Quite a competitive position actually! The Lions boast a number of options, each of which offers a different style of play. None can boast the same all round game as their opposite number Du Preez, but many of them would give him a good game.
Mike Blair is the leading candidate, consistently producing outstanding performances in an otherwise lacklustre Scottish outfit. He has the most complete all round game of the lot, and offers the added extra of being a strong leader. Plus it gives the jocks something to shout about in South Africa!
Mike Phillips is his leading competitor. His back row physique will be a huge benefit against the big springbok forwards. He too has a pretty good all round game, and has fended off the challenge of the last Lions 9, Dwayne Peel, to grab the welsh jersey with both hands. All of which he did when coming off the back of a lengthy injury. A good run of games I the next few months, which will likely included a 6 Nations decider in Cardiff and a Heineken Cup quarter final in Thomand Park will do him no harm (hopefully)!
Whilst these two are virtual certs to travel, the third seat is very much to play for. Danny Care is the most exciting option, with his electric pace, and awesome form for most of the this season. However, his silly penalty last week against Ireland may cost him a chance to play for England in the next two weeks, so he’d need Quins to beat Leinster in the H Cup and produce a few top class displays to travel.
Dwayne Peel too offers an outstanding all round game when on form, and is a superb breaker, and will undoubtedly be a leading candidate despite his indifferent form for Sale. Harry Ellis has enjoyed a return to form, and is quite experienced for his age. He’ll definitely be in the mix. Tomas O’Leary and Chris Cusiter could both challenge but they’re not in the same league as those mentioned above and I’d be very surprised if they managed to sneak on the tour.
As an outside bet, Ben Foden might be looked at. He hasn’t had a run of games at scrum half in ages, but he is probably the in form full back in the premiership, and we all know how versatility is a bonus for the Lions selectors.
On the plane: Mike Blair, Mike Phillips
Departures Lounge: Harry Ellis
Keep June Free: Danny Care, Dwayne Peel, Tomas O’Leary, Chris Cusiter
Outside Bet: Ben Foden
Mike Blair is the leading candidate, consistently producing outstanding performances in an otherwise lacklustre Scottish outfit. He has the most complete all round game of the lot, and offers the added extra of being a strong leader. Plus it gives the jocks something to shout about in South Africa!
Mike Phillips is his leading competitor. His back row physique will be a huge benefit against the big springbok forwards. He too has a pretty good all round game, and has fended off the challenge of the last Lions 9, Dwayne Peel, to grab the welsh jersey with both hands. All of which he did when coming off the back of a lengthy injury. A good run of games I the next few months, which will likely included a 6 Nations decider in Cardiff and a Heineken Cup quarter final in Thomand Park will do him no harm (hopefully)!
Whilst these two are virtual certs to travel, the third seat is very much to play for. Danny Care is the most exciting option, with his electric pace, and awesome form for most of the this season. However, his silly penalty last week against Ireland may cost him a chance to play for England in the next two weeks, so he’d need Quins to beat Leinster in the H Cup and produce a few top class displays to travel.
Dwayne Peel too offers an outstanding all round game when on form, and is a superb breaker, and will undoubtedly be a leading candidate despite his indifferent form for Sale. Harry Ellis has enjoyed a return to form, and is quite experienced for his age. He’ll definitely be in the mix. Tomas O’Leary and Chris Cusiter could both challenge but they’re not in the same league as those mentioned above and I’d be very surprised if they managed to sneak on the tour.
As an outside bet, Ben Foden might be looked at. He hasn’t had a run of games at scrum half in ages, but he is probably the in form full back in the premiership, and we all know how versatility is a bonus for the Lions selectors.
On the plane: Mike Blair, Mike Phillips
Departures Lounge: Harry Ellis
Keep June Free: Danny Care, Dwayne Peel, Tomas O’Leary, Chris Cusiter
Outside Bet: Ben Foden
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