Lions 2009 thread

Schkite · June 15, 2009, 01:07:10 PM

Aye the test team seems pretty much sorted. Only real close call there is now is Williams or Wallace, or both.

Hoof Hearted · June 15, 2009, 01:18:48 PM

Quote from: gawa316 on June 15, 2009, 01:06:33 PM
Lions team: K Earls (Munster & Ireland); S Williams (Ospreys & Wales), R Flutey (Wasps & England), G D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland), L Fitzgerald (Leinster & Ireland), J Hook (Ospreys & Wales), M Blair (Edinburgh & Scotland); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks & England), R Ford (Edinburgh & Scotland), E Murray (Northampton & Scotland), S Shaw (Wasps & England), D O'Callaghan (Munster & Ireland) (capt), N Hines (Perpignan & Scotland), J Worsley (Wasps & England), A Powell (Cardiff Blues & Wales).

Replacements: M Rees (Scarlets & Wales), A Jones (Ospreys & Wales), T Croft (Leicester Tigers & England), D Wallace (Munster & Ireland), H Ellis (Leicester Tigers & England), R O'Gara (Munster & Ireland), U Monye (Harlequins & England).

Can't see any of this starting 15 making the test team at wkd, unless there are some injuries.

My team for 1st test would be

1. Jenkins
2. Mears
3. Vickery
4.POC
5.Wyn-Jones
6. Croft
7. Wallace
8. Heaslip
9. Phillips
11. Monye
12. Roberts
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Byrne

cant see us winning with that team, who is the kicker ?

Donnellys Hollow · June 15, 2009, 01:22:32 PM

I wouldn't have Ugo Monye ahead of Luke Fitzgerald or Phil Vickery ahead of Euan Murray. Monye is undoubtedly quicker than Fitzgerald but he doesn't possess anywhere near the same footballing ability. Vickery is a great leader but he can be quite indisciplined at times (as seen in Croke Park in the 6N). Euan Murray is a far more destructive scrummagger.

Apart from them two I'd be happy with a test team of: Byrne, Bowe, BO'D, Roberts, Monye, Jones, Phillips, Jenkins, Mears, Vickery, W-Jones, PO'C, Croft, Wally, Heaslip.

I still have concerns over the hooker but the alternatives in Rees or Ford don't exactly inspire confidence either. It's a pity that Fla missed out through injury. Anyone else see him at the Churchill Cup match last night with his girl's glasses!

Hoof Hearted · June 15, 2009, 01:30:23 PM

monye might be more physical than fitzgerald maybe ?
i think there will be at least one shock, either an omission or an inclusion, there always is.

gawa316 · June 15, 2009, 01:31:23 PM

Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 15, 2009, 01:18:48 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 15, 2009, 01:06:33 PM
Lions team: K Earls (Munster & Ireland); S Williams (Ospreys & Wales), R Flutey (Wasps & England), G D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland), L Fitzgerald (Leinster & Ireland), J Hook (Ospreys & Wales), M Blair (Edinburgh & Scotland); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks & England), R Ford (Edinburgh & Scotland), E Murray (Northampton & Scotland), S Shaw (Wasps & England), D O'Callaghan (Munster & Ireland) (capt), N Hines (Perpignan & Scotland), J Worsley (Wasps & England), A Powell (Cardiff Blues & Wales).

Replacements: M Rees (Scarlets & Wales), A Jones (Ospreys & Wales), T Croft (Leicester Tigers & England), D Wallace (Munster & Ireland), H Ellis (Leicester Tigers & England), R O'Gara (Munster & Ireland), U Monye (Harlequins & England).

Can't see any of this starting 15 making the test team at wkd, unless there are some injuries.

My team for 1st test would be

1. Jenkins
2. Mears
3. Vickery
4.POC
5.Wyn-Jones
6. Croft
7. Wallace
8. Heaslip
9. Phillips
11. Monye
12. Roberts
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Byrne

cant see us winning with that team, who is the kicker ?

Oh feck forgot about Jones

Hoof Hearted · June 15, 2009, 10:05:49 PM

Living with Lions on again now on SS1 for anyone who hasnt had the pleasure of seeing it

turk · June 15, 2009, 10:38:12 PM

Word is that Matfield and Bakkies Botha are planning to batter O'Connell

Roger · June 15, 2009, 10:55:33 PM

Quote from: turk on June 15, 2009, 10:38:12 PM
Word is that Matfield and Bakkies Botha are planning to batter O'Connell

Only O'Connell?

Donnellys Hollow · June 15, 2009, 11:00:30 PM

Quote from: turk on June 15, 2009, 10:38:12 PM
Word is that Matfield and Bakkies Botha are planning to batter O'Connell

Just like they did in the Autumn International in '04 I suppose?

O'Connell with Big Mal alongside him totally outplayed them that day.

turk · June 16, 2009, 01:10:02 AM

Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on June 15, 2009, 11:00:30 PM
Quote from: turk on June 15, 2009, 10:38:12 PM
Word is that Matfield and Bakkies Botha are planning to batter O'Connell

Just like they did in the Autumn International in '04 I suppose?

O'Connell with Big Mal alongside him totally outplayed them that day.

That's a friendly from 5 year ago (or was it in 2006?) you're talking about. While Ireland went on and stank out the last world cup, RSA went on and won it.

Hopefully O'Connell will come out on top at the weekend but the 'boks' aren't gonna lie down and wait for him to get back to form.

Donnellys Hollow · June 16, 2009, 01:19:57 AM

No it is '04 I'm on about - neither Matfield or Botha played in '06.

It didn't look very "friendly" from my vantage point on the terrace that day either.

turk · June 16, 2009, 08:01:39 AM

Pity the Lions didn't bring along Big Mal so!

Donnellys Hollow · June 16, 2009, 11:17:17 AM

There's only so many tackle bags that need holding!

Hound · June 16, 2009, 11:19:52 AM

Monye starting today instead of Shane Williams.
That might give a small opportunity for Luke Fitz to pass him out in the race for the 11 jersey.

Aghdavoyle · June 16, 2009, 11:51:05 AM

Not necessarily my picks but what i believe they'll go with:

1 - Jenkins
2 - Mears
3 - Vickey
4 - Wyn Jones
5 - O'Connell
6 - Croft
7 - Williams
8 - Heaslip
9 - Phillips
10 - Jones
11 - Moyne
12 - Roberts
13 - O'Drsicoll
14 - Bowe
15 - Byrne

16 - Rees
17 - Jones
18 - Sheridan
19 - O'Callaghan
20 - Wallace
21 - Hook
22 - Kearney