George Hooks Lions Video Blog PreMatch Lions v Golden Lions Wed at 5.30pm
Comments
Hi George,
I have just read on Aertel that D’Arcy has been called up to the Lions Rugby Squad as injury cover. Can he force his way into the test team?
My High Veldt Fast Running Lions Test Team
15. Lee Byrne
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Brian O’Driscoll
12. Gordon D’Arcy
11. Ugo Monye
10. Stephen Jones
09. Mike Phillips
01. Gethin Jenkins
02. Ross Ford
03. Euan Murray
04. Donnacha O’Callaghan
05. Paul O’Connell (papt.)
06. Stephen Ferris
07. Martin Williams
08. Jamie Heaslip
16. Lee Mears
17. Adam Jones
18. Tom Croft
19. David Wallace
20. Harry Ellis
21. Ronan O’Gara
22. Luke Fitzgerald
James Hook might be a better tactical sub than O’Gara as he can cover inside centre as well but O’Gara might be needed for some steady inspiration if Jones is under pressure.
Luke Fitzgerald taking Keith Earls utility back slot.
Tom Croft edging Alun Wynn Jones as he can also play in the backrow.
Monye is in for sheer pace and size but after the next match we will know if he is good enough to make the test team.
Fascinating online punditry, YOUR BRAND IS SECURE!
Hey George,
Just a quick short question for you,
Jamie Roberts so far is playing brilliant and may have cemented the 12 spot, but do u think that his very powerful direct runs are cutting off O’Driscoll from possession of the ball? With O’Driscoll playing some of his best rugby in years ,possibly his best ever, would we not rather Brian to get the ball and create something special with it ? Or is the Roberts “crash” approach better against a team like the Springboks?
Keep up the good work and watch the ankle
Keith
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
George - agree completely on the back-line, with Phillips/Jones, Roberts/O’Driscoll and the Ospreys back 3. Presumably when you say Kearney is an outside shot at a Test wing spot, you mean at the expense of Williams, who has been rather off-colour. This is where Fitzgerald might also be in with a shot if he can hit the ground running when he eventually gets a start.
Also, what do you make of Tom Croft? He is clearly not as good as the English meeja are making him out to be, but what do you see him bringing to the side? He is a good line-out option granted, but maybe he brings a bit more thinking to 6 than Ferris? I’m postulating aloud here, but I would be interested in your thoughts.
Conor