Toulouse_Iron wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 1:51 am
Was going to say similar re: back row options. Bloody hell. When you think that Jack Willis, the second name on the Toulouse team sheet after Dupont, in the best club in Europe, is hardly getting mentioned in the Lions back row conversation,we are talking about an embarassment of riches. Whoever gets the fly-half shirt will be playing with sooo much time and space, he will look godlike...
Great point re Willis. Hopefully Farrell will look beyond the obvious (unlike me!)
Your last point is why I think Russell should/will start. IMO he's the best 10 around with front foot ball
This 6 nations was rather interesting this year. Ireland declined through it, England improved through it, France were the best side but weren't too great against England. Scotland were where you'd expect them to be. Nearly there, didn't finish their chances but they don't have the depth. Italy are edging forward gently and Wales... well... long way back.
I can see both sides of the Willis thing. Just not enough money in rugby in England.
Johnny Byrne's Boots wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 2:30 pm
Do I gather Jack Willis is available for Lions selection, and it's just England cutting off its nose to spite its face?
He would miss a ton of time in the camp as the Top 14 final isn't until the very end of June.
Prendegast shouldn't play a game if he goes, nowhere near ready. Russell, Finn Smith and Marcus all far better 10s at this point in their careers.
Jack Willis could of course go and has had a stellar season. I think Jac Morgan is very lucky to get into Lofty's team, but it would be nice to have every nation represented. Other than 7, that's the team I'd pick.
Awooga_Iron wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 10:48 am
Jack Willis could of course go and has had a stellar season. I think Jac Morgan is very lucky to get into Lofty's team, but it would be nice to have every nation represented. Other than 7, that's the team I'd pick.
I’m with Lofty on this too, I think Morgan is a cracking player. I also really like Tommy Reffell, I would be taking him.
Macca1973 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 5:18 pm
Not sure you know. Lost his place at 10, not really a 15 but did ok. He can cover multiple positions but I’m not sure he does either well enough?
With this trend towards 6-2/7-1 benches, someone like Marcus Smith is appealing as he's shown he can play 10 & 15...and could probably play 13 or wing at a real push (he's quick). He's also one of very few that can come off the bench and offer something very different if needed. Definitely wouldn't be starting for me but would be on the plane.
Macca1973 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 22, 2025 5:20 pm
I’m with Lofty on this too, I think Morgan is a cracking player. I also really like Tommy Reffell, I would be taking him.
Can't see Reffell getting in tbh. I also really like him, but he's a little unlucky in that back row is probably strongest potential position group in the squad. Can't see him getting in ahead of either Curry brother, Morgan, Earl (8?) or even v d Flier (especially seeing who is coach). And that's just the flanker....
Late of the Boleyn wrote: ↑Sun Mar 23, 2025 12:32 pm
Roses start today. Bit of a second XV with Scaz starting and Ellie on the bench. Should have way too much for the oppo, though.
So they did. Pretty scrappy second half with far too much whistle and some absurdly delayed TMO interventions. Italy stepped up so fair play to them. Bonus point so top of the table already.
