Lions Tour

tmc1963

Hurrache wrote: »

Sigh, we have a higher proportion of our population fully vaccinated compared to the UK, over 3% here compared to less than 2 in the UK.

This piece of data, at a specific point in time, proves that the old 'lies, damned lies and statistics' saying remains very valid.
The UK has a clearly defined policy of vaccinating as many as possible with the first jab and then giving the second jab 12 weeks later.
Therefore the second jab stats are about to accelerate massively - my 80 year old in-laws in Scotland are getting it in the next fortnight or so, having had the first in January.

RugbyLover123

Another hyped up Scotland team that fails to produce. Home losses to Wales and Ireland. They can have no complaints if they have so few picked.

hahashake

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

Another hyped up Scotland team that fails to produce. Home losses to Wales and Ireland. They can have no complaints if they have so few picked.

That is fair, I doubt Gatland was impressed by that performance, especially Russell. Sexton may be a bit old and not as dynamic but he is reliable and kicks his points.

Clegg

Lock and backrow will be an area of strength for the Lions. Ryan, Henderson and Beirne all played very well today and if they reach the same heights against England I think all three will be in the squad.

Billy Ocean

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

Another hyped up Scotland team that fails to produce. Home losses to Wales and Ireland. They can have no complaints if they have so few picked.

They could have Hogg and Watson as test starters if both keep up their form. Henshaw and Beirne similarly for us.

RugbyLover123

Billy Ocean wrote: »

They could have Hogg and Watson as test starters if both keep up their form. Henshaw and Beirne similarly for us.

On current form, Hogg probably starts but he’s weak under the high ball and Ireland targeted that today and you would assume the Boks will too. Liam Williams is a much safer bet. Wouldn’t surprise me if Gatland goes for him.

As good as Watson has been he has still been part of a pack that lost at home to Wales and Ireland. I wouldn’t have him in a Lions test team at 7 over Curry, Tipuric or even Underhill.

bilston

I think Furlong, Ryan, Henderson, Beirne, Stander, Sexton and Henshaw all have a real chance of making the squad. So does Ringrose, but yesterday was a bad time to put in am uncharacteristic performance.

There could be a surprise or two as well.

The England game will be huge for Lions selection.

Louis Friend

bilston wrote: »

I think Furlong, Ryan, Henderson, Beirne, Stander, Sexton and Henshaw all have a real chance of making the squad. So does Ringrose, but yesterday was a bad time to put in am uncharacteristic performance.

There could be a surprise or two as well.

The England game will be huge for Lions selection.

That’s understating it just a tad.

“have a real chance”

Sheep Shagger

Whilst they piss around trying to decide if there will be a tour, another commercial box is ticked....

The official beer of the tour FFS

https://www.lionsrugby.com/2021/03/15/lions-announce-fullers-london-pride-as-official-beer?fbclid=IwAR1K3d2VCv9kAbOocwzb4p8xIh6NdA59SuFJq8xqe_JjJS5zSA4qo9rKopE

Ardillaun

RugbyLover123 wrote: »

As good as Watson has been he has still been part of a pack that lost at home to Wales and Ireland. I wouldn’t have him in a Lions test team at 7 over Curry, Tipuric or even Underhill.

Wilson?

They are certainly missing Underhill.

Some Yoke

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Whilst they piss around trying to decide if there will be a tour, another commercial box is ticked....

The official beer of the tour FFS

https://www.lionsrugby.com/2021/03/15/lions-announce-fullers-london-pride-as-official-beer?fbclid=IwAR1K3d2VCv9kAbOocwzb4p8xIh6NdA59SuFJq8xqe_JjJS5zSA4qo9rKopE

Galahad was always an outside bet

Asus X540L

Probably posted here already but it looks like Ferris has completely lost the plot!

Has Stockdale starting at full back for the Lions! The same Jacob who hasn't played any 6 nations and the same Jacob who has been woeful for Ireland at full back.

Also has Murray as Lions test scrum half!

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12247623/british-irish-lions-stephen-ferris-picks-his-lions-xv-to-face-south-africa-in-2021

The Inbetween is mine

May as well name himself in the side...its not gonna happen

Brief_Lives

Asus X540L wrote: »

Probably posted here already but it looks like Ferris has completely lost the plot!

Has Stockdale starting at full back for the Lions! The same Jacob who hasn't played any 6 nations and the same Jacob who has been woeful for Ireland at full back.

Also has Murray as Lions test scrum half!

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12247623/british-irish-lions-stephen-ferris-picks-his-lions-xv-to-face-south-africa-in-2021

He's a loon...

15 Jacob Stockdale (Ireland); 14 Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), 13 George North (Wales), 12 Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), 11 Jonny May (England); 10 Owen Farrell (England, captain), 9 Conor Murray (Ireland); 1 Rory Sutherland (Scotland), 2 Jamie George (England), 3 Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), 4 Maro Itoje (England, vice-captain), 5 James Ryan (Ireland), 6 Sam Underhill (England), 7 Tom Curry (England), 8 Taulupe Faletau (Wales).

Tigerandahalf

My 15 for the Lions

L Williams
L Rees Zammit
J Davies
R Henshaw
J Adams

D Biggar
G Davies

M Vunipola
J George
T Furlong

AW Jones (C)
M Itoje

T Beirne
H Watson
B Vunipola

7 Welsh, 3 Irish, 4 English, 1 Scot

A few players aren't playing well but you would expect the Vunipolas to be very fresh come the Lions though not in form at the moment. Furlong will also be fresh. At hooker I'd be happy to go with Owens but I think George has been badly missed in the England scrum.

Some positions you could pick 3 or 4 lads and they would all do a good job. James Ryan is one that stands out but I think AW Jones is the outstanding candidate for captaincy.

At 1 you could pick a few lads as well.

The Irish and English backlines are quite poor and they seem to lack the basic skills of passing and putting players into space. So I don't think they will have a lot of numbers in the team.

You would be tempted to take Murray and Sexton especially with the matches likely to be in the UK and the higher possibility of wet games and needing more control.

There is big competition in the back row especially at 6 and 7 with Curry and Underhill very possible starters plus Jamie Ritchie from Scotland.

Owen Farrell could also be an option at 10/12 though I think his passing game isn't great.

I think the Lions are strong in the key areas of scrum and lineout and hopefully a good contest ahead of us.

hahashake

You'd be looking at a Welsh/Irish team with a few token English and Scots.

Old men AWJ and Sexton to be the first names on the team sheet.

Larbre34

With all due respect to everyone else, Tadhg Furlong will be the first name on the Lions test teamsheet.

Irish players nailed on: Furlong, Beirne, Sexton, Henshaw.

Irish probables: Henderson, Stander, Murray, Earls, Keenan (can't express how much I admire this lad for putting himself in this position)

Irish players in the long list mix, but have had issues with form, injuries, bans etc: Herring, Porter, James Ryan, O'Mahony, Connors, Doris, Conan, Van der Flier, JGP, Ringrose, Carbery, Aki, Stockdale.

In other words, the above will have to have a searing finish to their respective European campaigns to better their rivals from other nations.

The subject of bolters is always a bit of fun. Ryan Baird getting a few mentions in the press, but personally I don't see it this time around, unless he smashes all around him for Leinster and they at least make the final in Europe. Another fella I'd love to see get his name into the conversation is Robert Balacoune. Just something about him.

irishbucsfan

If they are still going to bring an uncapped player, I wouldn't be surprised if its Balacoune

joseywhales

Ah finishing 4th and the obligatory english contingent and warrens welsh lads as champions probably means you will see less than usual. For example I don't see stander there, maybe midweek team but he is not going to beat out curry, underhill, faleteau ,watson etc. There is a lot of depth there. Not to mention competition in second row pushing beirne to 6. He will probably fit tipuric in or on the match day bench too.

sydthebeat

Can anyone make an argument for finn Russel as a lion?

I see moments of magic mixed into long periods of calamity with him. Definitely not what you want in an attritional game against the bokke

joseywhales

sydthebeat wrote: »

Can anyone make an argument for finn Russel as a lion?

I see moments of magic mixed into long periods of calamity with him. Definitely not what you want in an attritional game against the bokke

It's a cliche but how good is he behind a losing pack? Seems like he looks great at racing where he has giants punching holes at every phase.

Jizique

joseywhales wrote: »

It's a cliche but how good is he behind a losing pack? Seems like he looks great at racing where he has giants punching holes at every phase.

Bit like Sexton then but with flair

sydthebeat

Jizique wrote: »

Bit like Sexton then but with flair

Hummm

Nah, completely different.

Sexton has dragged teams to victory

Larbre34

Russell is flakier than a selection box full only of Cadbury's Flakes. And even by his standards he is going through an exceptionally flakey period.

My guess is that Gatland really dislikes players like that and so the 10s will be Sexton, Farrell and Biggar (just cos he's Gatlands pal) and Hogg will back them up, perhaps starting a against the US or whatever.

RugbyLover123

sydthebeat wrote: »

Can anyone make an argument for finn Russel as a lion?

I see moments of magic mixed into long periods of calamity with him. Definitely not what you want in an attritional game against the bokke

It seems to be quite trendy within the media to call Russell a ‘maverick’ and fawn over him and yeah he can throw a lovely try scoring pass/kick on occasion but in reality he frequently follows that up with an interception, a missed penalty etc.

I’ve heard him being called the best 10 in the world in recent weeks which is very wide of the mark imo. He was Scotland’s worst player against England, poor against Wales and non-existent against Ireland.

Could you imagine Farrell or Sexton going off injured in a Lions Test game after 10 minutes and relying on Russell to come on and to run the game and kick all his penalties for you?

It’ll be between himself and Biggar for the third 10 spot. Luckily enough I can’t see Gatland picking him near a test team.

irishbucsfan

sydthebeat wrote: »

Can anyone make an argument for finn Russel as a lion?

I see moments of magic mixed into long periods of calamity with him. Definitely not what you want in an attritional game against the bokke

True, but they might see value in him as a midweek player. He’s box office to be fair.

Biggar, Sexton and Farrell seem most likely though

Tigerandahalf

I'd be leaving Russell and Hogg at home. Their little bits of magic are undermined by the basics not being good enough. Too many errors in both players.

joseywhales

Jaysus, the scots won't be happy after beating and finishing ahead of england and being within a score of both ireland and wales, if they bring a token contingent on the lions again.

sydthebeat

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

I'd be leaving Russell and Hogg at home. Their little bits of magic are undermined by the basics not being good enough. Too many errors in both players.

Hogg is starting 15 for me.

Russell doesn't travel.

Bellmeister

Some very green tinted viewpoints here, not sure I'd have any of the Irish backs in the starting xv. Ireland's best players are all in the pack and their back play is the worst of the home nations.

RE Scotland, Suspect there will only be 5 Scots in the party. Hogg will be a starter and Russell on the bench in case Gatland's plan a doesn't work. I am not sure who he'll go for s starting 10 though. Sexton's goal kicking has been great but he's not an attacking 10, he only showed up in the games Ireland dominated possession and territory, he's not a line threat. The game has changed and a slow, aged, kicking stand off is not the right choice any more to win games against a top nation. I wouldn;t take Sexton on the tour, he's not popular and not going to accept a bit part.

Tom Curry had a disastrous game yesterday but is the english media's lovechild. 7 is a very interesting starting selection and as key a choice as 10.

sydthebeat

Bellmeister wrote: »

Some very green tinted viewpoints here, not sure I'd have any of the Irish backs in the starting xv. Ireland's best players are all in the pack and their back play is the worst of the home nations.

Robbie Henshaw is very close to being player of the tournament for me.

Dupont will get it, possibly LRZ either, but Henshaw and ficou have very easily been the best centres on show in the whole competition.

AbusesToilets

sydthebeat wrote: »

Hogg is starting 15 for me.

Russell doesn't travel.

I would posit Keenan has been the best 15 for the Lions nations this tournament. Better defensively than Hogg and better under the highball. Liam Williams hasn't been hitting his previous form and is still apt to give give away brainless penalties.

Former Coach

AbusesToilets wrote: »

I would posit Keenan has been the best 15 for the Lions nations this tournament. Better defensively than Hogg and better under the highball. Liam Williams hasn't been hitting his previous form and is still apt to give give away brainless penalties.

I agree. Keenan certainly in the mix IMO

Ciaran-Irl

Taking a random guess at the squad of 36.

FRONT ROW: Mako Vunipola, Taghg Furlong,
Kyle Sinckler, Tomas Francis, Rory Sutherland, Andrew Porter, Jamie George, Ken Owens, Stuart McInally

SECOND ROW: Alun Wyn-Jones (Captain), Maro Itoje, Ian Henderson, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne

BACK ROW: CJ Stander, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Taulupe Faletau, Billy Vunipola, Justin Tipuric

HALF BACK: Tomos Williams, Conor Murray, Ben Youngs, Finn Russell, Jonathan Sexton, Owen Farrell.

CENTRE: Robbie Henshaw, Many Tuilagi, Jonathan Davies, Henry Slade.

BACK THREE: Liam Williams, Anthony Watson, Stuart Hogg, Johnny May, Louis Rees-Zammit, Josh Adams

Buer

There's going to be some surprise calls, as I've said before. The stand out options really aren't there this year. Hooker, scrum half and centre could all see some eyebrow raising calls.

There's potential for big omissions also. One of the big locks is going to be left out, more than likely. Right now that's a straight call between Gray and Ryan. Both are playing very well but the fact is that Itoje and AWJ are nailed on and Beirne and Henderson are in the form of their lives (as well as Henderson being a Lion already). Of course, there's a strong case for bringing Beirne as a dedicated blindside.

The biggest omission I can see happning is Billy Vunipola. He isn't looking anywhere near a Lion at the moment and the strip by VDF really underlined his tournament. I can see Stander and Faletau going as pure No. 8 options with Faletau the clear frontrunner for Gatland.

For a lot of the tournament, no halfbacks really stood out and there was potential for a real bolter here but, as things wrapped up, I think the old reliables have stepped up and done enough to force inclusion. I can see Sexton and Murray both included. Ali Price might go despite having a somewhat up and down tournament. Finn Russell will go if Gatland wants a spark but his control and goal kicking are major negatives against him. His presence would mean it's essential to select Farrell at 12 (which is a strong possibility anyway).

There will be a relatively unexpected/unfancied selection at hooker also. Turner from Scotland was having a good tournament (he was brilliant against England) but had a meltdown against us and lost his spot for the Italy game. I wouldn't be surprised to see either both English hookers go or Herring get a nod which would be a huge reward for him and I'd be delighted.

I think the back three options listed by Ciarán above are pretty on the money. Johnny May might miss out as a slightly controversial omission but not a huge shock given he has been solid rather than spectacular and has no experience with Gatlan et al. I think we're looking at Hogg with the Welsh wingers as it stands.

thomond2006

Wales had a revolving door of scrum-halves this season due to injury, but I'd expect one of them to be included.

Buer wrote: »

I think the back three options listed by Ciarán above are pretty on the money. Johnny May might miss out as a slightly controversial omission but not a huge shock given he has been solid rather than spectacular and has no experience with Gatlan et al. I think we're looking at Hogg with the Welsh wingers as it stands.

IMO Watson is in pole position to start. He was anonymous against Ireland but was having a phenomenal tournament to that point. He's a previous test starter as well which helps.

Buer

thomond2006 wrote: »

IMO Watson is in pole position to start. He was anonymous against Ireland but was having a phenomenal tournament to that point. He's a previous test starter as well which helps.

Fair point. I think he'll be in the 23 anyway. It will be a tight call. Himself and LRZ both scored 4 tries. Adams bagged 3 in only 3 games and is a proven Gatland favourite. I imagine it will come down to who is in form in the summer.

Ciaran-Irl

Buer wrote: »

There's going to be some surprise calls, as I've said before. The stand out options really aren't there this year. Hooker, scrum half and centre could all see some eyebrow raising calls.

There's potential for big omissions also. One of the big locks is going to be left out, more than likely. Right now that's a straight call between Gray and Ryan. Both are playing very well but the fact is that Itoje and AWJ are nailed on and Beirne and Henderson are in the form of their lives (as well as Henderson being a Lion already). Of course, there's a strong case for bringing Beirne as a dedicated blindside.

The biggest omission I can see happning is Billy Vunipola. He isn't looking anywhere near a Lion at the moment and the strip by VDF really underlined his tournament. I can see Stander and Faletau going as pure No. 8 options with Faletau the clear frontrunner for Gatland.

For a lot of the tournament, no halfbacks really stood out and there was potential for a real bolter here but, as things wrapped up, I think the old reliables have stepped up and done enough to force inclusion. I can see Sexton and Murray both included. Ali Price might go despite having a somewhat up and down tournament. Finn Russell will go if Gatland wants a spark but his control and goal kicking are major negatives against him. His presence would mean it's essential to select Farrell at 12 (which is a strong possibility anyway).

There will be a relatively unexpected/unfancied selection at hooker also. Turner from Scotland was having a good tournament (he was brilliant against England) but had a meltdown against us and lost his spot for the Italy game. I wouldn't be surprised to see either both English hookers go or Herring get a nod which would be a huge reward for him and I'd be delighted.

I think the back three options listed by Ciarán above are pretty on the money. Johnny May might miss out as a slightly controversial omission but not a huge shock given he has been solid rather than spectacular and has no experience with Gatlan et al. I think we're looking at Hogg with the Welsh wingers as it stands.

Yeah, I should probably have included a bit of a rationale behind various selections above.

Front Row: Tighthead seems relatively straightforward with Furlong and Sinkler nailed on, and Francis a likely nod from Gatland. Loosehead is actually a tricky one. Mako is way off form, but I think the experience from last tour will be enough to get him on the plane. Marler is a maybe, if he is actually willing to join up. Him ducking out of the 6N might count against him. I added Porter as an option here as a bit of a guess. I can imagine Gatland wanting a really powerful pack, and having Porter as a LH would be huge against a really powerful Bok front row. I agree with you on the Hooker options. No great option from Ireland, the English Hookers are in dire form, the Scottish ones in bad form or injured.

Second Row: Johnny Gray the obvious absentee, but a couple of the English options could come in here as well. I personally think Henderson at more risk than Ryan. AWJ/Itoje. as nailed on as can be. Beirne simply has to go based on his flexibility.

Back row: There are a lot of ways this can go, as usual. I think Stander will definitely go, based on on factors beyond just his ability - super for squad dynamic, SA heritage, emotion of early retirement. Tipuric, Faletau, Curry & Underhill also seem nailed on to me. I don't think he can leave Vunipola at home personally. When in form, he is the best Number 8 in the world. The upside is just too huge.

Half Backs: I don't see much movement from this one. I don't think Price is good enough, I don't think the other Irish options are comfortable enough, and I think George Ford played himself out of contention the weekend just gone. Rhys Webb an option as SH, but I reckon the others are ahead of him.

Centres & Back three: Stockdale, Earls and Keenan could be in the mix, but I don't see it happening unless there are injuries. Tuilagi must be in the squad if he gets fit, but that's a big if. If Tuilagi doesn't make it, Ringrose is probably next in line. I think his stock was higher pre tournament.

Lucas44

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

Yeah, I should probably have included a bit of a rationale behind various selections above.

Front Row: Tighthead seems relatively straightforward with Furlong and Sinkler nailed on, and Francis a likely nod from Gatland. Loosehead is actually a tricky one. Mako is way off form, but I think the experience from last tour will be enough to get him on the plane. Marler is a maybe, if he is actually willing to join up. Him ducking out of the 6N might count against him. I added Porter as an option here as a bit of a guess. I can imagine Gatland wanting a really powerful pack, and having Porter as a LH would be huge against a really powerful Bok front row. I agree with you on the Hooker options. No great option from Ireland, the English Hookers are in dire form, the Scottish ones in bad form or injured.

Second Row: Johnny Gray the obvious absentee, but a couple of the English options could come in here as well. I personally think Henderson at more risk than Ryan. AWJ/Itoje. as nailed on as can be. Beirne simply has to go based on his flexibility.

Back row: There are a lot of ways this can go, as usual. I think Stander will definitely go, based on on factors beyond just his ability - super for squad dynamic, SA heritage, emotion of early retirement. Tipuric, Faletau, Curry & Underhill also seem nailed on to me. I don't think he can leave Vunipola at home personally. When in form, he is the best Number 8 in the world. The upside is just too huge.

Half Backs: I don't see much movement from this one. I don't think Price is good enough, I don't think the other Irish options are comfortable enough, and I think George Ford played himself out of contention the weekend just gone. Rhys Webb an option as SH, but I reckon the others are ahead of him.

Centres & Back three: Stockdale, Earls and Keenan could be in the mix, but I don't see it happening unless there are injuries. Tuilagi must be in the squad if he gets fit, but that's a big if. If Tuilagi doesn't make it, Ringrose is probably next in line. I think his stock was higher pre tournament.

Think the Scots could get a few in this year. Sutherland at lh and thought Turner was good in the 6 nations + mcinally if he gets fit..

Think Courtney lawes will be in with a shout if he gets fit, can see the lions playing with a lawes/itoje/Beirne at 6 to match up with Steph du toit..

Billy had the second most metres after contact vs France (not sure on stats v Ireland) but think he’s being put down a bit unfairly he’s lined up by 2/3 defenders every time he’s hit.. not as if jvdf stripped him 1 v 1..

Centre will be interesting may end up being slade v ringrose for a spot..

Back 3 I don’t see Ireland having too many on the plane honestly, It’s a highly competitive position and I believe Watson, may, Daly, l Williams, north, Rees Zammit & Hogg are all better players and cover multiple positions each which is huge on a tour. Also think someone like van Der merve could be thrown into the mix for a point of difference

Asus X540L

There's usually 45 going isn't there and there's 60 starting 15 players between the 4 "home nations"

Add to that the usual injuries and almost everyone ends up going. Even if you're retired and playing in Japan like Shane Williams.

There's been a few notable exceptions over the years like Stringer, but being selected for a modern Lions squad means sweet **** all tbh.

hahashake

I wonder if a few English players controversially not selected by Jones will be on the plane...err coach. Gatland has picked bolters hasn't he?

ec18

Lucas44 wrote: »

Billy had the second most metres after contact vs France (not sure on stats v Ireland) but think he’s being put down a bit unfairly he’s lined up by 2/3 defenders every time he’s hit.. not as if jvdf stripped him 1 v 1..

unfortunately for Billy the tour is probably the worst for him in that SA are the only team where he doesn't attract a double tackle. (Duane, DuToit, Etzebeth et al) So I'm not sure if he'll be as effective as he is in the northern hemisphere or even if the tour was in Aus or NZ.....

awec

hahashake wrote: »

I wonder if a few English players controversially not selected by Jones will be on the plane...err coach. Gatland has picked bolters hasn't he?

There wasn't really any big surprises in 2017 that I can remember.

Cosmo Kramer

I can see fewer English players being picked than previously expected after the game at the weekend with Gatland watching on. The likes of Billy Vunipola and Jonny May, who would have been seen as nailed on previously, might even be under pressure now.

From a Scottish point of view I don't think Russell suits either Gatland's style of play or a test series against the Saffers. But Hamish Watson has had a great tournament and I'd expect him to be in along with Hogg. Sutherland and Van Der Merwe both have a chance but could also miss out and I think Jonny Gray needs an injury or two to get in.

I'd expect plenty of Welsh players in there and I'd say at least 10 Irish as well.

Furlong, Beirne, Stander, Murray, Sexton and Henshaw are pretty much guaranteed to get in if fit.

Ryan, Henderson and Ringrose are more likely in than out I think.

Healy, Herring, Porter, Earls and Keenan all have a chance but might need an injury or two in their positions to get in. Earls in particular put his hand up at the weekend, probably wouldn't have been seen as having any chance before Saturday.

Ciaran-Irl

Asus X540L wrote: »

There's usually 45 going isn't there and there's 60 starting 15 players between the 4 "home nations"

Add to that the usual injuries and almost everyone ends up going. Even if you're retired and playing in Japan like Shane Williams.

There's been a few notable exceptions over the years like Stringer, but being selected for a modern Lions squad means sweet **** all tbh.

Usually 36/37, but yeah, they went with 41 the last time. Youngs and Vunipola pulled out before traveling and weren't replaced, so it ended up as 39. Then a bunch of players were called up later purely for midweek.

sydthebeat

at this stage I hope Andy Farrell goes as an assistant coach (if asked)

i believe it would be good for Ireland for him to get this experience (we've south africa in the RWC 2023)
he'll also be a voice for irish players in those 50/50 calls.

RugbyLover123

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

Usually 36/37, but yeah, they went with 41 the last time. Youngs and Vunipola pulled out before traveling and weren't replaced, so it ended up as 39. Then a bunch of players were called up later purely for midweek.

Laidlaw and Haskell replaced them before travelling.

Tommybojangles

Asus X540L wrote: »

There's usually 45 going isn't there and there's 60 starting 15 players between the 4 "home nations"

Add to that the usual injuries and almost everyone ends up going. Even if you're retired and playing in Japan like Shane Williams.

There's been a few notable exceptions over the years like Stringer, but being selected for a modern Lions squad means sweet **** all tbh.

My ignore list is pages long after this 6 Nations

Lucas44

ec18 wrote: »

unfortunately for Billy the tour is probably the worst for him in that SA are the only team where he doesn't attract a double tackle. (Duane, DuToit, Etzebeth et al) So I'm not sure if he'll be as effective as he is in the northern hemisphere or even if the tour was in Aus or NZ.....

Your missing the point here, billy was very effective/dominant after contact running into 2/3 man tackles and as if you say South Africa only throw 1 man at him, he will be far more effective and win them collisions more times than not .. likely 3 8s will go, stander, billy & falateau

ec18

Lucas44 wrote: »

Your missing the point here, billy was very effective/dominant after contact running into 2/3 man tackles and as if you say South Africa only throw 1 man at him, he will be far more effective and win them collisions more times than not .. likely 3 8s will go, stander, billy & falateau

my point was that the SA team is big enough that Billy won't have that after contact numbers even with one man tackling