The Rugby Thread

[Kirsty Harris]

Looks like a good squad on paper - should be a good, competative series against the All-Blacks.

I think Woodward is wise to hold off naming Wilkinson, I mean the guy has barely played a game of rugby since the world cup final, and needs to prove he is match fit AND in-form before getting into the Lions squad. The guy was a fantastic player, but is he still now? I hope so, but he may not ever get back into top, top form again

It's nice to see Dallaglio in the squad - he still has plenty to offer the Lions, IMO.

Overall, a good selection

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Expect to see wilko as an annomynous kicker in the NFL in two years. On about £1m per season of course.......

I thought he'd make a miraculous recovery for the lions tour, just shows what I know. Now I'm not having a go, but how can a player get so many injuries doing **** all ????

[Occasional Fan]

I've changed the link above as the list I linked earlier seems to have been incomplete (Gordon D'Arcy was missing). That means there are definitely 44 men on the list. Not sure where Sir Clive got his 42 from, but maybe he will explain later.

[Occasional Fan]

Jonny Wilkinson will join the squad leaving for New Zealand on 25 May.

BBC report here.

[vvvrulz]

With Johnny on board, its a whole new ballgame.

[Occasional Fan]

Not so sure, vvvrulz. He's played three club games for Newcastle since Woodward initially excluded him, and no international rugby since 2003. He might do well, he might not even get a game. But on balance I think if I were Woodward I'd rather have him in the squad than not, so to that extent it's good news.

[Paoli]

I agree with v, he'll add another dimension.

But I believe O'Driscoll is a perfect choice as captain, he's probably the best player in the squad. Also looking forward to seeing Williams for Wales, he seems like a pretty good player as well.

Who do you reckon will make the overall difference? If he plays, Wilkinson will be that.

[vvvrulz]

Certainly O'Driscoll is the number one guy for captaincy.

Regarding Johnny, I think his inclusion will contribute more inspiriation if anything, the boys would want to play better with him on board, much like having Sachin Tendulkar in the team. Even if he gets a duck, him being there helps out a lot.

[Kirsty Harris]

This afternoon it's the Zurich Premiership final between Wasps and Leicester. Last game for the all-time greats Matin Johnson and Neil Back. Hope that Leicester win this one, Johnson deserves it, after all he was without doubt England's greatest ever Captin, certainly at rugby but argueabley in all sport.

[Paoli]

Ok. Gee this thread has died.

On the weekend, the Boks gave Australia a touch-up in Jo'burg. They went in for absolutely everything and the forward pack clearly outplayed the Australians with too much muscle etc and were way better in the lineouts; pinching absolutely everything from Jerry Paul's throws. 33-8 until five minutes from time where the Aussies ran in two tries to give the scoreline respectability. 33-20.

This was the Mandela Challenge, played seperate to the Tri-Nations. Smells like a Bledisloe Cup attempt to me. However, the Bledisloe Cup is played during the tri-nations. Why can't they do the same with the Mandela Challenge.