Rugby Thread

[fundy]

Think it was just a suggestion put to the Lions management but if it gets them game time they would be happy to accept. Trouble is that both of the respective unions need the TV money from this too much and I suspect it will have already been budgeted for. Sadly the tests will go ahead even if it is with third string teams with little or no preparation time.

no different to Englands 3rd XI playing Pakistan in the cricket either

did somebody say new normal

 

[GB72]

no different to Englands 3rd XI playing Pakistan in the cricket either

did somebody say new normal

The Lions is meant to be something special though, for many (fans and players) a once in a lifetime experience and this whole thing has both, ironically, cheapened the whole thing whilst also making it look like an expensive cash grab. If this keeps on it will just be more ammunition for those who want to see the end of the Lions to clear more space in the playing calender.

 

[fundy]

The Lions is meant to be something special though, for many (fans and players) a once in a lifetime experience and this whole thing has both, ironically, cheapened the whole thing whilst also making it look like an expensive cash grab. If this keeps on it will just be more ammunition for those who want to see the end of the Lions to clear more space in the playing calender.

I agree but current situation is clearly going to dictate sadly. Lets hope we can get back to that premise for Australia 2025!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

France have just thrown away the win against the Aussies

Clock gone red - their line out , they win it and then throw the ball to space where the Aussies pick it up and win the penalty right in front ??

Madness from the French

 

[fundy]

SA v Georgia been cancelled

 

[GB72]

And it gets worse, cases in the Lions squad now. Very clear that covid safe bubbles just cannot be maintained.

 

[spongebob59]

Probably regretting not play the matches in the UK now. Whatever happens both sides will be under cooked

 

[GB72]

Probably regretting not play the matches in the UK now. Whatever happens both sides will be under cooked

Will be lucky if it is just that and I can see 2 teams missing large numbers of key players but, then again, even if it the Lions 3rd team v SA 4ths it will fulfil the contract with the TV companies and sponsors and so everyone will get paid and, after all, that is all that is important, right?

 

[spongebob59]

It does but still would have been better to play a home series in front of crowds as a one off rather than a depleted away tour in an empty stadium.

 

[GB72]

It does but still would have been better to play a home series in front of crowds as a one off rather than a depleted away tour in an empty stadium.

Totally agree or the offer to play in Australia was also on the table. Guessing the SA authorities were hoping for at least home supporters and so more money but they will be lucky of this tour does not bascially bankrupt them

 

[spongebob59]

BREAKING

The British & Irish Lions can confirm that a member of its management team has tested positive for COVID-19.

Full statement below.

#LionsRugby #CastleLionsSeries #LionsSA2021

 

[Captainron]

I cannot see the tour continuing. I hope that they postpone to 2022 now and give it a chance to happen for the fans.

The Springbok game on Friday is also cancelled due to COVID.

Reality of life in South Africa is that vaccination of the general population will not done before the end of the year at the very earliest.

 

[Captainron]

Proper game that.

Fitness and set piece seem to be the major issues for the Springboks (and the discipline ) but good to blood a few players before the test series. 9 days of recovery for the team now.

Some decent Lions performances (Rees Zammitt, Curry and Itoje)

 

[spongebob59]

One the lions let slip, why not take.The scrum before the half.
Breakdown will be key,.laws.will play.6.
Time to jettison some.of the welsh.
Didn't rate zammit tonight, itoje is immense if he loses his place.to.awj God help the lions.

 

[fundy]

And to the surprise of absolutely no one, all 3 tests to be played in Cape Town

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Lions team to face South Africa: Hogg; Watson, Daly, Henshaw, Van Der Merwe; Biggar, Price; W Jones, Cowan-Dickie, Furlong, Itoje, AW Jones (capt), Lawes, Curry, Conan.

Replacements: Owens, Sutherland, Sinckler, Beirne, H Watson, Murray, Farrell, L Williams.

No Simmonds which is the surprise for me

 

[Captainron]

Faletau??? Wow. Never saw him missing the squad for this

 

[spongebob59]

Faletau??? Wow. Never saw him missing the squad for this

He's looked off the pace in the warm up games imo.

 

[Piece]

Get a dislocated shoulder in football and you're out for 6 months. AWJ does it and he's back in a month. What was the actual injury in order for him to come back so fast?

 

[IanM]

Rugby- get hurt, but pretend you're not.
Football- not hurt, but pretend you are!