I don't know how many people on the board follow rugby, but Clive Woodward named the squad for the Lions tour to NZ today. What do people make of his selections?

Personally, I was surprised at the selection of John Hayes and Andy Sheridan, and the exclusion of Chris Paterson, Jason White and Mefin Davies. I'm a bit concerned that he's picked so many players that have been injured for a long time and would be short of fitness.

Just to start a debate, here's my test XV from the squad he's picked:

15. Gareth Thomas
14. Josh Lewsey
13. Brian O'Driscoll
12. Gavin Henson
11. Shane Williams
10. Stephen Jones
9. Dwayne Peel

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Shane Byrne
3. Julian White
4. Paul O'Connell
5. Danny Grewcock
6. Lewis Moody
7. Martyn Williams
8. Lawrence Dallaglio

Too many old players for my liking, and too many from his old side. Is he going with what he knows?

There are too many good names to cram into the 15.
Henson really deserves a starting spot, but is he better than a fit D'Arcy, probably not I think.
I'd say Geordan Murphy (on a good day) at fullback, but his 6-nations form was poor.
Robinson at either 11 or 14, not 15.
If he's fit (even if not 100% match fit) Wilkinson should play, as I think he just edges Steven Jones.
I'd agree with your 4 of your tight 5, the only change being Grewcock. He's a liability, and any advantage his being a hard-lad is outweighed by that. I'd replace him with Malcom O'Kelly. Bryne, O'Kelly, O'Connell is probably the best lineout trio on the planet.
I'd not take Dallaglio. Gavin Jenkins is head and shoulders better.

A bit of Irish bias, yes, but so what, I think they merit inclusion. The English players were poor this year, so having 20 of the 44 is too much for my liking. Chris Patterson certainly deserves a spot.

Andrew.

Just had a wee thought.
Oh to hear '99' being called again...............

Andrew.

You could look at it as picking from five sides: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the England side from two years ago. I've seen it argued that the England old guard should go because they've got experience of winning in the Southern Hemisphere. I don't buy that because the younger players will view that as something else to achieve and would be the more keen to prove themselves. Greenwood, Tindall, Hill, Back and Dallaglio didn't play in the six nations, I don't see why they should go and say, Colin Charvis should miss out. While they may all be good, they all play in positions with plenty of quality cover, and I think the side should contain players with more recent test form than these guys have got (i.e. Welshmen :D ). Actually, sod it, I'm dropping Dallaglio and putting Michael Owen in instead.

I think the centre pairing will depend on his tactical approach. If he's going to run at the ABs, he'll go for D'Arcy, if he wants a second kicker he'll go for Henson. FWIW, I think Henson's better in defence.

Gethin Jenkins is frightening. When Steve Hansen left the Wales job he named him as the one player he'd want to take with him. I think he's going to have a big tour.

Just had a wee thought.
Oh to hear '99' being called again...............

Andrew.

You'd want Grewcock on the pitch then...

for a tour like this you need experienced players, preferably ones who have played on a lions tour before.

as much as i love the kiwi's:rolleyes: i think they will whitewash this series 3-0.

for a tour like this you need experienced players, preferably ones who have played on a lions tour before.

as much as i love the kiwi's:rolleyes: i think they will whitewash this series 3-0.

If the games are refereed the same way as in the Super 12, then the Lions could be in trouble. If they're allowed to play to their strengths then they could get the whitewash.

well then they are in trouble, because correct me if i am wrong but three refs are from the super 12

well then they are in trouble, because correct me if i am wrong but three refs are from the super 12

Just looked it up - two South Africans and a kiwi. Bugger.

A fit Darcy would get in to the centres in my opinion.

I wouldnt take Wilkinson. Hes finished (sad though it is for me to say that.)

I wouldnt take Lauro either. Hes finished.

I would take robinson and have him on the wing, i agree, not at fullback.

It will be an interesting tour. :nod:

i really have to start watching rugby, i remember seeing a bit of a game some time ago and remember really liking it. I like the real sports, rugby over (american) football, UFC over...well...anything. :p

maybe i'll look on Kazza and find some matches to watch.

maybe i'll look on Kazza and find some matches to watch.

i assume you meant Kazaa,

try to watch,
world cup final 2003,
tri nations 2003 game 1 RSA vs New Zealand,
also there was a good game a few years back where the kiwi's scored like 3 tries in the first 5 min's then the aussies clawed back, then the lead see-sawed in the last 20 min with the wallabies finally winning,(at the time i supported neither side but it still remains the best game of rugby i have ever watched).

~v

[QUOTE=Reno_1tedI wouldnt take Wilkinson. Hes finished (sad though it is for me to say that.)[/QUOTE]

i don't think he is finished, he is struggling with injury, but he will still be the thinker that he is with a vision probably only rivalled by larkham and merhtens at their best.

he is an awesome asset to any team with the control he asserts over the game.

~v

I agree that he is one of the best players ever to have graced the game. When FIT.

One big tackle and he's injured all over again. Some injuries never heal.

I think he needs to take 2 years off solid to get back to where he was. However, with pressure from club and country, he will never be allowed the time he needs. Plus, they will 2 of the best years of his career gone. Tough call.

I wouldnt play wilkinson.

point taken but we can all dream, it would make the lions tour so much more interesting.

as well as being good for rugby.

~v

i assume you meant Kazaa,



ugh whatever i'll never spell that word right, just like i will FOREVER have to spell out the word Administrator when I log on in the mornings b/c i will be forever cursed to screw it up. :p