Halfpenny Out

[ceemec]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 059889.stm
Of the first 2 weeks anyway!

A replacement is due to be called up and 1/2p will rejoin the squad in a few weeks returning the numbers to 37. Let the speculation commence!

As a back 3 player I would think another winger/fullback might be called up so D'Arcy might not be in the mix but who knows. Geordan Murphy should be close enough on recent performances.

[sarah_lennon]

Armitage... mark my bleedin' words.

Pretty bad fall off rate so far

[claire_m]

Armitage... mark my bleedin' words.

Pretty bad fall off rate so far

I do hope not. Still, maybe Hook / AN Other kicker may get a nod (ah, Armitage can kick a long way. And he's a gobby so & so.)

I still hope not.

[PapaSmurf]

Think armitage played himself out of being a utility back on the lions tour with the performances he has put in playing 13 lately!!! Tackling was sh1te and hasnt offered anything in attack!! (Playing out of position i know)

Murphy has being playing unbelievable since his mid season dip in form!!!

MOTM in the last 2 heineken cup matches (i think) and against cardiff he got sin binned!!

Has to go!!

[tackle-bag]

Armitage was utter dogsh!t, apart from one decent kick, against Leicester in the GP Final. He doesn't deserve to travel.

I realise he's probably not up to the physical rough and tumble but, considering the fact that we're essentially looking for a replacement for a midweek utility player, I can think of worse options than Chris Paterson. His kicking would greatly increase the Lions' chances of going through the pre-test matches undefeated - even if the team have an off day, he's not going to miss a single shot at goal.

[Darce]

They'll want a goal kicker though.

Cipriani to tour...

[Vamos los azules]

At this late stage Geechs may go with someone he knows has the personality to fit straight in to the squad. He knows Josh Lewsey from Wasps so wouldn't rule him out completely. Could be the same factor that spares us from Cipriani touring. I have a suspicion the call will go to someone either the coaching staff have already worked with closely or who has been on a Lions tour in the past.

But eventually they are just going to have to give in and call up Darce, because it is starting to look like fate wants him there!

[claire_m]

He's broken again.

http://www.skysports.com/lions-09/story ... 16,00.html

As is Ferris.

[dipper]

He's broken again.

http://www.skysports.com/lions-09/story ... 16,00.html

As is Ferris.

Feck. I really hope Ferris is ok as he could make a big impression in the test matches.

[downsouthdukin]

He's broken again.

http://www.skysports.com/lions-09/story ... 16,00.html

As is Ferris.

foolish to have brought him in the first place.. hes an exceptional talent but there are plaenty of options instead, armitage, evans, murphy, jones,.... antony horgan

[claire_m]

He's properly out this time

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8089279.stm

[ceemec]

Halfpenny going home confirmed. Feel sorry for the lad but you must think that he was never fit. Rushed back when he wasn't ready and did more damage to an injury. Harsh on such a young player.

[dipper]

I think the team doctor jinxed it the other day when he was talking about the relatively injury free tour so far!

[LeRouxIsPHat]

The only good thing about this is that Shane Williams might finally get the gametime he deserves! They aren't callling up a replacement so I wonder will we see Darce on the wing at all?