 |
BOD breaking the line against Australia in 2001. Can he do it again?
|
Saturday is the first test between Australia and The British & Irish Lions. I'm going to go through the Lions selection for this match and see what is what.
 |
| 2. Tom Youngs-England-Hooker |
Youngs is picked at hooker. For his dynamism at the breakdown, solid lineout throwing and scrummaging. The former centre could really show the rugby world what he has in the locker
 |
| 1. Alex Corbisiero-England-Prop |
 |
| 3.Adam Jones-Wales-Prop |
Jones is one of the strongest tightheads around and his consistency and experience had almost guaranteed test selection before the initial squad selection was announced.
Corbisiero is starting because he is a beast in the scrum. Personally, I don't think he has earned his jersey but Gatland (the ex-front row) thinks the test match will be won or lost in the scrummaging.
 |
| 4. Alun Wyn Jones-Wales-Second Row |
 |
| 5. Paul O'Connell-Ireland-Second Row |
Mr Consistent in Wyn Jones and Mr Experience in O'Connell. The Welsh lock has been one of the most underrated players in British rugby for years. He does the basics exceptionally well and makes playing second row look easy. O'Connell is one of the unofficial captains in this squad. British & Irish Lions experience and a gladiatorial presence about him, the 2009 Lions captain is powerful and inspirational in equal measures.
 |
| 6. Sam Warburton-Wales-Captain-Blindside Flanker |
 |
| 7. Tom Croft-England-Openside Flanker |
Warburton is the series captain and a turnover specialist. I'm still not sure if he is the best current back row number six, however the management have faith in his leadership and ability to disrupt the Australian's quick ball. Tom Croft has performed well on tour and his elusive running and speed around the pitch are qualities essential to the Lions game plan.
 |
| 8. Jamie Heaslip-Ireland-Number 8 |
Heaslip on his day is a word class line breaking off-loader. I have had doubts over his form after his recent injuries, however he has the footballing ability on the rugby field to prove me wrong and dominate with ball in hand.
 |
| 9 .Mike Phillips-Wales-Scrum-Half |
 |
| 10. Jonathan Sexton-Ireland-Stand Off |
The scrum half position is where I genuinely believe the first test will be won. Phillips is the physical 'extra forward' scrum half, while Will Genia for Australia is a lightening quick passer and a spectacular broken field runner. It will be fascinating to witness the contrasting number 9's performances.
Sexton starts at much debated fly-half. Stronger all round game compared to Farrell, with more experience and defensively more effective too. His distribution is key and BOD will be combining with Sexton vocally to get the forwards running lines and creating holes on Saturday,
 |
| 12. Jonathan Davies-Wales-Inside Centre |
 |
| 13. Brian O'Driscoll-Ireland-Outside Centre |
Davies has shown world rugby that he has a brilliant all-round game. He can kick, pass and tackle with the best of them. But where his ultimate strength lies is his support running and off-loading. Alongside O'Driscoll, Davies could be remembered as a Lions great. BOD may not have the same pace any more, however he still has world class vision and skill to change a game in a split second.
 |
| 11. Alex Cuthbert-Wales-Wing |
 |
| 14. George North-Wales-Wing |
 |
| 15. Leigh Halfpenny-Wales-Fullback |
The Welsh back three trio of Cuthbert, North and Halfpenny ran riot at this year's Six Nations and this combination is proven at test level. Cuthbert has had an excellent try scoring tour and deservedly starts the first test match. Giant George North has only just overcome fitness fears and if he plays to his potential he could cause serious damage to the Australian's defensive line. A physical beast. Last but not least is Leigh Halfpenny. His metronomic style goal kicking is one thing, but he possesses world class tackling technique and razor sharp covering from deep. He'll be a match winner for the Lions if the first match is scrappy with penalties a plenty.
The Bench Warmers
 |
| Dan Cole |
 |
| Richard Hibbard |
 |
| Ben Youngs |
 |
| Geoff Parling |
 |
| Mako Vunipola |
 |
| Owen Farrell |
 |
| Sean Maitland |
There is a pretty obvious selection policy from the Lions management. Big, strong, physical players. Combined with experience and proven ability at the very highest level. Hence why players like Toby Faletau, Stuart Hogg, Justin Tipuric and Richie Gray didn't make the squad. It is no coincidence that these players were given the most game time prior to this first test to prove themselves of a starting place. A few players were sold out in the last match (Hogg being played at 10 against International test standard players). The team selected had neither the structure or leadership to handle the step up against the high flying Brumbies.
As a Scotsman, one player on the bench is disappointing. But the management have their favoured players and those who they have trained and working with before. Which is no coincidence that there are no Scottish coaches on tour. The mind boggles...
I think the score will be tight and there will be single figure points in the 1st test...
Australia 24-18 British & Irish Lions
