Lions 2021

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Bobbievee
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by Bobbievee »

Latest forecast for how many Englishmen might make it into the main Test 15.??
Last April Mcgeehan reckoned 7, and only 2 Irish. Furlong and Ryan.
Discuss
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Dave
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Re: Lions 2021

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Even if Stander doesn't get selected he will probably get a game if he's back in SA. Gatland loves a geographical call up.
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Snipe Watson
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Re: Lions 2021

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In my opinion Hendy is a shoo-in for a tour spot.
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Re: Lions 2021

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McGeehan probably won't be too far off with the English contingent. The only guaranteed started in the 15 imo is Stuart Hogg. I think Furlong is a strong probable but it's entirely possible that Ryan may miss out altogether. It's highly unlikely that Gatland will bring Beirne, Henderson, & Ryan. Only 5 locks were selected on the previous two tours I think. I'd say Itoje & Alun Wyn Jones are certs but lots of other competition.

My pack would be
1) Marler?, 2) Owens, 3) Furlong
4) Itoje, 5) Wyn Jones
6) Navidi/Curry, 7) Watson/Underhill, 8) Faletau

The back line is a complete lottery.
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Dave
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by Dave »

Gatland loves a headline in which he drops or doesn't select an irish player.
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Dave
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by Dave »

Itoje is a penalty machine. He has also become too obsessed with blocking the box kick. Saffer locks will eat him up.
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Re: Lions 2021

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Dave wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:14 pm Itoje is a penalty machine. He has also become too obsessed with blocking the box kick. Saffer locks will eat him up.
I don't like him but he's a class act. He'd still be one of my first picks and as a player is well ahead of any of the other locks.

Itoje and AWJ are certs as lock. Beirne is a cert.

Could be a shoot out between Hendy and ryan for a place on the plane
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by big mervyn »

Snipe Watson wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:42 pm In my opinion Hendy is a shoo-in for a tour spot.
Sounds as if Hendie is also a good tourist.
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Dave
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Re: Lions 2021

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Bart S wrote:
Dave wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:14 pm Itoje is a penalty machine. He has also become too obsessed with blocking the box kick. Saffer locks will eat him up.
I don't like him but he's a class act. He'd still be one of my first picks and as a player is well ahead of any of the other locks.

Itoje and AWJ are certs as lock. Beirne is a cert.

Could be a shoot out between Hendy and ryan for a place on the plane
I would have said this before. Perhaps it's the lack of game time. In certain 6N fixtures this year he did more harm than good. 5 penalties against Wales? He has got to the point where it seems like he cannot control himself in this regard. He has not been nearly as effective at the ruck as other forwards. He will go for the big block. It seems like it might have been a tactical ploy to keep him being further penalised around the breakdown. A great player but not at his best this year for me.

The boks have some massive dudes in the 2nd row. If the 4 countries want to defeat that 1 country then selecting the players on form will be very important.
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Snipe Watson
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Re: Lions 2021

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Dave wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:14 pm Itoje is a penalty machine. He has also become too obsessed with blocking the box kick. Saffer locks will eat him up.
He needs to address his pushing of the envelope. If he cranks his game back a notch he'll be fine. He's an amazing athlete.
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by rumncoke »

At International level "Penalty Machines " are a liability , which in my book rules out the English Props and Second Row

Given the limited number of games and tour time, while it will be said that all places will be open regarding the test side. That side will identified after the first two games, MCGeechan ( in his book " when the going gets tough ")ighlighted the fact that it is essential that those not selected continue to buy into the "Lions Party " and not become disgruntled and ill disciplined and undermine the squad spirit.

Thus form is not a perquisite for selection but a willingness to be a part of the squad come hell or high water thus the choice of Captain will be important and then the fact that Gartland has a prior tour experience with many of those being indentifed as possible selections.

And while Alwyn Jones looks like the Captain the fact that the Second Row are the positions where selection could be most contested -- it may lead to the captaincy being given elsewhere.

Another factor affecting squad selection will be that some players are married and have young families and the covid situation might mean they decline the invitation putting the interests of their family first.
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Dave
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by Dave »


Snipe Watson wrote:
Dave wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:14 pm Itoje is a penalty machine. He has also become too obsessed with blocking the box kick. Saffer locks will eat him up.
He needs to address his pushing of the envelope. If he cranks his game back a notch he'll be fine. He's an amazing athlete.
Based on this 6N he doesn't appear able to do this.
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Snipe Watson
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Re: Lions 2021

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Dave wrote: Thu Mar 25, 2021 1:07 pm
Snipe Watson wrote:
Dave wrote: Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:14 pm Itoje is a penalty machine. He has also become too obsessed with blocking the box kick. Saffer locks will eat him up.
He needs to address his pushing of the envelope. If he cranks his game back a notch he'll be fine. He's an amazing athlete.
Based on this 6N he doesn't appear able to do this.
Agreed, but context is important. He's playing in a deeply dysfunctional team and trying too hard. Put him in a balanced side and he's much more likely to deliver up to the edge rather than past it.
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Dave
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Re: Lions 2021

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Snipe Watson wrote: Agreed, but context is important. He's playing in a deeply dysfunctional team and trying too hard. Put him in a balanced side and he's much more likely to deliver up to the edge rather than past it.
Sure Hendy plays for a dysfunctional team every week Image
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Jackie Brown
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Re: Lions 2021

Post by Jackie Brown »

When did Hendy last play for Ulster?
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