England 2024/25

[Geordie]

I think we all agree that he should be made to serve those 5 years consecutively. And that anyone who has heard a Tom Jones song, not only automatically qualifies for Wales, but is also immediately disqualified from playing for England.

Aaaahhh but Delilah is banned from the principality stadium...so no longer applies.

 

[stus768]

Aged 7, by the looks of things.
And from then, has spent about 8-9 months a year in England

Kepu began playing at Panteg RFC and was involved in Pontypool district before winning a scholarship to Caldicott Prep School for Year Seven (so aged 11/12). He credits Harrow, where he moved from the back row to hooker, as a vital stepping stone. -from telegraph article. Obviously has played majority of his rugby in England.

 

[AlRums]

Can't help but feel Scotland on paper are as good as us tbh. A combined starting XV wouldn't be far off an even split of English and Scottish players

Name a combined team for interest

 

[Saintjay]

Name a combined team for interest

I'll pick the Scots I'd go with. I think all those named are in with a shout of touring with the Lions. Darge and DVM being the narrow calls.

Props - Fagerson - Shoeman
Back row - Rory Darge

Backs - Finn Russell, Tuipuloto and Huw Jones. Kinghorn and DVM.

 

[BPM]

I agree with that. Maybe add Matt Fagerson too for sheer consistency.

6 is probably the least clear cut position for the Lions IMO.

Previously, Lawes and O'Mahony would probably have been favourites but Father Time has changed the picture and I don't think there's a really obvious choice. I thought CCS might be a bolter for that shirt but he's had a bit of a dip in form and isn't guaranteed to make England's starting XV right now.

Maybe Lawes and/or O'Mahony still make it? If not, I think it's between Fagerson, Chessum and CCS. Maybe Tom Curry if he's considered a 6.5 type?

As far as a combined XV's concerned. Scotland would have more right now but lots of close calls:

1. Schoeman
2. George (Turner)
3. Z. Fagerson
4. Itoje
5. Martin
6. M. Fagerson (CCS / Chessum)
7. Darge (Underhill / Curry)
8. Earl
9. Mitchell
10. Russell
11. van der Merwe
12. Tuipolotu
13. Jones (Slade / Lawrence)
14. Feyi Waboso (Graham)
15. Kinghorn (Furbank)

I'm basing that largely on form though and I put the most debatable calls in brackets. For example, I think Darge is in better form at this moment in time, but both Underhill and Curry at their best are better players.

I wanted to go for Willis at 8 but until we can conclusively say his domestic and European form translates to test rugby, it wouldn't be fair to include him in a combined XV.

In other areas, combinations come in to consideration. I don't necessarily think Huw Jones is notably better than Slade or Lawrence but he's definitely been in better form and has a great partnership with Tuipolotu.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

What about Bernie at 6?

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

What about Bernie at 6?

Yeah I think we see:
4. Itoje
5. McCarthy
6. Beirne

19. Ryan

That kind of setup just seems like an international coach's wet dream.

 

[BPM]

What about Bernie at 6?

Maybe. When was the last time he actually played there though? I don't actually know the answer here - my impression is that he's almost exclusively at lock these days.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Maybe. When was the last time he actually played there though? I don't actually know the answer here - my impression is that he's almost exclusively at lock these days.

Started 3 out of his 4 games this autumn at blindside. So Farrell clearly sees him as an option there.

 

[BPM]

Fair enough. In that case, yeah, he's a shoo-in for the 6 shirt.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Don'r really rate Beirne at 6 at this point in his career. He's not as dynamic and more of a tight runner than before. Hopong Ireland move onto Baird, Ahern or Izuchukwu.

Definitely think there's better 6 options although a weird dearth of talent there in Ireland and the UK rn.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Don'r really rate Beirne at 6 at this point in his career. He's not as dynamic and more of a tight runner than before. Hopong Ireland move onto Baird, Ahern or Izuchukwu.

Definitely think there's better 6 options although a weird dearth of talent there in Ireland and the UK rn.

I think Tadhg Beirne is one of the best players in the world and I would have him as the first name on the Lions team sheet in whatever position he wants to play. Every time I see him I am amazed at his alround game. He can do everything.

 

[duncanb]

I think Tadhg Beirne is one of the best players in the world and I would have him as the first name on the Lions team sheet in whatever position he wants to play. Every time I see him I am amazed at his alround game. He can do everything.

Very good player maybe a shed of armchair pundits me Included would go for Lawes at 6.
Just saying.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I think Tadhg Beirne is one of the best players in the world and I would have him as the first name on the Lions team sheet in whatever position he wants to play. Every time I see him I am amazed at his alround game. He can do everything.

As a lock 100%, him and Etzebeth are probably the World XV row. However, he played three games for Ireland at 6 this autumn and was the 2nd best 6 and Ireland's third best backrow on the pitch three times.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

As a lock 100%, him and Etzebeth are probably the World XV row. However, he played three games for Ireland at 6 this autumn and was the 2nd best 6 and Ireland's third best backrow on the pitch three times.

If you had to choose either Itoje or Beirne at 6 which would you? (Out of curiosity)


Who would be your lions 6 then? An in form Curry? (Which may or may not exist at that point) or another I'm forgetting?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

If you had to choose either Itoje or Beirne at 6 which would you? (Out of curiosity)


Who would be your lions 6 then? An in form Curry? (Which may or may not exist at that point) or another I'm forgetting?

I reckon any of Earl, Doris, Conan or Dempsey would be better shifted into 6 than Itoje or Beirne to be honest. Curry is the other option. I like CCS but reading here that he's dropped a bit and he seemed like a 60min player which would necessitate a 6/2 so Olyy would join me in wanting the Wallabies to win if that happens.

Jack Willis is the best option theoretically. Him, VDF and Doris would be fairly destructive both sides of the ball.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

I reckon any of Earl, Doris, Conan or Dempsey would be better shifted into 6 than Itoje or Beirne to be honest. Curry is the other option. I like CCS but reading here that he's dropped a bit and he seemed like a 60min player which would necessitate a 6/2 so Olyy would join me in wanting the Wallabies to win if that happens.

Jack Willis is the best option theoretically. Him, VDF and Doris would be fairly destructive both sides of the ball.

Was starting to type just that. I hope he gets picked and absolutely smashes it.