OFF TOPIC: THE BOX REC OFFICIAL LIONS THREAD.
If the lions CAN stop the all blacks backs from running with the ball, ala england in wellington 2 years ago and austrailia in the world cup, then they do have an outside chance of winning this seris. I personally would like to have seen cueto in the test squad, go to sale on most home games and i havent seen many better finishers all year. Hodgeson is in form at the mo but doesnt do that well under pressure so can see why he isnt in the squad. Would defo play wilko at fly half over jones, but thats just my opinion, think greenwood is in there because of his defensive work rate but he definatly does not deserve a starting spot. Think the center position is a real problem but we'll just have to wait and see just what SCW does. Dont think we're goona see free flowing rugby from the lions, but then i dont think the all blacks can be beaten that way. Sorry guys call me a fool but i'm going the other way and predicting a 2-1 seris win for the lions.
I have to right the GENIUNE quote on the Sir Clive Woodward, so called legendary coach (I've always seen him as overated) about Ryan Jones. I'm telling you when the more I here him talk the more I fear for Southampton Football club.
Anyway here is the quote. It wasn't on UK TV but was on some foreign channel and the report was a Kiwi.
Kiwi Reporter: Sir Clive, given that you stated you would be selecting the squad from the six nations, and given that Ryan Jones had a storming game in at least one of those game (winning man of the match I understand on one occasion), can you explain to us why he was not originally included in the party?
SCW: No I can't
Anyway here is the quote. It wasn't on UK TV but was on some foreign channel and the report was a Kiwi.
Kiwi Reporter: Sir Clive, given that you stated you would be selecting the squad from the six nations, and given that Ryan Jones had a storming game in at least one of those game (winning man of the match I understand on one occasion), can you explain to us why he was not originally included in the party?
SCW: No I can't
We do not have a lounge to discuss non boxing things. If you don't like Rugby then, its your call - but obviously plenty of people obviously do like both sports, as you can see by the amount of posts on this thread.MTG wrote:YES BUT ITS A BOXING FORUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!stujones wrote:Its an off-topic thread, as clearly stated in the thread title.MTG wrote:and what does this have to do with british boxing?
RUGBY IS FOR PO*FS
There have been a fair few non boxing topics here in the last few weeks (the crazy frog one for one) - first complaint we have had.
well said stu, its clearly stated off topic so if you dont like it keep out of the thread.
Its not like we have 50 odd off topic threads and this has generated 3 pages of interest prior to the first test, nuff said, both rugby and cricket are much follwed sports and its a big year for both in these isles, i think two threads on these subjects is not excessive .
Its not like we have 50 odd off topic threads and this has generated 3 pages of interest prior to the first test, nuff said, both rugby and cricket are much follwed sports and its a big year for both in these isles, i think two threads on these subjects is not excessive .
And to get back on the off topic.
Apparently S Williams and Horgan were in the stands, watching, which implies that neither were training with the Test 22 in ChCh, which is great news re Horgan but also implies Wooders was telling fibs when he said that nobody from the Southland game will be involved in the Test.
Cueto. He must have shagged Woodward's mum or something. Quite why they're trying every man and his dog on the wing and then giving Robinson the test berth when Cueto's not done owt wrong is beyond me. I'm not saying he's test-worthy. It's just that he's not been giiven chance to prove it.
Easterby was significant again. Sheridan. Big man. If you didn't pick that up from the commentary team's onanistic approach to him.
ABs side doesn't look stellar now it's announced. Mauger is solid but potentially weak, the pack is fallible with the exception of Jack and McCaw. Outside backs are clearly exceptional - Lions plan has to be to motherfck them up front.
Apparently S Williams and Horgan were in the stands, watching, which implies that neither were training with the Test 22 in ChCh, which is great news re Horgan but also implies Wooders was telling fibs when he said that nobody from the Southland game will be involved in the Test.
Cueto. He must have shagged Woodward's mum or something. Quite why they're trying every man and his dog on the wing and then giving Robinson the test berth when Cueto's not done owt wrong is beyond me. I'm not saying he's test-worthy. It's just that he's not been giiven chance to prove it.
Easterby was significant again. Sheridan. Big man. If you didn't pick that up from the commentary team's onanistic approach to him.
ABs side doesn't look stellar now it's announced. Mauger is solid but potentially weak, the pack is fallible with the exception of Jack and McCaw. Outside backs are clearly exceptional - Lions plan has to be to motherfck them up front.
yeh quite right mate, back to topic, i thought they were fornicating awful today. to a man. (biyt harsh on henson but still)
really poor.
the only chance we have is to stuff em up fornt and play a tight game but i feel that was always the case anyway, see earlier post "you cant all black the all blacks."
its a lions test and the traditon and motivation may yet come and they may snap together, but its not looking very good.
still cant write em off yet. come on the boys
really poor.
the only chance we have is to stuff em up fornt and play a tight game but i feel that was always the case anyway, see earlier post "you cant all black the all blacks."
its a lions test and the traditon and motivation may yet come and they may snap together, but its not looking very good.
still cant write em off yet. come on the boys
Four players did well today.
Henson, Murphy (who I thought was close to MOM), Williams and Shanks when he came on. Easterby too had another good game.
Didn't like the Henson interview after - there is some definate tension between him and the selectors. He was implying that there is no chance that he will get into any of the tests except for injuries.
He was fairly poor in the first half, missed a few tackles and was not working as a team player - second half (and with the introduction of Shanklin) he improved dramatically and was working well in the team. Just deserved the MOM award over Murphy.
Murphy is coming good late on the tour - I'd have him in the test 22 at the expense of a fair few players (Robinson especially).
Anyone catch the Dewi (or Dowi as his collegues call him) outburst on Clive Woodward being a lier at the end of the came. All I have to say is here here.
Henson, Murphy (who I thought was close to MOM), Williams and Shanks when he came on. Easterby too had another good game.
Didn't like the Henson interview after - there is some definate tension between him and the selectors. He was implying that there is no chance that he will get into any of the tests except for injuries.
He was fairly poor in the first half, missed a few tackles and was not working as a team player - second half (and with the introduction of Shanklin) he improved dramatically and was working well in the team. Just deserved the MOM award over Murphy.
Murphy is coming good late on the tour - I'd have him in the test 22 at the expense of a fair few players (Robinson especially).
Anyone catch the Dewi (or Dowi as his collegues call him) outburst on Clive Woodward being a lier at the end of the came. All I have to say is here here.
had to get back to work mate, so all interesitng stuff.
dolnt t hink wee should condemn robinson just yet, he has only played one game and has been there b4.
murphy much better today but he has had two stinkers so wouldnt make my team.
im still n ot sure all this isnt a smoke screen and henson will play.
could it be alex fergusoni syndrome with beckham, henson does get a lot of attn outside the playing arena perhaps woodward take umbrage to it?
noit saiyng its right but could be possible.
as i said if woddward wins the test series hee will be labelled a genius.
thne bloke has won the world cup something no other northern hemisphere coach has done sothink we should wait for the test performance b4 condemning him.
dolnt t hink wee should condemn robinson just yet, he has only played one game and has been there b4.
murphy much better today but he has had two stinkers so wouldnt make my team.
im still n ot sure all this isnt a smoke screen and henson will play.
could it be alex fergusoni syndrome with beckham, henson does get a lot of attn outside the playing arena perhaps woodward take umbrage to it?
noit saiyng its right but could be possible.
as i said if woddward wins the test series hee will be labelled a genius.
thne bloke has won the world cup something no other northern hemisphere coach has done sothink we should wait for the test performance b4 condemning him.
SORRY ABOUT THAT LADS,IM JUST A BIT STRESSED OUT THE NOW WITH SOME CERTAIN BOARD OF CONTROL.stujones wrote:We do not have a lounge to discuss non boxing things. If you don't like Rugby then, its your call - but obviously plenty of people obviously do like both sports, as you can see by the amount of posts on this thread.MTG wrote:YES BUT ITS A BOXING FORUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!stujones wrote: Its an off-topic thread, as clearly stated in the thread title.
RUGBY IS FOR PO*FS
There have been a fair few non boxing topics here in the last few weeks (the crazy frog one for one) - first complaint we have had.
M.T GILLICK
no drama dude, !!!!
Team below for the first test
wilkinson at inside centre?
what pace
Lions: Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks, England); Josh Lewsey (London Wasps, England), Brian O'Driscoll (capt, Leinster, Ireland), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons, England), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse, Wales); Dwayne Peel (Llanelli, Wales), Stephen Jones (Clermont Auvergne, Wales); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff, Wales), Shane Byrne (Leinster, Ireland), Julian White (Leicester Tigers, England), Paul O'Connell (Munster, Ireland), Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers, England), Richard Hill (Saracens, England), Neil Back (Leicester Tigers, England), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers, England).
Replacements: Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints, England), Graham Rowntree (Leicester Tigers, England), Danny Grewcock (Bath, England), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, Wales), Matt Dawson (London Wasps, England), Will Greenwood (Harlequins, England), Shane Horgan (Leinster, Ireland).
1. Why move lewsey to wing, he has been player of the tour from full back?
2. Wilko at inside centre, Umanga must be licking his lips.
3. Its obvious woodward has gone for the kicking game, with two fly halves, two athletic locks and in Byrne the most reliable thrower in, that expect to play the touchlines.
4. its negative, too many english and unless we kick extremely well and pinch line out ball we could be in major trouble.
5. the problem i have with woodward is he seems to be living 2 yrs ago, problem is the game has moved on by 2 yrs and the players are two years older.
6. why does the repalcement bench (dawson aside) give no differnet type of player, no real game breaker? Where is williams f.f.sake.? the likes of Greenwood horgan arent gonna turn a game.
like ive said before, he will live and die by thew sword, the tests are the acid test but i for one dont give em much chance on this selection. Ill still be cheering my heart out though sat am.
Team below for the first test
wilkinson at inside centre?
what pace
Lions: Jason Robinson (Sale Sharks, England); Josh Lewsey (London Wasps, England), Brian O'Driscoll (capt, Leinster, Ireland), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons, England), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse, Wales); Dwayne Peel (Llanelli, Wales), Stephen Jones (Clermont Auvergne, Wales); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff, Wales), Shane Byrne (Leinster, Ireland), Julian White (Leicester Tigers, England), Paul O'Connell (Munster, Ireland), Ben Kay (Leicester Tigers, England), Richard Hill (Saracens, England), Neil Back (Leicester Tigers, England), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers, England).
Replacements: Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints, England), Graham Rowntree (Leicester Tigers, England), Danny Grewcock (Bath, England), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, Wales), Matt Dawson (London Wasps, England), Will Greenwood (Harlequins, England), Shane Horgan (Leinster, Ireland).
1. Why move lewsey to wing, he has been player of the tour from full back?
2. Wilko at inside centre, Umanga must be licking his lips.
3. Its obvious woodward has gone for the kicking game, with two fly halves, two athletic locks and in Byrne the most reliable thrower in, that expect to play the touchlines.
4. its negative, too many english and unless we kick extremely well and pinch line out ball we could be in major trouble.
5. the problem i have with woodward is he seems to be living 2 yrs ago, problem is the game has moved on by 2 yrs and the players are two years older.
6. why does the repalcement bench (dawson aside) give no differnet type of player, no real game breaker? Where is williams f.f.sake.? the likes of Greenwood horgan arent gonna turn a game.
like ive said before, he will live and die by thew sword, the tests are the acid test but i for one dont give em much chance on this selection. Ill still be cheering my heart out though sat am.
Just watched sky sports news and watched a press conference with Wilko, Woodward and Robinson. SCW says that he can change any of the test team up until the morning of the test. He also said he reviewed yesterdays game and said although there were some good performances no one did enough to force there wat into the squad. Can't help agreeing with Scott Quinnel that Woodward should have named his test squad today, then he would have got the best out of the players in yesterdays game. Glad that Peel is starting over Dawson, think he's had a really good tour. Also weather forecast is pretty crap in Christ Church on sat and will not suit a running game, which again is a plus point for the lions. I think if they can stay close to the All Blacks in the first half then they will stand a half decent chance. Agree with J that umanga will be thinking that he can hurt the lions with wilko at center, but if wilko has his kicking game in good shape then he can definatly hurt the All Blacks. Think that Henson should be on the bench instead of Greenwood, and would have put Williams there instead of Horgan. Will be a very interesting game on Saturday, if they do well they have a very good opportunity to go on in the seris, however if, as everyone is predicting, that they get blown out of the water i think it will be to long a road back. Still sticking by my original prediction of a Lions win on sat and a 2-1 test seris win. Here's hoping
I don't know what the major fuss is about Henson - its Shanklin I feel more sorry for. Both should have been in the squad.
Cannot understand how Greenwood and Horgan are on the bench - too similar players.
Always said it will be 3-0 whether SCW put 15 Welshmen, 15 Irishmen or 15 Englishman I would have predicted the same. Not good enough I'm afraid.
Cannot understand how Greenwood and Horgan are on the bench - too similar players.
Always said it will be 3-0 whether SCW put 15 Welshmen, 15 Irishmen or 15 Englishman I would have predicted the same. Not good enough I'm afraid.
stujones wrote:I don't know what the major fuss is about Henson - its Shanklin I feel more sorry for. Both should have been in the squad.
Cannot understand how Greenwood and Horgan are on the bench - too similar players.
Always said it will be 3-0 whether SCW put 15 Welshmen, 15 Irishmen or 15 Englishman I would have predicted the same. Not good enough I'm afraid.
Yep, I feel sorry for Shanklin, apart from maybe one dropped ball he's done very little wrong and quite a lot right.
I can see Horgan and Greenwood picking up thigh strains in practice and Henson and WIlliams stepping in. Seriously, Horgan is the fourth best back three player in Britain? Greenwood is the third best centre? The man gets made to look like an idiot in Zurich games...
This tour is falling into five pretty clear parties
Not proved themselves and in the 22
Proved themselves and not in the 22
Proved themselves and in the 22
Not proved themselves and not in the 22
Ignored
Of these groups the first two and the last are the most contentious. Ideally you can live with players having proved themselves to be test class and not selected if those ahead of them have proved themselves. But this isn't the case. You can argue the case for 6 or 7 guys to be in each category, and as for the last, I'd almost forgotten Cueto was on tour. Let's see, Clive, you've picked Thomas because he's a big strong guy, who runs hard and can tackle large men. But he got skinned by the AB reserve utlity back, so maybe he lacks the speed of an out-and-out winger. Ah well, best bet is to ignore the big strong guy who scores tries for fun and has pace to burn. Mainly because he took the place of your regular cock-warmer.
I'm not looking forward to this game and can see SCW's stock falling considerably.
