Lions Tour manager Gerald Davies has just announced the squad selected for the Lions tour to South Africa, to be captained by 29-year-old Irishman, Paul O’Connell.
The 37 man squad is as follows:
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Ugo Monye (England)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Tom Shanklin (Wales)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Keith Earls (Ireland)
Riki Flutey (England)
Ronan O’Gara (Ireland)
Stephen Jones (Wales)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Harry Ellis (England)
Tomas O’Leary (Ireland)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Andy Powell (Wales)
David Wallace (Ireland)
Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
Alan Quinlan (Ireland)
Joe Worsley (England)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Alun Wyn-Jones (Wales)
Paul O’Connell (Ireland, captain)
Donncha O’Callaghan (Ireland)
Simon Shaw (England)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Adam Jones (Wales)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Jerry Flannery (Ireland)
Lee Mears (England)
Matthew Rees (Wales)
The squad includes one or two surprise inclusions, as well as some unexpected omissions. Keith Earls, the Munster centre/full back, was preferred to Delon Armitage, who many assumed would tour after a string of good performances for England. Ugo Monye’s selection will please many England and Harlequins fans, although some will wonder whether Mark Cueto was the man in better form.
In the forwards, Alan Quinlan of Munster and Ireland joins the strong Irish back-row contingent, with Wales skipper Ryan Jones and Leicester flanker Tom Croft notable absentees. The latter was highly-tipped to excel on the hard ground of South Africa, but will have to watch from home.
The group will leave for their ten-match tour of South Africa on 24th May, just after the Heineken Cup Final, with their first game against the invitational Highveld XV just six days later.
What are your thoughts on the 2009 Lions squad? Have the selectors made some inspired left-field decisions, or some foolish gambles?
Rumour has it that Ian McGeechan sits down with a bottle of whisky the night before announcing his Lions squad to finalise his selections. After the showing by a number of contenders in today’s EDF Energy Cup final, he may have to purchase more than one bottle – many of Cardiff’s players put on such a fantastic performance in front of McGeechan and Shaun Edwards in their 50-12 victory at Twickenham that the selection committee will have to give them more serious consideration than a solitary bottle of scotch allows.
Edwards declared recently that Lions players would be selected on form and not reputation, and today Leigh Halfpenny’s two try performance challenged the Wasps coach to prove that he meant it – the young winger’s pace and sevens-style confidence with the ball in hand would make a valuable impact on the tour. Martyn Williams also had a great match, and should have sealed a place on the trip with both form and reputation on his side, while Shanklin and Roberts were both aggressive and implacable in the midfield as usual.
So, to the second half of my Lions predictions. In sitting down today with my notebook to consider all possible forward candidates, it struck me just how good even a second-string Lions pack would be – this is reassuring when you remember that there is no way a tour victory in South Africa can be achieved without our pack consistently outplaying the Springboks in every aspect of the game. Thanks for all your comments on my back selections – I’d love to hear what those of you who are more accustomed to wearing single-digit numbers on your backs have to say about these as well.
Props
Test matchers: Gethin Jenkins, Euan Murray
I’m not sure how many props will be on the plane to South Africa, but I’m assuming there will be a few to cover injury and the substitution of one or both of the test match starters for maximum front-row efficiency. Murray has been outstanding both for Northampton and Scotland, and Jenkins has been a mainstay of the Welsh front-row not just for his scrummaging but because he gets around the park like nobody’s business. The Saffers have one of the most intimidating front rows in international rugby, but I think these two will be up to the challenge.
Dirt trackers: Adam Jones, Phil Vickery, (John Hayes/Andrew Sheridan possibly)
Both Jones and Vickery have also had outstanding seasons – some still say that Vickery is past it, but his scrummaging is second-to-none, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start a test considering the Wasps-biased selection committee. Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards will no doubt be pushing for Adam Jones too, who has worked tirelessly to improve as much as he has this season. If they take another prop, for me it’s between Hayes and Sheridan, and is a tricky one to call. Hayes is battle-worn professional, silently grinding it out for Ireland over many years, and can be relied upon – Sheridan’s star has waned recently, perhaps summed up best when he was floored by a soft punch from Julian White, but he is still a top scrummager and may well travel.
Hooker
Test matcher: Jerry Flannery
The Irish hooker had a great Six Nations and has been a vital cog in Munster’s success of late. His lineout throwing is impeccable, and he seems impervious to pain. When I see him play I’m reminded of Keith Wood’s gleefully soft-spoken masochism on the ’97 tour, when he took Matt Dawson aside and said “If it’s shit ball, just give it to me”.
Dirt trackers: Matthew Rees, Ross Ford
Rees had a fairly good Six Nations, but his lineout throwing occasionally let him down, especially against Ireland in the big showdown – O’Connell and his men tore his delivery apart, and with the accomplished Victor Matfield leaping for the ‘boks, the Lions hooker will need to provide perfect ball every time. Ross Ford has also caught the eye in a Scotland team that looked more promising this year than it has in recent memory – he may well be given the opportunity to impress in the build-up games to try and wrestle the 2 shirt from Flannery’s grasp.
The Row
Test matchers: Paul O’Connell, Alun Wyn-Jones
The ginger goliath’s towering performances for club and country have done enough to persuade some that he should lead the Lions over Ireland’s talismanic centre, Brian O’Driscoll. Personally, in BOD I trust, but that he was even in consideration for the captaincy shows you just how highly he is rated at the moment. As to who will be binding down with him, it seems that Wyn-Jones has the majority vote for his excellent lineout skills and work rate, although the dirt trackers are biting at his heels.
I think Donkey O’Callaghan will be first in line after Wyn-Jones, not least because he and O’Connell have probably spent more time with their arms wrapped round each other than they have their wives. O’Callaghan is also known as a bit of a joker and, let’s face it, someone’s gotta cheer Shaun Edwards up. If they take another man for the row (and they might well take a back/second row hybrid like Croft instead) I’d expect to see either Gough or Hines go along, probably with the Welshman preferred for reasons unknown.
Flankers
Test matchers: David Wallace, Martyn Williams
Real tough one this. David Wallace was in my opinion one of the best players of the Six Nations, never more so than in the final match when the pressure was at its greatest. Like Martyn Williams in the match at Twickenham today, he was quicker to the breakdown than the AA, seemingly defying laws of time and space to exist in multiple locations at any given time. Williams’ experience will provide some calm and good-old-fashioned-nouse to a relatively youthful pack, while Wallace’s size and speed will be vital in countering the bestial figure of Schalk Burger at the collisions.
Dirt trackers: Tom Croft, (Joe Worsley/Stephen Ferris/Ryan Jones)
Croft’s recent form will not have been lost on any of the selectors – it is no mean feat to oust James Haskell from an England position that most believed he had well and truly made his own. Croft burst onto the scene with his pace (2nd fastest player in the whole Leicester squad) and his work at the ruck, and has the advantage of being a very easy lift in the lineout as he is so light. As I said before, he may well benefit from slotting easily into the second row, making him a useful addition to any side. Worsley showed his ferocious defensive capabilities in the Six Nations and could well be in line for a call-up from his Wasps coaches on Tuesday. Stephen Ferris was another who shone for Ireland, and has a decent shot at a place as well.
Numero Ocho
Test matcher: Jamie Heaslip
The Irish number 8 recently took over from long-time incumbent Dennis Leamy, and stamped his mark on the position with fantastic displays in the Six Nations. His highlight was a wholly-unexpected snaking run which left the French backs strung up like kippers, or whatever fish they eat in France. They looked stupid, anyway. Heaslip also has the power to clash with the South African back row and win.
Dirt trackers: Ryan Jones, Nick Easter
Ryan Jones is another who might benefit from his ability to play just as well at flanker. Wales’ hero of late has not quite been playing up to his own standards for his country or as part of a disappointing Ospreys team, but he is an outstanding player who would work himself to death for the Lions if given the chance to play. Nick Easter is not everyone’s cup of tea – I think he’s been a bit lacklustre recently for England, occasionally mirroring Steve Borthwick’s laughable attempts at making ground. He’s been playing well for Harlequins though, and picked up a hat-trick the other day. He’s a big strong lad who, if he’s at his best, can make valuable yards for his team.
So, we must wait until Tuesday for McGeechan’s squad announcement – expect to see him turn up bleary-eyed after a long night of decision making. His tiredness and hangover will be worth it, however, as we can be sure that no selections will have been made lightly, so that the best possible Lions team will tour. I can’t wait.
With just a few days to do go before Ian McGeechan announces his Lions squad to tour South Africa, a few predictions from your humble correspondent are long overdue. My blogging hiatus has had its benefits, however, as runners like Gavin Henson have fallen injured at the final hurdles (much like the Grand National tips I got from Oscar, thanks mate) presenting a much clearer picture of the available candidates.
Today we’ll look at the backs, before moving on in the next day or so to the forwards. I’m sure some of you will disagree with my suggestions, but having anticipated from the start that Paula would be seeing the sharp end of Sir Alan’s finger on The Apprentice last night I’m feeling pretty visionary right now.
Full Back
Test matcher: Lee Byrne
Byrne has missed the last few games for the Ospreys after his injury in the final game of the Six Nations. His form up until that point has no doubt left Wales fans wondering what might have been if he’d stayed on against Ireland – if he can return to fitness in that same form, he’s a shoo-in for the 15 jersey. He is completely dependable at the back, and is almost guaranteed to break the line three or four times in any given game with searing pace and unpredictable angles.
Dirt trackers: Delon Armitage, Rob Kearney
Both Armitage and Kearney will most likely make the trip as much for their versatility as for their good showings in the Six Nations. On tour it is vital to have as many options as possible up your sleeve to deal with the inevitable injuries that will accrue, and since these two could comfortably play anywhere in the back three their value increases. Armitage deserves the nod over Kearney, who occasionally looks a bit wayward for Ireland, although with a predominance of his countrymen expected to feature in the squad, Kearney may be chosen on the basis of the players’ mutual understanding.
Wings
Test matchers: Shane Williams, Tommy Bowe
The two Ospreys wingers have looked a little lacklustre in their last few club games, perhaps despondent at their side’s recent performances. Both have offered occasional sparks of hope, however, and you would expect that teaming up with the best of the British and Irish will bring them back to their best. Williams will almost certainly start, while Bowe and Cueto are on almost level pegging in my eyes. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Sale flyer edged it onto the team sheet, but I think Bowe offers greater size and strength, a valuable commodity in the Highveld.
Dirt trackers: Mark Cueto, Ugo Monye, (Armitage/Kearney)
Cueto has been in fine form for Sale and England, and deserves to tour. He and Armitage may well be the only representatives from the English back division, although Flutey is in with a decent shout at centre considering his form and the Wasps-biased selection committee. I have a love/hate relationship with Monye – he’s got more natural gas than a field of cows, but occasionally seems able only to run in a straight line, Forrest Gump style. If he had Williams sidestep he’d be one of the most dangerous players in world rugby, as he’s big and strong, and often makes the kind of last-man-defending-a-massive-overlap tackles that Sackey used to do so well. Some suggested that Thom Evans might get a seat on the plane, but even the most optimistic of Scots would have to admit that for all his latent talent he will probably have to wait another four years.
Centres
Test matchers: Brian O’Driscoll, Tom Shanklin
As Dean Richards noted in today’s Times, the choice of centres does depend to a large extent on your choice of fly-half. This prediction is based on the assumption that Stephen Jones will wear the 10 shirt. If O’Gara is pulling the strings, I would probably substitute Shanklin for D’Arcy, who has been quietly effective in linking up with O’Driscoll and would allow an intuitive 10-12-13 partnership. Some have suggested that O’Driscoll is undeservedly receiving the kind of praise usually reserved only for Deities and The Wire, but it cannot be denied that the Irish captain not only offers the moments of brilliance required to beat a team like South Africa, but also inspires belief in players and fans alike. This is a crucial ingredient that should not be overlooked in the recipe for success.
Dirt trackers: Gordon D’Arcy, Riki Flutey
Shanklin and D’Arcy offer similar battering-ram style options, a useful foil to O’Driscoll’s jinking creativity. Flutey has given himself the best possible chance of touring by finally proving himself for England, but may not be teamed up with O’Driscoll because of their similarities. As it seems that all other centres will have to form an orderly queue behind O’Driscoll, Flutey may find himself hidden from view behind the bulkier frames of Shanklin, D’Arcy or Roberts.
Fly-half
Test matcher: Stephen Jones
Trickiest call out of all the backs, I’m sure you’ll agree. Does Stephen Jones have what it takes? As I noted before, place kicking will be vital on this tour. I hope that whoever referees will spot what a dirty bunch the South Africans are, and the Lions need someone to punish every penalty that comes their way. I think Jones edges it in this regard, as well as offering more of a threat with ball in hand than O’Gara. As to who releases the backs better, I couldn’t say. Jones sometimes looks nervous and confused to me, as though he’s been placed in the middle of a crowded stadium naked and asked an especially tricky maths question. His defence is better than O’Gara’s too, which will probably be pretty important when you consider that the likes of Schalk Burger will regularly be going for a stroll through that particular part of the pitch.
Dirt tracker: Ronan O’Gara
O’Gara admittedly played a fairly instrumental part in Ireland’s Grand Slam victory, with some good passing and deft kicking to open up his back line, and he’s not been doing badly for Munster either, but I just think Jones is more reliable. O’Gara’s defence is a well-documented worry, although he held his nerve admirably in the final match of the Six Nations despite everything that Wales threw at him in the first half. They laid off him a bit in the second half and let him back in the game - the Saffers won’t. Not content with throwing the kitchen sink at him, they would tear up the plumbing too. The South African back row would trample him like wildebeest – it would be Mufasa in The Lion King all over again.
Scrum Half
Test matcher: Mike Phillips
Scrum half is another tricky one. I think Phillips will be selected for his strength and his reliability. He won’t give away the petulant penalties that Danny Care or Harry Ellis might do. He’s fantastic in open play too, morphing into a winger once he’s broken the line, and is great at staying on his feet in the tackle.
Dirt trackers: Harry Ellis, Tomas O’Leary
Ellis is such a try-hard that I think he might just make it on the tour. In the last year or so he’s started throwing himself at kickers with reckless disregard for his or their safety, and attempting a pick-and-go almost every other time he has the ball in a bid to prove to Martin Johnson that he deserves the England 9 shirt. This determination is, I imagine, exactly the kind of thing that McGeechan likes. Personally I prefer Care’s style of play, if not his occasional idiocy, and would rather see him and Dwayne Peel play, but unfortunately I think O’Leary will accompany Ellis to link up with O’Gara.
