Can I ask why people are shocked at the Rory Best exclusion. He's been terrible the last few months. As in alot of this team is picked in my opinion on reputation. Irish players alone:
Bowe on what 2/3 games ???
Paulie same as Bowe ???
Kearney and Heaslip aren't on form
Murray and SOB have had decent seasons but are lucky as calls were flip of coin.
Healy and Sexton deserved spots.
Bowe on 2 games 2 tries and an assist but mainly previous form and has shown he can get up to speed quickly and produces on the big stage. Also an excellent guy to have on tour same with POC.
As usual you're exaggerating Best hasn't been terrible and has actually had a few good games. Also better than Hartley.
Heaslip won man of the match in his last game of course he's on form, Kearney's not at his best but with three fullbacks he's the right choice also not bad. I don't understand why so many munster fans seem to be so quick to condemn these two.
O'Brien was probably Ireland's player of the 6N and plays across the backrow.
Anyway my main points of small annoyance.
Maitland-he's a New Zealander and not one who's better or in better form than indigenous players.
Davies-we already have two 13's and I'm not a fan of his mainly because of his lack of a passing game. Would have preferred someone like Beck, Scott or 36. Could prove me wrong.
Murray-too similar to Philips and I'd take Laidlaw as we need someone a third person who can actually play 10.
Croft AND Lydiate-I'd have no problem with picking one but both is a bit worrying for me. They're just both back from injury and Lydiate hasn't played any really tough games. Hopefully it's only a minor worry, tough on Robshaw.
Gray-been poor this season and other locks have been better.
Hartley-not a fan of him think Best would bring more.
Stevens-just him being there maybe Ross would be better but neither would be near the team.
Warburton as captain-he's a good captain I'm sure but he's not guaranteed a spot. Probably currently wouldn't have him in my 23.
Anyway can't wait for it now!
