The Rugby Thread

[Nando]

I can't see any way you play Warburton and Tipuric at the expense of Stander.

AWJ will be in there for sure. I think Launchbury might be the unlucky one (and that is before considering Gray as well).

Personally I am not a big Nowell fan.

Had Warburton there as I think there's a good chance he'll be captain and Tipuric is the best 7 at the moment. Stander was definitely the hardest one to leave out, he's outstanding.

Don't think AWJ should start to be honest, but I imagine he will do. I'd take all of the four England locks and Gray before him at the moment.

EDIT - Forget that, completely forgot that Warburton is principally a 7.

In that case, Stander in at 6 with Tipuric losing out.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

AWJ is a decent shout for the captain don't forget.

Shouldn't be, but I would say that he is at least as likely as the other national captains or Warburton.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

It will be Stander. Tipuric. Vunipola.

I would think that was almost a certainty bar injuries.

 

[Dinowolf]

It's not going to be easy to pick a Lions starting XV as there are so many players who could be selected. Everyone has their favourites but whichever team you name on here, someone will criticise it.

Gatland will want to see players in action in the NZ pre-test games before making his selection, to see who is in form, has travelled well, which combinations are working etc..

So I will wait until nearer the time and pick a side from the named touring party as I think there could be a few surprises for some on here from what I've seen already.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

In a party of 35 I would expect England to have at least 14 and possibly even more than that.

 

[Bit on the shaggies]

I'd have Kruis and Itoje in the second row, they are outstanding together. Stander, Warberton and Vunipola at 6, 7, 8. Sexton at ten, Farrell 12. Not too sure about the rest.

And fuck it, Farrell as captain.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Farrell isn't captain material.

Mind you, the captain options aren't completely cast in stone.

North on one wing is a certainty you would think, as is Hogg at fullback (with 1/2p on the plane as backup)

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

AWJ skipper for me. Proper leader.

 

[Bit on the shaggies]

Farrell isn't captain material.

Mind you, the captain options aren't completely cast in stone.

North on one wing is a certainty you would think, as is Hogg at fullback (with 1/2p on the plane as backup)

It's either him or Stander for me. AWJ is a better captain, but about 5th best second row...

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Dunno about Farrell as captain, seems his demeanour on the field is a bit misleading, apparently he was impressive off the field on the last tour, gelled with the players from the other nations, he is one of the few guaranteed starters, saying that Gatland prefers a forward as Captain and his Dad on the coaching staff might count against him.

Its going to be a real difficult one for Gatland who he picks, none of the national captains were that good or likely to start the tests, can see Warburton getting by process of elimination rather then him stepping up. Although as a left field suggestion its a shame Ijote is not a couple of years older, will say he would be a certainty in 4 years time.

I would go for a team of
McGrath, Owens, Furlong, Ijote, Lauchbury, Stander, Warburton, Vunipola, Murray, Sexton, Daly, Farrell, Joseph, North, Hogg

Several of those are close calls. Schedule is that brutal that about 5 of them will be on the way home before we even get to the first test.

 

[Dinowolf]

Mike Ford has been replaced by Richard Cockerill as coach at Toulon.

 

[Tredman]

Brian Moore had a heart attack yesterday, seems to be pulling through.

 

[Paul]

I know, I've been watching it on the news this morning, hope he gets better.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think we can forget Warburton for the Lions captaincy. Six weeks out now is probably a fatal hole below the water line of his lions hopes.

 

[Dinowolf]

A week to go before the Lions squad is named.

I think there may be a few surprises but we'll see.

 

[Paul]

Getting excited already

 

[Dinowolf]

Bristol relegated after defeat to Wasps.

They will be replaced by London Irish next season who have easily won the Championship this year.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

Bristol relegated after defeat to Wasps.

They will be replaced by London Irish next season who have easily won the Championship this year.

They will be back next year have already signed up Pat Lam as coach and Ian Madigan for a serious amount of money.

Rumours of a shake uo in the pro 12, cut down to 10 teams the 2 Italian teams forming 1 superclub and Newport Dragons losing out.
With an A league for the two sides dropping down various Irish and Scottish reserves sides plus possible Georgian, German canadian & usa franchise clubs

 

[Nando]

Laughable than Davies looks to be going on tour ahead of Joseph.

 

[Nando]

And Launchbury! Jesus.