*brilliant
No I wouldn't have picked Hogg over 1/2p on the evidence we have seen. I certainly would have picked him over maitland on the bench though. If we had seen Hogg at fb more then u never know if he could have outplayed 1/2p. However it would have taken some hell of a performance or two as 1/2p has been beillusr
Since 1971 until now(42yrs) 4 test series won. It's the same hype every time a lions tour comes around. Australia play together far more than the lions squad that's obvious. It's still 15 v 15. I think the Aussies will win the series overall merely down to that they are more familiar with each other. The majority of the lions squad are only together since end of April. The team is the best they can pick from what has gone on tour except for Jamie Roberts, it's their best side. From an Irish point of view I just hope none of the Irish guys get seriously injured on this tour. We can ill afford that. Case and point , I remember when Rob Henderson toured with the lions He had to be given pain killer injections for an injury before one of the tests. When the tour was over he was half the player he was before he went out on Tour. Will watch it don't care who wins.
Would you pick Hogg over 1/2p ? I wouldnt. Faz is on the bench to cover 10, 12 and kicking duties. Utility.
Sorry to have a wee rant but i can't help but feel gatlands choice to take 2 fly halves and 3 fullbacks has cost Hogg a place in the 23. If it had been the other way around then Hogg wouldn't have had to take the hit and fill in at 10 on Tuesday with a shambles of a backline against their strongest opponents yet. Instead he had to and it's probably cost him a place in test team. If they had a 3rd FH then Hogg would never have been forced out of position and could have played where he was best and staked a claim
No Sean O Brien tut tut
@joe you'd have to ask Gatland that one mate. I agree with you that he hasn't shown his full potential on tour yet, but if Gatlands just putting players in from each nation to keep the punters happy then that's wrong. I highly doubt that's the case tho. I'm disappointed there's no Richie Gray, he's had a great tour so far.
Can't wait to see the Warburton v Hooper battle.
Hoping Croft can stop Genia
This team is built around strong set pieces. Corb is solid youngs hit the jumpers. Back row very defensive. So I Predict a slog on sat morn