2021 British & Irish Lions Squad

[MikeTheNative]

Considering the back row selection, I can't see Farrell playing 12. It will be Aki + Henshaw (which ever 10), carrying hard up the middle with the back row playing with width out on the touch lines.

 

[MikeTheNative]

Whether thats 12 or 13 is the thing

He's getting unfairly labelled as a bulldozer because he's so physical and effective, but he does have a lot more strings to his bow

This is a positive for him, you can get away with him and Aki playing together, a more skill limited 13 would probably mean 15 coming in a lot more as a playmaker or that's a lot of pressure on 10 if left to him.

 

[Jakedood]

Considering the back row selection, I can't see Farrell playing 12. It will be Aki + Henshaw (which ever 10), carrying hard up the middle with the back row playing with width out on the touch lines.

This makes sense, but again, have we really seen this in either centre partnership so far? Aki took some big hard lines in midfield v Japan, but it certainly wasnt overly confrontational in the midfield approach

 

[retired9]

I just don't get excited by Farrell at 12, never have tbh. Maybe I just like a hard carrier to the line but for all he can kick/distribute better than the average 12 I don't think it replaces the battering ram option or a pacey runner with a step.

For me it depends how much influence Townsend is getting in the selection, Gats wanted him on the last tour and now this one so he rates Gregor's style. I would think with a 10 of Biggar's current form and ability he has to be the shoe in, I think he can pull off the moves which makes Gregor's attack dangerous. I think Finn will be half in half out, likely a bench option because his way of play can change things rapidly for the last 20. As a Scot I would love to see him develop some more stability to his game, could be a top choice for the next tour.

The centres I am not so sure, if Hogg is played at 15 he is such a threat in attack he drops in and out of the centre position to suit and would give an edge that may complement an Aki/Henshaw or Aki/Daly lineup (who else is the "real" 12 option?).

 

[Groundhog]

Boks training again suspended after Lood de Jager tests positive with a number of players being close contacts.....

 

[MikeTheNative]

This makes sense, but again, have we really seen this in either centre partnership so far? Aki took some big hard lines in midfield v Japan, but it certainly wasnt overly confrontational in the midfield approach

Your right that we haven't seen much of it so far. I'm going to say it's a bit still geting used to each other and Gatland not wanting to show too much of his hand before the first test.
Never know though, Gatland out plays us all and has Farrell and Daly starting 12 + 13 on the 24th

 

[AlRums]

Boks training again suspended after Lood de Jager tests positive with a number of players being close contacts.....

Springboks suspend training and whole squad placed in isolation after Lood de Jager positive Covid-19 result

Sale Sharks lock Lood de Jager tests positive for Covid-19, leading the Springboks to suspend training and place the whole squad in isolation as close contacts; South Africa are scheduled to face Georgia on Friday, live on Sky Sports, as preparations to face the British and Irish Lions

www.skysports.com

 

[AlRums]

I just don't get excited by Farrell at 12, never have tbh. Maybe I just like a hard carrier to the line but for all he can kick/distribute better than the average 12 I don't think it replaces the battering ram option or a pacey runner with a step.

For me it depends how much influence Townsend is getting in the selection, Gats wanted him on the last tour and now this one so he rates Gregor's style. I would think with a 10 of Biggar's current form and ability he has to be the shoe in, I think he can pull off the moves which makes Gregor's attack dangerous. I think Finn will be half in half out, likely a bench option because his way of play can change things rapidly for the last 20. As a Scot I would love to see him develop some more stability to his game, could be a top choice for the next tour.

The centres I am not so sure, if Hogg is played at 15 he is such a threat in attack he drops in and out of the centre position to suit and would give an edge that may complement an Aki/Henshaw or Aki/Daly lineup (who else is the "real" 12 option?).

I also think Harris played himself into contention as well

 

[retired9]

I also think Harris played himself into contention as well

fair shout I forgot Harris, here's a wild idea Biggar Henshaw Harris?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

fair shout I forgot Harris, here's a wild idea Biggar Henshaw Harris?

Literally the only sensible option we've got tbf

 

[General Melchett]

fair shout I forgot Harris, here's a wild idea Biggar Henshaw Harris?

This is what I would go for with Daly on the bench covering 13 and the wing - coming on against tired legs like at the weekend. If Liam Williams or A Watson are on the wing then they cover 15. I think Gatland's backline will be:

9. Murray - 10. Biggar - 11. Adams - 12. Henshaw- 13. Harris - 14. Williams/Watson - 15. Hogg.

 

[Welsh Exile]

You could have Farrell and Daly on the bench who cover every single position in the backs then we can do a 6:2 split and everyone loves a 6:2 split, right?

 

[General Melchett]

You could have Farrell and Daly on the bench who cover every single position in the backs then we can do a 6:2 split and everyone loves a 6:2 split, right?

Farrell nowhere near the 23 please. Think I'd rather have Mako covering 10/12.

With Hogg potentially getting game time at 10 on Weds I'm wondering if they're thinking 6:2 split with Daly and Watson on the bench covering centre and back three with Hogg covering 10 otherwise why not just stick Farrell or Russell on the bench this Weds?

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

You could have Farrell and Daly on the bench who cover every single position in the backs then we can do a 6:2 split and everyone loves a 6:2 split, right?

Farrell nowhere near the 23 please. Think I'd rather have Mako covering 10/12.

With Hogg potentially getting game time at 10 on Weds I'm wondering if they're thinking 6:2 split with Daly and Watson on the bench covering centre and back three with Hogg covering 10 otherwise why not just stick Farrell or Russell on the bench this Weds?

Both of you seem to be forgetting any 9 cover in these 6:2 splits.

 

[Dean Cooperfield-West]

Suppose Henshaw is ruled out with this injury, odds on trying Harris at 12 and going Harris and Daly together?

 

[AlRums]

Both of you seem to be forgetting any 9 cover in these 6:2 splits.

Plenty of locks to fill in let them try something new!!

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I've never ever ever seen the need for a 6:2 split. When has the extra forward (that usually only gets 10 minutes or so anyhow) really changed any more than a back would? And the risk of ruining a welsh whole back line as well.

Just pick proper subs benches for normal people…..oh and don't pick Farrell.

 

[AlRums]

I seem to sense a prevailing feeling that Farrell is not going to be welcome in any test team

 

[Welsh Exile]

Both of you seem to be forgetting any 9 cover in these 6:2 splits.

Daly could do a job there.

 

[big ginger 8]

I've never ever ever seen the need for a 6:2 split. When has the extra forward (that usually only gets 10 minutes or so anyhow) really changed any more than a back would? And the risk of ruining a welsh whole back line as well.

Just pick proper subs benches for normal people…..oh and don't pick Farrell.

The two teams that mad the WC final in 2019 both employed a 6:2 split fairly often. SA's 'bomb squad' received a lot of credit for their win. How often is the third back actually used for anything more than a cameo? If you have the right make up in your squad it can make sense as it let's more of your forwards play with nothing held back and an extra replacement who can up the intensity and physicality.

Both the 6:2 and the 5:3 have their strengths and weaknesses and the 6:2 doesn't deserve the meme status it has achieved on here. People say they want experimentation and then give out when it actually happens.