Loins team to face Royal XV 2pm Sat

[BangorFeen]

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
10. Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Ireland)
9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)
8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
6. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
5. Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland) captain
4. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sales Sharks/England)

Replacements
16. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
18. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
19. Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland)
20. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
21. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
22. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)

[Coogee]

glad to see Earls get his chance early on...that could be the test backline bar BOD for earls and Jones for O Gara...

[o_2_b_a_rebel]

What channels are showing the series?

[BangorFeen]

What channels are showing the series?
Shy Spurts

[BangorFeen]

glad to see Earls get his chance early on...that could be the test backline bar BOD for earls and Jones for O Gara...
It's a big chance for him, maybe not for a test jersey but he covers many positions. Good performances in the next few weeks could see him on the bench. The Welsh Object of HM's Affection is in a similar bracket

[Rebel Girl in Exile]

As far as i know tis just Sky showing the games. The backs look really strong. Nice to see Earls getting a go, hope he'll prove himself.

[BangorFeen]

The one question mark is who is going to hold ROG's hand with Wallace not around? Roberts? Williams? Powell?

[frankeechops]

I like the look of the tight five, Maybe the test side bar Sheridan, but obviously they will going out to scrum, scrum, then scrum some more.

Anyone know if the maul can still be dragged down, or is it back too you have to stop it moving?

What channels are showing the series?
Sky sports 1 2.00pm kick off.
Bit of a balls really the Bulls/Chiefs game is starting at 3.30 and that should be a cracker.

[o_2_b_a_rebel]

Shy Spurts

Any highlights deal with RTE/BBC/ITV/ETC?

[Lamps]

Where's Alan Quinlan?

I thought he'd get a few of these lessor games?

[BangorFeen]

Any highlights deal with RTE/BBC/ITV/ETC?
Not to the best of my knowledge.

[mirps]

glad to see Earls get his chance early on...that could be the test backline bar BOD for earls and Jones for O Gara...

I have a feeling Moyne is going to be the test starter. Just a feeling like...

Does anybody feel the management team realised they fucked up initially by only choosing 2 outhalfs (with very similiar games) ? Hence, the reason for choosing Hook as a replacement for Ha'penny?

I'm glad Hook is going myself, I'd actually consider him the best of the three, but I still feel they had should have called up an extra player beside him, what with Shanklin ruled out as well.

I actually have a feeling Croft will get into the second row ahead of Wyn Jones. Maybe not in the first test, but if the Lions get a thumping in that I can see it happening...

[BangorFeen]

Oh, Lamps; ever the wit. It's "lesser" as well SFAIK. You off to the Dolphin club house to watch the games? You being a local boy and all.

[BangorFeen]

I have a feeling Moyne is going to be the test starter. Just a feeling like...

Does anybody feel the management team realised they fucked up initially by only choosing 2 outhalfs (with very similiar games) ? Hence, the reason for choosing Hook as a replacement for Ha'penny?

I'm glad Hook is going myself, I'd actually consider him the best of the three, but I still feel they had should have called up an extra player beside him, what with Shanklin ruled out as well.

I actually have a feeling Croft will get into the second row ahead of Wyn Jones. Maybe not in the first test, but if the Lions get a thumping in that I can see it happening...
No, he's not. He's a centre who can kick, not an outhalf in the sense that Jones or ROG are. Even Osprey fans will tell you that he can't run a game and goes AWOL (It's why they call him "Brian"). Now, he's a good player to have on the bench and I'd rate him higher than Flutey but I wouldn't start him. That said, I'm glad he's out there too. Croft blotted his copybook in the the HEC final.

[mirps]

No, he's not. He's a centre who can kick, not an outhalf in the sense that Jones or ROG. Even Osprey fans will tell you that he can't run a game and goes AWOL. Now, he's a good player to have on the bench and I'd rate him higher than Flutey but I wouldn't start him. That said, I'm glad he's out there too. Croft blotted his copybook in the the HEC final.

Anybody else fall into that category?

Fair enough, he's not as traditional as ROG or SJ, but it's just my own personal opinion. Even without form I'd have taken Hook or Cipriani ahead of ROG (As they were initially only taking 2 10s).

Let's be honest, imagine the Lions take an absolute thumping in the first test with Jones at out-half and the only alternative for the next is ROG. Terrible picks by IM, IMO.

[frankeechops]

Anybody else fall into that category?

Fair enough, he's not as traditional as ROG or SJ, but it's just my own personal opinion. Even without form I'd have taken Hook or Cipriani ahead of ROG (As they were initially only taking 2 10s).

Let's be honest, imagine the Lions take an absolute thumping in the first test with Jones at out-half and the only alternative for the next is ROG. Terrible picks by IM, IMO.
Would that be the cipriani who can't get his game for wasps and regularly shits the course when any half rate back rowwer runs at him? Yeah he'd go well against the saffers.:crazyeye::c razyeye::crazyeye:

[mirps]

Would that be the cipriani who can't get his game for wasps and regularly shits the course when any half rate back rowwer runs at him? Yeah he'd go well against the saffers.:crazyeye::c razyeye::crazyeye:

Selective analysis again. Who else fall into this category?

Yes, I would pick him ahead of ROG, the same way I'd have JW if had 20 mins under his belt.

[POL]

The pulse is starting to quicken. Heard ROG shot a Mongoose on the Safari yesterday, thats a good omen

[BangorFeen]

Anybody else fall into that category?

Fair enough, he's not as traditional as ROG or SJ, but it's just my own personal opinion. Even without form I'd have taken Hook or Cipriani ahead of ROG (As they were initially only taking 2 10s).

Let's be honest, imagine the Lions take an absolute thumping in the first test with Jones at out-half and the only alternative for the next is ROG. Terrible picks by IM, IMO.
Not to the same degree and not in the same way. Hook even forgets to stand at 10 sometimes. Don't get me wrong though, he is still a very good player. I flat out disagree on Tranny Danny. Maybe in 12-18 months he might start to realise the potential he has but for now, the guy hasn't played an impressive 80 minutes at test level since March 2008. Even ROG in Purple Mode has done better IMO.

I agree WRT to depth at flyhalf but that's not really McGeechan's fault. Hook is not a front-rank international option at flyhalf, neither are Flutey or (at present) Cipriani. That leaves you with the likes of Flood (who would've been no worse than Flutey), Geraghty, Broken Jesus (if fit he'd be the test choice, no doubt), Godman, Parks, Wallace and Vesty. hardly an outpouring of riches now is it?

[BangorFeen]

The pulse is starting to quicken. Heard ROG shot a Mongoose on the Safari yesterday, thats a good omen
Wildebeest actually

[o_2_b_a_rebel]

Wildebeest actually

Wha cha mean???

[mirps]

Not to the same degree and not in the same way. Hook even forgets to stand at 10 sometimes. Don't get me wrong though, he is still a very good player. I flat out disagree on Tranny Danny. Maybe in 12-18 months he might start to realise the potential he has but for now, the guy hasn't played an impressive 80 minutes at test level since March 2008. Even ROG in Purple Mode has done better IMO.

I agree WRT to depth at flyhalf but that's not really McGeechan's fault. Hook is not a front-rank international option at flyhalf, neither are Flutey or (at present) Cipriani. That leaves you with the likes of Flood (who would've been no worse than Flutey), Geraghty, Broken Jesus (if fit he'd be the test choice, no doubt), Godman, Parks, Wallace and Vesty. hardly an outpouring of riches now is it?

True, but what an 80 minutes. I know what you're saying and it's hard to argue against, but if somebody has that type of class it's permanent, and I'd be willing to take the risk. 'tis just another seat on the plane. The Lions environment might have been the kick up the hole he needed. Chance him in a midweek game, if he shines brilliant, if he doesn't there's not much lost.

[frankeechops]

Mongoose
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/kreul_kyle/images/yellow-mongoose--cynictis-penicillata.jpg
Wildebeest
http://www.eveandersson.com/photos/south-africa/kruger-wildebeast-1-large.jpg

[KD Langer]

I hope the arish goys are proud. For queen and country lads.

[BangorFeen]

I hope the arish goys are proud. For queen and country lads.
Who?

[mirps]

I hope the arish goys are proud. For queen and country lads.

KD, the new Langer Dan/Youghal Exile.

Once an ardent enemy of the SFI, now their new puppet.

:lol!:

[frankeechops]

KD, the new Langer Dan/Youghal Exile.

Once an ardent enemy of the SFI, now their new puppet.

:lol!:
Shhhh lad, his associate membership might be in jeopardy unless he comes up with something original.:lol!::lol! ::lol!:

[KD Langer]

KD, the new Langer Dan/Youghal Exile.

Once an ardent enemy of the SFI, now their new puppet.

:lol!:

will ya go way outta that. For years they were known as the british lions. when i was growing up they were NEVER called anything else.this new british and arish lions is a sop to the poor deluded ones like you who think this means making the british rugby teams look better as a collective than they could ever hOpe to be on their own.


and thats a FACT.

[KD Langer]

Shhhh lad, his associate membership might be in jeopardy unless he comes up with something original.:lol!::lol! ::lol!:

tell me frankie, will a proud member of the "republican" party such as yourself be going down to support the brits in SA?

[POL]

how many British munster men are left in the squad?

[frankeechops]

tell me frankie, will a proud member of the "republican" party such as yourself be going down to support the brits in SA?
Sport and politics don't mix well my brother, and yet again SFI wannabes play the man and not the ball.

[KD Langer]

Sport and politics don't mix well my brother, and yet again SFI wannabes play the man and not the ball.

sensitive aren't we?

But if it upsets that much i shall refrain from using your membership of FF against you unless it's a political debate.

[mirps]

will ya go way outta that. For years they were known as the british lions. when i was growing up they were NEVER called anything else.this new british and arish lions is a sop to the poor deluded ones like you who think this means making the british rugby teams look better as a collective than they could ever hOpe to be on their own.


and thats a FACT.

Go away out of what, KD?

My post did not even try to argue merits or demerits of renaming the Lions.

FFS, arguing with yourself. Reminds me of another SF poster...

[POL]

"The Republican Party" Sir Ronan, 2nd earl of rochestown would not be too pleased with you Frankeechops

[BangorFeen]

how many British munster men are left in the squad?
None so far as I know.

[KD Langer]

Go away out of what, KD?

My post did not even try to argue merits or demerits of renaming the Lions.

FFS, arguing with yourself. Reminds me of another SF poster...

em, you were responding to a post where i said i hoped the arish goys were proud o representing their betters.


do try and keep up...............

[frankeechops]

sensitive aren't we?

But if it upsets that much i shall refrain from using your membership of FF against you unless it's a political debate.
You're more than welcome to use my membership of any organisation in a political debate.

[mirps]

em, you were responding to a post where i said i hoped the arish goys were proud o representing their betters.


do try and keep up...............

Em, no. My post was intimating how you were once an enemy of the SFI and now you're their new mouthpiece.

Read it again, more slowly this time.

[KD Langer]

Em, no. My post was intimating how you were once an enemy of the SFI and now you're their new mouthpiece.

Read it again, more slowly this time.

nothing like friends and enemies on the INTERNET. this is serious business here................