With the excitement building ahead of 2013's visit to Australia, we decided to pump up the volume by bringing you our sixth British & Irish Lions watch!
Every three weeks or so Planet Rugby will update its leaderboard for who should pack their bags, who should keep the diary open and who should stock the fridge with a few beers, pizzas and ice creams for soaking up the tour on the couch, as the most coveted of selections fast approaches.
We must stress that long-term injuries have been taken into account for our calls. However, those nearing a return to action are accommodated.
Here we go - make sure to give your feedback.
FULL-BACKS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Competition for the 15 shirt has become so intense that rather than take two full-backs, we have opted for three. Leigh Halfpenny is still out in front after a man-of-the-match performance for Wales against France in Paris, but his flexibility in the back three could see him selected on the wing. Rob Kearney continues to work his way back into form and his best games are ahead of him, while his experience from 2009 is useful. The eye has been well and truly caught though by Stuart Hogg - with the Scotland full-back racking up two long-range tries in two games. Continue that form through the rest of the championship, and he may win a starting spot.
On standby: Lee Byrne, Alex Goode
Best make other plans next June: Ben Foden, Felix Jones.
WINGS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Following his match-winning try in Paris, George North offered a timely reminder of what he can do on the biggest stage. It means that North slots back onto the plane, at the expense of the injured Simon Zebo, whose injury rules him out for now despite his audacious bit of skill against Wales. Chris Ashton retains his spot after a hard-working opening to the Six Nations so far, with the flying Dutchman Tim Visser also coming in to claim his plane ticket. That leaves Mike Brown, whose contributions so far in the Six Nations for England have been outstanding. Alex Cuthbert remains on the fringes, as does new Scotland winger Sean Maitland after impressing for Scotland in his first two Test matches.
On standby: Alex Cuthbert, Sean Maitland, Eli Walker, Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe
Best make other plans next June: Liam Williams, Ugo Monye, Christian Wade, David Strettle, Sean Lamont
CENTRES
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: No changes to the centre collection from last time out. Jamie Roberts was another Welshman to rediscover his best form against France, excelling on his 50th cap. Brian O'Driscoll produced a rather subdued performance against England - it has been quite a busy morning for Ireland's most capped player with the birth of his daughter - but he was electric against Wales and must not only travel, but also start. Manu Tuilagi is yet to leave his mark on this year's championship following injury, but is still a powerful weapon and could prove so against France this weekend. Brad Barritt's qualities continue to go unheralded but he is a coach's dream given his work-rate. That leaves Jonathan Davies, who despite seemingly forgetting how to pass against Ireland, clings on to travel. Billy Twelvetrees is on the radar, as is Matt Scott.
On standby: Scott Williams, Matt Scott, Billy Twelvetrees
Best make other plans next June: James Downey, Anthony Allen, Darren Cave, Gordon D'Arcy, Ashley Beck
FLY-HALVES
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Injury has provided a temporary setback for Ireland's Jonathan Sexton, but the new Racing Métro recruit is still the best option. Hot on his heels though is Owen Farrell, who simply continues to improve with every Test he plays after a fine kicking performance in the win over Ireland in Dublin. The closer we edge towards the first Test in Brisbane, debate over who must direct the Lions will intensify and the gap between these two players is currently a lot closer than people expect. Dan Biggar silenced some critics against France and is undoubtedly talented, but will face competition from a resurgent Toby Flood, whilst Jonny Wilkinson's Lions chances appear to be fading. Ruaridh Jackson is another to catch the eye.
On standby: Toby Flood, James Hook, Ruaridh Jackson
Best make other plans next June: Jonny Wilkinson, Rhys Priestland, Ronan O'Gara, Rhys Patchell, Charlie Hodgson, Greig Laidlaw, Paddy Jackson
SCRUM-HALVES
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Danny Care and Ben Youngs are as difficult to separate when it comes to selection for England as they are far the Lions, with Care landing the most recent blow with a stunning try against Leicester for Harlequins. Youngs though is seen as the preferable option given his all-round abilities. Mike Phillips will also travel behind the pairing, with Ireland's Conor Murray likely to challenge him for the remaining spot.
On standby: Conor Murray, Eoin Reddan, Paul Marshall
Best make other plans next June: Tavis Knoyle, Issac Boss, Richard Wigglesworth, Lloyd Williams, Lee Dickson, Henry Prygos
NUMBER EIGHTS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Jamie Heaslip had an afternoon to forget against England, the first black mark on new Ireland captain's report card so far. It will no doubt spur him on to better performances over the next couple of months, but Toby Faletau is making a real impression and in many minds right now is the frontrunner to start at number eight against the Wallabies. Last but not least, Scotland captain Kelly Brown can operate at the back of the pack and is making his case on a weekly basis with high tackle counts. Ben Morgan's injury has been come at a time when he was starting to show promise.
On standby: Ben Morgan, Thomas Waldrom, David Denton, Billy Vunipola, Johnnie Beattie
Best make other plans next June: James Coughlan, Jordan Crane, Nick Easter
FLANKERS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Two games in and Chris Robshaw has gone from having a seat on the plane to being the leading contender to start at openside flanker and possibly even captain the Lions in Australia. Not far behind him is Ireland's Sean O'Brien who is in fine form after returning from injury, a nightmare to contain and possessing the kind of power that can swing matches. The battle for the openside flanker position in Wales for now has been won by the Osprey Justin Tipuric, who will certainly travel - fitness permitting - if he continues his rich vein of form. Injury for now though rules out a spot on the plane for Stephen Ferris along with Dan Lydiate, with England's Tom Wood taking the remaining place given his flexibility to play across the back row. That leaves one more spot, which for now is taken by the resurgent Ryan Jones. His return from injury as Wales captain could not have gone better in Paris, and he has the key experience of two Lions tours on his record meaning he will not only travel, but possibly start. Sam Warburton must find a breakthrough.
On standby: Sam Warburton, Stephen Ferris, Ross Rennie, Dan Lydiate, Peter O'Mahony, Tom Croft, Steffon Armitage
Best make other plans next June: Tom Johnson, John Barclay, Alasdair Strokosch, Chris Henry, Iain Henderson, James Haskell
SECOND-ROWS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: England's Geoff Parling continues to edge closer to a Lions starting spot, something that would have been dismissed 12 months ago when he made his Test debut, with Scotland's Richie Gray putting down a marker for club and country in recent weeks too as he discovers some form. Donnacha Ryan should be his main contender for the number four slot - another great athlete who never fails to produce impressive tackle statistics. The final second row place goes for now to Joe Launchbury, who is taking to Test rugby with surprising ease. He edges out Nathan Hines, whose lack of involvement in the Six Nations following international retirement has not helped his cause. The chasing pack is headed by Alun Wyn Jones, who is named on the bench for Wales this weekend and if fit - when it comes to selection - should squeeze in.
On standby: Nathan Hines, Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jim Hamilton, Courtney Lawes, Andrew Coombs
Best make other plans next June: Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Al Kellock, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Mike McCarthy
HOOKERS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: The same trio from last time out should all travel bar injury. Rory Best is still out in front, although his throwing has been a tad wayward in recent weeks, with Dylan Hartley apparently now set to start for England against France this weekend, offering him a chance to issue a reminder of his experience. That leaves Tom Youngs, who for now holds the edge over the injured Richardt Strauss and Welshman Richard Hibbard at hooker.
On standby: Richard Hibbard, Sean Cronin, Richardt Strauss
Best make other plans next June: Ross Ford, Matthew Rees, Mike Sherry, Ken Owens
PROPS
Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: It has been an interesting couple of opening games in the Six Nations for Cian Healy. After a brilliant performance against Wales, Healy was wild against England and his stamp on fellow Lions prop Dan Cole has seen him consequently suspended. He will certainly travel, but the incident has raised doubts over his temperament. Cole is another who will definitely travel and is playing well, edging out the challenge of Lions veteran Adam Jones for now in any case. Gethin Jenkins' domestic woes continue and he has looked off the pace in the opening games so far, with Paul James hot on his heels for Wales. The final spot goes to Mike Ross, but Mako Vunipola is starting to make an impression for Saracens and England. With the bolter tag now around his neck, he could make a late surge.
On standby: Mako Vunipola, Paul James, Ryan Grant
Best make other plans next June: Alex Corbisiero, Euan Murray, Andrew Sheridan, Tom Court, Joe Marler, Dave Kilcoyne
by Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Comments
TVaddict says...
@makemehappy
My comment were made pre-Italy game when he was definitely out of form. Let's see if he can repeat that performance, if he does then he deserves the bench spot at least.
Posted 10:58 28th February 2013
makemehappy says...
@TVaddict - Jenkins out of form? Short of game time yes, but not out of form. I'd watch the Italy game if I was you.
Posted 13:23 27th February 2013
melkdave says...
@Jhamer25
Believe me i would like to take 6 props aswell,(A.Sheriadan )but unfortunatly the squad is limited atm to 35 players total,for the tour.If you take a sixth prop,it means less cover elsewhere.Hence ive picked players who specialise in their postions,but can play well in others,as im sure there will be a few injurys ,there always are,and any replacements are going to need a least a week after arrival to get up to speed imo.
Posted 21:27 22nd February 2013
Jhamer25 says...
Lwynd
read my second post i said i would take 6 props instead of 5 and thats means grant and murray in for mike ross. But if i did have to take 5 props i would rather 5 loosheads than tighheads. So that would mean grant for ross. But overall i would take 6 props
Mike ross isn't consistent, he has good parts like england 2st and and agaisnt wales 1st half. But gagain some games he has shockers. Just look back at the first round against exeter. He got destroyed by carl rimmer. He only jsut come up from the thr rugby premiership adn out srummaged the starting irish tighthead.
Also Tv addict i can also see where you come from but i guess i ratehr dan lydiate and tip is style of play becuase they how i think good flankers play. Dan was crucial in last years six nations for us and yes he isn't a player for the rbeak dwon but the way he tackles allows players like sam or tips to get over the ball to turn turnovers. Apart from adam he is our most important player
I just guess wood isn't my type of player and plays in a mannor that is familiar to me.
Posted 19:39 22nd February 2013
curates_egg says...
Based on form and versatiltiy, Laidlaw looks like a great pick to have as 3rd scrum half! Youngs, Philips and Laidlaw. Not bad to have a 9 who can play 10 in a touring party.
Posted 12:40 22nd February 2013
lawynd says...
Jhamer25 says...
"Ryan grant (starting looshead i think but not even in the team) for mike ross"
Ryan Grant is a loosehead according to your own post...yet Mike Ross is a tighthead prop. Do you need to open your mouth to change feet or are you all good as you are?
Posted 09:12 22nd February 2013
TVaddict says...
Hmm... I think currently I'd go for a starting lineup of:
1) Healy
2) Best
3) Cole
4) Gray
5) Parling
6) Wood
7) Robshaw
8) O'Brien
9) Youngs
10) Sexton
11) North
12) Tuilagi
13) Bod
14) Zebo
15) Halfpenny
16) Grant
17) Youngs
18) Jones
19) Launchbury
20) Faletau
21) Care
22) Farrell
23) Brown
I'd say the problem areas for me were:
-Cover at loosehead prop. Originally it would have been Corbisiero but he's injured, then there's Jenkins who's really out of form, plus Marler and Vunipola haven't convinced me yet. So Grant it is.
-For me O'Brien and Robshaw have to be there so I think it balances better to have another worker in Wood their as opposed to another ball carrier in Faletau.
-I'm not convinced Bod will remain injury free, but since he is so far I guess I have to have him. Tuilagi has to be there as well for his ability to beat the first man, but I'd prefer him at 13. An area I will change my mind a lot.
-No one has really claimed the left wing spot so that'll change a lot. I think if Zebo is back and fit I'd have to have him, Halfpenny would definitely be in my 23 too, so I though a bosher in North would balance it out. I know I've left out Hogg but I'd have to see him perform consistently well under the high ball and defensively for the rest of the season for me to take him.
I suppose the players I'd definitely have in my 23 at the moment are:
Healy, Best, Cole, Launchbury, Gray, Parling, Robshaw, O'Brien, Youngs, Care, Sexton, Farrell, Tuilagi, Zebo, Halfpenny.
Posted 02:24 22nd February 2013
TVaddict says...
@Jhamer25
Well you make some good points and you clearly know your stuff, but I really disagree with you about Tom Wood. I guess it's just a matter of differing opinions though your right about his performances for Northampton, but at the moment he's one of the best performing backrowers in the 6 nations. The amount of work he gets done at the rucks, the number of tackles, his lineout work. True he doesn't get as many turnovers as say Tipuric, but he definitely slows down the ball a lot better and brings a much greater physical presence all round. He is capable of playing 6, 7 and 8 to a high standard and is one of the fittest flankers in the 6 nations, second only to Robshaw. He is basically a fitter and more versatile Lydiate, with better ball carrying. The trio of Launchbury, Wood and Robshaw are the difference in this England team in their ability to both secure quick ball and also slow down opponents ball.
Now Lydiate is a great player don't get me wrong, but his reputation was built on only a few good games last year and his only strength was that he tackled really well. I say really well, but actually he was probably the best flanker in the world tacklingwise last year. But that was last year and reputations of a year ago should be left a year ago and unless he gets any decent high level game time he can't come on this tour. You also mention Ferris but I'm sure you've heard that he's going to be out for the season now so that's another option lost to us.
Posted 02:01 22nd February 2013
Egbert says...
Too many English. We saw what happened in 2005 when Sir Clive was in charge. Only Tuilagi, Farrell, Care and Cole should be on the olane.
Posted 20:02 21st February 2013
Jhamer25 says...
Ok lawynd yes tom youngs does need more experiince and im not saying he doesn't maybe in a few years time he he could be but for know he shouldn't be anywhere near lion contention.
Secondly Hibabrd is by far the best hooker in wale ATM. Matthew rees hasn't been the best of late and ken has been on and off for a whie when it comes to matthew rees starting ahead of him or ken being injured.
Also since the autum series tom wood hasn't been injured and i watched him in the ehineken cup and he was like a mouse. Didn't see him do anything in the Heineken cup and he has started every round for northampton, so dont say that he hasn't played that much. He came back at the beginning of the season and the only good game he has had was new zealand. Can't recall him playing well in any other english game in the autumn or six nations. Over rated so much it's unbeliavable and stop making excuses for him.
Dont get what you mean when you say do reserach on loose and tight head cause
ryan grant, gehtin and cian are all looseheads
Adam, dan and euan are all tightheads
Thats what i said, so maybe you need to do a bit of research.
Also if you didn't know loosehead is number 1 and tighthead is number 3 ok.
Posted 18:27 21st February 2013
markpat says...
While I might not agree with the idea, I have a feeling the Lions are going to end up starting Tuilagi on the wing to try and get all 3 of Roberts, BOD and Tuilagi on the picth at the same time. Personally, I'd rather see Tuilagi coming off the bench.
Backrow is probably going to be the most interesting area of selection as there are so many good options - different styles and combinations may dictate the makeup, rather than playing what people perceive as the best 3.
Posted 14:38 21st February 2013
kybone says...
risca30- BOOOORRRIIIINNNGGGG!!!! Do you ever have anything to say about Rugby?
Posted 12:41 21st February 2013
lawynd says...
@Jhamer25 - just a few points...
- Tom Youngs can throw, he just needs more experience on the international stage. He's only on his third or fourth cap and this is his first season as starting hooker for Leicester, remember? And Hibbard is awful, he's not even the best hooker in Wales!
- Mike Ross would be my third choice tighthead, behind Dan Cole and Adam Jones...but Jones needs to pull his finger out sharpish if he wants to get on the flight.
- You wouldn't have seen a Tom Wood performance for Saints in a while as injury and international call ups have reduced his game time at club level, and Saints are fairly ordinary this year as a whole. You've clearly got a short memory if you can't recall his pre-injury performances for England.
- If you don't know the difference between a loosehead and a tighthead, you might want to do a little research.
Posted 09:30 21st February 2013
12Counties says...
@shaz13 there were rumours circulating that he was on the pitch against England a couple of weeks ago but as yet no hard video evidence has materialised.....
Posted 09:28 21st February 2013
shaz13 says...
Has Craig Gilroy ceased to exist?
Posted 04:22 21st February 2013
ben7 says...
Healy
Best
Cole
Gray
Parling
O'Brien
Robshaw (C)
Faletau/Morgan
Youngs
Farrell
North
BOD (yes i know he plays 13)
Tuilagi
Brown
Halfpenny
Posted 23:33 20th February 2013
Jhamer25 says...
No guess needed that melk you are english. Some good points but you do know gatland can call up players it they are injured. It would be nice to have 5 versatile players in the team but you want specialist players in their own position on a lions tour to get the best out of them.
Trust me know when i say courtney lawes and tom youngs will not be going on that tour. Can't believe your prop choices either, Only dan in that list deserves to go and probaly healey. But you can't take mike ross, vunipolo r marler when you have other props like euan murray, adam jones, gethin jenkins and ryan grant. Sorry to rain on the englis scrum but it's not as good as you think. I got a feeling the frnch are about to make there mark in this copetition through their scrums.
Posted 22:34 20th February 2013
risca30 says...
too many english players mentioned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 22:10 20th February 2013
new_j4a says...
Sexton ahead of Farrel???? One has a fine rugby brain and 45 IQ points on the other. You guess which is which. Another decisive series win for the SH. (You should try Sexton at prop)
Posted 20:26 20th February 2013
melkdave says...
Interesting selections,but for me some players are out of their best postion ie Brown,Robshaw Lailaw,SOB,So with that in mind i would take the following atm
15) Halfpenny,Brown,Hogg-Al 3 can cover wing and Hogg also can do center
14)Aston,Cuthbert-Imo both could cover center at a pinch
13)Tuangi,BOD-Tuangi ca also cover wing
12)Barritt,Roberts
11)North,Vissier
10)Sexton,Farral,Flood-All 3 can cover inside center
9)Youngs,Care,Laidlaw-Laidlaw can cover FH if needed,while Youngs/ Carehave enough pace for emergency wing
8)SOB,Faletau,-Sob can cover all 3 BR postionsand Faletau 6
7)Armitage,Tipric-Specialist 7s
6)Robshaw,Brown-Both ca cover all 3 BR postions,and Robshaw an extra lineout option
5Pairling,Lawes-Great locks ,and Lawes can cover 6
4)Grey,Luanchbury
3)Cole,Ross-Best tightheads ,atm in 4 Nations
2)Best,Hartley,Youngs-Best Hookers in 4 Nations
1)Healey,Vunipolo,Malhar-Best Looseheads atm,and all good in the loose
I know theres 36 players here,but the 35 limit i think was agreed last year,before the extra frontrow was alowed on the bench ,so im exopecting 36 to traval.
Posted 20:14 20th February 2013