Phil's Lions Squad

Twelve months ago, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this years Lions tour. South Africa were recent World Champions, and the Northern Hemisphere sides were all looking average at best. It was looking likely that the Lions would struggle to make an impact in any of the tests, and would even be lucky to win some mid week games against strong provincial sides.

Wind the clock forward though and things now look a lot rosier. I am now of the belief that this Lions tour could turn out to be very exciting indeed. With the six nations turning out to be one of the more hotly contested competitions in recent years, coupled with a few individuals really raising their game, there are a certain amount of selection headaches for the Lions coach.

The key to success will be in the selection. If you can blend the right players together it guarentees you’re set up in the best possible way. An encouraging fact is that Ian McGeechan has achieved this before, with his last tour being the successful trip to South Africa in 1997. For that tour it was his selection of experienced test starters such as Jeremy Guscott, Dai Young, Keith Wood and Lawrence Dallaglio, mixed with young, upcoming stars and ex-rugby league players such as Matt Dawson, John Bentley and Scott Quinell, that proved the right mix. We must hope he gets it right again.

At least he couldn’t do much worse then Sir Clive, whose ridiculously bloated 45 man squad contained 21 under performing Englishmen.

So whom will he pick? Several players have been considered certain starters for at least 12 months or so. Players like Paul O’Connell, Biran O’Driscoll and Ryan Jones will almost certainly be Test starters. Others have really staked their claim over the last 6 months or so (Lee Byrne, Alun Wyn Jones, Steven Jones et al.).

Still, every Lions tour needs wild cards; people who will be prepared to give their all in the mid week games and push the test starters. I have selected my side above. Led by Paul O’Connell, I think it will really test the Saffers. When playing such a physical side, you have to make sure you front up. There are no hiding places for anyone. That’s why I’ve gone with players like Joe Worsley and Jamie Roberts. Combined with the creativity of BOD and the pace of the back 3, it presents a real threat. The week point is hooker, were we lack a real option. Lee Mears is the best of an average lot. I’ve gone for the Welsh combo of Jones and Phillips to ensure maximum understanding at such a crucial point.

With teams like the Lions, it’s all about mini-teams within the team. So perhaps Flannery might be a better bet at hooker, to combine with O’Connell at line out time. Perhaps Gordon D’Arcy should be considered, but I’m unsure of his fitness.

For what it’s worth, here is my full 36 man squad:

Props: Sheridan, Jenkins, Vickery, Murray
Hookers: Mears, Ford, Flannery
2nd Row: O’Connell, Wyn Jones, O’Callaghan, Shaw
Back Row: Jones, Worsley, Wallace, M. Williams, T. Croft, Heaslip, Haskell

Scrum Half: Phillips, Ellis, Blair
Fly-Half: S. Jones, R. O’Gara, D. Cipriani
Centre: O’Driscoll, Roberts, Flutey, Shanklin
Wing: Bowe, Monye, S. Williams, Halfpenny
Full Backs: Byrne, Kearney, Armitage, Foden

Some interesting selections there. I think Danny Cipriani could be a good one. He’s desperete to prove himself, and may excell mid week. Foden is another suprise, his ability to play everywhere may work in his favour.

It will be certainly be interesting to see Geeks’ squad today. I’m sure there will be some suprise that no one expected.