jgriffin wrote:I wasn't asking what people would pick, but suggesting that largely the side is what some of us expected, probably only the insertion of Vunipola and Croft the surprises, and one of those due to injury, the other to sheer class. I put Hibbard in as I thought Gatland would go for sheer weight in the first test. I still think this side is not the best, and I dread Sexton being taken out in the first 20 au Toby vs Stains, but I am expecting it especially with a SH ref for the first two tests.
The 2nd names on some bench positions are players who may well (imo) force their way in with a good performance against the Brumbies.
We could really do with North, Bowe and Roberts/Tuilagi but we'll have to see how their fitness comes along - you could see some serious fire power added for the 2nd test if that were to be the case.
Can't really disagree with that Kornboy but I still have high hopes that North will be fit and Zebo to the bench. There is also an argument to have Hogg on the bench covering the back 3, he's quick and has played v well this tour.
Playing 10 tomorrow is probably against him though.
jgriffin wrote:Still think Hibbard will start to give extra ballast so scrum superiority is established, OTY to come on at 50 or if things go pear-shaped.
Before the tour I'd have thought that but looking at the selections I think they may have gone for Youngs' superior throwing(!) as Hibbard has looked markedly shakey in this area - not to mention the nugget of Youngs isn't shakey at the scrum (though not as hot as Hibbard in this area). Parling's involvement from the bench I'd wager is down to his line out prowess.
As for now though, the Brumbies aren't faffing around with their selections.
I have a hunch that if there's any doubt over a selection, it will be a Welshman that gets the nod, I don't trust Gats to be able to pick a team on form, a bit like Slancaster, he will have his favourites.
"If you want entertainment, go to the theatre," says Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill. "Rugby players play the game to win.15/1/21.
tigerburnie wrote:I have a hunch that if there's any doubt over a selection, it will be a Welshman that gets the nod, I don't trust Gats to be able to pick a team on form, a bit like Slancaster, he will have his favourites.
I'm inclined to agree.
Whatever you do, don't argue. We might never hear from you again.
Not only am I in agreement with TB and BJ (aaargh what's happening?) but as I posted on the Brumbies thread, I take the view that the XV against the Brumbies were the dead-men-walking. It was a cynical selection based on the view that the Australians have so debased the series that the test XV (to be almost totally Welsh and Irish as we envisaged Gatland's bias initially) would not go near the place.
Leicester Tigers 1995-
Nottingham 1995-2000
Swansea (Whites) 1988-95
A game played on grass in the open air by teams of XV.
jgriffin wrote:Not only am I in agreement with TB and BJ (aaargh what's happening?) but as I posted on the Brumbies thread, I take the view that the XV against the Brumbies were the dead-men-walking. It was a cynical selection based on the view that the Australians have so debased the series that the test XV (to be almost totally Welsh and Irish as we envisaged Gatland's bias initially) would not go near the place.
I too agree (BJ TB JG and I agree - that nust be a first) Not only cynical selection cynical use of call ups.
However he may find it necessary to call in the English (Tigers) Brigade (Cole, T Youngs, Parling, Croft) to secure primary possession.
Alas I must work in Cardiff, in the shadow of Mordor Stadium, on Thursday and Friday. I shall need all my powers of resistance, especially when having a Brains SA libation or three in the evening.
Leicester Tigers 1995-
Nottingham 1995-2000
Swansea (Whites) 1988-95
A game played on grass in the open air by teams of XV.
Will Crofty and Vunipola be the only non-'celtic' starters? Petty certain of that now. And also certain that nothing except fate has been allowed to rock the boat of some selections made before the tour - Phillips, AWJ, POC, Halfpenny, North, Sexton etc. Vunipola would not even be on the tour otherwise. Crofty may still not start.
I think you may get poor odds on a wholly Welsh/Irish starting XV for the First Test.
Leicester Tigers 1995-
Nottingham 1995-2000
Swansea (Whites) 1988-95
A game played on grass in the open air by teams of XV.
I know Geechs has said he recommended Gats for the job, but when it was announced my interest in this tours evapourated. I am interested how our lads get on and hope they gain from the tour, but the results don't really bother me and I will be fishing on Saturday, not watching the game.
I've tried to get involved in the tour, but call me cynical, but there's more political sheenanigans going on than in the Houses of Parliament to me.
"If you want entertainment, go to the theatre," says Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill. "Rugby players play the game to win.15/1/21.
36 was shown up in the Brumbies game as being not of true international class. Neither, it has to be said is Farrell, but at least he brought some small degree of order to the chaos, and kicked his penalties.