Midweek skipper

On most tours there is almost always a player who can be singled out pre tour as potential midweek skipper. If Robshaw was on our, or Brown, it would probably be one of them but in their absence who do you think will get the job and why?

Here are my favourites

AWJ.
Potential Tour Capt but in a very strign lock cadre. Ideally I think gray and POC will be my test starters with Evans and parling as line out specialists on the bench. It may be that AWJ finds himself as emerging midweek skipper.

Croft
Though i think he is a good bet for tests with Warb likely to partner Tipuric he may get sidelined early on

Heaslip
Poor 6 Nations really but a skipper and as Faletau likely to start tests.

Jenkins

I'd assume Croft will be on the bench as his ability to play flank and lock as well as offer so much late in games (he'll improve the lineout as well) mean he'd be a valuable option.

BOD could be an option if he misses out on the 13 shirt to Manu or Davies.

Phillips?

Warburton?

Tipuric

Maybe hartley

Finally a genuine suggestion..............

Heaslip for me

If either POC or AWJ does not make the test side then for me it would be one of them.

AWJ - POC in the test team for me

RubyGuby wrote:AWJ - POC in the test team for me

Ruby,

I would have Evans in over AWJ if choice was mine but think most are expecting to see AWJ and POC

bedfordwelsh wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:AWJ - POC in the test team for me

Ruby,

I would have Evans in over AWJ if choice was mine but think most are expecting to see AWJ and POC

I'm amazed that noone see's Evans as the test starter, he has been without doubt the best lock in the NH and maybe even planet since returning from injury, coaxed a debutant through the early games and was IMHO one of our best players of the last 12 months!!!

I would actually go for Evans and POC (dependant of fitness)

Blues,

Gets my vote but I don't think it will happen somehow, I just feel that if AWJ and POC are both fit and on form then they will get nod for 1st test at least.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Blues,

Gets my vote but I don't think it will happen somehow, I just feel that if AWJ and POC are both fit and on form then they will get nod for 1st test at least.

That didn't really work last time though did it. I don't think they are the best combination

thebluesmancometh wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:AWJ - POC in the test team for me

Ruby,

I would have Evans in over AWJ if choice was mine but think most are expecting to see AWJ and POC

I'm amazed that noone see's Evans as the test starter, he has been without doubt the best lock in the NH and maybe even planet since returning from injury, coaxed a debutant through the early games and was IMHO one of our best players of the last 12 months!!!

I would actually go for Evans and POC (dependant of fitness)

I haven't made myself clear here - In response to the question I'm suggesting AWJ as Capt for the mid week team and POC will be one of my 2nd rows for the first team alongside Ian Evans or Grey

In fact I would have taken Hines instead of AWJ

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Blues,

Gets my vote but I don't think it will happen somehow, I just feel that if AWJ and POC are both fit and on form then they will get nod for 1st test at least.

That didn't really work last time though did it. I don't think they are the best combination

RR, in the season before the 2009 Tour Ian Evans was injured around the Christmas mark and AWJ was picked mostly as the middle line out operator with Ian Gough at the front for the Ospreys and therefore for the first test you had 2 middle of the line jumpers of the previous season, whereas it should have been either of those 2 with obviously the captain POC in pole position with a positively scrummaging and front of the line jumper accompanying him.
This season AWJ has been at the front of the lineout with either Ian Evans or James King in the middle most of the season for the Os so I don't see the problem of a POC and AWJ combination and that is what I would expect ATM, although that could obviously change and wouldn't be surprised if it happened.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Blues,

Gets my vote but I don't think it will happen somehow, I just feel that if AWJ and POC are both fit and on form then they will get nod for 1st test at least.

That didn't really work last time though did it. I don't think they are the best combination

I think our scrum will be a bit more solid this time though, with Jones/Cole and probably Hibbard or Hartley over Vickery and Mears. I don't think AWJ will start not make the 23, but I do expect parity at worst whatever the lock combination is

Risca, I doubt Hartley will be in test 23, Youngs has been the stand out English hooker this season and his mobility will be magnified on harder ground whilst his physicality and low centre of gravity at the breakdown is well suited to the SH game.

Then if the Lions want a bigger set piece orientated hooker Hibbard is right there.

I expect AWJ to be in the starting test XV or at the very least on the bench.
I can't imagine Gatland will pick another Welshman to captain the dirt trackers. There may be more than one midweek captain, I predict Hartley will be one.

There will be more than one skipper.

Personally I think the idea of a midweek team is pretty non existent.

The squad will basically be heavily rotated for the Barbarians, Force, Reds, QSL/NSW Select and Waratahs games.

We will only see a true "midweek team" in the game against Melbourne Rebels

red_stag wrote:There will be more than one skipper.

Personally I think the idea of a midweek team is pretty non existent.

The squad will basically be heavily rotated for the Barbarians, Force, Reds, QSL/NSW Select and Waratahs games.

We will only see a true "midweek team" in the game against Melbourne Rebels

Good points all round and I agree on your midweek "team" suggestion

formerly known as Sam wrote:Risca, I doubt Hartley will be in test 23, Youngs has been the stand out English hooker this season and his mobility will be magnified on harder ground whilst his physicality and low centre of gravity at the breakdown is well suited to the SH game.

Then if the Lions want a bigger set piece orientated hooker Hibbard is right there.

Fair enough, I will bow down to an Englishman's knowledge on this. I knew Youngs had been good (as per his award this week), but just assumed Gatland might use Hartley due to him praising him before the tour. Time will tell I suppose.