Is it? I can barely remember last week so I wouldn't know was it totally different on here in 2009? Or are you talking about real world experience?
What if he is though? Biggar or Farrell pull up in the captain's run, he's in the 23. Also calling up players who won't make a push against your boys is ridiculously unfair and bias.
Hating the IRFU isn't xenophobic but it certainly affects his decisions. I really don't think he'd hate me if he ever met me just because I'm Irish, it'd definitely be because of what I say to him.
It's not an odd idea when you look at Gatland's history and time as Lions coach. Whatever about having a pro bias, a clear anti-bias is problematic for a Lions coach.
Mate, I don't want to argue with you (but I will) as I like Sexton and agree with a lot of what you have to say but I do disagree with the place you're coming from, or more accurately disagreeing with the place where you think Gatland is coming from.
Traditionally the second row is a area that players play longer in. In fact,'it's a position,
Any further clarification on this? I take it you remember 2009 and before a lot better than me.
But they clearly think, in some areas, pace, durability, taking the ball to the line etc etc, he isn't inferior at all to Sexton. They might think Sexton is a better overall player but not in those areas he isn't so they want someone like that. Either way I don't think "**** the Irish scum" is anywhere in his thoughts but maybe I'm the crazy one.
I've got no problem with people calling out what they think are **** call ups. I've had numerous problems with a variety of Gatlands decisions over the years. I'm challenging the motivations behind these decisions. That's all. I don't think he's xenophobic and hates the Irish so much it influences his decisions.
Again, if you pick players with a view to the test matches, as you should, Sexton is out and out a better choice, because he has played Test rugby before, has been highly successful at every level, has played and won against South Africa before and achieved everything a 10 can achieve in the game outside of a World Cup. Which player would you rather have in a Test against SA, because that's literally the only argument that has merit for me. Picking a young guy because he will play a game like Russell in the dirt trackers? Who cares? Surely bringing in a player that more resembles your likely test starters has more merit anyway as that's how we will look to play in meaningful fixtures.
Just a general feeling, both on here and just in online rugby communities in general
I say it's xenophobic because you and other Irish lads are saying he isnt picking Sexton because he's Irish. It's that simple. You can say oh he doesn't hate the Irish it's the IRFU he hates but according to you and others he is persecuting Sexton for that hatred and Sexton is Irish so that to me is xenophobic. We obviously work on different definitions of discrimination due to nationality. I'm not aware of any personal beef he has with sexton but if you have any info I'm not aware of my opinion could be swayed as I've always said you never know what goes on behind closed doors but this, again, could be personal and nothing to do with his nationality.
Fair enough. I could believe it as society has changed a lot since then and everyone on line seems so toxic.
Here's the issue though if they go down tomorrow fine but what about the day of the test? What if both test positive for COVID and its not out of the realms of possibility? With Russell we would of tested hands even if it does blow up the game plan (its why I never expected him or Ford to make the plane) . With Smith we have a complete unknown quantity who's completely untested thats just a ridiculous decision however which way you cut it especially when the other option is Sexton who absolutely will fit into the system and is a known quality player.
This is a straw man. I see it in your most recent post too. Not picking Irish players harms the IRFU financially. Your only arguments here are that he has picked Irish players, well of course he has, Ireland have been one of the top sides in all of his three cycles often with the best record against SH sides and higher performing clubs than Scotland and Wales, and then your strange xenophobic red herring.
