Early Lions contenders

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Yes, it is "early", but why not?
I don't like to name too many forwards after one game as we need to see how they get on against the other contenders, but I'll suggest a couple later.

Backs: No Welsh backs have yet "put their hands up" as they like to say in the SH, and precious few English ones. I suppose all the Irish backs are in with a shout, but these are near certainties (barring injuries) IMO:

Gibson-Park, Aki and Lowe (none Irish by birth!)
The other starters have a good chance, though I'd prefer sub 10 Crowley to starter Prendergast as he's physically stronger and a better kicker. 

From Scotland, Huw Jones must be a cert. In the absence of other contenders, I feel Russell must go though he needs to cut out the daft mistakes he makes when his side seem to be cruising. Their other backs are contenders, but especially van der Merwe (another from the SH...) and White at 9 did himself no harm. 

England backs - the only one to make an impact (until the game was lost) was the burly Lawrence, though he faded after half time. 

Forwards: I like both Irish hookers - Kelleher and Sheehan - and Cherry of Scotland went well. No props stood out - the Scots were under pressure form Italy - though maybe surprisingly two from Wales - our own Henry Thomas in the scrums, and Smith in the loose - did OK. We'll have a clearer idea at the end of the 6N. 

Beirne must go as he's a former Scarlet (!) - no, he's just very good. Itoe maybe - so long as he keeps his mouth shut. Darge is the stand-out back row forward in week 1. The rest - not much between them so far. 