The Lions squad for 2021 prediction

[Leonormous Boozer]

Ireland went 60 years without beating them until the 04 game and have a winning record since, 50/50 if you include the other 04 games. The fact they've never beaten Ireland in a world cup speaks volumes as to how lucky they've been, everyone beats us at those things.

 

[ncurd]

Actually just looking at the last 5 years England's record against SA wasn't great but not terrible either but understandably England might **** the bed a little when they think of SA.

SA have been a bit of a bogey team for England for some time. Its changed a bit in 2016 but we went a full decade without beating them (1 draw). In time period where we managed at least one win against New Zealand whilst they were one the best sides to ever grace the game.

Mind you Wales record wasn't exactly much better and most of the wins come when SA were shockingly bad and everyone thought they were slump they'd ever get out of.

 

[Welsh Exile]

SA have been a bit of a bogey team for England for some time. Its changed a bit in 2016 but we went a full decade without beating them (1 draw). In time period where we managed at least one win against New Zealand whilst they were one the best sides to ever grace the game.

Mind you Wales record wasn't exactly much better and most of the wins come when SA were shockingly bad and everyone thought they were slump they'd ever get out of.

Yeah prior to 2016 our record against them was **** but while I know what you're saying about them not being at their best we beat them twice in 2018 and you lost to them twice in 2018 so they weren't too bad. I'd say the 2016 SA was probably the worst side. I take your point though.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I remember Tipuric absolutely tearing it up against SA in 2016. That SA side wasn't the greatest though tbf.

 

[BPM]

Probably be Farrell and Sanjay

My guess at the backline they'll pick is:
Murray, Biggar,
van der Merwe, Henshaw, Harris, Watson,
Hogg

Davies, Farrell, Williams

Equally, though, I wouldn't be overly surprised at a Farrell/Henshaw midfield

I can definitely see him being picked and quite possibly starting but by god, I HATE the idea of van der Merwe in a Lions side. He is the very definition of a mercenary and the notion that he'll probably stop someone like Jonny May touring really sticks in my craw.

Are we really talking about Chris Harris as a Lions starter. I rate him as a player and he has been in very good form, but is he really the best 13 from the home nations? TBH, I'm not sure he'd even make my squad. Slade, Ringrose and Davies are all far better rugby players and that's without even considering the possibility of Tuilagi being fit.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Are we really talking about Chris Harris as a Lions starter. I rate him as a player and he has been in very good form, but is he really the best 13 from the home nations? TBH, I'm not sure he'd even make my squad. Slade, Ringrose and Davies are all far better rugby players and that's without even considering the possibility of Tuilagi being fit.

Atm he is
Slade is definitely in contention but not really a Gatland 13, plus has the England stink on him
Ringrose nowhere near his best (but obviously in contention)
JD2 been poor all season - obviously he's one of Gatland's boys so will be up near the top, but realistically he shouldn't be touring on current form

Harris was the best home nations 13 in the 6N, and is also the best defensively (which will be a big factor), plus plus there's two Scottish coaches on the coaching staff

Also Tuilagi won't have played by the time the squad is announced - I imagine he's one of the players being asked to stay ready/is on the reserves list, but I'd be very very surprised if he's named in the main squad

 

[Welsh Exile]

I recommend the latest podcast from the Good the bad and the rugby featuring the legend Paul Stridgeon. Such a legend. I think I'd love English rugby if they had loads of northerners in the set up. Glad we've managed to nab 2 legends in him and Edwards.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I think I'd love English rugby if they had loads of northerners in the set up.

We always have a smattering,
Lancaster, Farrell, Hatley - even Mitchell is an adopted Northerner

 

[ncurd]

We always have a smattering,
Lancaster, Farrell, Hatley - even Mitchell is an adopted Northerner

Convince your Northern friend to stop playing the shite version of rugby

Seriously though can we be honest and say what nobody really likes is London and the 'Home Counties'. Most people have no issue with the midlands, the East and the South West are probably the two most forgotten parts of the country.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Atm he is
Slade is definitely in contention but not really a Gatland 13, plus has the England stink on him
Ringrose nowhere near his best (but obviously in contention)
JD2 been poor all season - obviously he's one of Gatland's boys so will be up near the top, but realistically he shouldn't be touring on current form

Harris was the best home nations 13 in the 6N, and is also the best defensively (which will be a big factor), plus plus there's two Scottish coaches on the coaching staff

Also Tuilagi won't have played by the time the squad is announced - I imagine he's one of the players being asked to stay ready/is on the reserves list, but I'd be very very surprised if he's named in the main squad

Yeah, I have a feeling Ringer won't tour. Would only be delighted, he's a fragile boy who plays at his best when rested.

Gats has always preferred English and Welsh to Irish players as HC and I don't see him picking two 13s who aren't exceptional in collisions, Slade's boot should win out. Only thing is I'd back Ringrose to have a stormer on Sunday which might away things given his known quality.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Yeah, I have a feeling Ringer won't tour. Would only be delighted, he's a fragile boy who plays at his best when rested.

Gats has always preferred English and Welsh to Irish players as HC and I don't see him picking two 13s who aren't exceptional in collisions, Slade's boot should win out. Only thing is I'd back Ringrose to have a stormer on Sunday which might away things given his known quality.

He loves a bit of Sexton and Murray, though. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they're the starting 9 and 10 come first test.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Convince your Northern friend to stop playing the shite version of rugby

Seriously though can we be honest and say what nobody really likes is London and the 'Home Counties'. Most people have no issue with the midlands, the East and the South West are probably the two most forgotten parts of the country.

 

[BPM]

Atm he is
Slade is definitely in contention but not really a Gatland 13, plus has the England stink on him
Ringrose nowhere near his best (but obviously in contention)
JD2 been poor all season - obviously he's one of Gatland's boys so will be up near the top, but realistically he shouldn't be touring on current form

Harris was the best home nations 13 in the 6N, and is also the best defensively (which will be a big factor), plus plus there's two Scottish coaches on the coaching staff

Also Tuilagi won't have played by the time the squad is announced - I imagine he's one of the players being asked to stay ready/is on the reserves list, but I'd be very very surprised if he's named in the main squad

Do you really think Harris is that good?

I'd agree he was the best in the 6N and that he's the best defensively, but he'd be the most limited in attack by some distance.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Do you really think Harris is that good?

I'd agree he was the best in the 6N and that he's the best defensively, but he'd be the most limited in attack by some distance.

Yeah agree with this. North was the best and with him out I'd say Harris is best defensively but he doesn't excite me tbh.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Do you really think Harris is that good?

Yup,
Been tearing it up for Gloucester as well, even when they were playing crap

It's reasonably slim pickings at 13 atm, but he's the best of the bunch going off the last year

Who would you have?

 

[Welsh Exile]

I'd have Ringrose and Slade above him but honestly, if Tualagi starts for Sale next week and looks alright I'd Chuck him straight in there.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

He loves a bit of Sexton and Murray, though. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they're the starting 9 and 10 come first test.

He dropped Sexton for Farrell in the first test last time and it cost him big time. He's the only coach to drop Sexton since 2011, very questionable decision. This time there's more competition, unless Johnny is head and shoulders above I expect to see Biggar, potentially fairly, he executed his role well in the 6n. It should be a race between those two.

Murray is very well suited to playing against SA but I reckon all 9s on tour have a chance.

On 13, Harris definitely had the advantage of being in a team of well coached backs. Ringrose and Slade on the other hand were in set ups that played totally against their strengths and did ok to well for the most part, I'd rate them both far higher. Harris played well enough to get in the conversation, definitely not enough to ensure a ticket but I think he fits Gats' preferences and will tour.

 

[Welsh Exile]

He dropped Sexton for Farrell in the first test last time and it cost him big time. He's the only coach to drop Sexton since 2011, very questionable decision. This time there's more competition, unless Johnny is head and shoulders above I expect to see Biggar, potentially fairly, he executed his role well in the 6n. It should be a race between those two.

Murray is very well suited to playing against SA but I reckon all 9s on tour have a chance.

On 13, Harris definitely had the advantage of being in a team of well coached backs. Ringrose and Slade on the other hand were in set ups that played totally against their strengths and did ok to well for the most part, I'd rate them both far higher. Harris played well enough to get in the conversation, definitely not enough to ensure a ticket but I think he fits Gats' preferences and will tour.

The more I think about that first test and the chat about mismatches I do think I'd go with Murray to start. He's the safest bet to effectively deal with Faf. Comparing our other 9s to Faf worries me more

Gatland might feel he can get Gareth Davies back to 2019 WC form but personally I wouldn't.

 

[FLOBALOB]

If Harris is a consideration @ 13, then personally I'd go for Nowell ahead of him. Historically , a better player, more experienced and was in great form before lay off. Gatland is a big fan too. But that could be my Chiefs bias.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Nowell although not played international rugby covers wing, FB and 13 well....but then so do a few others.