Universal Nutrition Forum

Cast your vote in the poll in the above.What's your predictions?

I'm going to be really positive and go with my heart over my gut! Lions 2-1 to win.

We have a few big games left before the tests, it really depends if the guys get more used to playing with each other, a lot more chemistry and heart has to be there. If we can and select the RIGHT 22 then I think it will be a narrow 2-1 win for the lions, but not 3-0. NO team could beat South Africa 3 times in a row.

i went with 2-1 aswell. the lions could really catch them cold in the first game because SA have only had one warm-up game. and that was only against Namibia. the fact that SA have a lot of injuries too and might even have to play Pietersen at full back. It's going to be really tight, and especially with the 2nd and 3rd test at high altitude, but i just have to go with the heart. the 15 for the lions is really coming together now too.
i think it'll be
15. Lee Byrne
14. Tommy Bowe
13. BOD
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Fitzgerald (really close between him and Monye though)
10. Jones
9. Phillips
8. Heaslip
7. Wallace
6. Croft (would have been Ferris before the injury)
5. Paul O'connell
4. Alun Wynn-Jones
3. Vickey (i dont agree with it but i think he'll get the nod ahead of Murray)
2. Mears
1. Jenkins

We're either all Genius rugby analysts or the Lions are gonna get hockeyed!!

Tomorrow will be a big test but I like the way the backs are starting to gel and the defence seems to be working really well. All we need now is the back row to work - Ferris was the outstanding player so far and really gutted he's gone. Croft hasn't done much to impress nor has Worsely.

i reckon itl be a 2-1 victory seems things have started gelling together well enough id say the team will be:
15 lee byrne
14 tommy bowe
13 o driscoll
12 roberts
11 fitzgerald (monye is overrated, williams is out of form)
10 hook ( bit of a wild card especially since all the flys halfs seem to be in form but i think his overall game is batter then rog and jones)
9 philips
8 heaslip
7 wallace
6 croft
5 paul o connell
4 al wyn jones
3 vickery (lots of experience big lad takes no shit what u need against sprinbocks even though hes not the best player)
2 mears
1 sheridan

I agree with gym johns back row point, with williams and ferris out there really is not much depth in that department, also i think it was a useless exercise playing worsley at 7 against the lions because he just is not an openside, im now thinkin a 2-1 south africa could be on the cards!

everyone seems to be forgetting martyn williams..i think its a possibility they might play him and wallace left and right as wallace is big enough for a 6

Well Worsley is out there because of the McGeechan and London Wasps connection, like how Cipriani is the next outhalf call up. I think Ferris injury is a blow, he would of really become a world class player after this tour like Eric Miller did after the 1997 tour before injury. It is a tough decision and I think a few of my selections won't be selected but I would go with.

15. Lee Byrne ( has not had a great start but I think overall they will go with him)
14. Tommy Bowe ( it would be a big shame and not right if he missed out)
13. BOD
12. Jamie Roberts/Gordon Darcy ( all depends how he plays when given his shot otherwise Roberts who has become great mates with BOD will bag it)
11. Shane Williams ( Does not deserve it but his name might grab him it)/Luke Fitz ( 11 and 14 will be marking the two most dangerous wings in the world Fitzgerald is the candidate for it as his defence is solid and Monye's defence doesn't quite hack it.
10. Stephen Jones (Its simple if Phillips is scrumhalf then they will go with Jones if Ellis or Blair where to get it O Gara would be selcted.
9. Mike Phillips (Best candidate)
8. Jamie Heaslip ( This tour could make him the world class number 8 he may become)
7.David Wallace so far his work rate has been outstanding and behind Ferris would be my favourite Lions player so far.
6. Ryan Jones ( I think he would bring more to the team than Croft)
5. Paul O Connell
4. Alun Wyn Jones/ Simon Shaw ( Before the tour I would of said neck and neck between O Callaghan and Wyn Jones but I think with Shaw's expeireince as he was on the 1997 Lions tour who beat South Africa 2-1 he really could bring a lot to the game. could be a possible shocker)
3. Euan Murray ( If Vickery was to have got it, it would be because of the Wasps connection but would soon be mangled by Tendai Mtawarira and it would soon be seen that Murray is the man for the job.
2. Lee Mears ( A week ago I would of said Ross Ford but Mears has been very impressive so far)
1. Gethin Jenkins ( Although Sheridan has been ok so far, it is clear that Jenkins is the man to be in the front row to take on the boks)

lads i think he'll have croft in second row, alun wyn jones and o'connell are too alike. also croft eats the ground in front of hime( second fastest player at leister after varndell). he'd love the high veld and hard ground. worsley will probs get the nod at 6 coz he hits like a freight train. or wallace at 6 n williams at 7 for a fast moving game.

I'd agree with Eagle's line up choices, except, after hearing today's selection announcement for tomorrow's match - I'd bet Monye has the wing ahead of Fitzgerald, Williams is out of form and the English media seem to have a hard-on for Monye even though Luke Fitzgerald has been brilliant on the tour so far! As D'arcy's starting tomorrow, he won't be starting, Roberts has it. And obviously Ryan Jones is out - most ridiculous Lions Tour victim? Wonder why the Welsh doctors even let him travel with "multiple severe blows to the head"!! Lucky man the Lions' doctors spotted it, coulda ended nastily for him!

Should be a cracker Sat, can't wait!

yeah and i just dont like ryan jones full stop!! imo they cannot leave out martyn williams..sure he may not be as phsyically imposing as worsley but he is the most intelligent backrow in the world and is a key player! i think powell ( although quite unreliable) could be an awesome impact sub as he will relish the abrasive playing of the boks!