British and Irish lions chat

**Scouse75** · 19-06-2009, 19:42

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.

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!!

) he may still emerge as a star in later tests?

We look strong in the Centres with Roberts and O'Driscoll,

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....

**Paul Davies 701** · 20-06-2009, 12:37

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.

**Thom15** · 20-06-2009, 14:24

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.

**keithwill38** · 20-06-2009, 14:35

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

**Thom15** · 20-06-2009, 14:49

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

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

**keithwill38** · 20-06-2009, 15:30

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

sox3044 · 21-06-2009, 10:14

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

**keithwill38** · 21-06-2009, 11:22

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

**Scouse75** · 21-06-2009, 12:00

Very true Sox. ha ha

fives · 21-06-2009, 12:02

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