Lions - The tight 5

As part of a series of articles, I’d like to get a debate going on who we feel should be going on the tour after the conclusion of the 6 nations. Although these have obviously been done before, I think it would be interesting to break it down into units to get some real in depth discussion on the specifics as opposed to a list of names making up the first 15.

So, here goes…

Many of the home nations front five put in some good performances, although unfortunately there wasn’t really a consistent, stand out unit. England’s performed well against Scotland, and did ok at Ireland and France but really struggled against the Italians and Welsh. Wales grew into the tournament, culminating in an absolute demolition of the red rose! Scotland put in a shift against France and Ireland held their own Italy.

Aside from scrummaging, there wasn’t really a stand out team in the line-out, with England being particularly poor at times. In the loose, there were some good performances, Jim Hamilton of Scotland always putting himself round the park, whilst Launchbury and Parling redeemed relatively poor set piece showings with impressive performances around the park.

So the options are:

1. Loosehead: Marler, Vunipola, Jenkins, Healey, Ryan Grant

2. Hooker: Youngs, Hartley, Hibbard, Owens, Ford, Best

3. Tighthead: Cole, Jones, Murray, Cross, Ross

4. Second Row: Launchbury, Hamilton, AW Jones, O’Callaghan

5. Second Row: Parling, Evans, D Ryan, Gray

So a few players there to choose from, feel free to add in others who aren’t mentioned, the list is just a snap shot and justify why you have included them. Name your first choice 5 and a replacement for each. I’ll get the ball rolling:

1. Healey – Thought he had a good 6 nations apart from a moment of madness or two against England. A very solid scrummager due to his height to weight ratio, but extremely mobile and useful in the use. On the firmer grounds of Australia his loose game should blossom.

Back up: Jenkins

2. Ford – This is a tough choice, Hibbard was excellent against England in the tight and the loose but I haven’t seen enough to have him as first choice. Ford has alaways been a favourite of mine and largely why I picked him. Captained his country so brings his leadership qualities to the front row. Very muscular and powerful aiding a strong scrum, whilst being athletic to get around the whole pitch carrying ball and making tackles. His line-out throwing has also improved.

Back up: Best

3. Jones – Best tighthead in the world for me. Again, like Healey, his low centre of gravity and high weight makes him a very solid scrummager. Made a huge difference last lions tour and tour England a new one at the weekend. I like my tightheads to be pure scrummagers and Jones is that. Will give us good front foot ball to take it to the aussies.

Back up: Murray

4. Hamilton – Has had a fantastic season domestically and led Scotlands charge to third place. Never takes a step back, always delivers the physicality and will marshal the line-out, both in defence and attack. Jim will be the packs enforcer, and a potential captain for me.

Back up: A W Jones (tough call between him and jim for the starting berth, potentially play both)

5. Evans – A solid and understated ‘team player’. Solid in the set pieces and useful around the park. Possibly not the ‘star’ player to partner Jim, but in the engine room it’s all about consistent solidity.

Back up: Parling (unless Gray can regain the barnstorming form that saw him previously as a lion dead cert)


So there’s my choices, what’s yours? Why? Whats your opinion on my tight 5? Debate away!