Three Blues make Lions
Three Blues make Lions Test
Three Blues make Lions
By Andrew Collins
June 20 2009
Three of the six initial Blues Lions have been selected for Saturdays first Test match against South Africa. With Tom Shanklin withdrawing prior to the tour, and Leigh Halfpenny leaving the squad after just one match, the inclusion of three Blues boys will be great news for Cardiff fans.
Three Blues make Lions
June 20 2009
Three of the six initial Blues Lions have been selected for Saturdays first Test match against South Africa. With Tom Shanklin withdrawing prior to the tour, and Leigh Halfpenny leaving the squad after just one match, the inclusion of three Blues boys will be great news for Cardiff fans.
In the forwards, Gethin Jenkins starts, as he didfor all three Tests in New Zealand four year ago. Jenks has been in exceptionalform this season, and his has continued to play with such enthusiasm andcommitment since arriving in the Southern hemisphere.
Before the tour left, Wales and Lions coach, ShaunEdwards, said of the magnificent prop,
In Gethin Jenkins you probablyhave the best all-round prop in world rugby. He's got good hands, he's in yourface and he's a battler and tackler, as likely as a centre or a wing to lead akick chase. I never thought I'd see a more active prop than Craig Dowd butthat's what Jenkins has become."
So much for the tough decision between him andSheridan!
Then, in the backs, Jamie Roberts completes anincredible year having only been moved to centre as an experiment 12 monthsago, he now starts alongside Brian O'Driscoll in what promices to be amouth-watering midfield partnership.
"It's goingto be the most physical game I have played - Jean de Villiers and Adi Jacobsare world-class players in their own right.
"It is going to be a newlevel for us all, but I don't think we are afraid of it - we are all lookingforward to it."
Meanwhile, Lions Head Coach, Ian McGeechan, admittedhe's been highly impressed with the young Welshman;
"Brian andJamie have built up a good partnership and they play well off each other. In agame when you are going to come under Test match pressure, you're hoping theywill build on the understanding they have shown as it is certainly apartnership we've been pleased with."
This will beJamie's first Lion's test cap, and he will run out on Saturday as the youngestman in the squad.
Finally, flankerMartyn Williams has earned himself a bench spot despite missing two gamesthrough injury. The ‘Nugget' was beaten to a starting birth by Ireland's DavidWallace, but the Welshman is bound to feature as the game opens up.
Andy Powell isthe only of 4 remaining Blues to miss out on a Test spot, but he has impressedin recent weeks, especially against the Southern Kings, where he was undoubtedlya stand out performer.
Congratulationsto Geth, Jamie and Martyn from theArmsPark.co.uk, and best of luck for win inSaturday's first test!
Bookmark or share this story with:
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponThree Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 20/06/2009 11:37
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: blues fan (IP Logged)
Date: 20/06/2009 12:03
Brilliant news for the players involved and the Cardiff blues. Martyn Williams should be starting though,may be 2nd test. Best of luck boys.
P.s.
Just to save time and the inevitable, thought i mention the move to the new stadium, cant wait.
P.s.
Just to save time and the inevitable, thought i mention the move to the new stadium, cant wait.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 20/06/2009 16:27
The Cardiff players did not let us down. Pity the same can't be said of some of the others.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: Solihull Exile (IP Logged)
Date: 20/06/2009 16:31
Quote:ATTR
The Cardiff players did not let us down. Pity the same can't be said of some of the others.
Absolutely, particularly Roberts who was superb.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: hands in the ruck (IP Logged)
Date: 21/06/2009 07:41
So too Mike Phillips ,he may have come of age .A superb game behind a pack that was munched in the first half.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 21/06/2009 22:50
Phillips was aggressive but kept it under control. Another big plus for him.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:06:21:22:50:32 by ATTR.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:06:21:22:50:32 by ATTR.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: Mark_Davies (IP Logged)
Date: 21/06/2009 23:11
Roberts was outstanding. Took a new zealander and an englander to see his potential at centre and not a welsh coach.
After readin today's result in the u20s i do wonder about the coaching of junior rugby.
After readin today's result in the u20s i do wonder about the coaching of junior rugby.
Re: Three Blues make Lions Test
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 21/06/2009 23:18
I still think he has more potential at full back (would not have been a Lion YET though). That said he does what he does very well
