Lions in South Africa 2021

[The_Brown_Hornet]

And in the middle of the year it's ludicrously hot there.

 

[KevinO]

Postpone it a year?

I don't think the Unions would be happy with that, it would be cutting into RWC prep if your missing test matches a year out from the tournament.

 

[sendit]

And in the middle of the year it's ludicrously hot there.

I was under the impression they had a couple of indoor stadiums as part of their bid for a soccer World Cup?

 

[cyclopath]

 

[KevinO]

I was under the impression they had a couple of indoor stadiums as part of their bid for a soccer World Cup?

Dubai does not have the Soccer world cup, that's Qatar

 

[Dctarget]

Apparently UK firming up as destination for this year's Lions. Probably makes more sense than Aus. Feel for the fans; the pub down at Wrexham doesn't quite have the same vibe as touring Ningaloo Reef or the Kalahari.

 

[Ignoto]

The SMH reported today the big push by RA to have it in 21 and not 22 is because England are coming out to Aus next year and RA doesn't want them sending a B team as a lot of the English players will be at the lions. So RA is concerned that the b team won't attract viewers and supporters as well as the a team.

 

[Dctarget]

The SMH reported today the big push by RA to have it in 21 and not 22 is because England are coming out to Aus next year and RA doesn't want them sending a B team as a lot of the English players will be at the lions. So RA is concerned that the b team won't attract viewers and supporters as well as the a team.

Smart.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

UK Telegraph reporting that the Lions board has rejected the idea of shifting the series to Australia. SA still most likely venue: UK still possible but would require Gov agreeing to allow at least quarter-full venues.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/i...e-out-relocating-springboks-tour-to-australia

 

[Sully]

Actually, they said they didn't want to move it to the southern hemisphere! Where do the lions usually tour?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

No room for Jonathan Sexton or Billy Vunipola in Gats' British and Irish Lions:

Forwards: Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Jack Conan (Ireland), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Tom Curry (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Jamie George (England), Iain Henderson (Ireland), Jonny Hill (England), Maro Itoje (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales, captain), Wyn Jones (Wales), Courtney Lawes (England), Ken Owens (Wales), Andrew Porter (Ireland), Sam Simmonds (England), Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Mako Vunipola (England), Hamish Watson (Scotland).

Backs: Josh Adams (Wales), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Dan Biggar (Wales), Elliot Daly (England), Gareth Davies (Wales), Owen Farrell (England), Chris Harris (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Ali Price (Scotland), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), Finn Russell (Scotland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Anthony Watson (England), Liam Williams (Wales).

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...ndee-aki-bolter-in-british--irish-lions-squad

 

[Dan54]

There will be some angst with Aki and van der Merwe in there I imagine. I do agree with the 10s and no Sexton, not sure he still got it as much as he once did.

 

[barbarian]

One of the least intimidating Lions squads I can remember. That backline looks very light on experience.

The Boks have injury issues of their own, but I struggle to see how the Lions can beat them on their home turf, crowds or no crowds.

 

[sendit]

That squad has definitely evened the competition. Would’ve said the Lions were favourites pre announcement, now I’d say it’s 50:50

 

[Dctarget]

That squad has definitely evened the competition. Would’ve said the Lions were favourites pre announcement, now I’d say it’s 50:50

Who'd they leave out that has you changing the balance?

 

[Dctarget]

The Boks have injury issues of their own, but I struggle to see how the Lions can beat them on their home turf, crowds or no crowds.

I agree with you there's not much depth in the backs but you can only have 7 backs on the field at once and they can produce a pretty world class backline:
9. Murray
10. Biggar
11. LRZ
12. Farrell
13. Henshaw
14. Watson
15. Hogg

Faf is clearly so much better than any of the BIL 9s. Maybe Murray can find some of his form from years gone. Wing is another area of concern, Watson is amazing (also quite surprised May didn't get picked) but LRZ's defense is weak currently and I can see Kolbe running rings around him. But apart from 11 & 9 I think that backline can match or beat the 'Boks.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Dct, I don't watch any European rugby these days, but I recognise all of those players perhaps except LRZ (who's he?) from pre-RWC2019. If that's the best they can produce, I'm pretty sure they'll have trouble with anyone the Boks put out. Having said that, however, surely Kolbe is now entering the veteran stages too?

 

[Derpus]

Dct, I don't watch any European rugby these days, but I recognise all of those players perhaps except LRZ (who's he?) from pre-RWC2019. If that's the best they can produce, I'm pretty sure they'll have trouble with anyone the Boks put out. Having said that, however, surely Kolbe is now entering the veteran stages too?

Only 28. LRZ is the breakout Welsh winger.

 

[Dctarget]

Dct, I don't watch any European rugby these days, but I recognise all of those players perhaps except LRZ (who's he?) from pre-RWC2019. If that's the best they can produce, I'm pretty sure they'll have trouble with anyone the Boks put out. Having said that, however, surely Kolbe is now entering the veteran stages too?

Biggar and Hogg have been in sublime form recently, really Hogg is a delight to watch. I would take him over any fullback we've had in the past 10 years including Folau. Farrell is Farrell, probably much better than Australians give him credit for. What that backline lack in Southern Hemisphere flair they make up with in ruthless precision.

 

[Derpus]

Biggar and Hogg have been in sublime form recently, really Hogg is a delight to watch. I would take him over any fullback we've had in the past 10 years including Folau. Farrell is Farrell, probably much better than Australians give him credit for. What that backline lack in Southern Hemisphere flair they make up with in ruthless precision.

Nar. Hogg is good, but he doesn't lay a hand on Folau.

I agree with the general sentiment that the Lions look pretty average.