NationStates Jolt Archive

Yes, I know 99% of you don't care, there's no need to post solely to point that out.

What do the rugby fans think of the Lions squad? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8007666.stm)

My opinion:

Firstly, the exclusion of Ryan Jones is an absolutely shocking error that has instantly doomed the party to absolute wipeout. He was easily the best No. 8 in the Six Nations and should have, if anything, been challenging for the captaincy.

O'Connell and O'Callaghan were obvious choices, but I'm glad to see Simon Shaw in as well.

Murray is a very good prop, but I would go with the Welsh front line to start with, simply because Murray racked up so many binding errors in the Six Nations and I don't think we'll be playing matches in which we can get away with easy penalties. I've never really been a fan of Flannery but he is probably the first choice hooker.

Phillips is the obvious first scrum-half. I was disappointed they didn't include Stringer; he's better than O'Leary, and he's great to have come on when you're down. Plus he's in a very different mold to Phillips, giving them different options. Outside I would take Jones over O'Gara, but I feel Hook deserved a place, especially given they're taking five centres.

O'Driscoll is probably best off not having to worry about the captaincy, and alongside him I would put Flutey ahead of Shanklin, just. Williams has been poor this year, but I would still play him ahead of any of the Irish back three; Monye and Halfpenny both have good qualities. And I think Armitage deserved a place, though Byrne is pretty good. Kearney kicks needlessly too often.

Long story short, I think the Lions will get royally shat on down under.

Firstly, the exclusion of Ryan Jones is an absolutely shocking error that has instantly doomed the party to absolute wipeout. He was easily the best No. 8 in the Six Nations and should have, if anything, been challenging for the captaincy.
You didn't watch the Six Nations or the Heineken Cup this year I take it. He was poor in both. McGeechan said he was picking on form, not on reputation. Tough, but his losing out to his Welsh understudy (I think) speaks volumes.

I've never really been a fan of Flannery but he is probably the first choice hooker.
Second choice behind Mears I think.

Phillips is the obvious first scrum-half. I was disappointed they didn't include Stringer; he's better than O'Leary, and he's great to have come on when you're down. Plus he's in a very different mold to Phillips, giving them different options.
Stringer doesn't make breaks. He's older, physically weaker and has played poorly (bar 20 mins of one game) the past 18 months. Phillips is by far the first choice pick.

Outside I would take Jones over O'Gara, but I feel Hook deserved a place, especially given they're taking five centres.
Hook? Nah. Shanklin and Flutey played much better than he has this year.

And I think Armitage deserved a place,
Eh, no.

though Byrne is pretty good. Kearney kicks needlessly too often.
Byrne has been the best 15 in the world since the Autumn tests. Kearney hardly ever kicks, he was a winger before moving to full back, so his tendency is to run/garryowen and collect.

Long story short, I think the Lions will get royally shat on down under.
If it was NZ, I'd agree. But South Africa have been poor since about September. Guess we'll see :)