British and Irish lions chat

Im suprised we havent discussed the Lions tour in much depth, so I thought I would start a thread prior to the opening Test.

I don't think there are too many suprises regarding the selected team. Martin Williams is obviously unlucky, but I think He defiantely has a part to play. I can't argue with the wingers selection, as it just hasn't happened for Shane Williams as yet.:no: He just hasn't seen much of the ball due to the intended style of play. And when he did get the ball, he seemed below par. But hey, you don't become a **** player overnight(It took Sox years!! Joking mucker!!:laugh:) he may still emerge as a star in later tests?

We look strong in the Centres with Roberts and O'Driscoll,:cool: and I think it was always going to be Phillips and Jones. I just hope he kicks well. Good news that Hook trained today, so he may well feature in future games, he has a lot to offer and should be on the bench for impact and kicking?

Only my views guys, im sure you will have differing opinions. Over to you....:chatterbox:

I totally agree with the selection of the backs, Shane Williams is playing well below his best although I did think they might have put him on the bench for the sheer fact that when he does go on the other side need to put two players on him to watch him. I reckon Martyn Williams is unlucky to not start, the selectors have obviously gone for bulk. I hope the Lions will play a running game and not try and beat the Boks up in the pack as I think the backs are where the Lions strength is.

Just a note, the Red Dragon Old Boys are going on the Lions tour today (Saturday) so watch out for them in the crowd at the next two tests.

I guess you guys will be watching it on TV, I'll have to watch the report come up on the computer.
I too think Shane should at least be on the bench. Is Habana playing? if so I bet he's thrilled that Shane is not there to sprint around him.
How come Ryan Jones did not make the squad?
I'll be rooting for them but I can't see them beating the Boks.

Tom,
Shane hasnt been playing well for some time,nor has Ryan jones,he was called up as a replacement when Wales returned from Canada/Usa but was sent back home just 24 hours after his arrival in S Africa due to concusion he suffered against the USA

Quote:

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Originally Posted by keithwill38

Tom,
Shane hasnt been playing well for some time,nor has Ryan jones,he was called up as a replacement when Wales returned from Canada/Usa but was sent back home just 24 hours after his arrival in S Africa due to concusion he suffered against the USA

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Thanks Will, we get no coverage here and I only find out what's going on by googling. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Dil

Yes ty dil and i hope yours is the same and getting some good summery weather

What a great game, watched it at the brit embassy in Kuwait great atmosphere guinness by the crate and loads of pork on the bbq. Took the money off the South African boys much to their reluctance in handing it over, they gave me a 7 point start unlucky guys.

Well i thought the back line was strong they played very well, but how we where made to look second class up front, the beast has been proggressing the last few seasons and yesterday he ripped the brit lads apart, the game was there for the taking and with those 3 close trys and a couple of pens we would have wiped the floor with them.

Hope all the guys from the Old boys enjoy the tour, had a text from my S African mate in durban yesterday, he said he had never seen so many brits, and looked like they where all enjoying them selves.

Scouse i dont recall you ever being able to catch me on the park butt:no:

I enjoyed the game,but for the love of me cant see why they picked Phil Vickery (maybe Wasps connections),he was absolutely destroyed in the front row and the Boks first three penalties came from him, i think his international days are now over,must start with sheridan next time then bring on Adam Jones never gave way in the scrum,be harder in the next two tests as both at altitude,but if they cut out the penaties and get the ball out faster to the backs they can nick the next one,O,Drisscol and Roberts in the centre were excellent,Bowe was a bit quiet but that was probally down to him playing in to many warm up matches

Very true Sox. ha ha

I dont know why Shane Williams should even be on the bench,his confidence has totally gone,and agree has not been playing well this season,and would not have been surprised if he was left out of the squad in the first place,and for Ryan jones joining the squad with a injury,was nothing more than a joke,
The lions were totally battered up front and how Vickery lasted as long as he did was bad managment,the problems were all coming from the left side.If we are going to win a test then it has got to be quick ball to Roberts and O Driscoll thats were we doing the damage,and the Africans found it hard to contain us in that area,we dont need to contest line outs just get our formation right and hold them,and up front just win our own ball and quick to the centers,there lies our chance.
Any changes for the second test,Vickery and Full back.
Remember this was South Africas first game and they will be better as well 2nd test.
Anyway sox why are we not there.

Fives

i was trying to get there butt , was working on it last year but my boss was having none of it ie me changing my leave dates. ah well il just enjoy as long as i got a pint butt im happy

Well what a game! Before the start I bet that the Lions would win by 3 points and Martyn Williams would come off the bench to score the winning try...how wrong could I be?
Dil, you can watch the game on-line even in Canada.

Keith 38: I'm going to agree with you about Vickery he's past it but Sheridan is not the answer he's been penalised for the same incorrect binding during this tour so the words out English props cannot scrum under these rules.

It's got to be an all Welsh front row next Saturday from the start. I would make one change from the start in the back row...Martyn Williams to start.
The backs did well despite dropping 4 try scoring opportunities Kearney has to start at full-back as Byrne is injured and I would have Hook on the bench.

There must be enough here for some one to disagree with me!

Hingey

Paul i think every body agrees on the right lines,but against the beast you need strength not a tactical prop,and i think Sheridan answers the call.

Fives

I think they should re-call Will 38

not with my knees and hips Dil:tongue:

Well it looks like Sheridan is out anyway,but i think Adam jones is better as an impact prop,,last 35 minutes or so as i dont think he has the fitness levels or strength to go the full 80,especially at altitude,they have just flown the irish prop in get him and mears and gethin jenkins for the first half then bring on Adam jones and the welsh hooker for the rest,M williams is a must as Wallace was found wanting at the breakdown,,i think that they may play S williams against the emerging boks tuesday hoping he sparkles so he can be selected for the 2nd test,start with Stephen Jones as no 10 and have Hook on the bench to get the centres running at the boks in the 2nd half,,,and then hope to god that same ref doesnt turn up again,,anyway thats my three pennyworth:tongue:

got to agree with dai 55s here guys the beast has improved 10 fold the last 2 seasons, and i think who ever comes up against him is going to struggle, its not just his explosive power on the hit its his tecnique, although he should have been penalised a few times for boring in i think. Im sure the ex props out there have their own views.

Cheers Sox,old mates always stick together,anyway guys,what changes do you really think will be made Saturday.
Adam Jones will come in tight head,Matthew Rees hooker,i think Simon Shaw or Nathan hines might come in second row add a bit more beef,and in the backs,one change Shane Williams if he plays well Tuesday will replace moyne on the left wing.
Whoever gets the closest can have a nice night out with big Winnie from Warminster,seen her the other day she is only 27 stone now,and looking good.

Dai Fives

Well its in Shane's hands as if he does not perform this week it could go to K Earls another speedster as Moyne seemed to panic making poor decisions and spoiling possible point scoring situations, but the changes in the 2nd half change the tempo and we started to take the game to the Bok's Roberts and O Driscoll were threatening throughout the game and the pace/quick ball Phillips maintained clearly put the Bok's under pressure!

Baring injuries Shane may play a part?

So lets have a win for the Red Dragon Old Boys in the sun!

PS who were those 2 borders in the crowd? I am sure it was Scooby lol

I've got a feeling the following changes MAY be made...Welsh front row starting, shaw in at second row for power,Martin Williams possibly in,Kearney in, Shane Willaims in and Hook on the bench. Just a few possibles?

Hi Scouse,
i agree Welsh front row,Shane Williams was unlucky last night with weather conditions,defended well in parts,but has not done anything for me,but for some reason or other i think they will start him,hook on the bench,and good luck.

Fives:Randy-git:

Oh well guys as expected Welsh front row for Saturday,five changes altogether,Shaw comes in 18 caps already maybe past it now,no Martin Williams,Fitzgerald comes in left wing rightly so apart from that no changes apart from injury to fullback,I would love to say yes but not to sure if good enough,but you never know lets hope.

Fives