Lions vs Argentina - Preview
By Zippy
May 18 2005
Sir Clive Woodwood has named his XV to face Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on Monday. For details of the team and why I think each player has been selected read on.
Lions vs Argentina 23rd May 2005, KO 745pm Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
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15. G Murphy (Ireland) |
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14. D Hickie (Ireland) |
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13. O Smith (England) |
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12. G D'Arcy (Ireland) |
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11. S Williams (Wales) |
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10. J Wilkinson (England) |
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9. G Cooper (Wales) |
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1. G Rowntree (England) |
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2. S Byrne (Ireland) |
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3. J Hayes (Ireland) |
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4. M O'Kelly (Ireland) |
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5. D Grewcock (England) |
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6. S Taylor (Scotland) |
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7. L Moody (England) |
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8. M Owen. – Capt (Wales) |
Breakdown of the side by nationality:
6 Irish
5 English
3 Welsh
1 Scottish
A look at the side in more detail:
15. G Murphy (Ireland) – Exciting runner, Woodwood has picked him at full back and there were not many alternatives.
14. D Hickie (Ireland) – Lack of form in the 6Nations, perhaps due to Irelands playing style, I’d like to see if he can cut it.
13. O Smith (England) – Chance for him to step up the pecking order which he must be towards the bottom of.
12. G D'Arcy (Ireland) – Out injured for long periods this season and needs game time, if he regains form he is in with a shout of the 12 shirt.
11. S Williams (Wales) – On fire and a pick to appease us locals.
10. J Wilkinson (England) – Sir Clive needs him to fire and not come off injured to vindicate his decision to give Jonny special treatment.
9. G Cooper (Wales) – Hasn’t played much for Wales due to Dwayne Peel and a class act in his own right, tipped by many to be first choice for the tests.
1. G Rowntree (England) – Old head to face the Argie front row.
2. S Byrne (Ireland) – Goes just as 1st choice hooker, needs to stand out as the Lions look weak in this position.
3. J Hayes (Ireland) – Controversial call for the Lions as he has struggled this season, needs to show he should be in this company.
4. M O'Kelly (Ireland) – Another who didn’t stand out for Ireland in the 6N.
5. D Grewcock (England) – The niggle of the Argentines will test his discipline.
6. S Taylor (Scotland) – Back at the end of the 6N, I’ve always felt he is overrated.
7. L Moody (England) – Probably needs a big game at this level after England’s 6N
8. M Owen. – Capt (Wales) – Sir Clive wants to see if he is the real deal as captain, if he leads well will probably be made pack leader.