mentalist

Any thoughts on the captaincy selection and the omission of Johnny Wilkinson amongst other decisions? Only nine Englishmen selected. I cannot help thinking that 24yo is rather young for the squad captain.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/r...155445715.html

NorthernLad

I would say biased choice of captain - shite record against southern hemisphere, plays better under a captain and already made a suspect comment that indicates immaturity to me:

""There's a good Welsh contingent of leaders who I can rely on and I'm sure there are other experienced members and I'll need their help along the way. I'm looking forward to squad assembling on the 13th. I'll just continue to do what I do for Wales - I guess that's why Warren chose me."

I'd rather have seen O'Driscoll or O'Connell captain them, Warburton should still be around in four years for a go.

Wilkinson was fantastic against Sarries at the weekend - Gatland did say he wouldn't take France-based players because of their club commitments (apart from Gethin Jenkins).

Millsyisland

Disappointed for Wilko, would have preferred to see him over Farrell who I think is still in development and a bit temperamental. Ideally would have preferred to see 3 10s but of course that would mean losing someone from elsewhere. Captaincy not a surprise to anyone I doubt, whilst he's young I think it's probably the right decision.

Millsyisland

BREAKING: Lions manager Andy Irvine tells BBC Five Live that Jonny Wilkinson ruled himself out:
"The truth is Jonny wasn't up for it. He ruled himself out. He told Warren that...He feels his body isn't in right shape to complete a tour like this. I admire his honesty and integrity. He could be available as an injury replacement."

scrubbedexpat141

No Danny Care - upsetting
No Robshaw - upsetting
Warburton as captain? Behave, never played on a tour, should almost be a prerequisite for becoming a Lions captain.

Strong squad, mind. We should give the Aussies a kicking.

Fundamentally, no point arguing because it's done now. Was always going to be a Welsh heavy squad and fair play. They're Lions now, not Welsh, Irish, Scots or English.

Now, will GoSport do a deal on their shirts?

mentalist

Don't be daft. We won't win a single test match down under.

Millsyisland

Scamp, I think you fancy Danny Care. Must be his retro hairstyle?

scrubbedexpat141

I've watched him for years and am a die-hard Quins fan....yes I had season tickets in the first division....

He's mustard. He shits all over Ben Youngs, he's attacking, he's always looking to make yards himself, he's always after gaps and offers so much. He's the kind of scrum half that Mike Phillips looked like he could be.

NorthernLad

And finally a sporting tournament with good viewing times in Dubai.

All of the tests kick-off between 13:30 and 14:00 UAE time on a Saturday.

mentalist

On which TV channel?

NorthernLad

I expect one you have to pay for, so you'll be listening on the radio.

scrubbedexpat141

Maybe Al Jazeera as they have other rugby stuff?

Can't remember who had the World Cup.

NorthernLad

Looks to be OSN http://www.osn.com/sports/rugby_en_gb.aspx although the web page only goes up to 15th June.

scrubbedexpat141

Looks like I'm watching it in Nezzas then...

Millsyisland

At last, something on OSN Sports I actually want to watch. Assuming Al Jazeera don't offer a huge wad of cash in the meantime of course!