The Rugby Thread

[Zapater]

Pleased to see Pollard back. Perhaps surprising to see Elton given the nod ahead of Steyn, but I think it's the right choice. Morne controls a game better, but Jantjies can bring something extra. Other surprise is Kwagga Smith starting. Not sure about that tbh he's tiny compared to the other loose forwards and even though he has a heart of a gold, I always worry a bit about him after that red card in the Super Rugby final a few years back. Even though it could have happened to anyone and wasn't really his fault, I always reflect back to that. Wouldn't have minded seeing Jasper Wiese in the squad, he seems very handy but it makes sense he's not. The others have earned their stripes.

One could argue the front row on the bench should be starting, but you can't doubt the 'Bomb Squad' strategy given its success. Only worry is that they're clearly underdone in terms of competitive games, weirdly the Lions have probably played more together recently than the Boks. Probably reflected in the 5/3 split on the bench.

[Irishnev]

Pleased to see Pollard back. Perhaps surprising to see Elton given the nod ahead of Steyn, but I think it's the right choice. Morne controls a game better, but Jantjies can bring something extra. Other surprise is Kwagga Smith starting. Not sure about that tbh he's tiny compared to the other loose forwards and even though he has a heart of a gold, I always worry a bit about him after that red card in the Super Rugby final a few years back. Even though it could have happened to anyone and wasn't really his fault, I always reflect back to that. Wouldn't have minded seeing Jasper Wiese in the squad, he seems very handy but it makes sense he's not. The others have earned their stripes.

One could argue the front row on the bench should be starting, but you can't doubt the 'Bomb Squad' strategy given its success. Only worry is that they're clearly underdone in terms of competitive games, weirdly the Lions have probably played more together recently than the Boks. Probably reflected in the 5/3 split on the bench.

He is the maverick the Lions are missing with Russell being injured. If you are chasing the game then he’s a good option

[Buzzo]

To be honest, if the following team was selected (appreciate Finn is injured), I wouldn't have any complaints:

There are lots of options!!!

[RichC]

He is the maverick the Lions are missing with Russell being injured. If you are chasing the game then he’s a good option

Smith is cut from a similar cloth to that of Russell so it's not a complete bust for the Lions in that regard.

The SA pack are a big lump, the Lions are going to have to be at their very best to compete and some of this will be down to how they adapt to how the ref runs the game in the scrums, give pens early on for infringements we need to learn and adapt to it and quickly.

[Irishnev]

Smith is cut from a similar cloth to that of Russell so it's not a complete bust for the Lions in that regard.

The SA pack are a big lump, the Lions are going to have to be at their very best to compete and some of this will be down to how they adapt to how the ref runs the game in the scrums, give pens early on for infringements we need to learn and adapt to it and quickly.

And not take tap 5 yard pens - all about the pack setting the platform this one

[Irishnev]

Can somebody post this please

[ame="https://twitter.com/petersuntimes/status/1417536296927514631"]https://twitter.com/petersuntimes/status/1417536296927514631[/ame]

[Irishnev]

Supposed team

Hogg; A Watson, E Daly, R Henshaw, D van der Merwe; D Biggar, A Price; W Jones, L Cowan-Dickie, T Furlong, A W Jones (c), M Itoje, C Lawes, T Curry, J Conan.
Replacements K Owens, R Sutherland, K Sinckler, T Beirne, H Watson, I Henderson, C Murray, O Farrell.

[Buzzo]

[ame]https://twitter.com/ciantracey1/status/1417523034316017669[/ame]

[Buzzo]

Supposed team

Hogg; A Watson, E Daly, R Henshaw, D van der Merwe; D Biggar, A Price; W Jones, L Cowan-Dickie, T Furlong, A W Jones (c), M Itoje, C Lawes, T Curry, J Conan.
Replacements K Owens, R Sutherland, K Sinckler, T Beirne, H Watson, I Henderson, C Murray, O Farrell.

Interesting. Miles away from what any pundits have chosen

I read an article on stats that had Conan as clear favourite for number 8. Lawes is a sensible choice as well for his physicality. Price is in better form than Murray. Curry with Watson on the bench works either way.

6-2 on the bench with Farrell covering centre and 10.

Duhan because he is physically dominant (and lest we forget was the top try scorer in the 6Ns).

It’s an exciting team.

[Buzzo]

Daly and Henshaw is an interesting centre partnership.

No Liam Williams - had he played since he got monstered vs SA A? He’s a great player but I’ve not seen him play well for a while. That is a team picked based on form and physicality.

[RichC]

Interesting side if true. Slightly surprised with Hogg at FB mainly due to the highball but he can make things happen. Watson I think is lucky to be in especially with the form Josh Adams has shown.

Murray hasn't been playing well tbh so Price coming in could work.

Big Toby in as 8 is a tad unlucky as well.

Anyway, fingers crossed if this is the side they've got enough about them to get at the Boks.

[Buzzo]

Even if it’s not the side I would have picked I. And see the rationale behind it.

Josh Adams is an interesting case also. You could see the hype building for him and he did score a lot of try’s - but more than half were easy run ins against weak opponents. Still, it’s a massive call to not pick him.

It’s a massive MASSSIVE game for Ali Price. I love everything he does as a player and how he tries to play, but he was nowhere near this even 12 months ago. I think his games vs England and France and then how good he has been on tour has pushed him forward.

He is a very exciting 9 - I hope he seizes the opportunity.

Shame Cormack has stopped posting, I’d love to hear his views on this.

[Irishnev]

Interesting side if true. Slightly surprised with Hogg at FB mainly due to the highball but he can make things happen. Watson I think is lucky to be in especially with the form Josh Adams has shown.

Murray hasn't been playing well tbh so Price coming in could work.

Big Toby in as 8 is a tad unlucky as well.

Anyway, fingers crossed if this is the side they've got enough about them to get at the Boks.

It keeps “us” all happy - we’ve all skin in the game now. Hogg I’m delighted for as he was robbed 4 years ago, the back 3 was so hard to call and Watson has been excellent (Adams is a big call), Daly is the most creative outside centre and kicks well but he is small if the Boks run at him, happy Price is in as he is on better form than Murray and I want to win, we are all wrong in the back row but Lawes will be big and physical as will Curry and two jackals in Beirne and Watson on the bench. Conan is solid and that’s what he wants I guess - must have been going well in training

[RichC]

Even the likes of Henderson is unlucky to miss out. Farrell from the bench is about right at the moment, not deserving of a starting spot but he can cover a couple of positions which is a real benefit ( as is having Daly in the squad)

[Buzzo]

Daly also because of how far he can kick, between him and Hogg (though Daly more accurate) pens from even inside our half become a possibility. Getting points is crucial so a clear headed captain is important and with that I’m mind it’s good that it’s AWJ.