Hadn't thought about that, you make a good point. I've always thought though that it undermines the implicit sense of unity to have to state that the Irish are also coming. Maybe you guys just give it a miss this yeah, eh?

   [USER=71135]@TheSaffycen[/USER] I think last time there were 7 originals with 3 called up as injury cover. Just looked and in 2009 it was 7 as well

2013:

Kearney

Hogg

Halfpenny

Cuthbert

Bowe

Maitland

North

2009:

Kearney

Byrne

Williams

Monye

Halfpenny

Bowe

Fitzgerald

Right now the only absolute certainties for this years tour are Liam Williams and Stuart Hogg unless they either fall over or somehow discover the most terrible form of their careers. George North is very unlikely to be left out; his form doesn't seem to ever matter much, he can just coast. Halfpenny looks likely over Kearney. That would be 4 (3 of whom Welsh). You then need at least two specialist wingers. Watson (form allowing) and Zebo?  I think Daly will have to try and prove his value as a centre. This all changes if Halfpenny doesn't go, which by the way I don't think he should.

In terms of overall quality looking at those lists, 2013 wasn't an obvious improvement over 2009, with Fitzgerald and Williams better than the likes of Maitland and Cuthbert. In 2017 we have the best options but too many tight calls. there's just a much greater quantity of hopefuls pretty much everywhere.