Official Lions selection, moaning and bitching thread

[Tichtheid]

Sounds like Marcus Smith is on his way to SA as cover for Finn Russell.

Confirmed

Like a talented Stephen Donald

[And 1 guest]

Seems sensible. Smith is the most finn like of the options, and if farrell is to play 12 they need another 10.

[JM2K6]

Just as importantly, he's been in a bubble for a few weeks and has been training and playing matches.

[Tichtheid]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

[Saint]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

I don't see Lawes starting. He's nailed on for the bench - comes on early for injury at 4/5/6, otherwise coming on at 55-60 minutes likely at 6

[Slick]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

Not much I’d change there, but I’d have Hogg ahead at 15. There seems to be a lot of chatter about Harris at 13 which makes sense defensively.

[Tichtheid]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

I don't see Lawes starting. He's nailed on for the bench - comes on early for injury at 4/5/6, otherwise coming on at 55-60 minutes likely at 6

I just haven't seen many 2nd rows demanding a place, bar Itoje.

[Big D]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

I don't think Williams was that good tonight to say he has the 15 shirt. But still expect to see him on the wing in the tests.

I don't think Gatland can really go wrong in the back 3.

That was a close game until the red card.

[Saint]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

I don't see Lawes starting. He's nailed on for the bench - comes on early for injury at 4/5/6, otherwise coming on at 55-60 minutes likely at 6

I just haven't seen many 2nd rows demanding a place, bar Itoje.

Maybe not, but I think that's how Gatland sees Courtney. He's not a starter in his eyes

[dpedin]

Again players play themselves out of a test spot. Davies at 9 was awful and probably ruined any chance he had of a starting slot. Biggar wasn't much better but if Fin is injured and Smith on his way it might mean Farrell at 10 for the test team? I can't believe Daly was MOTM, he is a good silky runner but his kicking was poor and his decision making not much better and I don't think he joins the team up at 13, too often runs with ball under his arm and ignores options for pass or off load outside him. I can see Henshaw and Harris at 12-13. Murray didn't look much better at 9 when he came on, didn't add much pace to the game and got easy box kick charged down.

For me team is shaping up as: Sutherland, LCD, Furlong, Itoji, another 2nd row, Beirne, Watson and an 8. Price, Farrell, Henshaw, Harris, VDM, Adams and Hogg. So a 2nd row and 8 up for grabs probably Henderson and Faletau? Can Curry play 8?

[JM2K6]

Hamish Watson looked a bit tired today, gave up a lot of ground in the tackle and wasn't his usual self at ruck time or with the ball.

Anthony Watson had a very rocky start in defence but starred in attack later on.

Scrum half is a mess.

Harris not served by having to play 12. Daly's early howler reminded people of his tendency to shit the bed, but he might be a good bench option and is playing good attacking rugby. Biggar not as good today. Props were anonymous outside of the scrum. Conan much quieter than against Japan.

Just get the feeling the players really struggled with everything surrounding this match. It's a sad facsimile of a Lions tour.

[Tichtheid]

Hamish Watson looked a bit tired today, gave up a lot of ground in the tackle and wasn't his usual self at ruck time or with the ball.

There was one carry he made that was pure Peak Billy V, it was around a ruck in very heavy traffic and he made his way through at least four, possibly five of the Sharks pack, getting his team on the front foot from a poor position and very slow ball.
The guy is a monster.

[JM2K6]

Hamish Watson looked a bit tired today, gave up a lot of ground in the tackle and wasn't his usual self at ruck time or with the ball.

There was one carry he made that was pure Peak Billy V, it was around a ruck in very heavy traffic and he made his way through at least four, possibly five of the Sharks pack, getting his team on the front foot from a poor position and very slow ball.
The guy is a monster.

Yes, I liked that carry. It was also pretty much the sum total of the metres he made on the day. 10m from 7 carries is far below his usual standard. Please don't take "he wasn't his usual self today" to mean that I think he's shit, that he's lost it, and that he'll never do anything good again.

[Tichtheid]

Yes, I liked that carry. It was also pretty much the sum total of the metres he made on the day. 10m from 7 carries is far below his usual standard. Please don't take "he wasn't his usual self today" to mean that I think he's shit, that he's lost it, and that he'll never do anything good again.

oh I don't, but I thought Watson was one of the plus points from a Lions perspective, he made his tackles and although he lost ground when being double-teamed in a tackle, he kept the ball alive.
He also got rid of several would-be tacklers whilst not actually making any ground a couple of times, taking them out of the game, in effect.

[Slick]

Yes, I liked that carry. It was also pretty much the sum total of the metres he made on the day. 10m from 7 carries is far below his usual standard. Please don't take "he wasn't his usual self today" to mean that I think he's shit, that he's lost it, and that he'll never do anything good again.

oh I don't, but I thought Watson was one of the plus points from a Lions perspective, he made his tackles and although he lost ground when being double-teamed in a tackle, he kept the ball alive.
He also got rid of several would-be tacklers whilst not actually making any ground a couple of times, taking them out of the game, in effect.

I particularly enjoyed his first tackle on the 6’7” 21 stone 2nd row where he hit him hard then took him down. Look forward to the reports on that tomorrow

[ASMO]

Not as sold on Adams as many others, yes he has scored a lot of tries but the vast majority have been walk in's. VDM on the other hand has really impressed me, taking players on and beating them, want to see Watson get another run, he certainly is looking sharp, his second try yesterday was out of the top drawer. One who really hasnt sparked is Liam, he seems to have lost a yard or 3 of pace. My test back 3 right now would be VDM, Watson and Hogg.

[Openside]

Slightly odd one this - is anyone else having problems recording the games? Normally Sky lets you recored a series but atm it will only allow you to Record once not all Lions stuff?

[Yr Alban]

Hamish Watson looked a bit tired today, gave up a lot of ground in the tackle and wasn't his usual self at ruck time or with the ball.

Anthony Watson had a very rocky start in defence but starred in attack later on.

Scrum half is a mess.

Harris not served by having to play 12. Daly's early howler reminded people of his tendency to shit the bed, but he might be a good bench option and is playing good attacking rugby. Biggar not as good today. Props were anonymous outside of the scrum. Conan much quieter than against Japan.

Just get the feeling the players really struggled with everything surrounding this match. It's a sad facsimile of a Lions tour.

I can’t disagree with your last line, which is particularly heartbreaking from a Scottish perspective. We’ve been waiting forever for a tour where we felt properly involved again, and it’s descending into a farce. :(

[SaintK]

Not as sold on Adams as many others, yes he has scored a lot of tries but the vast majority have been walk in's. VDM on the other hand has really impressed me, taking players on and beating them, want to see Watson get another run, he certainly is looking sharp, his second try yesterday was out of the top drawer. One who really hasnt sparked is Liam, he seems to have lost a yard or 3 of pace. My test back 3 right now would be VDM, Watson and Hogg.

Hogg's going to need some game time soon to nail down his place.

[ASMO]

Not as sold on Adams as many others, yes he has scored a lot of tries but the vast majority have been walk in's. VDM on the other hand has really impressed me, taking players on and beating them, want to see Watson get another run, he certainly is looking sharp, his second try yesterday was out of the top drawer. One who really hasnt sparked is Liam, he seems to have lost a yard or 3 of pace. My test back 3 right now would be VDM, Watson and Hogg.

Hogg's going to need some game time soon to nail down his place.

I wouldnt be averse to seeing a back 3 of VDM, Adams and Watson

[Tichtheid]

Not as sold on Adams as many others, yes he has scored a lot of tries but the vast majority have been walk in's. VDM on the other hand has really impressed me, taking players on and beating them, want to see Watson get another run, he certainly is looking sharp, his second try yesterday was out of the top drawer. One who really hasnt sparked is Liam, he seems to have lost a yard or 3 of pace. My test back 3 right now would be VDM, Watson and Hogg.

Hogg's going to need some game time soon to nail down his place.

I wouldnt be averse to seeing a back 3 of VDM, Adams and Watson

English fans have told me that Watson isn't a fullback, Adams isn't either and vdM certainly isn't.

vdM, Watson and Hogg would be terrific

[SaintK]

Hogg's going to need some game time soon to nail down his place.

I wouldnt be averse to seeing a back 3 of VDM, Adams and Watson

English fans have told me that Watson isn't a fullback, Adams isn't either and vdM certainly isn't.

vdM, Watson and Hogg would be terrific

What, all of them?
He does a very passable impression of one when he's selected there for club and country.
As I said, Hogg needs to get out on the pitch and play. Hopefully he'll find his Lions form quite quickly.

[Tichtheid]

I wouldnt be averse to seeing a back 3 of VDM, Adams and Watson

English fans have told me that Watson isn't a fullback, Adams isn't either and vdM certainly isn't.

vdM, Watson and Hogg would be terrific

What, all of them?
He does a very passable impression of one when he's selected there for club and country.
As I said, Hogg needs to get out on the pitch and play. Hopefully he'll find his Lions form quite quickly.

All of them.

More seriously, it was during this 6N, when Daly wasn't exactly tearing up trees at fullback and I wondered why Watson wasn't played there.

[Big D]

I like Watson but I don't think he was that great yeaterday but he class. Good finish against a tiring defence but was caught in no man's land for their first try, well inside his man and out of position.

Early days yet for him on tour though. Would imagine he'll be involved on Wednesday too.

They can't really go wrong in the back 3. As good a set of players for a while in that position. LRZ probably behind the others though if you pushed me.

[SaintK]

English fans have told me that Watson isn't a fullback, Adams isn't either and vdM certainly isn't.

vdM, Watson and Hogg would be terrific

What, all of them?
He does a very passable impression of one when he's selected there for club and country.
As I said, Hogg needs to get out on the pitch and play. Hopefully he'll find his Lions form quite quickly.

All of them.

More seriously, it was during this 6N, when Daly wasn't exactly tearing up trees at fullback and I wondered why Watson wasn't played there.

You are being too kind

[Line6 HXFX]

Gatland is all about gameplan. You lot are all about individuals. Against South Africa we won't need flash, we won't need invention, we will need tactics, discipline, stay'ability, rigidity.

All the people you lot lust about, your Sam Simmons' Tom currys, the people that get people to sign up for a a year of Sky Sports..etc are not the people that will do the job.

We need a team of Ken Owens'. Gareth Davies', Dan Biggars'. Liam Williams'.

People who don't get injured, do what they are told, know how to get a grip on a game.

[Line6 HXFX]

Gatland is all about gameplan. You lot are all about individuals. Against South Africa we won't need flash, we won't need invention, we will need tactics, discipline, stay'ability, rigidity, cohesiveness.

All the people you lot lust about, your Sam Simmons' Tom currys, the people that get people to sign up for a a year of Sky Sports..etc are not the people that will do the job.

We need a team of Ken Owens'. Gareth Davies', Dan Biggars'. Liam Williams' Toby Falatau''s..

People who don't get injured, do what they are told, know how to get a grip on a high intensity game.

Proper Men.

[SaintK]

Gatland is all about gameplan. You lot are all about individuals. Against South Africa we won't need flash, we won't need invention, we will need tactics, discipline, stay'ability, rigidity.

All the people you lot lust about, your Sam Simmons' Tom currys, the people that get people to sign up for a a year of Sky Sports..etc are not the people that will do the job.

We need a team of Ken Owens'. Gareth Davies', Dan Biggars'. Liam Williams'.

People who don't get injured, do what they are told, know how to get a grip on a high intensity game.

Proper Men.

you are bonkers!

[Happyhooker]

Gatland is all about gameplan. You lot are all about individuals. Against South Africa we won't need flash, we won't need invention, we will need tactics, discipline, stay'ability, rigidity.

All the people you lot lust about, your Sam Simmons' Tom currys, the people that get people to sign up for a a year of Sky Sports..etc are not the people that will do the job.

We need a team of Ken Owens'. Gareth Davies', Dan Biggars'. Liam Williams'.

People who don't get injured, do what they are told, know how to get a grip on a game.

Hang on a sec. So these welsh immortals don't get injured.

Why the hell have you been bleating on for years about the welsh never performing the year after a lions tour because all of the players are injured??

[sockwithaticket]

English fans have told me that Watson isn't a fullback, Adams isn't either and vdM certainly isn't.

vdM, Watson and Hogg would be terrific

What, all of them?
He does a very passable impression of one when he's selected there for club and country.
As I said, Hogg needs to get out on the pitch and play. Hopefully he'll find his Lions form quite quickly.

All of them.

More seriously, it was during this 6N, when Daly wasn't exactly tearing up trees at fullback and I wondered why Watson wasn't played there.

He's a better winger than he is fullback, but he's a good fullback. The answer to persisting with Daly is simply Eddie Jones. He's not been perfect, but returning to 13 for the Lions has gotten a lot more out of him, almost looks a different player.

[Line6 HXFX]

Just saying, and I am not being in the slightest bit controversial, but we are not going to win this thing with overhyped English vanity players.
I am sure there is a time when we will need flakey, easily beatable over hyped, players that look great on posters.
They look great, and look attractive when after dinner speaking and suchlike.

But these soft cocks couldn't even come fourth in the six nations, and their supporters just bitched and moaned about how lucky the champions were, the whole time.
It isn't great is it?

[Slick]

Not as sold on Adams as many others, yes he has scored a lot of tries but the vast majority have been walk in's. VDM on the other hand has really impressed me, taking players on and beating them, want to see Watson get another run, he certainly is looking sharp, his second try yesterday was out of the top drawer. One who really hasnt sparked is Liam, he seems to have lost a yard or 3 of pace. My test back 3 right now would be VDM, Watson and Hogg.

All least we now know you are not the Walrus who had Williams as an absolute Titan in the game yesterday

[Slick]

Can’t remember if it was this thread or the match thread but there was a short conversation about the Lions and the Springboks and their vaccination status.

From different reports I’ve seen this week it looks like from the Lions perspective a few are double jabbed, a few have had one and a few have decided not to have any.

Bit surprised at the unvaccinated lot

[JM2K6]

Refry loathes the Lions, why are people bothering to respond to his shithouse trolling and whining? He doesn't treat anyone on here like a person worthy of having a discussion with, so do the same and ignore everything he says.


As for Anthony Watson, he has all the skills to be an excellent fullback at international level but he's been a crashing disappointment there for England. His attacking game disappeared and he made error after error. Fantastic winger, though.

[Uncle fester]

Well, as things stand my test team is Sutherland, any one of the three hookers who have all been good, Furlong, Itoje, Lawes, Beirne, Watson, A No 8, Price, Biggar, vd Merwe A Centre, A Centre, Adams, Williams.

Those are the players who need to be knocked out of the shirts, imo

Aki is looking a likely starter as one of the A Centres

I don't see Lawes starting. He's nailed on for the bench - comes on early for injury at 4/5/6, otherwise coming on at 55-60 minutes likely at 6

I just haven't seen many 2nd rows demanding a place, bar Itoje.

Henderson will be in the test squad.

[Tichtheid]

I don't see Lawes starting. He's nailed on for the bench - comes on early for injury at 4/5/6, otherwise coming on at 55-60 minutes likely at 6

I just haven't seen many 2nd rows demanding a place, bar Itoje.

Henderson will be in the test squad.

I think you’re right and I don’t know why I forgot about him, he’s a top player.
Hendo, Beirne and Itoje give the Lions excellent lineout options, too.

[SaintK]

Just saying, and I am not being in the slightest bit controversial, but we are not going to win this thing with overhyped English vanity players.
I am sure there is a time when we will need flakey, easily beatable over hyped, players that look great on posters.
They look great, and look attractive when after dinner speaking and suchlike.

But these soft cocks couldn't even come fourth in the six nations, and their supporters just bitched and moaned about how lucky the champions were, the whole time.
It isn't great is it?

I do fuck off with this shit you waste of skin

[Biffer]

Alun Wyn Jones is fit again and rejoining the touring party.

That's remarkable.

[sockwithaticket]

Alun Wyn Jones is fit again and rejoining the touring party.

That's remarkable.

He's surely retiring after the tour then?

When he was initially injured didn't Gatland say there's an option for him coming back that wouldn't be available to younger players which heavily implies they can patch him up enough to play, but it's probably not going to be good for him long term.



Also, general plea, can we not quote refry? I've got him on ignore for a reason. Ta.

[Big D]

Alun Wyn Jones is fit again and rejoining the touring party.

That's remarkable.

He's surely retiring after the tour then?

When he was initially injured didn't Gatland say there's an option for him coming back that wouldn't be available to younger players which heavily implies they can patch him up enough to play, but it's probably not going to be good for him long term.



Also, general plea, can we not quote refry? I've got him on ignore for a reason. Ta.

Nothing to lose really so long as there is little prospect of long term damage over and above what he will already have.

He will need to play on Saturday though. Can't risk him in a test without a trial run.