The Rugby Thread

[Buzzo]

Our backs ran riot over the Aussies in the Autumn. With pack dominance it could be quite interesting. If Ringrose hadn’t been injured I wonder what the team would have been? Put Ringrose and Aki into that team and it looks more like an Ireland team than a Lions one. In the end this selection feels representative and in form.

I’m not sure what to expect from the Aussies / part of me thinks this could be a walk in the park. Another acknowledges how they raise their game for occasions like this.

[Irishnev]

Looks like it. Just the first test.

Jac Morgan can feel very unlucky at not making it. He has been excellent.

Morgan has been excellent and deserves to start for me, I’d also prefer Beirne in the second row but I guess him and Itoje are too similar so McCarthy adds bulk. This isn’t a walk in the park but familiarity with Finn + the two outside him will be massive. If the Irish/English pack get him quick ball then he could run the show

[Buzzo]

Looks like it. Just the first test.

Jac Morgan can feel very unlucky at not making it. He has been excellent.

[Sus]

Are Kinghorn and Hansen definitely out for the Lions?

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/tightfive_rugby/status/1945402336060284988[/ame]

[Irishnev]

Hansen a big doubt now as well, he’s been a real sick note for us these past 18 months. His versatility would’ve got him in the squad I think

[Buzzo]

Yeah - no idea what is going on. I think the midweek game next week is an issue with potential injuries.

[Irishnev]

3 Scottish lads now, I think they must be worried about Kinghorn, Ringrose and others!

[Irishnev]

https://twitter.com/glove931/status/1944357882578739688

I saw as many Leinster lads as English!

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/glove931/status/1944357882578739688[/ame]

[Buzzo]

Yeah - I think it devalues the jersey a bit.

Some guys who have put in incredible seasons to not get selected and now getting these sort of call ups. His son who has barely played a match of consequence in a year and some other Irish lads

Farrell also said that players would get the call on form regardless of where they are geographically…

[Irishnev]

Farrell taking the piss a bit - Osborne called up as cover for Kinghorn and he can’t start for Leinster….. I guess he knows the plays. Clarkson called up and he’s our third choice tight head, I can understand fans of other countries bring pissed off

[Buzzo]

Ben White was excellent and Earl makes such dirty yards, Pollack needs to be on the bench as he covers all 3 positions and is a decent line out option.

One thing you realise - there are no mugs on a Lions tour - though I feel that historically there has perhaps been a more obvious starting 15. The calls are so tight on this tour.

[Irishnev]

Yeah cracking game that.

Thought Ben White was excellent. I’ve met Duhan a couple of times he’s just a bit of a big lump. He is quite a physical specimen to put it mildly! Ben Earl was very good today also - back row is so hard to call. Agree on Morgan - he is class.

I think the team will be close to the one you mentioned but with Tuipolotu and Jones, I also think Keenan will start. Bench tough to call also.

Ben White was excellent and Earl makes such dirty yards, Pollack needs to be on the bench as he covers all 3 positions and is a decent line out option.

[Buzzo]

Class interview this. Interesting to see how much of a Finn fan ROG clearly is. He makes some good points on Finn - particularly around what a student of the game he is. Famously pours over footage of opposition teams for hours. Cursed (by some!) by having the audacity to play with a smile on his face.

[ame="https://youtu.be/kTK6nsGyypw"]Fascinating Finn Russell post-match chat with Ronan O'Gara & Dan Biggar 🦁 - YouTube[/ame]