The 606v2 Lions Selection LH Lock

Alright guys!

I figured we could get this going to give us a bit of a heads up on the general consensus of opinions for Lions Test shirts. We'll have a starting XV in no time BUT I am going to leave vote cancelling on so people can change their minds over the next 8 days or so.

Keep the debate honest and punch above the belt.  

ps: remember this is not a prediction, it is a "who would YOU select" poll.

Gray 
Has looked pretty good on the main but in his last outing he got a little lost. For a guy who has been out for a bit he has been sharp. He obviously brings a lot to the lineout both offensive and defensive but he has shown that in the wider channels he really can thrive, he has good ball skills, a fair bit of vision, he is also more dynamic than many give him credit for, yet he comes with a 6ft 10in frame and is well over 125kg.

Wyn Jones
An excellent lineout operator and another who is relatively athletic for such a big guy. He has a lot of experience and is very good regarding discipline and team management. He is not that effective in terms of ball carrying but in the tackle and at the ruck he is a menace and can be exceptionally useful. He is also very good at the maul.

Parling
Has looked very positive on his first outing then got a bit lost on his second. He's shown some serious athleticism and ball skills. He has stolen a lot of lineout ball and won some more besides. He is a bit rangier and can link well with the backrow and some inside backs. He may not be the toughest lock there is but he punches well above his weight.


Ok guys get the debate started and get the votes coming in. 
Much love.
Buachaill

Gray for me, and not just because I'm Scottish. He has carried well, stolen lineout ball, and more importantly (due to Dean Ryan's influence) is hitting rucks with force, commitment and intensity.

Very happy his injury against Wales has healed and glad that Gatland took a punt on him. He has recovered and has repaid that faith with fantastic athletic performances.

Gray for me too, and I'm not Scottish.

I'm with you on that one Rugger but Parling has also been really impressive of late. He adds some grunt and is pretty classy with ball in hand, rarely makes mistakes.

EWT Spoons wrote:Gray for me .  He’s been very good this tour and has formed a good partnership with O’Connell (who I’d have nailed on as a test starter).

I'm with ya there I think.

Would Gray not be absolutely awesome coming off the bench though

Gray

Parling. Better with the ball in hand than Gray, good at the lineout as well. Ball in hand is where the Lions need to focus.