Lions Tour 2025

[Dan54]

so they can put a team together with the best from 4 countries, but dont want the same to be done on the other side??

Well probably as such, don't forget they had a contract to play against Rebels etc and as these extra games are just really to give Lions a chance to run together before test, so guesss they have to be a little careful they don't get a stacked team

 

[fatprop]

Some reasonable marketing

 

[Wilson]

Schmidt has announced his policy on player releases for tour games:

Wallabies coach Schmidt reacts to Lions squad, open to overseas players, releasing for tour games

www.rugby.com.au

Schmidt isn’t eager to stand in anyone’s way of featuring against the Lions across the tour.

He revealed he would keep a core squad of 23-25 players, who are most likely to play in the first Test, but he was open to releasing and calling back players for their respective club matches and the marquee fixtures.

“We don't want to deprive someone the opportunity of playing against the Lions if they're not going to get the test jersey at the time,” Schmidt said.

“We know that the Lions, you never get through unscathed, so we know that we're going to need people.

“…There’s a good opportunity for them to continue and get game time anyway. Then some of the guys who do come in might go back out again to maybe play in some of those other games in the lead-up.”

 

[Dctarget]

Just realised the Lions are running with a shortish combo of locks. Only Ryan (2.03m) and Chessum (2.01m) are over 2m. We potentially have Skelton, Canham, Philip, Swain, Frost all over 2m. Their 7s and 8s are all pretty small too. Wilson/Valetini would be taller than anything they can throw out at 8.

Would love to know their preferred forward pack: 4. Itoje 5. Chessum 6. Beirne 7. Van Der Flier 8. Earl would be my guess.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Just realised the Lions are running with a shortish combo of locks. Only Ryan (2.03m) and Chessum (2.01m) are over 2m. We potentially have Skelton, Canham, Philip, Swain, Frost all over 2m. Their 7s and 8s are all pretty small too. Wilson/Valetini would be taller than anything they can throw out at 8.

Would love to know their preferred forward pack: 4. Itoje 5. Chessum 6. Beirne 7. Van Der Flier 8. Earl would be my guess.

If they do use that 4.5.6 they have three world class lineout operators on the pitch, along with a very good one in Earl.

Does height matter that much?

We are probably going to run with two specialists in Frost and Williams, plus some OK guys in Wilson and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (bench?). Skelton makes the equation even worse

 

[Sword of Justice]

Wingspan, lifter’s height, speed into the air can counteract lack of height. Not sure but I don’t think their props are the tallest.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

At least the lions games are after the super season this time, I am still filthy that the western force ran out a B team last time and got flogged. Surely won’t happen again this time, even if missing a few wallabies will hopefully put out a better side

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

At least the lions games are after the super season this time, I am still filthy that the western force ran out a B team last time and got flogged. Surely won’t happen again this time, even if missing a few wallabies will hopefully put out a better side

Definetely a better side. Guys like IFL, Grealy, Stewart, Dolly, Carter, Ekuasi, Harris, Prinsep, Koteka should all be there if fit and at home give a good showing for the Force. Front Row will be an issue. Hopefully Pearce available but with Robertson a chance for the Wallabies it's a bit thin once its up to Coxon, Tauakipulu but they are probably pumped for the opportunity.

 

[Wilson]

Definetely a better side. Guys like IFL, Grealy, Stewart, Dolly, Carter, Ekuasi, Harris, Prinsep, Koteka should all be there if fit and at home give a good showing for the Force. Front Row will be an issue. Hopefully Pearce available but with Robertson a chance for the Wallabies it's a bit thin once its up to Coxon, Tauakipulu but they are probably pumped for the opportunity.

Could be a great time to give the retiring Ollie Hoskins a send off in front of the sea of blue if they can swing it for a one match deal.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

That sounds bloody lovely and logical for the Force on field wise as well.

I'd also love to see a guy like him get a run in Adelaide. As close as getting a home Test for the bloke.

 

[Wilson]

There was some talk of RA connecting some of the returning pros they bring in for those tour matches with the super sides so it makes plenty of sense.

Will depend on who they bring back in I guess but there's plenty of opposrtunity for some box office choices. Personally, with Lynagh and McDermott likely on wallabies duty I'm hoping for a 20 minute cameo off the bench from Will and Quade for the Reds.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Makes sense and good for the fans and ratings. Someone will feel bad for a Clubbie who may have gotta 5 mins but in the grand scheme of it Quade is a better player and deserving than say Jude Gibbs as cruel as it can feel.

 

[Sully]

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Had a moment last week that I half laughed at watching the Broncos game and seeing Ben Te'o as their trainer and remembered that he was a Lion.
For a very good but not great player he has a hell of a resume. Never played a game of League for Australia otherwise it'd be one of the great resumes.

 

[Jets]

To be fair he had some very good games for Worcester.

Some of the Lions caps end up going to guys available. The geography 6 from Wales and a few guys on holidays that were available.

If you felt hard done by for missing out on Lions selection you might as well go on holiday in the Pacific region and you're a good chance of being called into the squad.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Not saying he didn't deserve it. Just forgot about him and its rare to forget blokes with such a career but if vanished from Aus media the moment he left the NRL. Never played for a Aus Rugby side.