The Rugby Thread

[Irishnev]

Watched it live and a running chat with mates on WhatsApp - not analysed in detail but the Irish view is -

- Sexton has been injured and his fitness is too much of a concern for a tour. Still playing v well but not worth it
- Ryan was a banker 18 months ago but has tailed off with a bad injury again so we felt he was at risk and it came out
- CJ, O’Mahony, Ringrose were outside shots but didn’t make it
- Conan is a surprise.....no frills but steps up when needed
- Bundee A is a huge surprise but I guess with no North the physical presence was needed

Will go through in detail over the days to understand who else missed out

[Buzzo]

There were some close to impossible selection calls, given the strength and depth of the 6N's.

Really glad for Sam Simmonds, he was absolutely shafted by Eddie Jones.

Glad to see Finn tour. He offers something nobody else does and if the Lions are chasing second half, then he is the ideal player to bring on. What he could do with some decent ball in a Lions shirt could be really exciting to watch.

[Irishnev]

No underhill - wow

[Buzzo]

There were probably about 8-10 flankers who would have felt they were in with a shout.

[Buzzo]

No Jonathan Davies either

[Irishnev]

No Jonathan Davies either

Missed that also

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/glasgowwarriors/status/1390331238980931584[/ame]

[badpiggy]

Is Porter a surprise inclusion? Is he that highly rated?

[Buzzo]

Seems like there are a few notable exclusions, which has in turn lead to a few notable inclusions.

I think a few England players peaked at the World Cup and that has left others like Porter and many of the Scottish lads as what would have been 12 months ago surprise inclusions.

That said. I know little about Andrew Porter!

[Irishnev]

Is Porter a surprise inclusion? Is he that highly rated?

Porter is v good and can play on both sides of the scrum - good over the ball also. He got a lot of game time due to Furlong’s injury early in the season. He might be a surprise and make the test side - at worst off the bench

[Zapater]

No underhill - wow

Madness for me. Don't know what his current form is like, but such an impressive player for me.

Also find it strange that Matt Proudfoot isn't part of the technical team. No one knows forwards better than him, the South African pack particularly considering he's worked with them for a number of years. Is that another 'Scot' snubbed?

[Irishnev]

Some player

[ame="https://twitter.com/allblacks/status/1393815624858537985"]https://twitter.com/allblacks/status/1393815624858537985[/ame]

[Buzzo]

Some achievement from Sam Simmonds, breaking the Prem Try scoring record from number 8.

A hat-trick last night taking him to 19 for the season (so far)... unreal.

Dallaglio was on last night and he was 19 trys from number 8 in his club career.

[Irishnev]

Some achievement from Sam Simmonds, breaking the Prem Try scoring record from number 8.

A hat-trick last night taking him to 19 for the season (so far)... unreal.

Dallaglio was on last night and he was 19 trys from number 8 in his club career.

I wonder will he make the Lions side over Toby or play as a 6?

[Buzzo]

I wonder will he make the Lions side over Toby or play as a 6?

I’ve not seen him play anything other than as an 8. Can he play 6??? If he has decent warm up matches I reckon he is the starting 8. He has to be.

One thing is for sure, he will be targeted by the boks. That’s some ridiculous stats. Chris Ashton (who I know love, he is such a sound bloke) is really pissed off and not without some merit. Some of Simmonds try’s are the front row pretty much throwing him across the line.

It’s still a ridiculous number for a forward. Exeter look ruthless again.