Wilkinson left out the Lions Tour.

[King Edward]

Sir Clive said at the press conference that if Wilkinson can prove his fitness before they end of the season then he may still travel to NZ.

As far as the selection of the rest of the party goes, its more or less as expected. I'm Happy to se Lol and Backy in there, as well as Hill. O'driscol was always going to be skipper.

But Ian Balshaw? what has he done to deserve a place on the tour? Esp at the expense of players of the Caliber of Cueto and Patterson who have been left at home. Also Dennis Hickie is also getting on for a test level winger and Cueto should have gone in his place. I think there are are fair few players in the squad who dont have much hope of making the test team.

My major Concern is no. 10 I look at the 3 in the squad (Hodgson, O'gara and Jones) and just dont see enough class. If Wilkinson is proved fit he is a must start as he has played at the highest level and has shown he can handle the pressure when it is really on, something Charle Hodgson has repeatedly failed to do.

All in all, as much as i hate to say it, Im predicting a 2-1 series win to the All Blacks. I hope the boys prove me wrong!

[tibilicus]

Wilkinson is past it now. I cant really see him returning to his former glory after all this injury problems. I also predict thw worst for England with there disapointing 6 nations. In all due respect i think were going to get hamered.

[ShadesPanther]

Hodgsonis alright he did quite well for England, nothing special though. O'gara I think is overated he had a poor 6 nations and I don't think he will play that much.

[Orda Khan]

Wilkinson left at home and rightly so, I would not even give him the prove your fitness statement. He is yesterday's news, used and abused by the England management. They certainly looked after him didn't they? IMO his international days are over and I would not be surprised if that went for his rugby career at club level also. To seriously consider him for an All Blacks test match is ridiculous, he is a liability.
As for the insult, Delaglio, what is there to say? Can't make the England team but selected for the Lions squad....and who is this Cuato? Does he play rugby?

.......Orda