

I think that's a pretty solid assessment of how they're going to approach things, especially if Coles is ruled out. The Lions will love a crack at a slightly unfamiliar NZ line out set up although there won't be too many concerns if Taylor comes in. Beyond him though, could be a worry for NZ.

I've been surprised by how few people have mentioned Itoje as a flanker option given his ability to play there comfortably. If there aren't real stand out performances from someone else, I think he's going to be the default selection there.

Itoje really doesn't look comfortable standing as wide out on the pitch as you want a flanker to be able to play, particularly against New Zealand.

Ben Youngs out of the Lions tour due to a family illness.

No replacement yet but I know Care is injured so may not be an option. He's due back for England's tour but may not be available for the warm ups if he was called upon. Don't rule out Gareth Davies but I can see Laidlaw getting the call after the Scottish outcry.

Wigglesworth would be an interesting call but I think he's an excellent operator in the system that he plays in. I'm not sure he could get up to speed in a different system where he's not behind the best pack in Europe.

In other news, Biggar went off early limping today after hurting his ankle. No update on situation yet. I'd imagine he's out of the semi final anyway.

Terrible news for the Youngs family.

Puts rugby into perspective.

It almost seems off to speculate on his replacement but I guess that's what we do on here. Wigglesworth would be my pick.

Awful for Youngs and his family. Dark times.

jr86 wrote: »

Tom pulled out of an English summer tour a few years ago as his wife was bad so must be a recurrence

Horrible news

Laidlaw will be called up I suspect although I'd have care, Davies and wigglesworth ahead

It is unfortunately. She's been battlin it for 3 years and it's now being diagnosed as terminal. Sad times.

durkadurka wrote: »

Laidlaw will be a cracking midweek player. Captain material, goal kicker, brains.

He is precisely the sort of player the tour needs. Some players don't have a prayer of the test team. Seymour and Nowell are already nailed on wingers for the midweek side. Laidlaw won't have a sniff of playing NZ. This whole "we can only pick guys who are capable of starting the tests" is rubbish. You'll wind up with 40 lads who will slit each others throats for a test spot with zero team ethic.

If Laidlaw can help consolidate this squad through experience and leadership then his presence will be worth its weight in gold. His value as an actual scrum half isn't as important as what he can bring to the group overall, as stupid as that sounds. Players who foster the right mentality and atmosphere are as important and more so than some guys who might start a test.

I always found it telling that Ian McGeechan said the greatest Lion of all time for him was Jason Leonard. He went on 3 tours but only ever started 2 tests (both in 1993) but his contribution off the pitch was massive through motivating and preparing the other players.