The British and Irish Lions squad to take on New Zealand will be announced later today. Our two rugby scribes have taken a look at who they think will make the cut. Check out Darry Worthington's starting XV below:
Fullback: Stuart Hogg
Probably the most naturally gifted rugby player plying his trade in Europe, Hogg has been nothing short of sensational for the ‘Scots’ over the past two years. The fleet-footed Melrose native’s ability to launch counter-attacks from deep inside his own half will be vital for the Lions in ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud.
Right Wing: Liam WilliamsYou need a hell of a lot of x-factor to get one over the All Blacks, which is why Liam Williams gets into my starting XV. The man has loads of pace and a some of the happiest feet in the game. While he's not the most powerfully built winger, he is still decent under the highball.
Outside Centre: Gary Ringrose
This is certainly a left-field call but I think Gary Ringrose could cause the All Black midfield loads of problems. He had a fantastic Six Nations campaign for the Irish and his partnership with Leinster teammate Robbie Henshaw, has the hallmarks of a quality pairing.
Inside Centre: Robbie Henshaw
While some still think the Leinsters man's best position is outside centre, I beg to differ. Yes, Henshaw is no Dick Muir or Jean de Villers but he does possess a slick pair of hands which allows him to put his fellow backs into space. He also runs a great crash ball which is something that will be needed against the All Blacks.
Left Wing: George North
The Welshman makes my side based on past perfromances against the All Blacks. His sheer bulk has caused problems for the New Zealanders in the past and that's likley to continue this June.
Fly-half: Jonathon Sexton
The fly-half berth is the most hotly contested of all the positions for the Lions with George Ford, Finn Russel, Paddy Jackson, Dan Biggar and Owen Farrell all capable of donning the number 10 jersey. None of these men would feature as my starting ten however, as I think the man for the job is Jonathon Sexton. He's vastly experienced, and is one of the most reliable goal kickers in European Rugby. The only concern I have with the Irish pivot is how long he will last on this tour as he has been plagued by injuries in recent years.
Scrum-Half: Connor Murray
I'm not going to go into too much detail here as there is no doubt in my mind that Murray should be the starting nine. If you need convincing, go and check out the highlights of Ireland's win against the All Blacks in Chicago at the back end of last year.
Eigthman: Jamie Heaslip
This is the toughest decision of them all as there’s some real talent plying their trade in the number eight berth. After hours of thought, which involved the consumption of a six pack of beer, I’ve opted for Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip over England’s Billy Vunipola. There really wasn’t much in it and either man is deserving of the jumper but I just think Vunipola could offer something off the bench in second half of the Lions’ fixtures that Heaslip just can’t. Heaslip is more cyribral player, however, which is something you really need to possess in your loose trio when you’re coming up against footballing geniuises such as Kieran Reed.
Blindside Flank: CJ Stander
Probably the first name on Gatland's team sheet, Stander has been nothing short of sensational for the past year and a half. He's a hardworking flanker, who knows his way to the tryline as his Six Nations hattrick against Italy atests to.
Openside Flank: Sean O’ Brien
I'm probably going to get a bit of stick for naming an all Irish backrow but I just think the Lions will need a balanced loose trio on tour. O'Brien hasn't been a sprolific as Stander but he has a similar work ethic and isn't afraid to stick his head in at ruck time. He's also a solid ball carrier.
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (captain)
Like Shaun, I've gone for Jones as my captain. He's a veteran who's been on many a Lions Tour. He leads from the front which is what this Lions side will need in 'The Land of The Long White Cloud'.
Lock: Jonny Gray
Physichal and unwavering in contact situations, Gray is exactly the type of player you need when facing the All Blacks. The mountain of a man will cause all sorts of problems at lineout time as well as in the loose. He had some of the highest tackle stats in the Six Nations and I suspect he'll top the tackles made charts for the Lions.
Tighthead Prop: Tagh Furlong
Another Irishman whose stock has risend dramatcially over the last year and a half is Tadg Furlong. The heavyweight tighthead is a monster at scrumtime. He also carries the ball brilliantly.
Hooker: Rory Best
I've gone for best here due to expereince. He's prpobably not the best hooker in the Bristish Isles at the minute but his composure and secure darts at lineout time make him my choice at hooker.
Loosehead Prop: Mako Vunipola
This man is goind to be all over the highlights reels during this tour. While Mako is a great scrummager, it's his ball carrying and slick hands that get him into my side. He's also a solid tackler who gets around the park.
Written by Shaun Goosen for @Hollywoodbets.net!
from Hollywoodbets Sports Blog http://ift.tt/2pAFsjP
best mesothelioma law firms, mesothelioma attorneys, mesothelioma
lawyer, mesothelioma lawsuits, mesothelioma lawyers, mesothelioma
lawsuit, mesothelioma attorney, mesothelioma settlement, mesothelioma
lawsuit settlements, mesothelioma settlements, mesothelioma law firm,
lawyer mesothelioma, get a online mesothelioma law firm today,
mesothelioma claims, mesothelioma claim, malignant mesothelioma,
mesothelioma law, mesothelioma law firm california, mesothelioma
compensation, mesothelioma law firms, asbestos settlement, asbestos
claim, mesothelioma, asbestos lawsuit, asbestos lung cancer,
mesothelioma law suit, asbestos claims720, asbestos attorney,
mesothelioma lung cancer, mesothelioma causes, asbestos lawyer390,
mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lawsuits, asbestos lawyers, causes of
mesothelioma, asbestos cancer, mesothelioma law suits, what is
mesothelioma, law offices, mesothelioma symptoms
Terimakasih anda telah membaca artikel tentang Darry's British and Irish Lions Starting XV. Jika ingin menduplikasi artikel ini diharapkan anda untuk mencantumkan link https://viralsport.blogspot.com/2017/04/darrys-british-and-irish-lions-starting.html. Terimakasih atas perhatiannya.