Wilko drops a b*ll*ck ending any chance of a Lions call up...

Surgery ends Wilkinson's Lions hopes (http://www.espn.co.uk/lions-tour-2013/rugby/story/184542.html)

That puts an end to that then... In my opinion, he wasnt the right option anyway, but have said that on other threads, so wont repeat my reasons here. Simply wish him a speedy recovery...

As for fly-half cover if the unthinkable happens... Send for Biggar ? Not a bad journey from Japan down to Aus... Or maybe, Hook, to cover not only 10 but just about anywhere in the 3/4s.

Yes if Sexton were invalided out of the tour the Lions would look very shaky indeed with a huge amount of pressure on an already nervy Farrell, Priestland's last showings illustrating what pressure can do to a 10...

Who knows what will happen now if Sexton gets injured but hopefully everyone will shut up about him now!

Is this even news worthy.

Feel sorry the poor bloke has to see a surgeon, they are most likely very well aquainted.

But he wasn't selected and now can't make the tour.

The Lions need Farrell to play much better than he's shown so far else we will need a replacement quickly who can do the job.

Flood is tending his garden in rural Leicestershire, I'd imagine he'd be in the running should the Lions need another 10.

17 out of 17 penalties in the hugely "pressure cooker" games of the Heineken Cup finals and semis, WOW now that's some kicking.

Thank goodness for that we don't need some player to come into a lions match purely for his kicking eh!!

I'm coming increasingly to the conclusion that Gatland had inked in Wilkinson to be part of the original tour squad, but then found out immediately before the official squad naming that there was a possibility of JW needing surgery at the end of the season - rather than naming an alternative 10, he wanted to keep his options open should Wilko make himself available. It's the ony reason I can see for not naming a 3rd specialist 10 in the original squad.

I do think it was also a mistake not naming a true utility back (Hook would have been ideal, but Madigan and 12trees could have been options) who could either start or cover 10 from the bench for the dirt trackers. The current squad puts a huge amount of pressure on Sexton and Farrell, who will probably be alternating being in the starting lineup and on the bench (especially if Hogg is pushing for a spot in the Test 23 as well).

It will be interesting to see if Wilko's definite absence has a positive effect on Farrell. Maybe knowing that Sir Johnny isnt breathing down his neck will mean that he can relax a bit and start to play better?

Time will tell but i certainly hope that Sexton stays fit! I would also have taken Hook, he has enjoyed a good season at Perpingnan and has the flexibilty to cover midfield.

Flood or Biggar for a call up if needed. Still think halfpenny should be a 10 though, reminds me of B Barnes when he was actually good.

wanderingdragon wrote:Who knows what will happen now if Sexton gets injured but hopefully everyone will shut up about him now!

In what way?

I like Biggar a lot but with questions around Kearney's fitness and Hogg looking a tad shaky I'd consider calling up Hook or Madigan who both can cover OH and FB very well.

Biggar now the clear favourite as the backup 10

If there is a FH injury....What if Burns plays well in the two tests in Argentina...any chance?

Or is that a step too far?

Lets see how Farrell gets on the weekend, otherwise he might get sent home.

Interesting story come out from our new Falcons flanker Andy Saull signed from Sarries (its on the Falcons thread) about the regimented training and tactics employed by Sarries, and that it totally stifles any off the cuff play etc...it made me wonder what effect that is having on Owen farrell....
https://www.606v2.com/t34307p1000-newcastle-falcons-we-re-back-championship-winners

I'd be happy with Maddigan or Hook on the plane