He should so. He's a remarkable talentI think Smith is most certain to play with England this Summer.
Absolutely - Aki is a ridiculous selectionalthough I personally would have selected Henry Slade over Bundee Aki.
Farrell is a hero of mine. Hard as nails and icy cool. But his form has been poor for some time and he's got a bit pedestrian and quite uninventive. Pleased for him as a person but not convinced he derserves to be there.To think some on this thread were questioning the likes of Owen Farrell's place in the squad. He was probably one of the first the coaches decided on. Elliot Daly was a definite too given he can play full-back, centre and wing and has a monster of a kick. He could probably land a penalty from his own half in South Africa.
11 England players is about right, although I personally would have selected Henry Slade over Bundee Aki.
I had Connor Murray as a starter...having said that i thought Sexton would be playing a prominent part tooI'd say I expected 80% of that team however there is definitely a few surprises in Bundee Aki, didn't think he had a great 6N and was sent off in the last game. Courtney Lawes, although this does make sense due to his versatility between second and back rows. Connor Murray I thought would be nowhere near it and after the rumblings of Danny Care being included, I'm a bit gutted with this choice. I actually think Murray might start the first test, dependant on Price and Davies performances in the warm ups and domestic games. Finally, inclusion of Jonny Hill and no James Ryan. I'm over the moon for Jonny but definitely thought his colleague at Exeter Jonny Gray may have been in with a better shout - maybe it was Hill's spiral into touch against Bristol that tipped it over!
Who would you have left out in his place? I said similar of Sam Underhill.I'm surprised Navidi wasn't picked.
I stick by Tuilagi as a wildcard. Even more so now i've seen the centre's picked.To think some on this thread were questioning the likes of Owen Farrell's place in the squad. He was probably one of the first the coaches decided on. Elliot Daly was a definite too given he can play full-back, centre and wing and has a monster of a kick. He could probably land a penalty from his own half in South Africa.
11 England players is about right, although I personally would have selected Henry Slade over Bundee Aki.
He's only young and there's no doubting his rugby ability. All players go through tough times and when you're playing behind a pack that's second best it's hard for a playmaker. Mind you, I do agree he's not been at his best since probably the last World Cup.Farrell is a hero of mine. Hard as nails and icy cool. But his form has been poor for some time and he's got a bit pedestrian and quite uninventive. Pleased for him as a person but not convinced he derserves to be there.
Every tour the character of players is a big factor. It's been stated in the past that to be successful a squad needs players happy to be so-called dirt trackers and support those in the Test Side. Gatland has been involved in the Lions since 2009 so will know which players he trusts too. Hence Farrell, Daly, Mako Vunipola and Lawes all there despite loss of form or recent injuries.How much of a factor do you think the sentiment and discipline attitude was in picking or leaving out certain players.
given they will be in a lock down bubble.
I agree but with the strict COVID restrictions and curfews that cabin fever will be through the roof this time.Every tour the character of players is a big factor. It's been stated in the past that to be successful a squad needs players happy to be so-called dirt trackers and support those in the Test Side. Gatland has been involved in the Lions since 2009 so will know which players he trusts too. Hence Farrell, Daly, Mako Vunipola and Lawes all there despite loss of form or recent injuries.
Sorry to go OT but I don't know if anyone saw the Quins Wasps "Derby" but it was utterly sensational. 48-46 to quins. No idea how they did it after losing a man. Having Smith certainly helpedSmith once again proving his skill this afternoon. Inspite of his team mates throwing things away! He's got to end up as a lion at some point
Quin's actually won?! Last time I checked Wasps had just scored and were clear. Wish I continued watching now.Sorry to go OT but I don't know if anyone saw the Quins Wasps "Derby" but it was utterly sensational. 48-46 to quins. No idea how they did it after losing a man. Having Smith certainly helped
Yeah. Despite the sending off and shipping those 2 tries straight after. That was a compelling game. I am sure for a neutral it would have been great to watch. It's usually a good game when the Hampstead rugby club boys get back togetherQuin's actually won?! Last time I checked Wasps had just scored and were clear. Wish I continued watching now.
I often watch club rugby over football but didn't today. Sounds like a great game. It's still a bit weird that Wasps are no longer London Wasps too.Yeah. Despite the sending off and shipping those 2 tries straight after. That was a compelling game. I am sure for a neutral it would have been great to watch. It's usually a good game when the Hampstead rugby club boys get back together
Yeah it was a cracker.I often watch club rugby over football but didn't today. Sounds like a great game. It's still a bit weird that Wasps are no longer London Wasps too.