bothhands says...

banaks, I thought that he was implying that too, but actually if I remember correctly, his selection of O'Connell was actually made quite late. And as a few have pointed out, his squad were all very happy with O'Connell as Captain. I think he is actually warning Gatland off shoeing Warburton in there without watching how Warburton gels with the non Welsh components of the team. He does come across as a quiet young man, and that may not fit the bill for a unique environment such as the Lions. I wouldn't be surprised to see O'Connell in there again if he is fit. I mean as skipper

Posted 19:05 03rd July 2012

sirtidychris says...

For me there is only one stand out candidate and thats POC.

Posted 17:03 03rd July 2012

5Lock4ward says...

I would like to nominate Simon Taylor as the Lions captain. I know he hasn't played for Scotland in a few years b/c he took himself out of contention (mind you nobody really knows why) but his experience is immeasurable as is his talent. I believe he could stand toe to toe against the current 8 man from all four home nations and claim that jersey in the first xv of the Lions. Now friends let the stone casting begin. Also, those bashing Paul O'Connell's captaincy of the Lions must not have watched too much of the '09 tour. You'll recall that Ryan Jones was the original name being thrown around in the year before the squad was named and how devastating would it have been to morale had he been the captain when he was sent home w/ concussion issues? That would have been 2 tours in a row where the captain was lost to injury.

Posted 14:48 03rd July 2012

stag says...

@jhmehrtens: not sure if you've ever heard of Willie John McBride - greatest ever Lions captain by some distance

Posted 11:42 03rd July 2012

badza says...

Keuse is die enigste logiese Warburton.

Posted 09:22 03rd July 2012

JMehrtens says...

Just don't choose an Irishman as no Irish captain has been able to lead a team that was better than the sum of its parts (provinces)

Posted 08:34 03rd July 2012

rakavi187 says...

and the captain has to be someone you know will have to be playing all 3 tests ahead of other capable players in the same position. Warburton is indeed a candidate but honestly speaking, O'Brien has been superb for the Irish and would be a shame to see him lose out. Same could be said for Robshaw.

I've never been a big fan of a back being appointed captain so most likely candidate for me COULD be Hartley, but most would not agree considering his record.

Posted 06:17 03rd July 2012

Browny15 says...

Why was it a mistake? Alot of player came out after the tour and stated that o connell was the best captain they ever played under!!

"You need to see how someone is playing, his demeanour and rapport with players and support staff. You have to be disciplined and make a late call on it.

He's basically saying he made the right call!!

Posted 22:40 02nd July 2012

Centre12 says...

If BOD gets selected and is still on fire then its going to be between him, Warburton and Robshaw, I would select the Captain from the Nation that has the most represented by it. What a back row of 6- Robshaw 7- Warburton 8- Heaslip with Croft on the bench would be. Please please don't take Haskel!!!!!!!

Posted 21:56 02nd July 2012

ArmchairGeneral says...

Good point. POC was selected too soon. He has to let Gatts do it his way but Geaks is spot on. Sends wrong message especially if it's Warburton to select too soon. I think Geaks is also saying Warburton didn't step up on tour in Oz whereas Robshaw did.

Posted 20:50 02nd July 2012