Rugby Union 2009

[pete]

Team against Western Province:

Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland);
Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland),
Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland),
Riki Flutey (Wasps/England),
Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England);
Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales),
Harry Ellis (Leicester/England);

Andrew Sheridan (Sale/England),
Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales),
Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England),
Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland),
Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland),
Joe Worsley (Wasps/England),
Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales),
Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales).

Replacements: Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), Tom Croft (Leicester/England), Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland), James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland).

[endabob1]

Not happy that it's basically a dirttracker side when I finally am getting to a game :-(

Still musn't complain, off to Durban for the first test & then back to CT for the emerging Boks game....
Looking forward to the next 10 days

[OneRedArmy]

Tommy Bowe is absolutely on fire.

Kearney making a strong case. I'm sure he'll be in the 22.

Donnacha not too shabby either.

[Schumi]

Williams is doing well too.

[pete]

Tommy Bowe is absolutely on fire.

Kearney making a strong case. I'm sure he'll be in the 22.

Donnacha not too shabby either.

Bowe has place nailed down for the 3 tests now.

O'Callaghan had a surprisingly good game. If they are looking for a dedicated front jumper in the lineout its not impossible that he could in the match day squad.

Not sure if Williams will get in ahead of Wallace as the Munster man is more mobile.

Jones did not impress but think he will still start next week. ROG while not great yet should still be on the bench.

Its not obvious what tactics the Lions will use in the Tests but them team will surely reflect that...

[rambler14]

I now think that both Wallace and Williams will play with Heaslip at 8. Croft will be on the bench as back-up flanker.

Out of interest is there anybody watching the Churchill Cup?
Ireland A have reached the final on Sunday vs England Saxons. Some great players on show and some players who have ruined their international prospects....like Niall O'Connor with Ulster who was given two games at fly-half and embarrassed himself in both with a terrible return on his kicking stats.
Elsewhere Devin Toner, Niall Ronan, Fergus McFadden, Felix Jones, Johne Murphy, Frank Murphy, Tony Buckley and numerous others all laid out a great case for inclusion in the full Ireland squad.

[endabob1]

Bowe is nailed on, Moyne did relatively well, I'm surprised he hasn't tried Kearney (who had another good game but is sitll behind Nyrne for me) on the wing.
Jones was poor, as was ellis, earls had a decent game but the centres are carved in stone. I stillthink Jones will get the nod because he was Phiilips & Robers either side of him, but if they want to play a kicking game ROG would be the man.
Backrow will be croft, wallace & Heaslip, saw nothing on Saturday to change my view, second row will be POC & Wyn-Jones although O'Callaghan played well, took a lot of line out ball.
Front row is still very open I think, I had written Vickery off but he's obviously valued by the management, I thought Sheridan was a shoe in pre-tour but not so sure now, oddly the front row is one of the boks weak points and we should be looking to exploit it.

[pete]

Out of interest is there anybody watching the Churchill Cup?


Seen some of the games. Frank Murphy much better than Issac Boss. Johne Murphy also must surely have booked himself an international squad place.

Don't understand why someone like Neil Best is playing. Senior (even former) internationals should not be allowed.

[pete]

Team for tomorrow

K Earls (Munster & Ireland);
S Williams (Ospreys & Wales),
R Flutey (Wasps & England),
G D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland),
L Fitzgerald (Leinster & Ireland),
J Hook (Ospreys & Wales),
M Blair (Edinburgh & Scotland);
A Sheridan (Sale Sharks & England),
R Ford (Edinburgh & Scotland),
E Murray (Northampton & Scotland),
S Shaw (Wasps & England),
D O'Callaghan (Munster & Ireland) (capt),
N Hines (Perpignan & Scotland),
J Worsley (Wasps & England),
A Powell (Cardiff Blues & Wales).

Replacements: M Rees (Scarlets & Wales), A Jones (Ospreys & Wales), T Croft (Leicester Tigers & England), D Wallace (Munster & Ireland), H Ellis (Leicester Tigers & England), R O'Gara (Munster & Ireland), U Monye (Harlequins & England).

I think this means ROG will be in the squad for saturday. Monye on the bench probably just means no fit reserves.

Still think there arre places on the test bench to play for if get big performances. O'Callaghan as captain is interesting given plenty of experienced players in that side. Moving Hines to the back row probably puts him behind in the pecking order.

[Dodge]

Seen some of the games. Frank Murphy much better than Issac Boss. Johne Murphy also must surely have booked himself an international squad place.

Don't understand why someone like Neil Best is playing. Senior (even former) internationals should not be allowed.

Johne Murphy isn't better than those already there. Best is playing as part of his "community service"

[IsMiseSean]

This would be my team for saturday
15 Byrne 14 Bowe 13 BOD 12 Roberts 11 Kearney 10 Jones 9 Phillips
1 Jenkins 2 Mears 3 Murray 4 AW Jones 5 POC 6 Croft 7 Wallace 8 Heaslip
Reps: Rees, Vickery, O'Callaghan, M. Williams, Ellis, O'Gara, Fitzgerald

Im not picking Monye because he cant defend to save his life.... He gets away with it in the warm-up matches but against Habana & Pietersen he wont!!
Vickery gaves away to many pens so I'd go with Murray
Kearney on the wing because i think they should kick alot (boring I know) but himself and Byrne are two of the best.
Wallace ahead of Williams because I dont think Williams and Croft would be good together. If Ferris was fit I'd have him and Williams in the back row.
Im not 100% on AW Jones either.... I think O'Callaghan would be a better option jumping at the front of the lineout.

This is what I think the team will be
15 Byrne 14 Bowe 13 BOD 12 Roberts 11 Monye 10 Jones 9 Phillips
1 Jenkins 2 Mears 3 Vickery 4 AW Jones 5 POC 6 Croft 7 Wallace 8 Heaslip
Reps: Rees, Jones, O'Callaghan, M. Williams, Ellis, O'Gara, Fitzgerald

But if they want Kearney on the bench then I think they'll pick Hook ahead of O'Gara.

[pete]

Johne Murphy isn't better than those already there.

Not sure if you took me up correctly but I meant the extended international squad. He should be in ahead of Horgan or Dowling.

Edit: Monye now starts instead of Williams today. Williams on the bench. Bowe not involved.

Not sure if that means too much as wingers shouldn't have too much trouble playing games so close together.

[shakermaker1982]

The Guardian seem to think Jenkins, AW Jones and S Jones will all start after flying to Durban. I really thought Hines would have got the nod at 4.

Fitzgerald has an outside chance of starting on Saturday. I know everybody thinks Monye is a nailed on cert but I think we can expect at least 1 surprise when the Test team is announced.

[rambler14]

but I think we can expect at least 1 surprise when the Test team is announced.

That will be Wallace at 6 and Williams at 7.

[IsMiseSean]

After todays game I think O'Gara has a real chance of pipping Jones at 10.
O'Gara behind a pack goin backwards today was excellent.... I expect the SA pack to have the upper hand on saturday

[OneRedArmy]

After todays game I think O'Gara has a real chance of pipping Jones at 10.
O'Gara behind a pack goin backwards today was excellent.... I expect the SA pack to have the upper hand on saturday

Agree. Bloody hard to play behind such a slow back row and a scrumhalf having a personal nightmare.

Donnacha put himself about as well.

Precious little else to cheer.

Earls and Fitz mixed the good, bad and ugly.

[hula4]

delighted for keith earls today thought he did really well, o gara has really given himself a massive chance of starting on sat as well, behind a dire back row and a brutal scrum half he controlled the game very well and his place kicking is second to none at the moment.

im actually starting to feel sorry for donncha, in all the games he has played i think he has done very well yet no one seems to be mentioning him in the shake up for the test team, when its my opinion he should be very close.

it would appear monye will start on the wing now that he was given a rest with about 10 mins to go.

ross ford, mike blair and joe worsley wont see action again until the emerging springboks game and that will be it.

euan murray was unlucky to go off injured and that clears the way for phil vickery to start in the first test.

simon shaw put himself in with a great chance as well but i dont think there is a full 80 in him.

nathan hines definitely isnt a back row forward anyway.

riki flutely just isnt fit either but could play a part in one of the tests as could darcy if there are injuries

[IsMiseSean]

ross ford, mike blair and joe worsley wont see action again until the emerging springboks game and that will be it.


Totally agree with you. I know Blair and Ford were replacements but they have been awful since joining the tour. Surely Rory Best was a better option than Ford and Peel (even though not on top form) would also offer more than Blair.
As for Worsley.... What were they thinking???:eek:
Alot better options in the back row's of the home nations.... Leamy, Rees??

[rambler14]

There were some terrible players on show today. I thought Mike Blair was shocking as was Riki Flutey, Joe Worsley, Andy Powell and Nathan Hines who may as well have been sittting in the stands as all they did was avoid becoming involved with the game.

Donnacha and Simon Shaw made good shows of themselves in fairness to them, along with O'Gara they were the only shining lights from the games the Lions.
They did what Geech asked and gave him a selection headache.

[OneRedArmy]

Worsley is an honest grafter and not really a 7, give Hines the benefit of the doubt as he hasn't played a huge amount at 6 in recent times. But Powell truly is an awful, awful rugby player. He constantly seeks contact instead of space and his continuity and ball protection is pitiful. His turnover ratio is staggeringly bad and the Boks back row would eat him up.

Also he rivals Chabal in the "rugby player looking most like a pirate" stakes.

I'm not sure if Burger being out makes it more or less likely McGeechan will go with two opensides on Saturday (Williams and Wallace). Williams fitness may also come into play.

Not looking good for Hook so ROG for the bench.

[paul_oshea]

JGKynes formation has only 2 english players in there is that the least amount they have ever had represented in a test match?

[joeSoap]

I think he will choose as physical a side as possible, so O'Callaghan for me will be the surprise call in the second row, and Wallace will edge out Williams. Jones is more physical than ROG but ROG has done the business in the big games more than Jones and for me that will swing it.

I think there might be a surprise on the bench with Earls sneaking a spot.

My prediction:

Byrne: Bowe, BOD, Roberts, Monye: ROG, Phillips; Jenkins, Mears, Vickery; O'Connell, O'Callaghan; Croft, Wallace, Heaslip.

Subs: Rees, Sheridan, Wyn-Jones, Ellis, Jones, Kearney, Earls.

[pete]

But Powell truly is an awful, awful rugby player. He constantly seeks contact instead of space and his continuity and ball protection is pitiful. His turnover ratio is staggeringly bad and the Boks back row would eat him up.

I agree. Very frustrating to watch. He can look spectacular but I get the impression his team mates don't know what he is going to do & rugby is no individualist sport. Yesterday when he offloaded a few times he looked much better but he won't change habit overnight.

Fitxgerald did not do enough to get in the test squad. ROG should be on the bench at least. Earls had a fine game yesterday & would not rule him out as utility back on the bench in one of the tests.

[Superhoops]

I think he will choose as physical a side as possible, so O'Callaghan for me will be the surprise call in the second row, and Wallace will edge out Williams. Jones is more physical than ROG but ROG has done the business in the big games more than Jones and for me that will swing it.

I think there might be a surprise on the bench with Earls sneaking a spot.

My prediction:

Byrne: Bowe, BOD, Roberts, Monye: ROG, Phillips; Jenkins, Mears, Vickery; O'Connell, O'Callaghan; Croft, Wallace, Heaslip.

Subs: Rees, Sheridan, Wyn-Jones, Ellis, Jones, Kearney, Earls.

The green tinted glasses must have got steamed up!

Can't see all three of O'Gara, O'Callaghan and Wallace getting in. O'Callaghan is behind Wyn-Jones and, on yesterday's display alone, Shaw. It will be close between Jones and O'Gara but I think Jones will get the nod only because Phillips is there. Not so sure about Wallace, I hope he makes it but he has not been on top of his game recently.

[endabob1]

This is what I think the team will be
15 Byrne 14 Bowe 13 BOD 12 Roberts 11 Monye 10 Jones 9 Phillips
1 Jenkins 2 Mears 3 Vickery 4 AW Jones 5 POC 6 Croft 7 Wallace 8 Heaslip
Reps: Rees, Jones, O'Callaghan, M. Williams, Ellis, O'Gara, Fitzgerald

But if they want Kearney on the bench then I think they'll pick Hook ahead of O'Gara.

I think you're spot on with the side, personally I wouldn't let Vickery within an asses roar of the side & I'm far from convinced about Moyne or Mears but I think they will start, ROG is now a definite on the bench with Hook out, I think Kearney will be on the bench too, able to play fullback or wing &/or maybe Earls.

[joeSoap]

The green tinted glasses must have got steamed up!

Can't see all three of O'Gara, O'Callaghan and Wallace getting in. O'Callaghan is behind Wyn-Jones and, on yesterday's display alone, Shaw. It will be close between Jones and O'Gara but I think Jones will get the nod only because Phillips is there. Not so sure about Wallace, I hope he makes it but he has not been on top of his game recently.

My glasses are not green tinted-I actually consider myself to be quite impartial on a Lions tour as its very much an 'all for one and one for all' type thing. I favoured ROG ahead of Jones ever so slightly because of his big game temperament being more tried and trusted than Jones, and also from a place kicking perspective, where O'Gara has been pretty flawless. Also, his defence yesterday was very very good. Neither he or Jones are in great form and I think the above reasons are why he will shade it. Toss of a coin though.

O'Callaghan had a good game yesterday, and I think his physicality, and understanding with O'Connell will help him. Wyn Jones is a super athlete, but more of a ball playing secondrow than a grafter, and I believe he will go for grafters ahead of flair in his selection.

Same comments apply for Wallace ahead of Williams...purely on ball carrying and physicality.

[endabob1]

There's a difference between the team you would pick & the one that will be picked, like I said personally I wouldn't have Vickery in my side, I think he's a liability & a yellow card waiting to happen but I think the coaching staff want his experience.
I'd probably give ROG the nod at 10 because I think Jones has been hit and miss but i don't think he'll get in. O'Callaghan won't start but he might make the bench, I think AWJ & POC have been the test locks from the start. Wallace should be a shoe in for the back row, has come back in to form on tour.

[OneRedArmy]

Croft could well be picked solely for his lineout abilities. SA have at least 3 ball winners and neither Heaslip, Williams, Wallace or Worsley are particularly good in the air.

[Dodge]

Croft could well be picked solely for his lineout abilities. SA have at least 3 ball winners and neither Heaslip, Williams, Wallace or Worsley are particularly good in the air.

Thats why I thought Hines might sneak in at 6

[joeSoap]

Thats why I thought Hines might sneak in at 6Thought so too....until yesterday. He clearly proved that he wouldn't make a good club 6, let alone a Test one.

[shakermaker1982]

Positions/numbers still up for grabs are 4,6,7,10 and 11. Who partners O'Connell is not an easy decision. O'Callaghan complements him perfectly and they know each others game inside out but he played yesterday so I don't think he'll make it now. AW Jones is favourite but Shaw might be drafted in. I think they'll go Williams, Wallace and Heaslip in the back row. If Williams doesn't make it because of his knee then Croft will come in. If they start Powell then they are in trouble.

I have my fingers crossed for O'Gara and I hope they have Earls on the bench. If he can get at tired legs with 20 to go he could make an impact.

How I think they'll line up (2 controversial selections!):

15 Byrne 14 Bowe 13 BOD 12 Roberts 11 Monye 10 O'Gara 9 Phillips
1 Jenkins 2 Mears 3 Vickery 4 AW Jones 5 POC 6 Williams 7 Wallace 8 Heaslip
Reps: Rees, Jones, Croft, Ellis, S Jones, Fitzgerald, Earls.

[Dodge]

Thought so too....until yesterday. He clearly proved that he wouldn't make a good club 6, let alone a Test one.

Ah well (didn't see yesterday's game)

[IsMiseSean]

If they dont win on Saturday, then I think they'll lose the series 3-0. There is a big possibility of catching the boks cold, they haven't played a proper test since November and Burger being out helps too.... This is their best chance to win a test match.
I'll refrain from predicting a score until I hear the team announcement tomorrow

[joeSoap]

I hope I'm wrong but I cant see this going well at all. I know they haven't played a meaningful test together in quite a while, but they have so much going for them- home advantage, savage pack, best scrum half, winger, second row and number 8 in the world ( du Preez, Habana, Matfield, Spies) and a very important thing-self confidence. They simply ooze it. I think South Africa (-7) at 10/11 represents the bet of the weekend.

[joeSoap]

Lions (vs South Africa, first Test, Saturday June 20)

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

[pete]

No surprises really. I thought O'Callaghan might make the bench.

[kellco88]

Lions (vs South Africa, first Test, Saturday June 20)

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

Fitzgerald could feel a little hard done by. hasn't really done too much wrong. Monye could be found wanting against Habana

[Real ale Madrid]

No surprises really - Croft really represents a change in attitude when you think that Alan Quinlan was initially brought and the Lions have struggled at the breakdown all tour. Could be a key decision. We have 3 back rows who can all made good yards off the base and if we can secure good primary possession then it will be a cracking contest. Pity O'Gara didn't get in - I thought he had done more than enough but Jones' partership with Phillips swung it.
Roll on Saturday.

[shakermaker1982]

I thought they'd try and accomodate M Williams and Wallace in the starting 15. If Ferris and Flannery were fit we'd have had 7 in the starting 15.

[rambler14]

Test team will be:

--------Byrne
Bowe ---------Monye
---O'Driscoll Roberts
------Jones Phillips

Jenkins Mears Sheridan
--O'Connell Wyn Jones
Croft(Would have been Ferris) Heaslip Wallace


Subs: Murray, Rees, Hines, M Williams, Blair, O'Gara and Earls/Fitzgerald


Lions (vs South Africa, first Test, Saturday June 20)

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

Out by one in the starting 15!

[IsMiseSean]

This is what I think the team will be
15 Byrne 14 Bowe 13 BOD 12 Roberts 11 Monye 10 Jones 9 Phillips
1 Jenkins 2 Mears 3 Vickery 4 AW Jones 5 POC 6 Croft 7 Wallace 8 Heaslip
Reps: Rees, Jones, O'Callaghan, M. Williams, Ellis, O'Gara, Fitzgerald

One wrong in the 22.... Not Bad!!:cool:

Anyway first thing I noticed when I saw the team was... If BOD or Roberts get injured early on who goes into centre??? Bowe has played there at club level but this is a huge step up...
O'Gara is very unfortuante to miss out at 10 but he will come on at some stage, the sooner the better in my opinion

[IsMiseSean]

I hope I'm wrong but I cant see this going well at all. I know they haven't played a meaningful test together in quite a while, but they have so much going for them- home advantage, savage pack, best scrum half, winger, second row and number 8 in the world ( du Preez, Habana, Matfield, Spies) and a very important thing-self confidence. They simply ooze it. I think South Africa (-7) at 10/11 represents the bet of the weekend.
You can add Juan Smith to that list too, fantastic player that doesn't always get noticed.

They have alot goin for them but I can see some weakness too
Jacobs at 13 isn't a very good player, Fourie on the bench is better
Im not sure Steyn at 15... He is a bit unpredictable
Questions about Pienaar at 10, is he a test flyhalf??
Burger out helps us
I havent seen much of Smit playing prop, maybe its a weakness?? Someone else might be able to answer that!

[shakermaker1982]

One wrong in the 22.... Not Bad!!:cool:

Anyway first thing I noticed when I saw the team was... If BOD or Roberts get injured early on who goes into centre??? Bowe has played there at club level but this is a huge step up...
O'Gara is very unfortuante to miss out at 10 but he will come on at some stage, the sooner the better in my opinion

I'd say they'd put S Jones there (at 12) and bring on O'Gara. The option like you say is to move Bowe.

[pete]

I thought they'd try and accomodate M Williams and Wallace in the starting 15. If Ferris and Flannery were fit we'd have had 7 in the starting 15.

If O'Leary was there he might be playing with O'Gara.

[joeSoap]

You can add Juan Smith to that list too, fantastic player that doesn't always get noticed.

They have alot goin for them but I can see some weakness too
Jacobs at 13 isn't a very good player, Fourie on the bench is better
Im not sure Steyn at 15... He is a bit unpredictable
Questions about Pienaar at 10, is he a test flyhalf??
Burger out helps us
I havent seen much of Smit playing prop, maybe its a weakness?? Someone else might be able to answer that! It's a help to Jenkins as Smit wouldn't be as powerful a scrummager as Jannie du Plessis (brother of Bismarck, the hooker) but he's still a powerful man around the park.

I agree about Pienaar...he has a lot to prove and might be susceptible.

Jacobs and Steyn I think are fine. Won't weaken them. De Villiers in the centre has been a long term injury risk...might be worth a try hitting him early to see how he likes it.

[kellco88]

De Villiers in the centre has been a long term injury risk...might be worth a try hitting him early to see how he likes it.

Roberts will take care of that he'll really test De Villiers and Pienaar as the latter is not the best in defence

[endabob1]

Our power keeps going so I've tyed 2 responses that have been lost so far :-(

Anyway Smith & the whole bok front row is weak imho but Vickery is a yellow card waiting to happen, what could & should have been a Lions strong area is weakened by his inclusion.

Piennaar at 10 is not unusual, he plays there for the sharks, personally I hink he's a much better 9 but not quite as good as DuPreez, I'd have had Morne Steyn in there as I think their kicking game will be suspect. Adi Jacobs is a weak spot (playing as the 4th quota player) and I expect us to get some Joy down his channel, Franz Steyn at full back is a another area we can exploit he's a confidence player a few early scrapes would get him on edge.

[centre mid]

John Hayes called into the squad as replacement for Euan Murray, hard to see him get any game time, what sort of condition will he be in?

[rambler14]

John Hayes called into the squad as replacement for Euan Murray, hard to see him get any game time, what sort of condition will he be in?

Go on bull! Doubt he's fit though.

[Dodge]

John Hayes called into the squad as replacement for Euan Murray, hard to see him get any game time, what sort of condition will he be in?

Dunno but nice little jolly for him