The Lions squad for 2021 prediction

[TRF_Olyy]

The more I think about it the more I think it'll be Itoje at 6 and 2 of AWJ, Beirne, Ryan and, hopefully, Henderson (if he makes the squad)

Suing you copyright infringement, I've been saying this for months

 

[Bada-Bing!]

The Times reporting Sam Simmonds expected to be in the squad.

 

[Welsh Exile]

Looks like he's in there. There wouldn't be this much smoke. If Care is in to Gats in on a wind up.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I definitely believe that squad, Gatland not picking Sexton and Stander feels too right.

I'll feel bad for Sexatron if he doesn't go, outplayed his opposite number in all three games against Lions nations, got further in Europe, bailed Gatland out in the last two tours. Definitely deserves to be a three time Lion and only stopped by an arrogant HC.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Gatland trying to not pick Henderson and Stander

 

[Welsh Exile]

Yeah, Stander, B.Vunipola and Conan would all be above Simmonds for me. Can't say I agree with that call but a bit of me is intrigued to see how he goes.

I would've taken Sexton but you've got to think his concussions haven't helped him at all. He didn't even play against La Rochelle.

 

[Dean Cooperfield-West]

That squad was originally floating around on Twitter. The same photo was posted by someone who described it as "My Squad."

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I would've taken Sexton but you've got to think his concussions haven't helped him at all. He didn't even play against La Rochelle.

He was touch and go for that game and they were his first concussions in years. Unless he made himself unavailable (possible) he should be on the plane.

 

[Welsh Exile]

He was touch and go for that game and they were his first concussions in years. Unless he made himself unavailable (possible) he should be on the plane.

Yeah I find it hard to disagree with you but only thing I'd say is that we won't have all the info being fed into Gats from Sexton, Leinster and the other coaches.

If Sexton confirms he was fine and was just cast aside by Gatland but still kept Farrell then we riot, deal?

 

[Dean Cooperfield-West]

Sexton ahead of Farrell, yes. But Sexton seems to have lost it recently. He had one good game against England and that was it. The rest of the time I thought he was mediocre. Neither of them should be on the plane.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Sexton ahead of Farrell, yes. But Sexton seems to have lost it recently. He had one good game against England and that was it. The rest of the time I thought he was mediocre.

Motm v Scotland? Ahead against Wales while down a man when Biggar went off v Wales?

Not what he was but still ahead of the competition imo.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Russell ahead of Sexton is one I don't get.
Considering the other 10's can play in a similar way.

 

[BPM]

Looks like he's in there. There wouldn't be this much smoke. If Care is in to Gats in on a wind up.

I disagree. Care has been in excellent form. Aside from Murray, the other 9s really haven't put their hands up at all.

It's not like we're talking about a test rookie here either. Care has 80+ England caps.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Excellent form in a poopy league

 

[Groundhog]

I would be seriously ****** if Henderson and Stander are snubbed. To the extent I will become the monster I once swore to destroy.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I disagree. Care has been in excellent form. Aside from Murray, the other 9s really haven't put their hands up at all.

It's not like we're talking about a test rookie here either. Care has 80+ England caps.

But he hasn't played international rugby since 1986 mate.

 

[BPM]

I definitely believe that squad, Gatland not picking Sexton and Stander feels too right.

I'll feel bad for Sexatron if he doesn't go, outplayed his opposite number in all three games against Lions nations, got further in Europe, bailed Gatland out in the last two tours. Definitely deserves to be a three time Lion and only stopped by an arrogant HC.

I don't think it's that simple.

As I said before re. Sexton, it's not a question of ability, more a question of whether he'll actually be able to play.

Concussion issues aren't like regular, more manageable injuries. In small squad, having a 10 with a high risk of a short notice withdrawal at any point is difficult to accommodate.

 

[BPM]

But he hasn't played international rugby since 1986 mate.

No South African has played test rugby in almost 2yrs

 

[Jakedood]

Yeah, I've been assuming Henderson will go. In form he's an option to start and at worst he's a great guy to bring off the bench.

He went last time and is probably a better player now, I'd be surprised if he misses out (and there will be plenty of Ulster fans annoyed if Ryan goes and he doesn't given their form this year - not a line of thinking I necessarily agree with completely but would be able to see where they're coming from).

I mean both should go, Ryan has been fantastic since coming through and this year just maybe not as good on form, but they play different roles. For me, Hendy is the best tighthead lock in B&I, great scrummager, hard contact carrier, dont always see him but he disrupts rucks brilliantly, and his Maul D is world class

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Ashton played a game for England more recently than Care