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aber-fan
Veteran Joined: 25 October 2004 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 18857 |
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Some reasons for (surprise?) omissions and selections - either from the coaches, or my own guesses:
Foxy - not fully recovered his form post injury (Tuilagi - not played since his injury) - leading to the selection of other physical centres (Aki, Harris - Henshaw was always going) Ringrose and Slade not physical enough; Duhan VDM picked in part for physicality ahead of May Sexton - too many HIAs, concerns about his durability Daly - not in great form, but seen as versatile, plus did OK on last tour (lucky boy, IMO) Cawdor - physical and confrontational - seen as assets v SA - not a real surprise at all, but he has those assets over other possible choices Hill over Ryan - see Cawdor - a very big guy (I'd have preferred Ryan, but can see Gatland's POV) Porter over Sinckler - a better scrummager, and can play both sides - not so good as a carrier... can't afford to buckle in the tight v SA (I think Francis was ahead of Sinckler, myself) Simmonds over Billy V... Billy not shown great form in 6N, Gats wants a few in the back row who can undo SA with footwork rather than just act as bulldozers - quite a few of those elsewhere in the squad! Navidi - very unlucky (IMO) to do his shoulder - Gats wants all the back rowers fit from day 1. As has been pointed out - injuries between now and the end of the season, and on tour, will no doubt lead to some of the reserves being called up anyway. |
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“You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift)
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Fscarlet
Moderator Group Joined: 26 January 2015 Status: Offline Points: 8871 |
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As soon as I heard Biggar's name I knew Sexton wouldn't be there. My guess is Biggar to start the tests with Russell coming on with 20 to go against a tiring defence.
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surfing-mtber
Veteran Joined: 28 January 2012 Location: Devon/MilfordH Status: Offline Points: 2926 |
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Not sure why Lawes was selected, lack of game time against him. Any suggestions who should have gone in his place?
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Joshua24:15
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Fscarlet
Moderator Group Joined: 26 January 2015 Status: Offline Points: 8871 |
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Only reason I can see is that he can pack down like Beirne at 4, 5 & 6. I would have taken James Ryan in his place.
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GPR - Rochester
Veteran Joined: 01 December 2014 Location: Rhydcymerau Status: Offline Points: 18784 |
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As with a number of the selections Lawes will have to prove his fitness. Gats likes his confrontational style which will be needed in bucket loads against the Boks. He can play 2nd row & 6 as can Beirne, Henderson & Itoje so gives them flexibility. I see the Lions using a big 6 to combat Pieter Steph & to win some lineout ball.
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dyniol53
Veteran Joined: 08 April 2018 Location: Llundain Status: Offline Points: 1949 |
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It’s exactly this - he wants 3 physical 2nd rows on the pitch to help secure lineout. I feel like Sam Underhill, Navidi or CJ Stander were more unlucky not to go over Ryan. You’d say this squads missing an out and out 6 but you wouldn’t say Itjoe, Lawes or Henderson lack what it takes to be an enforcer. Then playing back row probably allows Beirne a bit more time to steal ball. |
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Fscarlet
Moderator Group Joined: 26 January 2015 Status: Offline Points: 8871 |
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I think Navidi is the unluckiest & for me he is the next back rower in the departure lounge.
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dr_martinov
Veteran Joined: 06 August 2005 Location: Tycoch Status: Offline Points: 13286 |
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Probably stating the obvious but neutralising Faf must be high on Gatland's list. Must have influenced selection of Cawdor and possibly faster back row forwards.
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aber-fan
Veteran Joined: 25 October 2004 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 18857 |
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Faf makes SA tick - that's also why Gatland has focused on forwards who won't be going back in the scrums or mauls, which would give him more time to control the game.
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“You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift)
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Why
Veteran Joined: 22 August 2010 Status: Offline Points: 8738 |
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Should be on the tour would have been one of first on plane for me was outstanding in 6 nations.
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She asks why i still can't answer. I guess its in the blood.
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scarletsim
Senior Member Joined: 14 December 2005 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 537 |
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Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that South Africa are going to be under-prepared heading into this Lions tour? - their last test match was the WC Final! I'm not writing them off of course, but lack of matches can't be a positive for them
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dr_martinov
Veteran Joined: 06 August 2005 Location: Tycoch Status: Offline Points: 13286 |
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Good point. Many of their players are based in the NH though so will be match fit but lack of test matches will make a difference.
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Wil Chips
Rambler Joined: 23 August 2009 Location: Pembs Status: Online Points: 50982 |
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Covid cases in SA have been quite low ( and stable) since early February, but the last few days have seen rises. Being nerdy and obliged to track several countries case levels, I’ve become quite tuned in to trend spotting.
Now is the time for the Govt to act to manage a possible surge. |
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RR1972
Veteran Joined: 27 April 2009 Status: Offline Points: 18274 |
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Lrz had a great game again sat him and watson serious gas on the wings
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RR1972
Veteran Joined: 27 April 2009 Status: Offline Points: 18274 |
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Why
Veteran Joined: 22 August 2010 Status: Offline Points: 8738 |
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Starting 6 with Curry just about 7 infront of Tuperic
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She asks why i still can't answer. I guess its in the blood.
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