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Looks like the Lions will play a 'home' game against Japan at Murrayfield on June 26 next year. Could be a good weekend trip to Edinburgh.
I'm sorry, that was an important point. Wanted to pick it up, but got sidetracked. Would understand that you feel cold shouldered.No takers on my question about lions eligibility criteria given George kruis is moving to Japan?
No takers on my question about lions eligibility criteria given George kruis is moving to Japan?
You scared me, but only for a second. You held the line, good example. That Umaga guy is not the issue. But harmless and may be afforded that leeway.I think Gatland would still pick Kruis if he's fit and in form. He clearly rates him having picked him last time around even though he was just coming back from injury and missed 6N games. Unless a bunch of other locks put their hand up I think he'll tour.
I'm not sure he would,I think Gatland would still pick Kruis if he's fit and in form. He clearly rates him having picked him last time around even though he was just coming back from injury and missed 6N games. Unless a bunch of other locks put their hand up I think he'll tour.
I'm not sure he would,
He's definitely eligible but I think it'll be a case of out of sight out of mind - lock is arguably the lions strongest position, Kruis heading to the opposite side of the world to play club rugby a few levels below Heineken Cup level makes Gatlands decision a bit easier to make
Ah but Kruis isn't WelshIt didn't stop him picking Shane Williams while he was in Japan (doing commentary!) or the Geography 6. This is Gatland we're talking about. I'm still yet to be convinced that he won't pick Parkes. Plus, I don't know when he will leave NZ and return to the UK. Presumably just as next year's 6N starts.
Ah but Kruis isn't Welsh
I think he'll definitely he up there as a replacement (though I don't think Japan is any closer to SA than the UK - maybe even further?) I just think Gatland will pick others and Kruis being in Japan makes it easy to put him to one side even if he is (imo) comfortably one of the best locks in Europe
He was just coming back from injury. That Gatland picked him showed just how highly he rates him.In fairness, Gatland picked him last time round. He just played poorly so might not get a second go.
The best team isn't necessarily the best 15 players.I find it odd the calls for Itoje to be captain. Not saying he couldn't be a good one in the future but to me the captain has to be a regular captain of both club and country before being picked. It might be my Welsh bias but I reckon that Alun Wyn Jones is the best captain of the home nations however he's not the best lock and I'm not one for shoehorn a captain into a side so he wouldn't get my vote.
Captaincy is a big thing for the Lions and covers off the field too. There are no other outstanding candidates and AWJ knows how to navigate all that.
To those who counter ruck with Johnson in 97, that was 23 years ago and no-one had even heard of social media back then.....different world.
It's just who else? Not Faz or Sexton for me. Hogg's prob got the 15 shirt but not sure he commands universal respect. Outside of those I don't see many nailed on starters let alone potential captains.That's a good point, however I feel he's too much behind the likes of Itoje and Ryan as a player to justify his inclusion in the test starting side.