With some impressive performances and some not so much, there was plenty to digest for Gatland & Co. from this past weekend’s action. Here’s a rundown on who showed what.
With Alex Corbisiero looking doubtful for the Six Nations and questionable for the Lions tour, Joe Marler put in a very steady performance for England. No silly penalties for starters, which is something of a first. Craig Mitchell looked very keen to get stuck in and even scored a try in his cameo appearance for Wales. On the flipside, veterans Gethin Jenkins, Euan Murray, and to an extent Mike Ross seemed to be struggling with the pace. They’ll need to lift their games if they are to have a hope of making the tour. Of the three Jenkins is of the most interest, and hopefully it’s just a matter of getting more match fitness as he hasn’t seen much action with Toulon.
Rory Best has taken the early lead for the hooker spot. Dylan Hartley seems to be stuck behind Tom Youngs, but expect him to fight hard for his spot. Ross Ford returned to action after an injury enforced break and did his job albeit quietly. Unfortunately for Matthew Rees, Wales seemed to improve when Ken Owens came on. In-form Ospreys rake Richard Hibbard is expected to be fit in time for next weekend.
Not the best weekend for second rows. Joe Launchbury looked good, and Geoff Parling did well in parts but was trampled a couple times in defense, not something you want to see from a big man. Courtney Lawes looked very hungry and aggressive when he came on. Richie Gray will need to improve his tight work but he still got around the pitch well. Mike McCarthy and Donnacha Ryan both put in solid shifts for Ireland. Ian Evans didn’t do too badly despite being clearly unfit. Andrew Coombs played well but is just way too small.
Whatever slim chance Alasdair Strokosch had now looks gone as he’s broken his orbital bone. Kelly Brown looked like a blindside playing openside, but Johnnie Beattie was excellent for the Scots. He’s a real footballer and could be a handful with a better pack in front of him. The English back row of Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw, and Ben Morgan all looked very good. Sean O’Brien put in the best back row performance of the weekend, a human wrecking ball. Jamie Heaslip was pretty solid as well, but he’ll need to do more considering the competition. Toby Faletau was busy on offense as usual, but needs to be more physical in the tackle. Sam Warburton went ok, but was clearly outshined by Justin Tipuric, who looks to be the best genuine openside option available right now.
Not much to say about the halfbacks, pretty much as expected. Greig Laidlaw looked alright at scrumhalf, but not enough to really worry the big three. Dan Biggar’s composure looked a bit shaky at times, and James Hook made a positive impact when he came on. Owen Farrell has put some pressure on Jonny Sexton for pole position, and Toby Flood looks to be well behind the pace setters now.
Tough day at the office for Jonathan Davies, who had probably his worst game in a Welsh jersey, but he’s a class player and he’ll recover no doubt. Jamie Roberts made a couple big plays but will feel under real pressure now after Billy Twelvetrees’ excellent debut for England. Brian O’Driscoll is a nailed-on tourist after his performance. Brad Barritt did alright, but he just doesn’t offer anything that the other contenders can’t do more effectively.
The big winners in the outside back department were Stuart Hogg and Simon Zebo. They both put in eye-catching performances that had the pundits’ tongues wagging. Chris Ashton scored a good try but was ordinary otherwise, and Mike Brown made crucial errors in defense despite showing well with ball in hand. Alex Goode was run over by Hogg in what could prove to be a very poignant moment in terms of final selection. Sean Maitland had a promising debut for Scotland, and Craig Gilroy looked spritely for Ireland. Alex Cuthbert got exposed on defense again, and can’t afford to make any more such errors. On the weekend’s evidence only George North would be picked from the giant winger box, and even then only just.
LIONS SQUAD ROUND 1
FORWARDS(20):
Cian Healy, Joe Marler, Ryan Grant, Rory Best, Tom Youngs, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Adam Jones, Craig Mitchell, Joe Launchbury, Richie Gray, Mike McCarthy, Donnacha Ryan, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Sean O’Brien, Chris Robshaw, Justin Tipuric, Johnnie Beattie, Ben Morgan.
BACKS(16):
Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Mike Phillips, Jonny Sexton, Owen Farrell, James Hook, Billy Twelvetrees, Jamie Roberts, Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Davies, Simon Zebo, George North, Sean Maitland, Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg, Rob Kearney.
NOT CONSIDERED DUE TO INJURY:
Alex Corbisiero, Richard Hibbard, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Paul O’Connell, Luke Charteris, Stephen Ferris, Dan Lydiate, John Barclay, Ross Rennie, Ryan Jones, Chris Cusiter, Freddie Burns, Rhys Priestland, Peter Horne, Manu Tuilagi, Joe Ansbro, Nick De Luca, Tommy Bowe, Rory Lamont.
