 Thought we should have a dedicated thread for this, or 'Tony Bond's Rugby Thread' will be diverted from its current role of following Cardiff Blues' remarkable season  So, no surprise on the captaincy then, the right decision for me.
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.jpg) "So, no surprise on the captaincy then, the right decision for me" You on the team too then Kate?
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 For once I am staying out of this pre tour deabate. Having read the above report, there is one aspect of the selection process that I see as deeply flawed and it follows the normal "narrow" thought process that dogs such selections every couple of years. It is so controversial on my part that I would be left open to a charge of "sour grapes" if I aired it, so I will keep my council and await the announcement tomorrow!
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 Well, its just going to be the wasps squad isn't it despite being in the bottom half of the GP. As long as that useless half-wit pretty boy wannabe roundyballer Cipriani doesn't go i'm happy! The only time I've ever supported Josh Lewsey was when he knocked him out in training!
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 I'm intrigued Tony, not sure what you are referring to. I much prefer this years policy of picking on overall form and not reputation and of keeping squad numbers down to two player per position, plus a handful extra for key positions. Still... my opinion may change when I see the squad in an hour or so! 
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I'm actually surprised by the extent of Welsh representation - didn't expect 3 front rows to go. And whilst the BBC may be 'shocked' at Ryan Jones' omission, I'm less so given his current form and the form of other No8s from the home nations, though as I indicated in the other thread, I'm not 100% convinced about Andy Powell's selection even though he's a Blue! Possibly a mid-week / substitute battering-ram! I think Andy Powells selection is fine,would of liked Dwayne Peel in the side.As always with Lions selections just who do you leave out? Oops, sorry, put it in the wrong rugby thread, after I started this one myself too! Duh! Hasn't Peel been injured though?
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Well no real surprises in the squad selection. Jones and Croft in the back row perhaps, but then do they deserve to go above the others in the squad? Harry Ellis is lucky, probably there as someone who can keep things tight to the scrum / rucks if required, can't see him starting a test though. Halfpenny was a nice surprise. Fair play to the lad. Seems a well rounded squad with plenty of options. IMO.
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1/2p isn't a surprise to me 
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1/2p isn't a surprise to me Well, me neither. I just thought he would be overlooked.
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As Mcgeechan watched the EDF final, then the inclusion of 1/2Penny is indeed no surprise. I wouldn't pick Andy Powell for the Welsh squad on current form, let alone for the Lions! Thomas O'leary is another surprise, I think Nic Stringer is a better Scrum half for Ireland and also think that Peel is head and shoulders above both! I don't see how Delon Armitage could be left out either, but if you consider that his position is fullback, then you can't argue with the selection of the two that they made. As for the rest, then there probabbly is no futher argument from me!
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Tony, I thought Armitage deserved a place on his 6 Nation performances. However, I have heard that he has a bit of an ego... and in that light, perhaps not endearing himself to Mcgeechan as a player that can rough in and settle for non-test games. The scrum halfs are all much of a muchness. 5 locks, 2 FH's? I take it we are relying on Flutie filling in and Halfpenny kicking if one gets injured. 
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To be honest for me, O'gara is the weakest link, he is useless in defence and on that alone, I wouldn't rate him. Nicky Robinson has been playing well for the Blues and going on what I have seen of him this season, I would even rate him above "Hooky" who I also think is "suspect" in defence. To be honest about it, with a physical back row like the Springboks, we cannot afford to have Outside Halfs being "protected"on the field by back row forwards. I would actually rate Toby Flood above both O'Gara and Hook when he is playing well, he is certainly more solid in defence than them!
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| Edited: 21/04/09 20:56 |
Nicky has been playing well for the Blues sometimes. Sometimes he's been playing sh*t for us. On his day he's brilliant, but he's way too inconsistent and you don't know from one minute to the next which one he's going to be. His tactical kicking is suspect - his famous up and unders that go behind him, his too-often failure to make touch when kicking into touch on penalties. He hasn't played for Wales for years and would be way too much of a risk I'm afraid.
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Not a bad selection. Was surprised they didn't take Tom Croft as I think he gives an extra attacking option but can put the hits in too. also amazed that only 2 FH's are being take as that's the one position that'll be targeted. Although with Flood injured (dammit), Hooks big game mentality questionable that leaves you a little light on 1st choice. Goodey's solid but not spectacular i thought maybe Vesty would be in with a shout just as a play anywhere back option. Very surprised that Delon Armatage isn't going. Happy that Harry's going at 9, he's improving game by game and pretty much back at pre-injury level, shame he's just been overshadowed by Julien Dupey's fantastic performances at Tigers. Rocky wrote (see) Tony, I thought Armitage deserved a place on his 6 Nation performances. However, I have heard that he has a bit of an ego... and in that light, perhaps not endearing himself to Mcgeechan as a player that can rough in and settle for non-test games.
Is that the same McGeechan that reccomended Cipriani for the six nations?
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| Edited: 21/04/09 21:23 |
Cippy WILL be a good if not great asset to England ...............................just not yet! Anyway, away from what I, Mal, Kate, Frum, Julian and a few other believe is a "friendly" rivalry of the six nations, we are, once again one nation, united in the common cause against the rest of the world. May we rejoice in the triumphs that we all deserve before we once again go our seperate ways next January! It can only happen with the oval ball eh?
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I think the rivalry in the round ball is more aggressive with lots of oiks on all sides.English and Scotch supporters at the same end,can,t imagine it.
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Just heard an interview on the radio. It seems they probably are looking to use Flutie at 10 with Halfpenny kicking, as cover for the other 2 FH's. I spose it seems the preferable option to clogging the squad with more specialised players.
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 Rocky, I think you'd be interested if you get over to Windy.
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Anyway, away from what I, Mal, Kate, Frum, Julian and a few other believe is a "friendly" rivalry of the six nations, we are, once again one nation, united in the common cause against the rest of the world.
Think the Irish might prefer it if you said "one team", Tony - damned sensitive these Celts.
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