The Pride of Lions ?

After an uncertain, perhaps disappointing 6 Nations campaign, the prospective Welsh lions have lost some of their Autumn roar. The glow of a superb first 40 minutes against the Scots, followed by a tough repelling of the Saxon hoards (I said “Hoards…”) has been dimmed by the troublesome French, the bloody minded Italians and the frankly unspeakable Irish.
So – will our Lions hopefuls get the nod ?
Surely Lee Byrne, Tom Shanklin, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins and both Williams boys have been inked in. As disappointing as the campaign may have been, they are still good enough to play a part this summer on the high veldt.
Ryan Jones, Andy Powell, Ian Gough, Adam Jones and Matthew Rees (in descending order…) have decent claims to a seat on the plane.
A few to consider – Leigh Halfpenny for his cleverness, Dwayne Peel for his subtlety and speed, Gavin Henson for his classy handling skills. These are not certain to travel, but they are useful performers, with varying levels of experience. And Henson could do with the opportunity to eradicate the memories of Woodward’s ill fated trip to New Zealand. As always, his selection would be a gamble, but I’d love to see how he would handle the Springbok midfield.

Liberte, Fraternite, Harinordoquy

A stunning display by the French back row put an end to Welsh dreams of back to back Grand Slams last weekend in Paris. It was, well, so French. Expecting to be beaten, they roused themselves to score the crucial game levelling try before half time, then resolutely manned the barricades in the second half as the Welsh became guilty of waiting for Les Bleues to conk out in the Friday night air.
In Croke Park, the England's squad once again tested out the referee's supply of yellow cards. The sight of Danny Care exiting stage left with a look of tortured innocence, followed by the video replay of his brainless assault on Marcus Horan, underlined the extent of Jonno's problem. The big man was then seen punching the seat in front of him. Presumably it was seat number 9.