Could Vunipola play 6? I think Heaslip is a better option but few else do.
6. Vunipola
7. Watson/Warburton
8. Heaslip (c)
20. CJ
Could easily work, I think Heaslip would be perfect for this sort of role.
My worry is Heaslips time as Ireland's captain was failure and that hangs over him. I don't think he's bad captain myself and think he's actually suited as he seems very outgoing and socialable on tours.
It was on the radio there with Shane Williams and he was asked about Lions. He reckons Gatland will 100% start Vunipola with Faletau off bench. Also he seems sure Warburton will be 6.
A Warburton / Watson combo would be ridiculously lightweight - definitely don't want to see that.
Warburton will be Lions captain. He's been good enough in the games thus far for Gatland to justify the selection.
Winning captain last time, experienced player, a forward, being Welsh.....odds stacked in his favour imo.
He's not been that great and he's not even starting at 7 for his own country. He's definitely no 6 and the Welsh back row looks very unbalanced with him at 6.
How does that hinder his chances in any way? Does he have to be 7 to be Lions captain? Or does the Welsh back row have to be balanced for him to be captain? Just curious.
Warburton will be Lions captain. He's been good enough in the games thus far for Gatland to justify the selection.
Winning captain last time, experienced player, a forward, being Welsh.....odds stacked in his favour imo.
I agree on every player bar maybe AWJ. I think he's been seriously scapegoated for his failing last week (which I admit are failings), but at the same time I don't truly blame him for trusting his kicker's intuition as at the end of the day the kicker is the one who has to nail the points, and they probably have the best idea about their own abilities. Listen if you get it right you look like a genius, if you get it wrong you have egg on your face. Some leaders dictate, some prefer to have open court. He looked a fool because he'd initially called posts, but I'm sure it happens more than you'd think. He's not sure to start, but I think he's an excellent leader, and has been consistently excellent for so long.Why isn't Sexton ever mentioned as a possibility? His leadership for Leinster has been massive.
Otherwise, I'm leaning towards best. You would think he's the most likely starter but remember last tour when Gatland didn't go for him in the original party? Who knows but maybe Gats isn't a fan.
People talk about Murray but I don't think he seeks that kind of role.
Talk about Wyn-Jones must be over by now - not sure to start and he can't even control his own kickers.
Farrell doesn't seem right to me. Reckon he could be clashing with Sexton who should be calling the shots if Farrell is at 12. What works for England in that regard may not work for the lions, besides which I just think we can do better.
Warburton - if he can emerge as the leading candidate at 7 he's a very possible one. But he resigned from the captiancy of Wales to focus on his own game. Why would he then accept the lions captaincy? Would seem a little contrary.
Maro Itoje? I don't think he should...It would be better for him to focus on his own game at his age and experience. But he's leading the pack of excellent second rows. Gets hyper excited and vocal during games.
Johnny Gray - does he lead for Scotland? I genuinely don't know. Doesn't seem to relish the spotlight.
A Warburton / Watson combo would be ridiculously lightweight - definitely don't want to see that.
Personally I don't trust a captain that says "I don't care if you think you can get this kick, take it anyway". AWJ is completely right to go for the corner if the kickers say no.
The only issue is airing the dirty laundry out in the open in a way that implies some sort of trouble beyond that simple conversation, and that might be more of the journos than AWJ.
Also I like Warbs and Tipuric. Reminds me of Hill and Back. The balance is off in that they don't have a Dally figure (but would with Faletau fit and firing) and they don't have a monster tight five. Wales can't do anything about that but the Lions could.
6) Croft
7) Watson
Biggar has said he was turning to give the ball to Halfpenny when Halfpenny said he didn't fancy it so AWJ said best go in the corner. I presume that, if true, Biggar was pointing to the corner to communicate with the ref. I don't know if that stacks up with the video but then, I don't care enough to find out