B&I Lions 2025 Official Thread

[Guy Smiley]

I'm curious to know if any of the bored's Lions supporters have watched many of the Aussie Supe teams' games, and how you rate the quality of the opposiion players the tourists are likely to meet.

Think most of us stopped watching super rugby a long time ago.

That’s right, let the scorn flow through you…

[Rhubarb & Custard]

I'm curious to know if any of the bored's Lions supporters have watched many of the Aussie Supe teams' games, and how you rate the quality of the opposiion players the tourists are likely to meet.

Think most of us stopped watching super rugby a long time ago.

That’s right, let the scorn flow through you…

I used to watch it a fair bit back in the late 90s and early 00s, but then they kept changing the format, and I stopped being a student and that curtailed leisure time.

[Gumboot]

I'm curious to know if any of the bored's Lions supporters have watched many of the Aussie Supe teams' games, and how you rate the quality of the opposiion players the tourists are likely to meet.

Think most of us stopped watching super rugby a long time ago.

I have. Aussie Teams are looking much better than they were 2 years ago. I don’t think they’ll beat the Lions, but they’ll give them a decent series.

I think this year's Wallabies will be a very strong side. Everyone up north is well aware of Schmidt's coaching creds of course, but also, crucially, this will be former ABs scrum guru Mike Cron's second year with the team. Reckon the Aussie tight five will hold its own in the set piece and defend well. And if they do, there's an abundance of talent in the loose forwards and backs capable of cashing in. Joe's biggest selection issue will be who to leave out.

The Lions will no doubt have a handy backline, but some of the Wallabies backs are freakishly athletic, with excellent rugby instincts, and some of their Supe play has been scary good. Suaalii is a special talent, and I think the Lions could have a nightmare trying to contain him.

Wobblies to sweep the series. Here. First.

[Uncle fester]

Think most of us stopped watching super rugby a long time ago.

That’s right, let the scorn flow through you…

I used to watch it a fair bit back in the late 90s and early 00s, but then they kept changing the format, and I stopped being a student and that curtailed leisure time.

This

[Guy Smiley]

See, what I’m remembering right now is the ridicule that rains down whenever some SH pundit has the temerity to spell a NH player’s name wrong or not know how many games they played for the Lower Scunthorpe Threes…

but by all means. Go into a Lions series not knowing anything about the players you’re going to face. What could possibly go wrong.

[Kawazaki]

I just read Brian Moore's weakly effort on the Telegraph earlier about his Lions squad. I won't link it here as it's just utter garbage.

Talk about dialling it in. He's absolutely shite nowadays.

[Kawazaki]

Think most of us stopped watching super rugby a long time ago.

That’s right, let the scorn flow through you…

I used to watch it a fair bit back in the late 90s and early 00s, but then they kept changing the format, and I stopped being a student and that curtailed leisure time.

That period in the late-90s to early-00s the Super 12 was the apogee of the professional game for me. The players were basically very very fit and strong amateurs. Nothing was over-analysed to death and players could still improvise on the hoof. It also coincided with some true GOATs operating. And I loved the Canterbury jerseys of this era.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

What could possibly go wrong.

The Lions could win prolonging interest in the antediluvian franchise. The sooner it dies a death the better.

[SaintK]

Doris to have shoulder surgery later this week after injuring it against Saints
Depending on the recovery plan he could be a major doubt for the Lions tour

[Uncle fester]

See, what I’m remembering right now is the ridicule that rains down whenever some SH pundit has the temerity to spell a NH player’s name wrong or not know how many games they played for the Lower Scunthorpe Threes…

but by all means. Go into a Lions series not knowing anything about the players you’re going to face. What could possibly go wrong.

You're a tryer. I'll give you that.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

See, what I’m remembering right now is the ridicule that rains down whenever some SH pundit has the temerity to spell a NH player’s name wrong or not know how many games they played for the Lower Scunthorpe Threes…

but by all means. Go into a Lions series not knowing anything about the players you’re going to face. What could possibly go wrong.

You're a tryer. I'll give you that.

is that trying, because one suspects whilst many rugby fans on a forum haven't seen the Aussie sides the coaches picking the squad(s) will have watched a fair bit. unless somehow a more informed fan base permeates into better selection

[Guy Smiley]

See, what I’m remembering right now is the ridicule that rains down whenever some SH pundit has the temerity to spell a NH player’s name wrong or not know how many games they played for the Lower Scunthorpe Threes…

but by all means. Go into a Lions series not knowing anything about the players you’re going to face. What could possibly go wrong.

You're a tryer. I'll give you that.

is that trying, because one suspects whilst many rugby fans on a forum haven't seen the Aussie sides the coaches picking the squad(s) will have watched a fair bit. unless somehow a more informed fan base permeates into better selection

Looks around...

yes, we're on a rugby fans' forum. Heaven forbid someone actually


try



to talk about the rugby.

[Gumboot]

This should be a highly entertaining tour and a great series; in other words, the opposite of the horrendous fucking anti-rugby dished up by Erasmus and Gatland last time round.

Looking forward to the naming of the tour party. Anyone have a potential bolter?

[Slick]

This should be a highly entertaining tour and a great series; in other words, the opposite of the horrendous fucking anti-rugby dished up by Erasmus and Gatland last time round.

Looking forward to the naming of the tour party. Anyone have a potential bolter?

Freddie Douglas

Fraser Dingwall

[Rhubarb & Custard]

You're a tryer. I'll give you that.

is that trying, because one suspects whilst many rugby fans on a forum haven't seen the Aussie sides the coaches picking the squad(s) will have watched a fair bit. unless somehow a more informed fan base permeates into better selection

Looks around...

yes, we're on a rugby fans' forum. Heaven forbid someone actually


try



to talk about the rugby.

your stated concern was something might go wrong by dint of people not involved in selection not watching video of the opposition. for sure we may have little to no idea what to expect as fans, but it just seems odd to suppose ignorance on the part of fans would encourage a coaching setup to drop the ball? what goes wrong because NH fans haven't watched Soup Rugby?

[Guy Smiley]

Not quite, that's how you chose to interpret my post.

A world of difference.

[Gumboot]

Looking forward to the naming of the tour party. Anyone have a potential bolter?

Freddie Douglas

Fraser Dingwall

Not familiar with either of them, tbh. What do you think puts them in contention, and who they replace?

[Hugo]

That’s right, let the scorn flow through you…

I used to watch it a fair bit back in the late 90s and early 00s, but then they kept changing the format, and I stopped being a student and that curtailed leisure time.

That period in the late-90s to early-00s the Super 12 was the apogee of the professional game for me. The players were basically very very fit and strong amateurs. Nothing was over-analysed to death and players could still improvise on the hoof. It also coincided with some true GOATs operating. And I loved the Canterbury jerseys of this era.

Yup. That era had a great combo of qualities from the amateur and pro eras.

Players were fit and strong but were not (with a few notable exceptions) gargantuan.

Skills were decent and the game was open, the game wasnt coached to death.

[Sandstorm]

This should be a highly entertaining tour and a great series; in other words, the opposite of the horrendous fucking anti-rugby dished up by Erasmus and Gatland last time round.

Looking forward to the naming of the tour party. Anyone have a potential bolter?

Kurtley Beale

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Not quite, that's how you chose to interpret my post.

A world of difference.

"Go into a Lions series not knowing anything about the players you’re going to face. What could possibly go wrong."

What then does one take from that then? Or is what could go wrong some fans might be surprised, in which case, oh no, what travesty will have befallen us, we may never recover. Well maybe not 'us' as I very likely will want Australia to win. They should have won the last Lions series but for some shocking play at 9 and 10

[Sandstorm]

Not quite, that's how you chose to interpret my post.

A world of difference.

"Go into a Lions series not knowing anything about the players you’re going to face. What could possibly go wrong."

What then does one take from that then? Or is what could go wrong some fans might be surprised, in which case, oh no, what travesty will have befallen us, we may never recover. Well maybe not 'us' as I very likely will want Australia to win. They should have won the last Lions series but for some shocking play at 9 and 10

Are you Irish? Calm down, it was a valid question from Guy.

[sockwithaticket]

I find it difficult to find the time to fully keep up with the Premiership and Champions Cup these days, so I can't imagine how anyone would manage to keep up with Soup on top of their domestic rugby.

[Slick]

Looking forward to the naming of the tour party. Anyone have a potential bolter?

Freddie Douglas

Fraser Dingwall

Not familiar with either of them, tbh. What do you think puts them in contention, and who they replace?

Freddie Douglas is a bit fanciful to be honest, but young Edinburgh flanker who completely outplayed golden bollocks Pollock when they faced each other at U20's level. Unfortunately, despite being described as already world class by his Scotland coaches (he has a cap) he has hardly played for Edinburgh.

I'm just a big fan of Dingwall - Northampton captain in the centre, ignored by successive England coaches for years but has looked class every time I've seen him this year. If it wasn't an Irish coach he would have a chance

[SaintK]

Freddie Douglas

Fraser Dingwall

Not familiar with either of them, tbh. What do you think puts them in contention, and who they replace?

Freddie Douglas is a bit fanciful to be honest, but young Edinburgh flanker who completely outplayed golden bollocks Pollock when they faced each other at U20's level. Unfortunately, despite being described as already world class by his Scotland coaches (he has a cap) he has hardly played for Edinburgh.

I'm just a big fan of Dingwall - Northampton captain in the centre, ignored by successive England coaches for years but has looked class every time I've seen him this year. If it wasn't an Irish coach he would have a chance

I watched that match. Douglas had a good game considering Scotland were dicked 57-12 at Newcastle and was certainly the outstanding Scottish player
You guys keep mentioning how he outplayed Pollock. Pollock wasn't playing, it was his stand down week and he was in camp with the main England squad. The England U20 back row were Kpoku, Timmins and James

[topofthemoon]

Not familiar with either of them, tbh. What do you think puts them in contention, and who they replace?

Freddie Douglas is a bit fanciful to be honest, but young Edinburgh flanker who completely outplayed golden bollocks Pollock when they faced each other at U20's level. Unfortunately, despite being described as already world class by his Scotland coaches (he has a cap) he has hardly played for Edinburgh.

I'm just a big fan of Dingwall - Northampton captain in the centre, ignored by successive England coaches for years but has looked class every time I've seen him this year. If it wasn't an Irish coach he would have a chance

I watched that match. Douglas had a good game considering Scotland were dicked 57-12 at Newcastle and was certainly the outstanding Scottish player
You guys keep mentioning how he outplayed Pollock. Pollock wasn't playing, it was his stand down week and he was in camp with the main England squad. The England U20 back row were Kpoku, Timmins and James

I think the reference is to the 2024 u20 Six Nations when they were head to head in the 7 jerseys at the Hive. Douglas had 4 turnovers won (1 pen conceded), Pollock no turnovers won (3 pens conceded).

I think it's hyperbolic to say massively outplayed but there's a lot of frustration seeing how well Pollock's development has been handled this season (and how well he has grabbed every opportunity) compared to the way Douglas has been used by Edinburgh.

[SaintK]

Freddie Douglas is a bit fanciful to be honest, but young Edinburgh flanker who completely outplayed golden bollocks Pollock when they faced each other at U20's level. Unfortunately, despite being described as already world class by his Scotland coaches (he has a cap) he has hardly played for Edinburgh.

I'm just a big fan of Dingwall - Northampton captain in the centre, ignored by successive England coaches for years but has looked class every time I've seen him this year. If it wasn't an Irish coach he would have a chance

I watched that match. Douglas had a good game considering Scotland were dicked 57-12 at Newcastle and was certainly the outstanding Scottish player
You guys keep mentioning how he outplayed Pollock. Pollock wasn't playing, it was his stand down week and he was in camp with the main England squad. The England U20 back row were Kpoku, Timmins and James

I think the reference is to the 2024 u20 Six Nations when they were head to head in the 7 jerseys at the Hive. Douglas had 4 turnovers won (1 pen conceded), Pollock no turnovers won (3 pens conceded).

I think it's hyperbolic to say massively outplayed but there's a lot of frustration seeing how well Pollock's development has been handled this season (and how well he has grabbed every opportunity) compared to the way Douglas has been used by Edinburgh.

Aaah!
More fool Scotland and Edinburghs coaches then

[Hal Jordan]

Freddie Douglas

Fraser Dingwall

Not familiar with either of them, tbh. What do you think puts them in contention, and who they replace?

Freddie Douglas is a bit fanciful to be honest, but young Edinburgh flanker who completely outplayed golden bollocks Pollock when they faced each other at U20's level. Unfortunately, despite being described as already world class by his Scotland coaches (he has a cap) he has hardly played for Edinburgh.

I'm just a big fan of Dingwall - Northampton captain in the centre, ignored by successive England coaches for years but has looked class every time I've seen him this year. If it wasn't an Irish coach he would have a chance

For entirely selfish reasons I would like Dingwall to tour with England to nail down the 12 shirt as he has looked the part to date.

[Sandstorm]

I find it difficult to find the time to fully keep up with the Premiership and Champions Cup these days, so I can't imagine how anyone would manage to keep up with Soup on top of their domestic rugby.

Soup games in Australia are the only ones on Saturday morning between 9-11am - easy to catch a match while eating a bacon sarnie each week. Either that or Wheeler Dealer reruns.

[Slick]

Not familiar with either of them, tbh. What do you think puts them in contention, and who they replace?

Freddie Douglas is a bit fanciful to be honest, but young Edinburgh flanker who completely outplayed golden bollocks Pollock when they faced each other at U20's level. Unfortunately, despite being described as already world class by his Scotland coaches (he has a cap) he has hardly played for Edinburgh.

I'm just a big fan of Dingwall - Northampton captain in the centre, ignored by successive England coaches for years but has looked class every time I've seen him this year. If it wasn't an Irish coach he would have a chance

I watched that match. Douglas had a good game considering Scotland were dicked 57-12 at Newcastle and was certainly the outstanding Scottish player
You guys keep mentioning how he outplayed Pollock. Pollock wasn't playing, it was his stand down week and he was in camp with the main England squad. The England U20 back row were Kpoku, Timmins and James

I’ve no idea to be honest mate, just boarded the hype train recently

[Yeeb]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

[clydecloggie]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

Haha, is that real? A 40 quid event just ot see some names read out? The Lions really is a shameless concept these days.

[Lobby]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

Haha, is that real? A 40 quid event just ot see some names read out? The Lions really is a shameless concept these days.

Its true that they are charging for tickets to see the Lions squad announcement, but you've got the prices wrong. The lowest cost, including additional booking, transaction and facility fees comes to £54. The top price tickets, including extra fees, come to £71.

Unsurprisingly there are still lots of tickets left just to see some names being read out.

[Yeeb]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

Haha, is that real? A 40 quid event just ot see some names read out? The Lions really is a shameless concept these days.

Its true that they are charging for tickets to see the Lions squad announcement, but you've got the prices wrong. The lowest cost, including additional booking, transaction and facility fees comes to £54. The top price tickets, including extra fees, come to £71.

Unsurprisingly there are still lots of tickets left just to see some names being read out.

Didn’t bother to recall the exact price , it was more than the absolute zero I’d pay for such absolute bullshit

[Sandstorm]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

Haha, is that real? A 40 quid event just ot see some names read out? The Lions really is a shameless concept these days.

Its true that they are charging for tickets to see the Lions squad announcement, but you've got the prices wrong. The lowest cost, including additional booking, transaction and facility fees comes to £54. The top price tickets, including extra fees, come to £71.

Unsurprisingly there are still lots of tickets left just to see some names being read out.

Jesus, how much? Is Gav Henson making the draw???

[Hal Jordan]

I don't think even Woodward is that out of touch.

[Yeeb]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sea-of ... ment-event


That authors name sounds extremely familiar to one of team greens better posters

[SaintK]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

£40!!!!
On a work day during school term at the arse end of London
Great vision from the PR team!!!

[Biffer]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

Haha, is that real? A 40 quid event just ot see some names read out? The Lions really is a shameless concept these days.

Its true that they are charging for tickets to see the Lions squad announcement, but you've got the prices wrong. The lowest cost, including additional booking, transaction and facility fees comes to £54. The top price tickets, including extra fees, come to £71.

Unsurprisingly there are still lots of tickets left just to see some names being read out.

Sounds like Welsh TV money levels of delusion

[SaintK]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sea-of ... ment-event


That authors name sounds extremely familiar to one of team greens better posters

Nolanator?

[Guy Smiley]

Saw a news report that the lions management were a bit bleak that the ‘sea of red’ at the o2 arena wasn’t going to happen and fans were not rushing to pay £40 to see the team announced in person

Haha, is that real? A 40 quid event just ot see some names read out? The Lions really is a shameless concept these days.

Following a precedent here… the FIA held a black tie gala this year to announce the F1 team liveries…

and sold a shitload of tickets.


It’s not so much the Lions, it’s Sport Inc and World Rugby could do with waking up to the fact their fans HATE THIS SHIT