Lions Squad - Who's In?

[Lobby]

why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

That depends on when and how quickly Feyi-Waboso recovers from his recent shoulder surgery. Its quite possible that he will miss Lions selection completely.

[Tichtheid]

why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

[Blackmac]

why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

I struggle to see what Feyi-Waboso has achieved that even puts him in the picture, never mind about Graham.

[Tichtheid]

why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

I struggle to see what Feyi-Waboso has achieved that even puts him in the picture, never mind about Graham.

He might help sell Lions jerseys in England if they have one back in the squad

[fishfoodie]

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

I struggle to see what Feyi-Waboso has achieved that even puts him in the picture, never mind about Graham.

He might help sell Lions jerseys in England if they have one back in the squad

I'd suggest Stewart was a waterboy, but he's too slow for that too .....

So my money is on M. Smith being more in favor with Faz than his own National coach

[Rhubarb & Custard]

why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

That depends on when and how quickly Feyi-Waboso recovers from his recent shoulder surgery. Its quite possible that he will miss Lions selection completely.

I rather hope he does miss out, indeed ideally they'll not take a single EPS player. But his work rate, speed and yards post contact are exceptional, not sure anyone else really offers quite that mix. Why Wales couldn't find him a place at a university I've no idea, even for the WRU that's a poor piece of business

[Biffer]

why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Because there are better wingers.

Winger - Kinghorn - winger

With your two best choices of winger (and if that’s not Van der Merwe plus one you’re a fucking idiot)

Is better than

Kinghorn - Keenan - winger (again if it’s not VDM, you’re a fucking idiot).

First option is far, far better.

[Yr Alban]

Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

[Slick]

I think we can rule Joe McCarthy out of the trip, unless he grows a brain between now and the squad announcement date.

Was anyone really considering him?

Think both Blairhorn and Keenan will travel but on the evidence of the matches, it'll be Blairhorn starting the tests.

I’m not sure. I still think after all these years that Keenan is underrated. In saying that Kinghorn has come of age this year so will be tight

[duke]

I think we can rule Joe McCarthy out of the trip, unless he grows a brain between now and the squad announcement date.

Was anyone really considering him?

Think both Blairhorn and Keenan will travel but on the evidence of the matches, it'll be Blairhorn starting the tests.

I’m not sure. I still think after all these years that Keenan is underrated. In saying that Kinghorn has come of age this year so will be tight

Keenan has the edge defensively and Kinghorn offensively, either would be a great choice

[Blackmac]

Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

[Deveron Boy]

Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

I think general 2nd row performances yesterday have put handclapper/penalty machine back at head of the Q

[Blackmac]

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

I think general 2nd row performances yesterday have put handclapper/penalty machine back at head of the Q

I didn't want to go there.

[dpedin]

I think we can rule Joe McCarthy out of the trip, unless he grows a brain between now and the squad announcement date.

And gets a proper haircut - looks like an extra from The Commitments!

[dpedin]

It was really interesting to watch the Irish's backs play behind a pack under real pressure and giving the French the opportunity to run good attack lines. With Van Der Flier tied up in the rough stuff and unable to provide cover and O'Mahony now too slow, they looked very exposed and struggled with decision making under pressure. Even Gibson Park looked very shaky and he has been the Lions pick for 9 so far. Both Dupont and Lucu ran him pretty ragged. Mind you Lucu is vastly underrated by many and seen as a Dupont stand in, I think he may have improved the French performance when he came on!

[sockwithaticket]

It was really interesting to watch the Irish's backs play behind a pack under real pressure and giving the French the opportunity to run good attack lines. With Van Der Flier tied up in the rough stuff and unable to provide cover and O'Mahony now too slow, they looked very exposed and struggled with decision making under pressure. Even Gibson Park looked very shaky and he has been the Lions pick for 9 so far. Both Dupont and Lucu ran him pretty ragged. Mind you Lucu is vastly underrated by many and seen as a Dupont stand in, I think he may have improved the French performance when he came on!

I think that's the best I've seen Lucu play at international level. The main difference between him and Dupont is that he's primarily a facilitator while Dupont is a playmaker.

[SaintK]

Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

[sockwithaticket]

Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Wouldn't bet against Will Stuart and Maro Itoje starting. Somewhat quietly, Stuart has been having a very good season and tournament while tighthead isn't a particularly strong position for the Lions nations. There's no nailed on candidate as in the days of peak Furlong.

[dpedin]

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Wouldn't bet against Will Stuart and Maro Itoje starting. Somewhat quietly, Stuart has been having a very good season and tournament while tighthead isn't a particularly strong position for the Lions nations. There's no nailed on candidate as in the days of peak Furlong.

Agreed. I always thought Stuart carried too much bulk and was slow around the park and getting into the defensive lines. However he does seem to be a bit fitter and more mobile these days and has looked solid in games so far. I cant see Furlong making the Lions purely due to fitness and injury concerns - if the Irish cant keep him fit and healthy then there is little chance of him doing so on a Lions tour. Without him Stuart and Fagerson will vie for starting slot?

[Blackmac]

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

I know.

[sockwithaticket]

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Wouldn't bet against Will Stuart and Maro Itoje starting. Somewhat quietly, Stuart has been having a very good season and tournament while tighthead isn't a particularly strong position for the Lions nations. There's no nailed on candidate as in the days of peak Furlong.

Agreed. I always thought Stuart carried too much bulk and was slow around the park and getting into the defensive lines. However he does seem to be a bit fitter and more mobile these days and has looked solid in games so far. I cant see Furlong making the Lions purely due to fitness and injury concerns - if the Irish cant keep him fit and healthy then there is little chance of him doing so on a Lions tour. Without him Stuart and Fagerson will vie for starting slot?

Seems most likely, they're a cut above Bealham who seems most likely as a third tighthead option in Furlong's absence. The Welsh don't a have anyone above dirt tracker level to be brutally honest.

[Uncle fester]

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

[Blackmac]

You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

[Big D]

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

England will have plenty in squad. If I were betting I'd say more than Scotland but less than Ireland.

[SaintK]

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

[Blackmac]

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

England will have plenty in squad. If I were betting I'd say more than Scotland but less than Ireland.

That's very much a likelihood because the only Scottish forwards who have a cat in hells chance are Fagerson and Ritchie.

[Slick]

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

[Yr Alban]

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

[dpedin]

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

Graham has competed and scored against most international teams over the last 6 years, often whilst Scotland struggled, and has been solid in defence and under high ball. Feyi-Waboso is a fantastic runner, as is Graham, but can be found out defensively, particularly his positioning, at times. Graham is my pick every day of the week but I would have Feyi-Waboso on the bench in a 5-3 split as an impact player once the game breaks up.

[SaintK]

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

On the weekend's showing Chessum will be playing alongside Itoje. McCarthy keeps getting yellow carded for cheap shots and Beirne was completely outplayed by the 3 French locks
Can't see any Welsh locks touring or the current Scottish pairing, what's happened to Cummings?

[Tichtheid]

what's happened to Cummings?

Injured. He and Max Williamson will probably be the locks as from next season

[Guy Smiley]

I think we can all agree that for the good of the game globally, it would be best if this was just a British Lions, yeah? No need for the and I.

We don't want any thuggery and violence, lads.

[SaintK]

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

Highly doubtful due to lack of game time. My original question was based on the fact that a few pundits had him pencilled in as a potential starter before he was injured with VdM on the other wing.
Graham has a far better chance of touring than Feyi-Waboso

[Slick]

I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

[Sandstorm]

I think we can all agree that for the good of the game globally, it would be best if this was just a British Lions, yeah? No need for the and I.

We don't want any thuggery and violence, lads.

Won't someone think of the Manly locals?

[Tichtheid]

I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

I would think Duhan is nailed on.

[Slick]

I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

I would think Duhan is nailed on.

Yeah, probably. Just also have to consider who the coach is.

[Yeeb]

I think we can all agree that for the good of the game globally, it would be best if this was just a British Lions, yeah? No need for the and I.

We don't want any thuggery and violence, lads.

British lsles mate - you already have the thuggery and kneebusters included, the elaborate recent naming change was just to try and appease their chips on shoulders

[Yeeb]

I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

I would think Duhan is nailed on.

Curry

[SaintK]

what's happened to Cummings?

Injured. He and Max Williamson will probably be the locks as from next season

Thanks. Easily the best of the Scottich locks as far as I'm concerned