European All Stars and Lions?

[Number10]

Hey guys,

Just wanting to know who you think will be the Lions squad to tour South Africa and also who would be in a current Northern Hemisphere dream team. I'm just curious as I live in NZ and don't really see or hear much about Northern Hemisphere rugby.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Sir Speedy]

Lions:

15) Lee Byrne
14) (no idea. :/)
13) Brian O'Driscoll
12) Gavin Henson
11) Shane Williams
10) Danny Cipriani / Stephen Jones
9) Mike Blair / Mike Phillips

1) Gethin Jenkins / Andrew Sheridan
2) Huw Bennett?
3) Adam Jones / Matt Stevens
4) Alun Wyn Jones / Donncha O'Callaghan
5) Paul O'Connell
6) James Haskell
7) Martyn Williams
8) Ryan Jones ©

Euro All Stars

15) Lee Byrne / Cedric Heymans (FRA)
14) Vincent Clerc (FRA)
13) Yannick Jauzion (FRA) / BOD
12) Gavin Henson
11) Shane Williams
10) Cipriani / Stephen Jones
9) Blair / Phillips

1) Gethin Jenkins
2) Szarzewski (FRA)
3) Martin Castrogiovanni (ITA)
4) AWJ / DOC
5) POC
6) Ryan Jones
7) Martyn Williams
8) Sergio Parisse (ITA) ©


I think that's quite accurate, although slightly Welsh biased.

 

[Bullitt]

I'd go with that, although I'd be tempted to select Reddan as the scrummy.

 

[Sir Speedy]

Well number 9 has definately got the most competition for places. Reddan, Ellis and Peel are all in with a shout.

 

[Bullitt]

ROFL, not Ellis. Care perhaps.

EDIT: I mean that in talent terms. Ellis would be most likely because of what club he plays for rather then his own ability.

 

[Sir Speedy]

Care then - they're both unlikely to get a place anyway, unless Care shows some miraculous form with England this year.

 

[Bullitt]

Well, he showed some potential against the ABs - in the first test anyway. I didn't watch the second in protest of the remaining lineup.

Still as you say with Reddan, Care, Philips and Peel if he ever finds form again there's still potential with the competition.

On a second look, I'd also have Hook instead of Jones as an alternate 10 option.

 

[Sir Speedy]

I'd certainly have Hook in if he finds some form - he can't even oust Jones from the Welsh squad at the moment...If Cipriani doesn't make it, the candidates would be Jones, Hook and ROG....so I pray to God he can make it!

 

[Cymro]

Think Dylan Hartley will be a monster for Northampton and England this year!

 

[Bullitt]

lol, O'Gara, let's pray to god for Hook and Cipriani!!!

Think Dylan Hartley will be a monster for Northampton and England this year! [/b]

I was going to say that, but ginger<strike>********</strike>genius would only accuse me of being biased...

 

[Cymro]

lol, O'Gara, let's pray to god for Hook and Cipriani!!!

<div class='quotemain'> Think Dylan Hartley will be a monster for Northampton and England this year! [/b]

I was going to say that, but ginger<strike>********</strike>genius would only accuse me of being biased...
[/b][/quote]



No being seriosus Hartley will be a good player this coming season, hes not hyped I reckon he will fill that number 2 shirt for England with ease, if he does not get a cap before the Lions tour I will be :blink: !!! Still reckon he will be the uncapped player that will tour with the Lions and become a star!

 

[Sir Speedy]

Still reckon he will be the uncapped player that will tour with the Lions and become a star!
[/b]

Is that possible? :blink:

 

[Bullitt]

Geech has already stated his admiration for him (worryingly as Ibanez can't have long left), but because he doesn't play for one of the holy 4 clubs I can also see him not getting a cap, despite being in the squad.

 

[cyRil]

Yeah I reckon Hartley will be the Lions hooker next year, and will get capped in November. I also think Flannery and Hibbard will go. Hibbard will overtake Bennett at the Ospreys and with Wales this season, he is a flippin' monster... Now, if only he could throw straight.
I'd also put Ghiraldini ahead of Szarzewski in the Euro XV.

 

[feicarsinn]

anyone think Rob Kearney deserves a shot at 15 has shown alot of ability over the last few months...

 

[Gavin]

Lions:

15) Lee Byrne
14) (no idea. :/)
13) Brian O'Driscoll
12) Gavin Henson
11) Shane Williams
10) Danny Cipriani / Stephen Jones
9) Mike Blair / Mike Phillips

1) Gethin Jenkins / Andrew Sheridan
2) Huw Bennett?
3) Adam Jones / Matt Stevens
4) Alun Wyn Jones / Donncha O'Callaghan
5) Paul O'Connell
6) James Haskell
7) Martyn Williams
8) Ryan Jones ©

Euro All Stars

15) Lee Byrne / Cedric Heymans (FRA)
14) Vincent Clerc (FRA)
13) Yannick Jauzion (FRA) / BOD
12) Gavin Henson
11) Shane Williams
10) Cipriani / Stephen Jones
9) Blair / Phillips

1) Gethin Jenkins
2) Szarzewski (FRA)
3) Martin Castrogiovanni (ITA)
4) AWJ / DOC
5) POC
6) Ryan Jones
7) Martyn Williams
8) Sergio Parisse (ITA) ©


I think that's quite accurate, although slightly Welsh biased. [/b]

Maybe put Tommy Bowe in at 14 for the Lions, even though he is not the most talented winger he has performed well in a struggling Ireland and Ulster team. Think an all-England front-row would be better with Stevens and Sheridan as the two props and young Hartley hooking. They might as well give Cipriani the Lions 10 shirt now, unless he doesn't recover properly he is a shoe in. Alun Wyn Jones and Paul O'Connell would be an great second-row partnership. Back-row looks good, though maybe Tom Rees instead of the legendary Martyn Williams. Other than that I agree completely and thank god Sergio is captain of your Euro All Stars team, he is a fantastic player.

 

[Sir Speedy]

Maybe put Tommy Bowe in at 14 for the Lions, even though he is not the most talented winger he has performed well in a struggling Ireland and Ulster team. [/b]

Either Tommy Bowe or Rory Lamont for 14 methinks - if he gets fit again after his injury. As for Dylan Hartley, I'll reserve my judgement for when he performs in the Premiership (which I'm sure he will.)

 

[Bullitt]

Rory or Sean may well get the nod depending on which of the pair finds better form after their returns. My money is on Rory.

 

[Sir Speedy]

anyone think Rob Kearney deserves a shot at 15 has shown alot of ability over the last few months...
[/b]

No. Kearney looks good but Lee Byrne was genius in the 6N. He didn't miss a single high ball despite being under immense pressure, his attacking game is much improved and his kicking proved invaluable for us. And kicking and regathering up 'n' unders is an added bonus that he's sublime at. Kearney would be my reserve though.

Rory or Sean may well get the nod depending on which of the pair finds better form after their returns. My money is on Rory.
[/b]

Mine also, I haven't seen Sean play in ages, but I'll take a Saint's supporters word for it over anybody elses that Rory is more likely to secure a Lions spot.

 

[Bullitt]

Sean broke his leg 10 minutes into his second week back after the WC and hasn't played since. Only a total of 20 minutes of rugby for him since Scotland v Argentina.

Rory is still a better player though, I'd swap them in a heartbeat.