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<blockquote data-quote="Curls" data-source="post: 1037406" data-attributes="member: 46674"><p>Having had a while to digest it all my thoughts are a bit clearer on the squad.</p><p></p><p>It seems clear that AWJ was picked to captain the squad and test team. I dont think Gatland wants a repeat of 2017 when Warburton was pushed out of the first test lineup. As such Hill is picked as cover that wont challenge for the jersey. It was said Ryan wasn't picked because he has not been playing consistently well. However Ryan has had the handicap of playing top level pro rugby while Itoje for example is playing semi pro.</p><p></p><p>Given what we've seen of rugby this season its reasonable to assume atleast 1 Lion will be ruled out due to a red card suspension before the tour or in the build up games. </p><p></p><p>If you look at the squad there is a worrying lack of quality depth. If I was the Boks I'd be chuffed because it looks like Warren ball is the plan and they'll be more than willing to roll the heavy units to combat it.</p><p>There are several awful looking combos looming based on recent form. Itoje is obviously a serious player but he was almost a liability in the 6 nations. As said above hes also playing Semi pro rugby at the moment.</p><p>Imagine a backline in the first test of Murray, Russell, Daly, Farrell, Aki, VDM, Hogg. I think the Boks would devour them. One of Farrell or Aki are bound to headshot somebody. I'm not overly convinced Russell will deal with being slapped around by the Boks either. Its ironic that Sextons past ability to ship these knocks and still keep killing it has lead to his inability to ship any knocks and his omission from the squad.</p><p>The Boks will probably target the lineout as there is no clear form lineout operator picked. Hill was dominated by Toner in the HEC and Itoje was dominated by Ryan in the 6 nations. AWJ and the Welsh lineout were not consistent either.</p><p>Simmonds pick is a nice headline but what happens if as happened in the HEC the step up in standard doesn't suit him? Faletau is again probably nailed on at 6/8 for the tests so its between Simmonds and Conan for the bench. </p><p>Watson for me is actually one of the only standouts for me who should start.</p><p></p><p>Anyway I'm not too hopeful. Likely there will be call ups but with Covid etc I'm not sure how that will work?</p><p></p><p>Heres a likely starting 15:</p><p></p><p>Jones</p><p>Cowen-D</p><p>Furlong</p><p>Itoje</p><p>AWJ</p><p>Faletau</p><p>Watson</p><p>Conan</p><p>Murray</p><p>Biggar</p><p>VDM</p><p>Henshaw</p><p>Aki</p><p>Rees Zammit </p><p>Hogg</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Curls, post: 1037406, member: 46674"] Having had a while to digest it all my thoughts are a bit clearer on the squad. It seems clear that AWJ was picked to captain the squad and test team. I dont think Gatland wants a repeat of 2017 when Warburton was pushed out of the first test lineup. As such Hill is picked as cover that wont challenge for the jersey. It was said Ryan wasn't picked because he has not been playing consistently well. However Ryan has had the handicap of playing top level pro rugby while Itoje for example is playing semi pro. Given what we've seen of rugby this season its reasonable to assume atleast 1 Lion will be ruled out due to a red card suspension before the tour or in the build up games. If you look at the squad there is a worrying lack of quality depth. If I was the Boks I'd be chuffed because it looks like Warren ball is the plan and they'll be more than willing to roll the heavy units to combat it. There are several awful looking combos looming based on recent form. Itoje is obviously a serious player but he was almost a liability in the 6 nations. As said above hes also playing Semi pro rugby at the moment. Imagine a backline in the first test of Murray, Russell, Daly, Farrell, Aki, VDM, Hogg. I think the Boks would devour them. One of Farrell or Aki are bound to headshot somebody. I'm not overly convinced Russell will deal with being slapped around by the Boks either. Its ironic that Sextons past ability to ship these knocks and still keep killing it has lead to his inability to ship any knocks and his omission from the squad. The Boks will probably target the lineout as there is no clear form lineout operator picked. Hill was dominated by Toner in the HEC and Itoje was dominated by Ryan in the 6 nations. AWJ and the Welsh lineout were not consistent either. Simmonds pick is a nice headline but what happens if as happened in the HEC the step up in standard doesn't suit him? Faletau is again probably nailed on at 6/8 for the tests so its between Simmonds and Conan for the bench. Watson for me is actually one of the only standouts for me who should start. Anyway I'm not too hopeful. Likely there will be call ups but with Covid etc I'm not sure how that will work? Heres a likely starting 15: Jones Cowen-D Furlong Itoje AWJ Faletau Watson Conan Murray Biggar VDM Henshaw Aki Rees Zammit Hogg [/QUOTE]
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