George Hooks Lions Video Blog – Lions Selection Ahead Of Wednesdays Game Against The Sharks
Comments
Hi George,
Ferris is a huge blow, almost as bad as the loss of Flannery. Croft is now the likely starting number 6 and I agree with Connor that Wally will benefit from Croft’s elevation.
Can Fitzy do enough to oust Moyne or will Kearney be an added competitor for the 11 shirt?
Give us Brent’s and Your Test 22 in the next video after this potentially very difficult Sharks game.
Thanks Pat
Hi George,
You are absolutely correct regarding Sheridan. He played fantastic in his last game, especially in the loose. Jenkins has a battle on his hands.
Real pity about Ferris. It means Croft is odds on to start the first test. But this also has potential ramifications for the balance of the rest of the backrow.
Also with the unfortunate Halfpenny ruled out for the tour, Fitz has a great shot of ousting an out of form Williams for the test 11, whilst also keeping a very one dimensional Monye in the midweek side.
Tonight’s game is very important.
Dave
Hi George,
The amount of injuries accrued by Lions players before and during the tour is quite amazing. Do you think this is a consequence of playing so many domestic, european and international games in a year?
Hi George,
Ferris is a massive loss to the team and as shown tonight Croft although fast, athletic and he gives the Lions another option at the lineout is too lightweight to make a difference at the breakdown. The number 6 position looks all off a sudden very weak with no real muscle there. You need a dog like Burger or Ferris to get in there and hit hard. Ryan Jones to re-discover his from of the 2005 lions tour?
Ultan
June 10th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Well George.
What do you make of Ferris going home? Huge loss I think. You would have to suspect Croft is now nailed at 6. Does this perhaps increase Wallace’s chances to start the 1st Test? Croft-Williams-Heaslip does not seem a very well-balanced back row, especially vs Smith-Burger-Spies, so has Wallace maybe moved up in the reckoning? Makes today even more important for him.
Looking forward to see what Rog can do, but I think, even if he is Carter-esque in his creativity and Wilkinson-esque in his defence, he is still a huge outsider. Stephen Jones has the consistency of performance and a better understanding with Phillips – I will be amazed if Rog gets the nod for the first Test, no matter what he does today.
Shane Williams is playing like a drain. McGeechan can consider himself fortunate he didn’t bring extra three-quarters, there might have been some mutinous mutterings had Williams got a third start playing like this, if there were more alternatives!
Take care, and enjoy this evening.
Conor