NPR

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:43 pm why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:43 pm why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Tichtheid wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 9:36 pm

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:43 pm why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 10:00 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 9:36 pm

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:43 pm why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

I struggle to see what Feyi-Waboso has achieved that even puts him in the picture, never mind about Graham.

Tichtheid wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 10:11 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 10:00 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 9:36 pm

Well, that doesn't leave room for Darcy Graham, obvs

I struggle to see what Feyi-Waboso has achieved that even puts him in the picture, never mind about Graham.

He might help sell Lions jerseys in England if they have one back in the squad

Lobby wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:48 pm

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:43 pm why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

That depends on when and how quickly Feyi-Waboso recovers from his recent shoulder surgery. Its quite possible that he will miss Lions selection completely.

Rhubarb & Custard wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:43 pm why not pick Kinghorn on the wing and Keenan at 15? then you've a shootout between VDM, Feyi-Waboso and Lowe, maybe Hansen for the final starting spot.

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:01 pm Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

Uncle fester wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:28 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:43 pm I think we can rule Joe McCarthy out of the trip, unless he grows a brain between now and the squad announcement date.

Was anyone really considering him?

Think both Blairhorn and Keenan will travel but on the evidence of the matches, it'll be Blairhorn starting the tests.

Slick wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:17 am

Uncle fester wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:28 pm

Jim Lahey wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:43 pm I think we can rule Joe McCarthy out of the trip, unless he grows a brain between now and the squad announcement date.

Was anyone really considering him?

Think both Blairhorn and Keenan will travel but on the evidence of the matches, it'll be Blairhorn starting the tests.

I’m not sure. I still think after all these years that Keenan is underrated. In saying that Kinghorn has come of age this year so will be tight

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:01 pm Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:01 pm Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Deveron Boy wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 10:53 am

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

I think general 2nd row performances yesterday have put handclapper/penalty machine back at head of the Q

Jim Lahey wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:43 pm I think we can rule Joe McCarthy out of the trip, unless he grows a brain between now and the squad announcement date.

dpedin wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:09 am It was really interesting to watch the Irish's backs play behind a pack under real pressure and giving the French the opportunity to run good attack lines. With Van Der Flier tied up in the rough stuff and unable to provide cover and O'Mahony now too slow, they looked very exposed and struggled with decision making under pressure. Even Gibson Park looked very shaky and he has been the Lions pick for 9 so far. Both Dupont and Lucu ran him pretty ragged. Mind you Lucu is vastly underrated by many and seen as a Dupont stand in, I think he may have improved the French performance when he came on!

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:01 pm Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

Blackmac wrote: Sat Mar 08, 2025 7:01 pm Kinghorn absolutely nailed the full back spot today and Russell reasserted his claim. I think all the Scots backs have put their hands up. Schoeman and Fagerson have damaged their chances. Can't see one Scottish forward, other than Ritchie who improved their chances. Much the same with the Irish players, although they are all in a far stronger position from the start.
Jac Morgan the only Welshman on the plane.

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

sockwithaticket wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:23 am

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Wouldn't bet against Will Stuart and Maro Itoje starting. Somewhat quietly, Stuart has been having a very good season and tournament while tighthead isn't a particularly strong position for the Lions nations. There's no nailed on candidate as in the days of peak Furlong.

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:21 am

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Yr Alban wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 4:08 am

I said a while ago that you could just field Ireland’s pack and Scotland’s backs and have a competitive side. I still suspect that’s what the core of the team will look like.

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

dpedin wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:27 am

sockwithaticket wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:23 am

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

Wouldn't bet against Will Stuart and Maro Itoje starting. Somewhat quietly, Stuart has been having a very good season and tournament while tighthead isn't a particularly strong position for the Lions nations. There's no nailed on candidate as in the days of peak Furlong.

Agreed. I always thought Stuart carried too much bulk and was slow around the park and getting into the defensive lines. However he does seem to be a bit fitter and more mobile these days and has looked solid in games so far. I cant see Furlong making the Lions purely due to fitness and injury concerns - if the Irish cant keep him fit and healthy then there is little chance of him doing so on a Lions tour. Without him Stuart and Fagerson will vie for starting slot?

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:27 am

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:21 am

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 9:55 am

Ireland's pack with Fagerson and Morgan. Scotland's backs with GP, and Lowe.

You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

I know.

Uncle fester wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:11 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:27 am

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:21 am
You are getting way too ahead of yourself.

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:27 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:11 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:27 am

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:27 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:11 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 11:27 am

I know.

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

Big D wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:33 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:27 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:11 pm

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

England will have plenty in squad. If I were betting I'd say more than Scotland but less than Ireland.

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:34 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:27 pm

Uncle fester wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:11 pm

Reasonable chance England will finish second. They will feature heavily in the squad and will probably have more players than Scotland.

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Slick wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 3:18 pm

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:34 pm

Blackmac wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:27 pm

Two of those wins were very scrappy wins, against two dominant but very wasteful teams. There might have been a collective result but few of their players stood out that much individually. Granted their pack overwhelmed Scotland in the second half but I'm not picking many Scottish forwards.
I'm struggling to see many Englishmen who individually offer more than any of the other contenders. Stuart, Genge, Itoje, Earl, Curry, Finn Smith, Lawrence and Smith are definite contenders but not obvious starters for the tests. On the other hand, I personally think there are a number of Irish, Scottish and Morgan who stand out as individuals in their positions.

I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

Yr Alban wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 7:00 am

Slick wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 3:18 pm

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:34 pm
I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

Yr Alban wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 7:00 am

Slick wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 3:18 pm

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:34 pm
I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

SaintK wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:39 am
what's happened to Cummings?

Yr Alban wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 7:00 am

Slick wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 3:18 pm

SaintK wrote: Sun Mar 09, 2025 12:34 pm
I don't get as over-excited about this as some of you guys but Itoje is a dead cert to tour and probably start.
Will be interesting to see if Feyi-Waboso gets some meaningful game time before the squad is selected and Furbank to a lesser extent. Though will be more than happy to see both back to full fitness and on England's summer tour

Itoje is a nailed on starter.

I’m not getting the Feyi stuff, he has played really well when he’s played but I can’t see how a rookie who hasn’t played for months gets selected - yes I know there are always uncapped or new Lions

If Itoje is a nailed-on starter, I reckon it says more about the dearth of other candidates than anything he has done this 6N.

I could easily see Feyi-Waboso being selected ahead of Darcy Graham, which is exactly what happened the last time with Rees-Zammit. One flashy season ahead of consistent excellence. It would be unjust, but I could still see it.

Guy Smiley wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:42 am I think we can all agree that for the good of the game globally, it would be best if this was just a British Lions, yeah? No need for the and I.

We don't want any thuggery and violence, lads.

Slick wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:45 am I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:47 am

Slick wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:45 am I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

I would think Duhan is nailed on.

Guy Smiley wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:42 am I think we can all agree that for the good of the game globally, it would be best if this was just a British Lions, yeah? No need for the and I.

We don't want any thuggery and violence, lads.

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:47 am

Slick wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:45 am I don't remember Lions selection being this open after round 4 of a 6N.

To my mind only 2 or 3 positions are nailed on:

Russell, JGP and Itoje, maybe Sheehan.

I would think Duhan is nailed on.

Tichtheid wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:41 am

SaintK wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 11:39 am
what's happened to Cummings?

Injured. He and Max Williamson will probably be the locks as from next season