Lions Tour

joseywhales · 22-03-2021 3:49pm

I think George North is definitely going, had a great 6n at 13 and covers wing too obviously

AbusesToilets · 22-03-2021 3:52pm

joseywhales wrote: »

I think George North is definitely going, had a great 6n at 13 and covers wing too obviously

You think? He's a shadow of player he was. There are better wingers bowt, and certainly better centres

Richie_Rich89 · 22-03-2021 4:01pm

Biggar was excellent against France. I'd say he could go after that. He probably isn't known for being the best attacking 10 but Wales were playing some sublime attacking rugby with him at the heart of it. Any time they got within 30m of the French line they looked as if they could score. Their attack was lightyears ahead of Leinster's and yet you have blowhards on here raving about Leinster bullying their way to victory against 14-man Ulster (and running into touch when they did try putting it through the hands) and saying Wales were lucky and not worthy of winning a Slam.

joseywhales · 22-03-2021 5:38pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

You think? He's a shadow of player he was. There are better wingers bowt, and certainly better centres

Given welsh dominance of the other 3 nations and his effectiveness as a strike runner at 13 and the game that warren likes to play and the fact that warren knows and loves his welsh players, I think he will go.

FlubberJones · 22-03-2021 5:41pm

joseywhales wrote: »

Given welsh dominance of the other 3 nations and his effectiveness as a strike runner at 13 and the game that warren likes to play and the fact that warren knows and loves his welsh players, I think he will go.

I'd agree with that, has played more confidently at 13 with each game, and he can cover the wing if needed... He'll be there

Louis Friend · 22-03-2021 7:41pm

I’d say Biggar will go ahead of Russell as third outhalf.

My sense is that the outhalves will be Farrell, Sexton, and Biggar, with Hogg as emergency cover.

sydthebeat · 22-03-2021 7:55pm

joseywhales wrote: »

Given welsh dominance of the other 3 nations...

What other nations are you referring to here?

Louis Friend · 22-03-2021 7:58pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

What other nations are you referring to here?

Probably England, Scotland, and Ireland I’m guessing...

sydthebeat · 22-03-2021 8:02pm

Louis Friend wrote: »

Probably England, Scotland, and Ireland I’m guessing...

i hope not... it would take a warped mind to look at any of those games and think that wales dominated them.

even in the England game it took two very incorrect and significant ref decisions to allow wales to pull away

sydthebeat · 22-03-2021 8:06pm

Guscotts lions selection of the week....

The Inbetween is mine · 22-03-2021 8:07pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

Guscotts lions selection of the week....

Needs more CJ

Louis Friend · 22-03-2021 8:15pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

i hope not... it would take a warped mind to look at any of those games and think that wales dominated them.

even in the England game it took two very incorrect and significant ref decisions to allow wales to pull away

It’s a big leap alright.

I would have thought the only “sure things” if fit are Itoje, Furlong, and Farrell. Then probables might include Henshaw (on form alone), Vunipola, Ryan, Curry, and Faletau.

joseywhales · 22-03-2021 11:53pm

sydthebeat wrote: »

i hope not... it would take a warped mind to look at any of those games and think that wales dominated them.

even in the England game it took two very incorrect and significant ref decisions to allow wales to pull away

They dominated as in they beat Ireland,England and Scotland. They may not have dominated each match but over the series of triple corwn games that all four nations played, they dominated. Winning is winning after all.

sydthebeat · 23-03-2021 12:04am

joseywhales wrote: »

They dominated as in they beat Ireland,England and Scotland. They may not have dominated each match but over the series of triple corwn games that all four nations played, they dominated. Winning is winning after all.

They didn't dominate.

Small margins, red cards, and all that jazz.

Billy Ocean · 23-03-2021 2:08am

Jackman, Linehan and Eddie O'Sullivan picked a team on against the head tonight.

Vunipola
Owens
Furlong
Itoje
Alan Wyn Jones
Beirne
Curry
Falateau
Gareth Davies
Sexton
Liam Williams
Farrell
Henshaw
Rees Zammit
Hogg

Interestingly think that's the same tight 5 as 2017 except for Jamie George.

Mentioned Loose head and SH as tight calls, Tupiric mentioned as unlucky to miss out too.

Eddie said he'd pick Ryan and mentioned him as a possible captain, Donal was saying with SA going 6-2 split on the bench possibly like the world cup big impact was needed there with Ryan as an example, he seemed to favour Wyn Jones as captain. Van De Merwe on the wing mentioned by Eddie as a possible bolter.

Personal opinion of mine not many lads if fit currently cemented as test starters which I believe is a good thing, Furlong and Itoje, possibly Falateau if Vunipola stays out of shape.

Wonder if Sam Simmonds could be a dark horse to make the squad?

Billy Ocean · 23-03-2021 2:11am

Louis Friend wrote: »

It’s a big leap alright.

I would have thought the only “sure things” if fit are Itoje, Furlong, and Farrell. Then probables might include Henshaw (on form alone), Vunipola, Ryan, Curry, and Faletau.

wouldn't have Farrell has a sure thing currently, could go with a 10,12,13 of Sexton, Henshaw, Jonathan Davies who i think could have started every test or at least every test bar 1 in 2013 and 17.

Bridge93 · 23-03-2021 10:10am

Any chance if the tour is to happen in the UK that we see a much smaller squad? Less of a need to round up 40 men if you're not on the other side of the world

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 10:13am

Bridge93 wrote: »

Any chance if the tour is to happen in the UK that we see a much smaller squad? Less of a need to round up 40 men if you're not on the other side of the world

there won't be any Irish players in the squad if that happens, so probably will be smaller

Louis Friend · 23-03-2021 10:26am

The Inbetween is mine wrote: »

there won't be any Irish players in the squad if that happens, so probably will be smaller

What do you mean?

Of course there will be.

Cosmo Kramer · 23-03-2021 10:30am

I'd imagine they'd still need a big squad in that case as it would be harder to call player back from overseas tours with their own countries (unless they are also rescheduled for UK and Ireland venues).

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 10:44am

Louis Friend wrote: »

What do you mean?

Of course there will be.

If it receives British government funding to underwrite the tour...it'll happen in the mainland UK, with no monies to the IRFU..no players from this country will take part

Louis Friend · 23-03-2021 11:11am

The Inbetween is mine wrote: »

If it receives British government funding to underwrite the tour...it'll happen in the mainland UK, with no monies to the IRFU..no players from this country will take part

That can’t happen. The four Unions own the Lions entity.

And underwriting doesn’t mean underwriting profits anyway, it just means underwriting costs. If the thing goes ahead in the UK but then stadiums turn out to be empty, the IRFU would get nothing. It’s just that the Lions entity wouldn’t be bankrupted.

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 11:23am

Louis Friend wrote: »

That can’t happen. The four Unions own the Lions entity.

And underwriting doesn’t mean underwriting profits anyway, it just means underwriting costs. If the thing goes ahead in the UK but then stadiums turn out to be empty, the IRFU would get nothing. It’s just that the Lions entity wouldn’t be bankrupted.

Underwriting costs, yes but no games in Ireland, no benefit whatsoever to the IRFU...so no Irish participation.
Tbh, it's a moot point anyway..I can't see the Lions tour happening in any shape or form

sydthebeat · 23-03-2021 11:26am

The Inbetween is mine wrote: »

Underwriting costs, yes but no games in Ireland, no benefit whatsoever to the IRFU...so no Irish participation.

thats never how it worked ???

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 11:27am

sydthebeat wrote: »

thats never how it worked ???

Well we've never had a home tour..so that's correct

sydthebeat · 23-03-2021 11:32am

The Inbetween is mine wrote: »

Well we've never had a home tour..so that's correct

why would where the tour takes place affect whether irish players are selected or not??

awec · 23-03-2021 11:39am

The Inbetween is mine wrote: »

Underwriting costs, yes but no games in Ireland, no benefit whatsoever to the IRFU...so no Irish participation.
Tbh, it's a moot point anyway..I can't see the Lions tour happening in any shape or form

The profit made by the Lions is split among the 4 unions. Clubs also get money for any Lions selected (which also means money to the IRFU in our case).

It must be worth a couple of million at least to the IRFU.

Louis Friend · 23-03-2021 11:49am

The Inbetween is mine wrote: »

Underwriting costs, yes but no games in Ireland, no benefit whatsoever to the IRFU...so no Irish participation.
Tbh, it's a moot point anyway..I can't see the Lions tour happening in any shape or form

There are never any games in Ireland...

The benefit to the IRFU of a commercially successful tour is clear. They part-own the Lions.

Former Former Former · 23-03-2021 11:50am

I think a few people are having the chains yanked a bit here lads.

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 12:08pm

Former Former Former wrote: »

I think a few people are having the chains yanked a bit here lads.

It's my natural sceptical nature is all

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 12:28pm

I killed boards

Cookiemunster · 23-03-2021 4:23pm

Apparently a behind closed doors tour in SA is to be confirmed within the next hour.
https://twitter.com/GavinMairs/status/1374374113410609155

Boscoirl · 23-03-2021 4:25pm

thank **** for a decision!!

The Inbetween is mine · 23-03-2021 4:35pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Apparently a behind closed doors tour in SA is to be confirmed within the next hour.
https://twitter.com/GavinMairs/status/1374374113410609155

It was probably the only way it could happen, I'm happy with that if it goes ahead

Tigerandahalf · 23-03-2021 4:58pm

So will the Lions have to go into quarantine on their return from S Africa or will they be vaccinated before they head off?
Pretty risky given the situation there.

GreeBo · 23-03-2021 4:58pm

Billy Ocean wrote: »

Jackman, Linehan and Eddie O'Sullivan picked a team on against the head tonight.

Vunipola
Owens
Furlong
Itoje
Alan Wyn Jones
Beirne
Curry
Falateau
Gareth Davies
Sexton
Liam Williams
Farrell
Henshaw
Rees Zammit
Hogg

Interestingly think that's the same tight 5 as 2017 except for Jamie George.

Mentioned Loose head and SH as tight calls, Tupiric mentioned as unlucky to miss out too.

Eddie said he'd pick Ryan and mentioned him as a possible captain, Donal was saying with SA going 6-2 split on the bench possibly like the world cup big impact was needed there with Ryan as an example, he seemed to favour Wyn Jones as captain. Van De Merwe on the wing mentioned by Eddie as a possible bolter.

Personal opinion of mine not many lads if fit currently cemented as test starters which I believe is a good thing, Furlong and Itoje, possibly Falateau if Vunipola stays out of shape.

Wonder if Sam Simmonds could be a dark horse to make the squad?

Is Itoje nailed on for a place?
He is on everyones list, but with 12 penalties to his name, at what point is he a liability?

irishbucsfan · 23-03-2021 5:01pm

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

So will the Lions have to go into quarantine on their return from S Africa or will they be vaccinated before they head off?
Pretty risky given the situation there.

If the Lions get vaccinated before they head off it’ll be absolutely outrageous. Not sure I could watch that tbh (not that I think it’ll happen)

Cookiemunster · 23-03-2021 5:09pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

If the Lions get vaccinated before they head off it’ll be absolutely outrageous. Not sure I could watch that tbh (not that I think it’ll happen)

The ones living in the UK will possibly have been vaccinated by then anyway as part of their roll out.

Cookiemunster · 23-03-2021 5:11pm

It's official now. They tour is to go ahead as per the original schedule. https://www.lionsrugby.com/2021/03/23/lions-rugby-2021-tour-update

Boscoirl · 23-03-2021 5:11pm

The UK based players would be vaccinated by then anyway I would imagine, no harm to let them vaccinate our players too for us, save a few doses for use here

GreeBo · 23-03-2021 5:12pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

The ones living in the UK will possibly have been vaccinated by then anyway as part of their roll out.

Easily I would say, I know several people who already got the call.

hahashake · 23-03-2021 5:18pm

I'm surprised but pleased. A UK (and possibly Ireland) "tour" is not a proper Lions tour.

Doubt they'll even have home spectators but there is no guarantee for any in the UK either.

PTH2009 · 23-03-2021 5:22pm

Wasant expecting it to stay in place in South Africa but no doubt the squad/management/staff etc will be protected to the gills.

Looking forward to it esp with the good time difference

AdamD · 23-03-2021 5:24pm

PTH2009 wrote: »

Wasant expecting it to stay in place in South Africa but no doubt the squad/management/staff etc will be protected to the gills.

Looking forward to it esp with the good time difference

Wouldn't be surprised if players take themselves out of contention. Its a very long bubble to be in, especially when restrictions are likely to be lifted in their home countries.

awec · 23-03-2021 5:25pm

AdamD wrote: »

Wouldn't be surprised if players take themselves out of contention. Its a very long bubble to be in, especially when restrictions are likely to be lifted in their home countries.

They get paid a fortune for being selected!

Squidgy Black · 23-03-2021 5:28pm

awec wrote: »

They get paid a fortune for being selected!

I can see the likes of Joe Marler turning down a call up though, considering he walked away from international rugby previously due to not being able to spend time with family

bilston · 23-03-2021 5:28pm

I don't think it would be a very enjoyable tour for the players at all. They will be stuck in their bubble for 6 or 7 weeks.

Buer · 23-03-2021 5:28pm

Boscoirl wrote: »

The UK based players would be vaccinated by then anyway I would imagine, no harm to let them vaccinate our players too for us, save a few doses for use here

Surely Sexton is due to be vaccinated this month anyway?

MisterAnarchy · 23-03-2021 5:37pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

It's official now. They tour is to go ahead as per the original schedule. https://www.lionsrugby.com/2021/03/23/lions-rugby-2021-tour-update

They are off their rocker.
There will be no spectators at any of those games.
No point in playing it behind closed doors.

Sheep Shagger · 23-03-2021 5:38pm

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

They are off their rocker.
There will be no spectators at any of those games.
No point in playing it behind closed doors.

Playing behind closed doors means they can meet commercial obligations though. Its a business at the end of the day and that means more than postponing in the hope supporters can be accommodated.

Lions Tour

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