Looking into the Lions series against New Zealand, and looking at the performances of the NH teams, one would be blind to argue that Gatland clearly has a selection dilemma ahead of him.
Generally, that's a good thing, it gives the coach depth to work with and can use different players for different game plans and tactics, Example: South Africa starting with Pat Lambie, a tactically astute fly half is is able to slow the game down, bringing on Elton Jantjies, a fly half who loves taking the ball flat to the line, creating lots of opportunities from his outside backs, in the last 20 minutes where the game is a lot looser.
However, when looking at the players Gatland has, he is seriously scratching his head. The forward pack is probably already forming shape, with guys like Best, Stander, Itoje, the Vunipola's and Toner all looking like definites. Should they be fully fit, it would be unthinkable to not include them in the pack, but with the backs, I believe it's a lot more complicated. Every player you choose in that position almost makes an impact on the entire selections of the backline in my opinion.
The easiest set position for me is scrumhalf, but for meeting. Connor Murray has been the best halfback in 2016, and should be the starter. The next best 9 has been Ben Youngs, his ability to snipe at the ruck is crucial, and his dummies passes have fooled nearly all defences. He is the type of player that I believe, could bring a little flair to the last 20 minutes of the game, but both him and Murray will be under pressure. Laidlaw has been a consistent performer for Scotland, and with his added fantastic goal-kicking record, is arguably deserving of a Lions call up. Both Rhys Webb and Gareth Davies too look to make an impression in the coming Six Nations, and both could add valuable contributions to the Lions setup.
Now, for me the hardest position, affects the number 12 and 15 positions. Johnny Sexton's huge contributions to the Lion's in 2013, his consistency over the past 3 years, and his fantastic performances in recent encounters against New Zealand makes him arguably the best option at 10 for the Lions. His only weakness is his goal-kicking. He is a terrific goal-kicker, but one could argue that the likes of Owen Farrell, Leigh Halfpenny and Greig Laidlaw all are slightly better. With that said, he is under tremendous pressure from Owen Farrell and George Ford.
While Owen Farrell is arguably looking to inherit the Lions 12 jersey, those gunning for that jersey are Jamie Roberts, Robbie Henshaw abd Manu Tuilagi, with even Garry Ringrose putting his hand up in his couple recent performances for Ireland. One would argue that George Ford arguably provides the best attacking option at 10, but his below average goal-kicking could prove to be the reason he doesn't don the jersey. More so, it would be considered wiser to play a 9-10 tested combination as in Murray-Sexton, Youngs-Farrell, and not try to mix 2 contrasting styles of halfbacks. Owen Farrell has looked comfortable in a 12 jersey, but those names mentioned beforehand all provide an element of physicality and power that is usually associated with a big 12, and that is something which the Lions might want when playing New Zealand. One would want Farrell in the team, being currently the best international goal-kicker in the world, but playing him at 12 could mean sacrificing power in the 12 jersey, and thus moving him to 10 could oust Johnny Sexton, which is not a wise move.
The 13 jersey is also one that a couple of months ago, wouldn't be considered a headache, but now, it is. Jonathan Joseph and Jonathan Davies would have been considered the best options with even Robbie Henshaw being able to play comfortably in the 13 jerssy, but now, the rising of young guns Elliot Daly and Huw Jones, those men are under serious fire. Elliot Daly too provides a long distance goal-kicking option, but one could argue he could be better suited at wing. Huw Jones too popped out of nowhere, and proved a be a talent for the future, and has shown to be deadly on attack and solid on defence. Jonathan Joseph is probably one of the better defenders of the men mentioned above, and possesses an interception prowess that has not been seen since the glory days of Jean De Villiers.
The back three is probably the second hardest to decide. With the return of Leigh Halfpenny, who once again, provides a reliable goal-kicking option, and the performances of Rob Kearney, Liam Williams, and Stuart Hogg, the fullback is very hard to decide. Kearney and Halfpenny bring experience, while Williams and Hogg and live-wires who could provide serious attacking edge. Regardless of whether Farrell is starting, one would still need an extra long-kicking option.
Yes Farrell has distance, but if a 55-60 meter kick is needed, one would want Halfpenny to take that shot, or alternative drifting Daly into 15. If Halfpenny is chosen at 15, what happens to the attacking prowess of Williams and Hogg? They would probably be placed on the wing. The other wing is arguably up for grabs by George North (who would like to make a comeback to the Lions setup), Jonny May, Daly, Zebo, Trimble, Watson and even Marland Yarde who is a hard-grafter. In all honesty, this is a big plus for Gatland, having so much depth, yet so much choices to make.
If I had to pick a Lions Team this would be it:
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Rory Best (c)
3. Tadgh Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. James Haskell
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Connor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Andrew Trimble
12. Owen Farrell (GK)
13. Robbie Henshaw
14. Stuart Hogg
15. Leigh Halfpenny
With Hartley, McGrath, Nel, Kruis, Heaslip, Youngs, Ford and Huw Jones on the bench.
With a great blend of experience and talent, this is the Lions Team I would put out to face the All Blacks.
Of course, bear in mind, this is all before the 2017 Six Nations, which will play a crucial part in who is selected.
Generally, that's a good thing, it gives the coach depth to work with and can use different players for different game plans and tactics, Example: South Africa starting with Pat Lambie, a tactically astute fly half is is able to slow the game down, bringing on Elton Jantjies, a fly half who loves taking the ball flat to the line, creating lots of opportunities from his outside backs, in the last 20 minutes where the game is a lot looser.
However, when looking at the players Gatland has, he is seriously scratching his head. The forward pack is probably already forming shape, with guys like Best, Stander, Itoje, the Vunipola's and Toner all looking like definites. Should they be fully fit, it would be unthinkable to not include them in the pack, but with the backs, I believe it's a lot more complicated. Every player you choose in that position almost makes an impact on the entire selections of the backline in my opinion.
The easiest set position for me is scrumhalf, but for meeting. Connor Murray has been the best halfback in 2016, and should be the starter. The next best 9 has been Ben Youngs, his ability to snipe at the ruck is crucial, and his dummies passes have fooled nearly all defences. He is the type of player that I believe, could bring a little flair to the last 20 minutes of the game, but both him and Murray will be under pressure. Laidlaw has been a consistent performer for Scotland, and with his added fantastic goal-kicking record, is arguably deserving of a Lions call up. Both Rhys Webb and Gareth Davies too look to make an impression in the coming Six Nations, and both could add valuable contributions to the Lions setup.
Now, for me the hardest position, affects the number 12 and 15 positions. Johnny Sexton's huge contributions to the Lion's in 2013, his consistency over the past 3 years, and his fantastic performances in recent encounters against New Zealand makes him arguably the best option at 10 for the Lions. His only weakness is his goal-kicking. He is a terrific goal-kicker, but one could argue that the likes of Owen Farrell, Leigh Halfpenny and Greig Laidlaw all are slightly better. With that said, he is under tremendous pressure from Owen Farrell and George Ford.
While Owen Farrell is arguably looking to inherit the Lions 12 jersey, those gunning for that jersey are Jamie Roberts, Robbie Henshaw abd Manu Tuilagi, with even Garry Ringrose putting his hand up in his couple recent performances for Ireland. One would argue that George Ford arguably provides the best attacking option at 10, but his below average goal-kicking could prove to be the reason he doesn't don the jersey. More so, it would be considered wiser to play a 9-10 tested combination as in Murray-Sexton, Youngs-Farrell, and not try to mix 2 contrasting styles of halfbacks. Owen Farrell has looked comfortable in a 12 jersey, but those names mentioned beforehand all provide an element of physicality and power that is usually associated with a big 12, and that is something which the Lions might want when playing New Zealand. One would want Farrell in the team, being currently the best international goal-kicker in the world, but playing him at 12 could mean sacrificing power in the 12 jersey, and thus moving him to 10 could oust Johnny Sexton, which is not a wise move.
The 13 jersey is also one that a couple of months ago, wouldn't be considered a headache, but now, it is. Jonathan Joseph and Jonathan Davies would have been considered the best options with even Robbie Henshaw being able to play comfortably in the 13 jerssy, but now, the rising of young guns Elliot Daly and Huw Jones, those men are under serious fire. Elliot Daly too provides a long distance goal-kicking option, but one could argue he could be better suited at wing. Huw Jones too popped out of nowhere, and proved a be a talent for the future, and has shown to be deadly on attack and solid on defence. Jonathan Joseph is probably one of the better defenders of the men mentioned above, and possesses an interception prowess that has not been seen since the glory days of Jean De Villiers.
The back three is probably the second hardest to decide. With the return of Leigh Halfpenny, who once again, provides a reliable goal-kicking option, and the performances of Rob Kearney, Liam Williams, and Stuart Hogg, the fullback is very hard to decide. Kearney and Halfpenny bring experience, while Williams and Hogg and live-wires who could provide serious attacking edge. Regardless of whether Farrell is starting, one would still need an extra long-kicking option.
Yes Farrell has distance, but if a 55-60 meter kick is needed, one would want Halfpenny to take that shot, or alternative drifting Daly into 15. If Halfpenny is chosen at 15, what happens to the attacking prowess of Williams and Hogg? They would probably be placed on the wing. The other wing is arguably up for grabs by George North (who would like to make a comeback to the Lions setup), Jonny May, Daly, Zebo, Trimble, Watson and even Marland Yarde who is a hard-grafter. In all honesty, this is a big plus for Gatland, having so much depth, yet so much choices to make.
If I had to pick a Lions Team this would be it:
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Rory Best (c)
3. Tadgh Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Devin Toner
6. CJ Stander
7. James Haskell
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Connor Murray
10. Johnny Sexton
11. Andrew Trimble
12. Owen Farrell (GK)
13. Robbie Henshaw
14. Stuart Hogg
15. Leigh Halfpenny
With Hartley, McGrath, Nel, Kruis, Heaslip, Youngs, Ford and Huw Jones on the bench.
With a great blend of experience and talent, this is the Lions Team I would put out to face the All Blacks.
Of course, bear in mind, this is all before the 2017 Six Nations, which will play a crucial part in who is selected.
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