Originally Posted by Frood:
“Healey was very lucky, IMO, to only get a 3 week (in effect 2 match) ban.
Glad to see Warren Gatland 'qualified' his comments. I fear that he may not quite 'get' the Lions ethos (send him round to Willie-John McBride, Bill Beaumont and Ian McGeechan for a chat) in the same way that Graham Henry failed. The 2001 tour had plenty of discord - not just that reported by a couple of players. I recall a story of a former England player - I think it was Gareth Chilcott - sat in a Bar when a (non English) player came inand recognised him. The player told Coochie that he was pissed off and going to catch the next flight home - Chilcott talked him out of it.
Re the team:
I don't think Healey is as far ahead as some reckon - don't be shocked to see Marler in the 1 shirt.
I think it likely that Gray will be at lock when all is settled.
Robshaw is building a very solid case for Captain. And I still reckon, given fitness and his usual form, that Tom Croft is the best 6 available.
There's a plethora off options at full back.”
“Healey was very lucky, IMO, to only get a 3 week (in effect 2 match) ban.
Glad to see Warren Gatland 'qualified' his comments. I fear that he may not quite 'get' the Lions ethos (send him round to Willie-John McBride, Bill Beaumont and Ian McGeechan for a chat) in the same way that Graham Henry failed. The 2001 tour had plenty of discord - not just that reported by a couple of players. I recall a story of a former England player - I think it was Gareth Chilcott - sat in a Bar when a (non English) player came inand recognised him. The player told Coochie that he was pissed off and going to catch the next flight home - Chilcott talked him out of it.
Re the team:
I don't think Healey is as far ahead as some reckon - don't be shocked to see Marler in the 1 shirt.
I think it likely that Gray will be at lock when all is settled.
Robshaw is building a very solid case for Captain. And I still reckon, given fitness and his usual form, that Tom Croft is the best 6 available.
There's a plethora off options at full back.”
Marler is Englands' third best 1 so I can't see how he should be close to Lions 1. Corbisiero is a good bit better IMHO and Sheridan has been immense in France
Gray has been average to put it mildly since the 6n last year. I never bought the hype myself but at this stage he'll be lucky to tour imo.
Croft would be behind Ferris and Lydiate by a distance and O'Brien too when it comes down to it. I'd probably even have Tom Wood marginally ahead of him. I rate Croft but he's not in the former 2's league that's for sure
Robshaw had a mare in the Autumn Tests until the NZ game where he played a blinder and showed great leadership. Lets give him 3 more games and see can he lead his country to a slam and how he does in the HCup.
Bod has to be the frontrunner,and I'd imagine it would be a popular decision with fellow players. Rory Best is a decent outside bet as he's guaranteed to start, Robshaw probably won't start as it stands but a great candidate for midweek captain
Full back definitely has the most options alright. If I was coach I'd bring H'Penny as first choice and Brown as second. Controversial perhaps but I've seen a lot of Brown at FB for Quins this year and I think he's the real deal. He's doing an admirable job out of position in the 6n too. Goode is a decent player too but i rate Brown slightly higher than himself and Foden.
I'd bring Hogg too, he's very talented and versatile




