Official Lions selection, moaning and bitching thread

[JM2K6]

I see Geech in the papers musing that SIncklers arrest in NZ (not charged) was a factor in his non selection.

That's an interesting point, I expect that was a massive PITA for the tour management team, maybe Gatland has decided Sinkler is too much of a liability

Would be a bit harsh if true, it was 4 years ago and from what I've seen of him Sinkler seems to have grown up a bit since then.

I'd be amazed if it was true. It was essentially the police getting involved then going "oh, actually, no problem", after some drinks after the final match of the Tour. For a touring team legendary for its hijinks. And a player who was a lot more of a problem four years ago than he is now. The tour management team barely had to do anything about it!

It's vastly more likely that he missed out because of England's poor form in general and Porter's alleged flexibility.

[Slick]

I see Geech in the papers musing that SIncklers arrest in NZ (not charged) was a factor in his non selection.

That's an interesting point, I expect that was a massive PITA for the tour management team, maybe Gatland has decided Sinkler is too much of a liability

Would be a bit harsh if true, it was 4 years ago and from what I've seen of him Sinkler seems to have grown up a bit since then.

Yeah, agree with that, he really seems to have turned that corner and left it behind. But I guess the whole good/bad tourist thing had to be taken very seriously this time with bubbles etc

[Big D]

I see Geech in the papers musing that SIncklers arrest in NZ (not charged) was a factor in his non selection.

That's an interesting point, I expect that was a massive PITA for the tour management team, maybe Gatland has decided Sinkler is too much of a liability

Would be a bit harsh if true, it was 4 years ago and from what I've seen of him Sinkler seems to have grown up a bit since then.

I'd be amazed if it was true. It was essentially the police getting involved then going "oh, actually, no problem", after some drinks after the final match of the Tour. For a touring team legendary for its hijinks. And a player who was a lot more of a problem four years ago than he is now. The tour management team barely had to do anything about it!

It's vastly more likely that he missed out because of England's poor form in general and Porter's alleged flexibility.

I agree, just mentioning what Geech was saying.

[Kawazaki]

Can anyone tell me who can carry the ball up in traffic - forwards and backs - on slow ball when required?

Don't say Aki.

Mako, Owens, George, Fagerson, Furlong, Sutherland, AWJ, Faletau, Beirne, Henshaw, Harris and Aki. Possibly Henderson.

Quite a few. And if allowed a little run-up, Curry, Itoje and Lawes come into it.

Alun-Wyn Jones as a ball carrier?

We're fucked.

[Slick]

Don't want to put a downer on things, but such a massive shame for everyone that this will all probably be in empty stadiums.

Still think they should have left it a year

[Biffer]

Don't want to put a downer on things, but such a massive shame for everyone that this will all probably be in empty stadiums.

Still think they should have left it a year

Couldn't have been done. No way national teams would have sacrificed the tours a year before the World Cup.

[JM2K6]

Don't want to put a downer on things, but such a massive shame for everyone that this will all probably be in empty stadiums.

Still think they should have left it a year

Couldn't have been done. No way national teams would have sacrificed the tours a year before the World Cup.

They'd still get tours. And a fair share of the Lions money could've helped them. I agree with Slick, the Lions without the fans is a sad state of affairs.

[Kawazaki]

Just skip this tour entirely and then move South Africa to the next cycle.

[JM2K6]

That's an interesting point, I expect that was a massive PITA for the tour management team, maybe Gatland has decided Sinkler is too much of a liability

Would be a bit harsh if true, it was 4 years ago and from what I've seen of him Sinkler seems to have grown up a bit since then.

I'd be amazed if it was true. It was essentially the police getting involved then going "oh, actually, no problem", after some drinks after the final match of the Tour. For a touring team legendary for its hijinks. And a player who was a lot more of a problem four years ago than he is now. The tour management team barely had to do anything about it!

It's vastly more likely that he missed out because of England's poor form in general and Porter's alleged flexibility.

I agree, just mentioning what Geech was saying.

Never forget that Geech is 172 years old and communicates via eyelid movement.

[Begbie]

Spoiler

Show

I was in the company of some Scotland players in 2013 when the Lions squad was announced. Huge cheers for Hogg & Maitland, tumbleweed for R. Gray

Did you find out why?

The guys that were there didn't really want to go into it with an "outsider" and I certainly didn't know them well enough to push it at all, but from what I could gather he wasn't particularly well liked in and around the Warriors squad (don't forget this was just after he'd left Glasgow). There were rumours I heard from another source about him trying it on with other players' girlfriends, that may or may not be true.

I always thought it was common knowledge he was a bit of a fud and full of himself.

[Biffer]

Don't want to put a downer on things, but such a massive shame for everyone that this will all probably be in empty stadiums.

Still think they should have left it a year

Couldn't have been done. No way national teams would have sacrificed the tours a year before the World Cup.

They'd still get tours. And a fair share of the Lions money could've helped them. I agree with Slick, the Lions without the fans is a sad state of affairs.

But not ones that help them prepare for the World Cup.

[Big D]

Spoiler

Show

Did you find out why?

The guys that were there didn't really want to go into it with an "outsider" and I certainly didn't know them well enough to push it at all, but from what I could gather he wasn't particularly well liked in and around the Warriors squad (don't forget this was just after he'd left Glasgow). There were rumours I heard from another source about him trying it on with other players' girlfriends, that may or may not be true.

I always thought it was common knowledge he was a bit of a fud and full of himself.

It isn't untypical for young sportsmen who are earning a lot of money to be fuds. He was the first (and last?) 22-23 year old international to leave Edinburgh or Glasgow for big bucks. I would imagine there'd be a little jealousy/ego involved from the other side too.

[JM2K6]

Couldn't have been done. No way national teams would have sacrificed the tours a year before the World Cup.

They'd still get tours. And a fair share of the Lions money could've helped them. I agree with Slick, the Lions without the fans is a sad state of affairs.

But not ones that help them prepare for the World Cup.

Fair point. They do all have major tournaments before the World Cup, though, and it's a whole 2 nations who would be affected. Have France tour one of them. You're left with one, and there's still the autumn tours!

[Jock42]

Spoiler

Show

I was in the company of some Scotland players in 2013 when the Lions squad was announced. Huge cheers for Hogg & Maitland, tumbleweed for R. Gray

Did you find out why?

The guys that were there didn't really want to go into it with an "outsider" and I certainly didn't know them well enough to push it at all, but from what I could gather he wasn't particularly well liked in and around the Warriors squad (don't forget this was just after he'd left Glasgow). There were rumours I heard from another source about him trying it on with other players' girlfriends, that may or may not be true.

Aye fair dos.

[Yeeb]

Traditional post selection 23 of missed out, snubbed and injured players that would take the Lions apart (sort of) *

Marler
McInally
Sinckler
Launchbury
Ryan
Navidi
Underhill
Vunipola
Cooney
Ford
Stockdale
Manu
Slade
North
Malins

Genge, Brown, Francis, Gray, Leavy, Spencer, Ringrose, Nowell

VS

Sutherland
Owens
Fagerson
Hill
Henderson
Lawes
Watson
Simmonds
Price
Russell
Adams
Aki
Harris
Daly
Williams

only one winner!

Interesting game - no room in there for Jonny May ? He was my only real surprise as an omission from the squad, especially if Aki & Daly are going.
Family are pleased at number of Scots going.

[sockwithaticket]

Yeah, he might not be at his best, but May's still a much better pick than Stockdale.

[Yeeb]

Yeah, he might not be at his best, but May's still a much better pick than Stockdale.

He had a quiet few games, but Daly has had a quiet few seasons & Aki is just rubbish. Don’t know stockdale enough to comment as haven’t really registered him before

[sockwithaticket]

Yeah, he might not be at his best, but May's still a much better pick than Stockdale.

He had a quiet few games, but Daly has had a quiet few seasons & Aki is just rubbish. Don’t know stockdale enough to comment as haven’t really registered him before

I don't think Daly or Aki should've travelled either. Daly's a class player in a period of protracted poor form after being played out of position for too long and Aki is, as apparently both Toga and my brother call him, poundshop Tuilagi.

Was only advocating May ahead of Stockdale for Madness' missed the plane for one reason or another team.

[Kawazaki]

I always thought it was common knowledge he was a bit of a fud and full of himself.

What does FUD stand for?

[Tichtheid]

I always thought it was common knowledge he was a bit of a fud and full of himself.

What does FUD stand for?

In Scotland fud is a less intense version of cunt.

See also fanny.

[JM2K6]

I always thought it was common knowledge he was a bit of a fud and full of himself.

What does FUD stand for?

In Scotland fud is a less intense version of cunt.

See also fanny.

And "FUD" in capitals is "Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt" as in a propaganda tactic

[Lemoentjie]

If the Bokke had played games recently, I actually worry that the tour will be uncompetitive. This Lions squad and potential first XV looks nothing as strong as the last Lions tour!

However since they are short on test match time... I predict a 2-1 series win for SA, with the Lions winning the first test.

[Jock42]

[Kawazaki]

I always thought it was common knowledge he was a bit of a fud and full of himself.

What does FUD stand for?

In Scotland fud is a less intense version of cunt.

See also fanny.

Ah, good to know. I've never been called one before but only a matter of time if I ever go to Scotland I daresay.

[Slick]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

[Jock42]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

Sounds like a decent guy right enough

[Big D]

I know the number of Scots selected have upset a few (journos especially) but I think many are sleeping on Sutherland.

He could easily do a Tom Smith on this tour. Hard as nails and just does his job well.

[Line6 HXFX]

The cliches and narratives the Sky Sports Lions hype machine were broadcasting before they announced the team was just so "over it" inducing.

Are any of you really excited about this?
Four nations coming together as one, players who only ever play against eachother, forced to be room mates etc?

It was a rehash of four years ago., and four years before that, and four years before that etc.
How can they expect to build excitement by coming out with the same old shite?

I know you lot think that this SKY Sports Lions series is worth Wales being talked about like they are a complete rugby irrelevance, and an embarressment to watch next year, by condescending and always patronising English, Irish and Scottish cunt pundits, who will completely
Ignore the fact that most of the team are missing, injured or their form is f'cked , ..and when Wales crash and suffer to defeat after defeat..after another Lions hangover, throughout next years Autumn Intl's, and Six Nations.. but it just isn't.
This isn't your Everest boys..the Autumn internationals are.

[Jock42]

I know the number of Scots selected have upset a few (journos especially) but I think many are sleeping on Sutherland.

He could easily do a Tom Smith on this tour. Hard as nails and just does his job well.

Fuck them!

[ASMO]

The cliches and narratives the Sky Sports Lions hype machine were broadcasting before they announced the team was just so "over it" inducing.

Are any of you really excited about this?
Four nations coming together as one, players who only ever play against eachother, forced to be room mates etc?

It was a rehash of four years ago., and four years before that, and four years before that etc.
How can they expect to build excitement by coming out with the same old shite?

I know you lot think that this SKY Sports Lions series is worth Wales being talked about like they are a complete rugby irrelevance, and an embarressment to watch next year, by condescending and always patronising English, Irish and Scottish cunt pundits, who will completely
Ignore the fact that most of the team are missing, injured or their form is f'cked , ..and when Wales crash and suffer to defeat after defeat..after another Lions hangover, throughout next years Autumn Intl's, and Six Nations.. but it just isn't.
This isn't your Everest boys..the Autumn internationals are.

Refry you are becoming a parody of yourself

[SaintK]

The cliches and narratives the Sky Sports Lions hype machine were broadcasting before they announced the team was just so "over it" inducing.

Are any of you really excited about this?
Four nations coming together as one, players who only ever play against eachother, forced to be room mates etc?

It was a rehash of four years ago., and four years before that, and four years before that etc.
How can they expect to build excitement by coming out with the same old shite?

I know you lot think that this SKY Sports Lions series is worth Wales being talked about like they are a complete rugby irrelevance, and an embarressment to watch next year, by condescending and always patronising English, Irish and Scottish cunt pundits, who will completely
Ignore the fact that most of the team are missing, injured or their form is f'cked , ..and when Wales crash and suffer to defeat after defeat..after another Lions hangover, throughout next years Autumn Intl's, and Six Nations.. but it just isn't.
This isn't your Everest boys..the Autumn internationals are.

Just fuck off out of this thread if you’re not interested in the Lions
Quite simple really

[sockwithaticket]

As a favour to me, could you lot not quote the cunt? I've got him on ignore for a reason.

[Happyhooker]

The cliches and narratives the Sky Sports Lions hype machine were broadcasting before they announced the team was just so "over it" inducing.

Are any of you really excited about this?
Four nations coming together as one, players who only ever play against eachother, forced to be room mates etc?

It was a rehash of four years ago., and four years before that, and four years before that etc.
How can they expect to build excitement by coming out with the same old shite?

I know you lot think that this SKY Sports Lions series is worth Wales being talked about like they are a complete rugby irrelevance, and an embarressment to watch next year, by condescending and always patronising English, Irish and Scottish cunt pundits, who will completely
Ignore the fact that most of the team are missing, injured or their form is f'cked , ..and when Wales crash and suffer to defeat after defeat..after another Lions hangover, throughout next years Autumn Intl's, and Six Nations.. but it just isn't.
This isn't your Everest boys..the Autumn internationals are.

Refry you are becoming a parody of yourself

Becoming?????

[Tichtheid]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

Edinburgh Accies?

I played for them for a couple of seasons. I first became aware of their existence when I moved into a flat opposite the ground as a student, I played a couple of games for their 5ths or something.

Then a couple of years later I joined them properly and enjoyed two seasons with them before my knackered ankle made enough of a noise to compel me to stop chasing the dream.
We had a clubhouse back then.


I remember the name Bryan Easson, but apart from knowing that he is the coach of the women's side, I can't quite place him.

[Big D]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

Edinburgh Accies?

I played for them for a couple of seasons. I first became aware of their existence when I moved into a flat opposite the ground as a student, I played a couple of games for their 5ths or something.

Then a couple of years later I joined them properly and enjoyed two seasons with them before my knackered ankle made enough of a noise to compel me to stop chasing the dream.
We had a clubhouse back then.


I remember the name Bryan Easson, but apart from knowing that he is the coach of the women's side, I can't quite place him.

His auld man's Bob I think. He's been involved at Accies and wee brother is Andrew ex Edinburgh now teaching. I think it is the same family.

[Slick]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

Edinburgh Accies?

I played for them for a couple of seasons. I first became aware of their existence when I moved into a flat opposite the ground as a student, I played a couple of games for their 5ths or something.

Then a couple of years later I joined them properly and enjoyed two seasons with them before my knackered ankle made enough of a noise to compel me to stop chasing the dream.
We had a clubhouse back then.


I remember the name Bryan Easson, but apart from knowing that he is the coach of the women's side, I can't quite place him.

His auld man's Bob I think. He's been involved at Accies and wee brother is Andrew ex Edinburgh now teaching. I think it is the same family.

Oh fuck, I’m talking about Bob

If Bryan is his son they look about the same age!

[Slick]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

Edinburgh Accies?

I played for them for a couple of seasons. I first became aware of their existence when I moved into a flat opposite the ground as a student, I played a couple of games for their 5ths or something.

Then a couple of years later I joined them properly and enjoyed two seasons with them before my knackered ankle made enough of a noise to compel me to stop chasing the dream.
We had a clubhouse back then.


I remember the name Bryan Easson, but apart from knowing that he is the coach of the women's side, I can't quite place him.

Oh Christ, what years was that? I played there ‘94 - ‘97 and then been going down as a supporter since moving back a few years ago.

Miss that old clubhouse, but the new one looks cracking now they have it up

[Tichtheid]

Re Jocks video, Bryan is a top, top bloke.

Without realising really who he was I asked him about coaching after an Accies game 3 years ago. He invited me to go and meet him later that week, gave me 2 hours of his time and offered to let me shadow him for a couple of months until I decided what path I wanted to take.

Edinburgh Accies?

I played for them for a couple of seasons. I first became aware of their existence when I moved into a flat opposite the ground as a student, I played a couple of games for their 5ths or something.

Then a couple of years later I joined them properly and enjoyed two seasons with them before my knackered ankle made enough of a noise to compel me to stop chasing the dream.
We had a clubhouse back then.


I remember the name Bryan Easson, but apart from knowing that he is the coach of the women's side, I can't quite place him.

Oh Christ, what years was that? I played there ‘94 - ‘97 and then been going down as a supporter since moving back a few years ago.

Miss that old clubhouse, but the new one looks cracking now they have it up

I was a wee bit earlier than you, though there were probably a few left from my time when you were there. I can't remember the exact years, but I was definitely first there in the 1983/84 season,.
It was probably around '87/88ish when I joined seriously, but as I say, I spent a lot of time getting my ankle fixed (unsuccessfully) - was the physio who had been a judo internationalist still there?

[Slick]

Don’t recognise the physio but it was the period when Jeremy Richardson was club captain and got his cap

[BnM]

Awwww Kyle very disappointed.