I was recently challenged by a passionate Bok fan to name the Lions team that was supposed to dare challenge the might and supremacy of the world champion Boks in June. To my slight embarrassment, I found I could not name an entire fifteen man team! I was therefore watching the opening round of games of the six nations tournament with a very keen eye, paying particular attention to any stand out individuals who could possibly be in that starting XV come the southern hemisphere winter.
I must say, I was impressed by the calibre of play exhibited by a lot of the players, especially those from Wales and Ireland. To me it seems as if the bulk of the Lions team will come from these two countries. Having said that my Lions team based on this past weekend would look something like this:
1. Sheridan (Eng)
2. Mears (Eng)
3. Vickery (Eng)
4. O’Connel (Ire)
5. Jones (Wal)
6. Ferris (Ire)
7. Williams (Wal)
8. Heaslip (Ire)
9. Blair (Sco)
10. O’Gara (Ire)
11. Williams (Wal)
12. Roberts (Wal)
13. O’ Driscoll (Ire)
14. Evans (Sco)
15. Byrne (Wal)
To me this looks a very good and balanced side without many weaknesses and comparing this team to the current Bok team, I’d have to say that the Boks would probably be superior in the loose forward department, but nowhere else. I know the Bok supporters will say Habana will have a field day with Evans, but at the same time Shane Williams will have a field day with JP or whoever else wears number 14 for the Boks!
I also think the revitalised O’Driscoll is gonna prove a handful for Jacobs / Steyn / Fourie. That seems to give the Lions a slight edge in the backline.
Players to watch out for in this Lions team that people may not be aware of: Roberts at inside centre, he will keep De Villiers busy; and Lee Byrne at the back. Keep an eye on these two throughout the tournament.
What are your thoughts?
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7 comments
BP says:
Feb 11, 2009
not sure about mears at hooker, and sheridan didnt have the best of games either against a relatively weak italian side. he’d be chosen more on reputation than his performance over the weekend.
i didnt see enough of ferris to comment on his inclusion, but have to agree with pretty unanimous decision that heaslip and m.williams should both be in that pack. they’ll both be a handful for the boks who ever they pick for the loosies. it all depends on their 3rd loosie, coz i rate that schalk should dominate any one the pick.
i think we need to see BoD in another game, should he truely be back in form then i agree with him and roberts giving the bok centre combination a run,
dont know if max evans did enough in the short time he was on to warrent a starting birth but i did like what i saw of him, if habana is chosen and he is in the same vein of form as last season evans should have the upper hand.
byrne has shown class, but a lot will depend on the lions game plans and how they play as a team. but individually i think it’d be a pretty decent contest, but still think that the boks should edge them as i said in a previous post.
the boks firing on all cylinders shouldnt be bothered much by this 15, but again, comes down to form/injuries/selections/PDiv playing a part in what goods the boks can come up with
Guru says:
Feb 11, 2009
Wow, and this is the team that should have the bok for starters, mains and dessert? It must be the bok under 19 you are referring to Manny. It certainly cannot be the following :-
1)Beast
2)Bismarck
3)Smit
4)Botha
5)Matfield
6)Juan Smith
7)Scalk
8)Kanko
9)January/Du Preez
10)Pienaar
11)Habana
12)JDV
13)Jacobs
14)JP
15)Janties
Please have a relook at your team and reassess the title of your posting.
More importantly, regardless of how good these individuals will play in 6 nations, please consider these 2 facts,1) 6 nations is inferior competition to S14
2) the nucleus of the bok team has been together
for 5 years now while the Lions teams will have a few weeks before touring. The synerygy and combinations will not have enough time to gel. I honestly do not see any Lions team matching the boks. Last week I was thinking the boks would win 2-1 but after looking at this tem, I am tempted to declare a 3-0 white wash.
Ron says:
Feb 11, 2009
I did not watch much of the 6 Nations this weekend so am not sure about these British players. I managed to catch the highlights and like what i saw of BoD. If BoD is on form then he could just be the key to unlock the Boks. I feel any success the Lions are going to have lies on their number 10 and i do not have faith in O’Gara! Lets watch the 6 Nations this weekend and keep an eye on these players Manny has named.
Manny says:
Feb 11, 2009
Do not underestimate these players Guru, or the level of preparedness of this team. These guys really believe they can win it!
I think Rons suggestion is best, just keep an eye out for the players that Ive mentioned to get a feel for how good (or bad) they are.
Other players to watch are:
Jenkins (wales prop)
O Calaghan (Ireland lock)
Powell (Wales 8th man)
Phillips (Wales scrum-half)
BP says:
Feb 11, 2009
the key will be at fly half for both teams, if the boks fail to choose a decent 10 it’ll give the lions an outside chance…as with ron, i dont rate o gara or any other northern hemisphere flyhalf that could take that position, so their backs will fall flat regardless who’s on form etc. and the gelling that Guru mentioned is vital for any team, just look at the last lions tour that’ll attest to that…..
while some of those players look dominant in the northern hemisphere competitions, and to an extent in the autumn internationals, playing the boks on home soil is a different kettle of fish and i dont believe they will have what it takes….
at worst 2-1 to the boks…..
BP says:
Feb 11, 2009
…and thats coming from a kiwi supporter
Guru says:
Feb 11, 2009
That’s so sweet man…..the boks will just be licking their lips in anticipation….