I hope Captain H will forgive me for stealing his thunder, but I thought I'd keep this entertaining set of threads going - hopefully to include team mascots, songs etc at a later date (II'm sure MMaaxx will suggest "The Lion sleeps tonight"?)
Anyway, who gets the number 10 jersey?
I guess the candidates will be Farrell & Flood for England, Sexton for Ireland (I guess the great O'Gara will then be a little too old), Rhys Priestland and James Hook for Wales and Greig Laidlaw or Ruairidh (sp?) Jackson for Scotland
For me this would seem a relatively simple selection of Farrell, Sexton & Priestland. I guess the risk here is that all are quite young and relatively inexperienced at international level. Overll I'd go for Farrell as my starter due to his greater consistency with the boot and strength in the tackle - important against a very fluid Aussie back line - and Pocock!, though there might be concerns that he isn't attacking enough
What do you think?
Likely Lions: Fly Halves
posted on 20/4/12
Hook/Flood/Farrell can all play other positions as well, all could arguably be brought in to the centre argument, and Hook at FB (not for me personally).
I am still waiting for Hook to show on a consistent basis what he is capable of, as an attacking FH he can be brilliant. Maybe the spell in France will help with this.
Sexton I just think is too steady, Priestland is a better option in my book.
If Farrell keps going as he starts he will defo be going.
I like Flood too.
Haven't really seen enough of the Scottish boys to comment on them.
A good season for Biggar or Morgan could see them on the outskirts, there is usually some sort of shock on the cards.
Personally at the moment I would take
Priestland
Farrell
Hook
posted on 20/4/12
On the kicking point are you talking out of hand? I think Priestland is superb out of hand.
If you are talking at goal it may depend on who is picked at FB, as if he is on I would let Halfpenny kick the goals.
posted on 20/4/12
Gentlemen with all due respect and not meaning to cause offence jut you have got to be living in some alternate reality if you think Hook is, was or can ever be an International quality FLy half. He's been a FH and every other back position for years now. the old chestnut of giving him time has run out. He's got all the time in the world, and it does not please me to say this, but i have been preaching this for 3 years. Hook is an outstanding player in my book, but hes a 12 or perhaps a 15. He hasn't got the reflexes to be a 10 (quick thinking). And never had.
Moving on to the actual FH's who might be up to the task Farrell, Sexton & Priestland.
Each have their merits, Sexton would be the most experienced and my choice because he does everything well. My concern would be that he is hands down Europe's best Fly Half when playing for Leinster, and somewhat mediocre when playing for Ireland. Is it Leinster which makes him look good, or Ireland making him look bad? Food for thought....
Considering that i would actually go for one of the other 2 who have been great. But i would want Sexton on the bench. If the kid at 10 is having a horror show, I would bet my house on Sexton to come on and change the game for the better. He has that mentality, call it arrogant of
'I'll show you!'
when he's picked on the bench. Something i don't like about him to be honest.
posted on 20/4/12
No offence taken, you will just have to understand that I have a different opinion than you.
At the age of 26 Hook is 3rd in the Welsh all time point scorers list, this doesn't happen by being a bad FH. He has been played out of position in the early days because he was so good and could fill in for missing players.
He was messed around by the Ospreys and Wales. A full season playing flyhalf and he will be back to his best in my view.
And at his best he is head and shoulders above the others.
posted on 20/4/12
Ye mate, totally understand. At his best tho? Has anyone ever seen that? Fact is his best from the FH position is distinctly average by other FH's standards. It's a specialist position. He's a cover who can fill in. And out of that his best has been in the center. Where he blew me away a few years ago. When Henson was in and out of the team Hook came on the scene and was outstanding.
For me it just that simple. If a player is fantastic in one position, leave him there. If he's average in another position then that just ain't his position.
posted on 22/4/12
Cheers for keeping it going SARS, I kept meaning to but been busy at work all week. I would have to agree with Farrell, Sexton and Priestland.
I also think that at the moment these three pretty much cannot be separated, they are all great players the only difference is form.
James Hook should make the trip but as more of a utility back than a fly half. (Story of his career!)
posted on 23/4/12
I agree, FH is a specialised position which Hook has not proved (with many many chance) to have the ability and mental fortitude for. He is a great sub as he covers the whole backline excluding 9.
Priestland and Sexton would be my one and two.
posted on 24/4/12
Farrell, Sexton and Flood for me.
posted on 25/4/12
Farrell and Sexton are about even at the place kicking.
Farrell might edge it defensively but Sexton's clearly well ahead with ball in hand so Sexton for me with Farrell as backup.
I've never seen Priestland do anything much to warrant selection and is only in this great Wales team due to a dearth of alternatives. Bigger isn't, Hook's too flakey but Scotland would pee themselves at the prospect of having either.
Flood would have to be in the squad as 3rd choice with maybe O'Gara or Wilkinson tagging along as part of the staff to mentor.
All three can play at centre allowing more options off the bench.
posted on 29/4/12
Flood, Sexton and Priestland.
Anyone picking Farrell over Flood has lost the plot. Farrell barely plays 10 for Sarries he's just a prolific kicker who happened to have a good few 6n games. Flood is a far more accomplished 10, currently in a rich vein of form.