Official Lions selection, moaning and bitching thread

[JM2K6]

Before he was an England player my criticisms of Daly were that essentially he was a hothead who made poor decisions at times, and that his defence was sometimes a bit flappy. He made for a cracking winger for a period of time but his problems in the back three are a world away from what he was as a 13, and I think mentally he's a totally different player now. Just the tackling to worry about, but it's a worthwhile risk I guess.

[JM2K6]

I still would have had Beirne, Harris and Williams in for Lawes, Daly and DVDM. I think Daly might be in for his kicking but I'm worried about his defence. Other things I would have changed are very much 50/50 calls - Watson/Curry, Sutherland/Jones. So I'm not going to whine about them, although I'm gutted for Mish.

I don't think Daly's in for his kicking. Daly's in as the only centre who's been making breaks for fun.

I think it was a consideration - not the main reason he was picked. I mean I think it gives him an edge in selection over Harris. Worried about his defence, missed 9 of 25 tackles on the tour. So I think you have Harris better in defence, Daly better in attack, in a decision between the two the extra kicking in the backline gives Daly an edge (as I think kicking from hand will be an important part of Gatland's gameplan).

I think the problem is we've had a bunch of centres play and only one of them has been any good in attack - if Henshaw or Aki had been tearing it up, then Harris would have been the likelier pick. As it is we risked a really staid midfield.

[Monk]

I don't think Daly's in for his kicking. Daly's in as the only centre who's been making breaks for fun.

I think it was a consideration - not the main reason he was picked. I mean I think it gives him an edge in selection over Harris. Worried about his defence, missed 9 of 25 tackles on the tour. So I think you have Harris better in defence, Daly better in attack, in a decision between the two the extra kicking in the backline gives Daly an edge (as I think kicking from hand will be an important part of Gatland's gameplan).

I think the problem is we've had a bunch of centres play and only one of them has been any good in attack - if Henshaw or Aki had been tearing it up, then Harris would have been the likelier pick. As it is we risked a really staid midfield.

i am pretty sure Daly's ability to kick goals from distance - and find touch at long range - helped his cause.

[dpedin]

I think it was a consideration - not the main reason he was picked. I mean I think it gives him an edge in selection over Harris. Worried about his defence, missed 9 of 25 tackles on the tour. So I think you have Harris better in defence, Daly better in attack, in a decision between the two the extra kicking in the backline gives Daly an edge (as I think kicking from hand will be an important part of Gatland's gameplan).

I think the problem is we've had a bunch of centres play and only one of them has been any good in attack - if Henshaw or Aki had been tearing it up, then Harris would have been the likelier pick. As it is we risked a really staid midfield.

i am pretty sure Daly's ability to kick goals from distance - and find touch at long range - helped his cause.

He kicks it a long way sure but his decision making and tactical kicking from hand has often been poor, he kicked straight to Kolbe for try in A game, and he has often ignored an overlap and space out wide in order to kick aimlessly. His defence worries me, worst tackle record on tour.

[Margin__Walker]

Taxi for Neil Francis. Lovely bloke

[Biffer]

Taxi for Neil Francis. Lovely bloke

Wow. That's just straightforward racist. There's nothing unconscious, implicit or structural about that.

[Raggs]

What an arse. I mean, he's always been an arse, but even so, maybe this one will actually get him in trouble?

[Cartman]

Their podcast name will save them

[Uncle fester]

What an arse. I mean, he's always been an arse, but even so, maybe this one will actually get him in trouble?

Been heading that way for a while. Grub of a human. Seems to be begging to get the boot so he can whine about being cancelled.

[Openside]

I still would have had Beirne, Harris and Williams in for Lawes, Daly and DVDM. I think Daly might be in for his kicking but I'm worried about his defence. Other things I would have changed are very much 50/50 calls - Watson/Curry, Sutherland/Jones. So I'm not going to whine about them, although I'm gutted for Mish.

I think MacBryde and Gatland have copped out a little to be honest. Watson isn't an ideal fit for the bench but it feels like they have though "we can't leave him out completely".

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

[Yr Alban]

I still would have had Beirne, Harris and Williams in for Lawes, Daly and DVDM. I think Daly might be in for his kicking but I'm worried about his defence. Other things I would have changed are very much 50/50 calls - Watson/Curry, Sutherland/Jones. So I'm not going to whine about them, although I'm gutted for Mish.

I think MacBryde and Gatland have copped out a little to be honest. Watson isn't an ideal fit for the bench but it feels like they have though "we can't leave him out completely".

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

I got the same impression - if they couldn’t drop one of them from the 23, Curry would have made more sense as a bench option as he can cover more than one position, which Mish doesn’t. But there you have it. Cop out it may be, but it means that Mish will almost certainly get the Test cap he deserves.

[dpedin]

I think MacBryde and Gatland have copped out a little to be honest. Watson isn't an ideal fit for the bench but it feels like they have though "we can't leave him out completely".

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

I got the same impression - if they couldn’t drop one of them from the 23, Curry would have made more sense as a bench option as he can cover more than one position, which Mish doesn’t. But there you have it. Cop out it may be, but it means that Mish will almost certainly get the Test cap he deserves.

Both have engine for 80mins so I suspect Curry will not be coming off if uninjured but will move across back row when Mish comes on and as game loosens up. I agree with others in that I would have had him starting and Curry coming on after 55 mins probably for Conan who will be doing a lot of the carrying load in first 55-60mins. I also suspect there is a worry that AWJ won't last the 80 so having Beirne and Lawes in squad is required to cover all options. Looks like we have picked a mobile but tough pack and with the backs chosen expect a loose game in the last quarter? Perhaps planned to take advantage of SA not having had much game time?

[sockwithaticket]

Taxi for Neil Francis. Lovely bloke

Wow. That's just straightforward racist. There's nothing unconscious, implicit or structural about that.

In isolation, sure. However it was also accompanied by a comment about Smith's David Beckham haircut, so it seems he's assumed Smith is fake tanning a la Henson and co back in the day and Francis is taking on the role of the old school guy scornful of young people expressing themselves through their appearance rather than being deliberately racist.

He's a shite enough journo/commentator on the game to have not bothered doing any actual research into who Smith is and thus be ignorant of his heritage. Which in and of itself is why he shouldn't have a job.

[JM2K6]

I think MacBryde and Gatland have copped out a little to be honest. Watson isn't an ideal fit for the bench but it feels like they have though "we can't leave him out completely".

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

I got the same impression - if they couldn’t drop one of them from the 23, Curry would have made more sense as a bench option as he can cover more than one position, which Mish doesn’t. But there you have it. Cop out it may be, but it means that Mish will almost certainly get the Test cap he deserves.

It doesn't really matter if someone starts on the bench or on the pitch if they can cover multiple positions. Having Curry be able to cover the entire back row from the bench is no different having him cover it from the start with Watson replacing him if he moves.

[Uncle fester]

Taxi for Neil Francis. Lovely bloke

Wow. That's just straightforward racist. There's nothing unconscious, implicit or structural about that.

In isolation, sure. However it was also accompanied by a comment about Smith's David Beckham haircut, so it seems he's assumed Smith is fake tanning a la Henson and co back in the day and Francis is taking on the role of the old school guy scornful of young people expressing themselves through their appearance rather than being deliberately racist.

He's a shite enough journo/commentator on the game to have not bothered doing any actual research into who Smith is and thus be ignorant of his heritage. Which in and of itself is why he shouldn't have a job.

Funny how he keeps making these "mistakes".

[Begbie]

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

I got the same impression - if they couldn’t drop one of them from the 23, Curry would have made more sense as a bench option as he can cover more than one position, which Mish doesn’t. But there you have it. Cop out it may be, but it means that Mish will almost certainly get the Test cap he deserves.

It doesn't really matter if someone starts on the bench or on the pitch if they can cover multiple positions. Having Curry be able to cover the entire back row from the bench is no different having him cover it from the start with Watson replacing him if he moves.

Yep. I don't see the issue with Mish coming off the bench. The only time I remember him coming on as a sub for Scotland was v Wales in '19 and he beat more defenders in 20 mins than the rest of the team combined had managed over the tournament. He doesn't need 80 mins to make an impact. I'm looking forward to seeing him and Curry together.

[sockwithaticket]

Wow. That's just straightforward racist. There's nothing unconscious, implicit or structural about that.

In isolation, sure. However it was also accompanied by a comment about Smith's David Beckham haircut, so it seems he's assumed Smith is fake tanning a la Henson and co back in the day and Francis is taking on the role of the old school guy scornful of young people expressing themselves through their appearance rather than being deliberately racist.

He's a shite enough journo/commentator on the game to have not bothered doing any actual research into who Smith is and thus be ignorant of his heritage. Which in and of itself is why he shouldn't have a job.

Funny how he keeps making these "mistakes".

Oh, is this a repeat offence? I don't really know much about his ouevre, just that he's a blowhard who doesn't know shit, much like Stephen Jones whom I also rarely read more than a snippet from every now and then. More than enough to know not to bother the rest of the time, mind.

[Begbie]

In isolation, sure. However it was also accompanied by a comment about Smith's David Beckham haircut, so it seems he's assumed Smith is fake tanning a la Henson and co back in the day and Francis is taking on the role of the old school guy scornful of young people expressing themselves through their appearance rather than being deliberately racist.

He's a shite enough journo/commentator on the game to have not bothered doing any actual research into who Smith is and thus be ignorant of his heritage. Which in and of itself is why he shouldn't have a job.

Funny how he keeps making these "mistakes".

Oh, is this a repeat offence? I don't really know much about his ouevre, just that he's a blowhard who doesn't know shit, much like Stephen Jones whom I also rarely read more than a snippet from every now and then. More than enough to know not to bother the rest of the time, mind.

He has previous when talking about project players. I believe Quinn Roux was a recent target.

The guy's a tadger but outrage = website hits which means his employers are probably quite happy for him to continue being a despicable cretin.

[Openside]

I think MacBryde and Gatland have copped out a little to be honest. Watson isn't an ideal fit for the bench but it feels like they have though "we can't leave him out completely".

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

I got the same impression - if they couldn’t drop one of them from the 23, Curry would have made more sense as a bench option as he can cover more than one position, which Mish doesn’t. But there you have it. Cop out it may be, but it means that Mish will almost certainly get the Test cap he deserves.

Its odd seeing you calling him Mish as that is what I call my son.

[Biffer]

Funny how he keeps making these "mistakes".

Oh, is this a repeat offence? I don't really know much about his ouevre, just that he's a blowhard who doesn't know shit, much like Stephen Jones whom I also rarely read more than a snippet from every now and then. More than enough to know not to bother the rest of the time, mind.

He has previous when talking about project players. I believe Quinn Roux was a recent target.

The guy's a tadger but outrage = website hits which means his employers are probably quite happy for him to continue being a despicable cretin.

He’s been sacked by the independent.

He’s previously made comments about gay people and one of the French players that were out of order by about four decades.

[Slick]

Oh, is this a repeat offence? I don't really know much about his ouevre, just that he's a blowhard who doesn't know shit, much like Stephen Jones whom I also rarely read more than a snippet from every now and then. More than enough to know not to bother the rest of the time, mind.

He has previous when talking about project players. I believe Quinn Roux was a recent target.

The guy's a tadger but outrage = website hits which means his employers are probably quite happy for him to continue being a despicable cretin.

He’s been sacked by the independent.

He’s previously made comments about gay people and one of the French players that were out of order by about four decades.

“Gay people aren’t interested in sport” wasn’t it?

Fucking idiot

[Lemoentjie]

So is he a homophobe or racist?

[Uncle fester]

He's a pig ignorant wanker who has been stealing a living for years.

[Begbie]

He'll probably get a job at GB News.

[Slick]

So is he a homophobe or racist?

Probably not either, just an idiot. Speaking of which, hows things?

[Biffer]

Well, he could be a racist idiot.

[Slick]

Well, he could be a racist idiot.

True. My take on it is he was trying to be funny and a smartarse rather than laughing at him for being half Filipino. Mainly because I doubt he had any idea that he was half Filipino.

Edit: however I do think he is a homophobe

[Paddington Bear]

Hard to cry any tears for him. Writing columns spouting the kind of shite the pub bore would tell you after matches for years. Probably inevitable it ended like this

[Yr Alban]

I agree - Hamish should start or not at all, he is a scrapper and a grafter which you want when the Boks come out all guns blazing - Curry better suited to coming on, his speed more useful as the game breaks up.

I got the same impression - if they couldn’t drop one of them from the 23, Curry would have made more sense as a bench option as he can cover more than one position, which Mish doesn’t. But there you have it. Cop out it may be, but it means that Mish will almost certainly get the Test cap he deserves.

It doesn't really matter if someone starts on the bench or on the pitch if they can cover multiple positions. Having Curry be able to cover the entire back row from the bench is no different having him cover it from the start with Watson replacing him if he moves.

Fair point, providing they reliably have the engine to last 80 minutes, which Curry does.

[Yr Alban]

He'll probably get a job at GB News.

Are they still broadcasting? I thought they had set a new record from launch to obscurity.

[Biffer]

Well, he could be a racist idiot.

True. My take on it is he was trying to be funny and a smartarse rather than laughing at him for being half Filipino. Mainly because I doubt he had any idea that he was half Filipino.

Edit: however I do think he is a homophobe

I think he’s said enough shit in the past that he was never going to get any leeway for something like this.

Mind you, not all Neil Francis content is bad.

[ScarfaceClaw]

He'll probably get a job at GB News.

Are they still broadcasting? I thought they had set a new record from launch to obscurity.

You wouldn’t want to be that one person who checked and then got outed as their sole viewer for the evening.

[SaintK]

Reading on PR that Wyn Jones is out and Sutherland to start with Mako to the bench.
No confirmation anywhere yet though!!!

[ASMO]

He'll probably get a job at GB News.

Are they still broadcasting? I thought they had set a new record from launch to obscurity.

You wouldn’t want to be that one person who checked and then got outed as their sole viewer for the evening.

To be fair with the "oompahloompah tan" comment he could have been describing Openside.

[Openside]

Are they still broadcasting? I thought they had set a new record from launch to obscurity.

You wouldn’t want to be that one person who checked and then got outed as their sole viewer for the evening.

To be fair with the "oompahloompah tan" comment he could have been describing Openside.

[Yr Alban]

Reading on PR that Wyn Jones is out and Sutherland to start with Mako to the bench.
No confirmation anywhere yet though!!!

Nope, not seeing that reported anywhere so far.

Was actually thinking how balanced the 23 ended up being. England 5 starters, Scotland/Wales/Ireland 3 each, bench has 2 from each country. I know it wasn’t planned that way, but that’s representative.

[GogLais]

Reading on PR that Wyn Jones is out and Sutherland to start with Mako to the bench.
No confirmation anywhere yet though!!!

Nope, not seeing that reported anywhere so far.

Was actually thinking how balanced the 23 ended up being. England 5 starters, Scotland/Wales/Ireland 3 each, bench has 2 from each country. I know it wasn’t planned that way, but that’s representative.

Not a supporter of PR then?

[Tattie]

Reading on PR that Wyn Jones is out and Sutherland to start with Mako to the bench.
No confirmation anywhere yet though!!!

Nope, not seeing that reported anywhere so far.

Was actually thinking how balanced the 23 ended up being. England 5 starters, Scotland/Wales/Ireland 3 each, bench has 2 from each country. I know it wasn’t planned that way, but that’s representative.

Not a supporter of PR then?

I’m more impressed that they’re playing with only 14 starters, brave move.

[GogLais]

Nope, not seeing that reported anywhere so far.

Was actually thinking how balanced the 23 ended up being. England 5 starters, Scotland/Wales/Ireland 3 each, bench has 2 from each country. I know it wasn’t planned that way, but that’s representative.

Not a supporter of PR then?

I’m more impressed that they’re playing with only 14 starters, brave move.

Oh yeah. Lucky I didn't have to do calculations for a living.

[SaintK]

Reading on PR that Wyn Jones is out and Sutherland to start with Mako to the bench.
No confirmation anywhere yet though!!!

Nope, not seeing that reported anywhere so far.

Was actually thinking how balanced the 23 ended up being. England 5 starters, Scotland/Wales/Ireland 3 each, bench has 2 from each country. I know it wasn’t planned that way, but that’s representative.

Nope, haven't seen anything anywhere else either!!!