Some Personal Observations on the Lions

RossM helps to keep the chat going with some thoughts on Warren's Lions omissions.

There are always some desperately unlucky players who don’t get picked; perhaps the most obvious being Chris Robshaw. Firstly, I must say that he was never on my list. Sterling player that he is, he is not a 7. Gatland has always said that he wanted specialist opensides. With Tipuric and Warburton, and to a lesser extent, O’Brien, that is what he has got. I would have taken Tom Wood ahead of Robshaw, but his chances have been blighted, as have Mike Brown’s, by being played obstinately out of position by Lancaster. In fact I would have taken Peter O’Mahoney and/or Tom Wood rather than Tom Croft, who I reckon is very lucky to be in the party.

When Matt Stevens’ place was announced, I must admit I nearly lost my upper plate as my jaw dropped so abruptly. However after some thought, I think this may be a pretty shrewd choice.  The fact that he has retired from international rugby is irrelevant. He’s only 30 and therefore could be considered fresher than some; also he can prop both sides of the scrum. By all accounts he has been doing a good job at Saracens. I wonder who first suggested him? But I am sure Wiggy would not have agreed to include him lightly. However, if Ryan Grant or Mike Ross had been picked, I don’t think too many would have argued.

Only two fly halves, that was a bit of a surprise. Who would have gone if not Jonny Wilkinson:  James Hook, Toby Flood, Ian Madigan? I must admit to having the latter in my provisional list. Warren has stuck to his guns and will not take anyone who can’t make the first game. That effectively excludes all French based possibilities other than Gethin Jenkins who, it is rumoured, will be released by Toulon for the Lions. Sadly, it means that we won’t see a particular favourite of mine, that old bruiser, Nathan Hines, dishing it out to the Aussies.

Some have called this a ‘Welsh’ tour. Why? The Welsh are not in the majority – constituting some 40% of the squad. And why shouldn’t they have the most players? 2012 – Grand Slam, 2013 – 6 Nations champs, sums it up I think.

Lastly, though it’s only four weeks until the first game – a lot can happen in that time. Undoubtedly (and sadly) some of the chosen ones will get injured and won’t make the trip. Who will get a quick call on the dog and bone from Warren?