2017 Lions Tour in NZ

[dubfade]

So Gatland has been announced as the Lions coach again. Thoughts?

Obviously it's hard to know about the availability of other coaches, but seeing as Wales were pretty convincingly beaten 3-0 in NZ this Summer (as well as embarrassed by a second string Chiefs side), I have to say I'm a bit dubious.

Having said that, I'm still already really looking forward to this Lions. If the home nations/certain players keep progressing, they could give NZ a run for their money I think.

(Couldn't find a thread on this, and thought the other past rugby threads were too specific, but happy for this to be moved if I'm wrong!)

 

[Tree13]

Ever since the scrummaging laws were amended, Wales have been far less effective in that aspect of tight forward play. The ongoing selection of Warburton ahead of Tipuric at 7 has also stifled Wales somewhat. The Lions may have beaten the Aussies, but the Aussies were not exactly strong themselves at that point.

IMHO Gtaland made a huge error dropping O'Driscoll from the test team - he was many people's MotM in the first test and should have captained the Lions in the second and third tests - but luckily it didn't alter the outcome of the series. What it may have done however is soured the relationship between Gatland and the other Irish players. I guess time will tell if there is any truth to that speculation.

Looking at the progress of the other NH teams since the last tour, Gatland may struggle to justify including as many of his Welsh favourites this time around.