2017 Lions Tour

[TheGreatSoprendo]

768 said:

I'm baffled that anyone wouldn't take Launchbury because he hasn't been calling lineouts.

I'd have taken him but at the expense of Lawes or Henderson, most certainly not at the expense of AWJ.

[TheGreatSoprendo]

DocJock said:

Calling the lineouts is not exactly rocket science, requiring years of experience. In fact there is no need for it to be one of the locks at all.

The same thought did occur to me but I am (was) a mere back so what the hell do I know about lineouts?

The bit I was referring to is from 2 mins 35 here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuly3SBlXw0

[Kermit power]

Whilst on the subject of the lineout, does anyone know why it's always the hooker who throws in?

As far as I'm aware, there's nothing in the laws to say it has to be him?

[768]

It's not always. But they usually come last in the competition for people who can jump, lift or run after a loose ball.

[DocJock]

Long time ago, when I started playing, it was routine for the winger to throw in.

[TheGreatSoprendo]

I seem to recall the French using the scrum half to throw in many years ago.

[ttfun]

When I was a winger many years ago in school rugby I would throw-in at the line out but I suspect that was just down to the feeble level I was playing at.
It did help break up the monotony of scoring superb tries in the corner though.

I seem to remember a French prop throwing in at the line out a couple of decades ago. I suspect you want a beefy prop to help with lifting while hookers tend to be a bit smaller and quicker which can come in handy if a bit of space opens up from the line out. Colin Deans would be a good example of that sort of hooker. But then he was Scottish so it maybe doesn't count.

[DocJock]

Yeah, we're a nation of shortarses overall...

[768]

https://youtu.be/qMhr58P9rfI

[C70R]

768 said:

I'm baffled that anyone wouldn't take Launchbury because he hasn't been calling lineouts.

They didn't. They took 3 locks that don't call, and he was the fourth. Ostensibly, Lawes was the person who kept him out.

[Kermit power]

The BBC is reporting that Ben Youngs has withdrawn from the tour because Tom's wife has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

I can't imagine how anyone copes with that so young.

[hornetrider]

Awful news. Wishing all the best for their family.

[irocfan]

wow - that's something that puts all of our normal st into perspective.

[DocJock]

Respect to BY for that selfless decision.

[C70R]

Very sad news, but absolute respect for putting family first.

Looks like Laidlaw is next cab off the rank at 9. Not ideal circumstances to get the call up, but an experienced head is no bad thing. Will bring invaluable midweek leadership too.

[JiggyJaggy]

Oh wow, thats is really sad to hear. He is a dynamic No.9 but can't imagine anything matters to him now than to be with his family. Thinking of him at this difficult time. He is a fantastic young gent.

[phil_cardiff]

C70R said:

Very sad news, but absolute respect for putting family first.

Looks like Laidlaw is next cab off the rank at 9. Not ideal circumstances to get the call up, but an experienced head is no bad thing. Will bring invaluable midweek leadership too.

They should've picked Care. We're now not too far from the frightening prospect of Webb starting Lions tests.

[DocJock]

Maybe they wanted someone used to playing off the back foot...

[phil_cardiff]

DocJock said:

Maybe they wanted someone used to playing off the back foot...

They already have Webb for that! Who, by the way, would be brilliant if he had a brain.

[C70R]

Are we all talking about the same Webb who made most pundits' Team of the Tournament in the 6 Nations this year?

I'd much rather Murray started, but Webb is anything but a poor option...