British Lions Outside Half for South Africa
Who will play at No. 10 for the Lions Against the Springboks?
Ian McGeechan will probably include three fly halves in the tour party, but who will take the coveted Test jersey worn by such greats as Barry John, Phil Bennett and Johnny Wilkinson? The following are the main candidates.
Ronan O’Gara – Ireland
Fresh from the Irish Grand Slam and with two Heineken Cup wins under his belt with Munster, his tactical kicking is second to none. O’Gara will turn the big Springbok pack and keep the ball in front of his forwards who are likely to be under the cosh.
O’Gara is very frail defensively. Ireland often hide him on the wing during phase play and stand a flanker next to him to protect him for opposition set pieces.
The Irishman’s mental toughness has also been questioned. Wales targeted him in the recent Grand Slam game and his game went to pieces. He did, however, pull himself together in the second half, steering Ireland to the Grand Slam.
O’Gara has no running game to speak of.
Stephen Jones – Wales
Stephen Jones is Wales’ Mr Dependable. A solid kicking game, almost the equal of O’Gara and does everything well. Jones is second in Wales’ point scoring lists after the great Neil Jenkins and played all three tests in New Zealand in 2005, (one as replacement for Johnny Wilkinson).
His defence is very sound, which will be important when the big Springbok back row charge through the 10 channel. Unlike O’Gara, Jones doesn’t need to have someone do his tackling for him.
Despite a lack of real pace, Jones does make defences think and takes some stopping with his bullocking runs.
The Jones v O’Gara contest will be the one to watch. Expect Jones to come out on top.
James Hook – Wales
After a good opening season with Wales where he and Jones shared the starting role during Wales’ 2008 Grand Slam season, Hook has lost out to Jones for the jersey this season.
A decent kicker out of hand and at posts, Hook lacks the game control of O’Gara and Jones. This lack of experience will cost him a starting spot although he may get a reserve jersey through his ability to cover several positions.
What Hook gives McGeechan that Jones and O’Gara don’t is his dangerous running. Hook has a mazy balanced style that gives defences nightmares and may give the destructive Springbok back row something to think about which could free up space elsewhere.
Danny Cipriani – England
The Messiah of English rugby until he suffered a horrific ankle injury last year. Since his return, he has been dropped from Martin Johnson’s England team. An outrageously talented runner with the ball, his game control is highly suspect and he has a depressing tendency to get kicks charged down.
Don’t rule him out though. McGeechan likes to take players who aren’t on the radar, particularly those he knows well. Cipriani plays for McGeechan’s team Wasps and in 1997 McGeechan surprised everyone by selecting a large contingent from his then club Northampton.
Cipriani needs to prove that he’s over his injury and playing well. He may make the trip as a full back, although the Lions are blessed with a number of high quality players in that position.
Outside Chances for Lions No. 10
Johnny Wilkinson – No-one denies his talent, but his frailty means that he is unlikely to tour.
Toby Flood – Sparked England’s backs against France recently but not of the calibre of the other options.
Chris Patterson – The most consistent place kicker in World rugby at the moment, but struggles to get a regular place in a poor Scottish side.
The British Lions Tour party is announced at 1pm on Tuesday 21st April.
The Springboks are Waiting for the British Lions
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