2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia
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@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
It’s now being touted around that Sexton’s appointment means Russell is less likely to be picked to start or maybe even tour. I know he doesn’t rate him but he’s only a junior coach. It is quite possible that Russell doesn't get selected as it is a position with a bit of depth. We have the two Smiths, Prendergast,, Kinghorn as back up and of course that Welsh guy (sorry, poor joke). If he doesn’t go though it will be due to him not fitting the game plan rather than Sexton having a dig IMO.
From watching the six nations, the Aussies will have their fingers crossed that he is starting. Was absolutely abysmal
Mate, he wasn’t abysmal. He was hot and cold for sure, but that’s his game. See also Carlos Spencer. Exceptionally, naturally talented, but run a game to a game plan? Not so much. It depends upon what the coaches want. A good example would be the 1997 Lions. McGeechan picked Townsend at 10 specifically because he felt that an unpredictable playmaker was needed to unlock the Bok system. However, shit goal kicker, which would also be necessary, so Jenkins at 15. And he wasn’t a full back’s arse. But we won the series.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
It’s now being touted around that Sexton’s appointment means Russell is less likely to be picked to start or maybe even tour. I know he doesn’t rate him but he’s only a junior coach. It is quite possible that Russell doesn't get selected as it is a position with a bit of depth. We have the two Smiths, Prendergast,, Kinghorn as back up and of course that Welsh guy (sorry, poor joke). If he doesn’t go though it will be due to him not fitting the game plan rather than Sexton having a dig IMO.
From watching the six nations, the Aussies will have their fingers crossed that he is starting. Was absolutely abysmal
Mate, he wasn’t abysmal. He was hot and cold for sure, but that’s his game. See also Carlos Spencer. Exceptionally, naturally talented, but run a game to a game plan? Not so much. It depends upon what the coaches want. A good example would be the 1997 Lions. McGeechan picked Townsend at 10 specifically because he felt that an unpredictable playmaker was needed to unlock the Bok system. However, shit goal kicker, which would also be necessary, so Jenkins at 15. And he wasn’t a full back’s arse. But we won the series.
Yeah great analogy. When you think of Russell you think of Spencer/Townsend but without the rig. Capable of amazing stuff but also some howlers.
I think the cool word to describe them is ‘mercurial’
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@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
It’s now being touted around that Sexton’s appointment means Russell is less likely to be picked to start or maybe even tour. I know he doesn’t rate him but he’s only a junior coach. It is quite possible that Russell doesn't get selected as it is a position with a bit of depth. We have the two Smiths, Prendergast,, Kinghorn as back up and of course that Welsh guy (sorry, poor joke). If he doesn’t go though it will be due to him not fitting the game plan rather than Sexton having a dig IMO.
From watching the six nations, the Aussies will have their fingers crossed that he is starting. Was absolutely abysmal
Mate, he wasn’t abysmal. He was hot and cold for sure, but that’s his game. See also Carlos Spencer. Exceptionally, naturally talented, but run a game to a game plan? Not so much. It depends upon what the coaches want. A good example would be the 1997 Lions. McGeechan picked Townsend at 10 specifically because he felt that an unpredictable playmaker was needed to unlock the Bok system. However, shit goal kicker, which would also be necessary, so Jenkins at 15. And he wasn’t a full back’s arse. But we won the series.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
It’s now being touted around that Sexton’s appointment means Russell is less likely to be picked to start or maybe even tour. I know he doesn’t rate him but he’s only a junior coach. It is quite possible that Russell doesn't get selected as it is a position with a bit of depth. We have the two Smiths, Prendergast,, Kinghorn as back up and of course that Welsh guy (sorry, poor joke). If he doesn’t go though it will be due to him not fitting the game plan rather than Sexton having a dig IMO.
From watching the six nations, the Aussies will have their fingers crossed that he is starting. Was absolutely abysmal
Mate, he wasn’t abysmal. He was hot and cold for sure, but that’s his game. See also Carlos Spencer. Exceptionally, naturally talented, but run a game to a game plan? Not so much. It depends upon what the coaches want. A good example would be the 1997 Lions. McGeechan picked Townsend at 10 specifically because he felt that an unpredictable playmaker was needed to unlock the Bok system. However, shit goal kicker, which would also be necessary, so Jenkins at 15. And he wasn’t a full back’s arse. But we won the series.
He was absolutely shocking in defense and attack. Couldn’t coordinate a thing in the backline
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@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
It’s now being touted around that Sexton’s appointment means Russell is less likely to be picked to start or maybe even tour. I know he doesn’t rate him but he’s only a junior coach. It is quite possible that Russell doesn't get selected as it is a position with a bit of depth. We have the two Smiths, Prendergast,, Kinghorn as back up and of course that Welsh guy (sorry, poor joke). If he doesn’t go though it will be due to him not fitting the game plan rather than Sexton having a dig IMO.
From watching the six nations, the Aussies will have their fingers crossed that he is starting. Was absolutely abysmal
Mate, he wasn’t abysmal. He was hot and cold for sure, but that’s his game. See also Carlos Spencer. Exceptionally, naturally talented, but run a game to a game plan? Not so much. It depends upon what the coaches want. A good example would be the 1997 Lions. McGeechan picked Townsend at 10 specifically because he felt that an unpredictable playmaker was needed to unlock the Bok system. However, shit goal kicker, which would also be necessary, so Jenkins at 15. And he wasn’t a full back’s arse. But we won the series.
He was absolutely shocking in defense and attack. Couldn’t coordinate a thing in the backline
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
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Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
Well look what happens when the pressure is on him? RWC game against SA was a classic example. Ditto against Ireland and England in the six nations
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@Catogrande My guess is that Andy Farrell will pick the squad. Jonny Sexton's role will be mostly to do with goalkicking and a bit of game management. I agree. I don't think this has any impact on whether Finn Russell goes to Australia or not.
@sparky said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande My guess is that Andy Farrell will pick the squad. Jonny Sexton's role will be mostly to do with goalkicking and a bit of game management.
And sportsmanship.
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@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
Well look what happens when the pressure is on him? RWC game against SA was a classic example. Ditto against Ireland and England in the six nations
@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
Well look what happens when the pressure is on him? RWC game against SA was a classic example. Ditto against Ireland and England in the six nations
I think that's just as much of a case of the rest of the Scots team not being as good as their SA and Irish opposites on the whole.
Not England, they've got the wood on them overall.
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@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
Well look what happens when the pressure is on him? RWC game against SA was a classic example. Ditto against Ireland and England in the six nations
I think that's just as much of a case of the rest of the Scots team not being as good as their SA and Irish opposites on the whole.
Not England, they've got the wood on them overall.
@MN5 said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@KiwiInLondon said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Crikey mate, you’re a harsh judge.
Well look what happens when the pressure is on him? RWC game against SA was a classic example. Ditto against Ireland and England in the six nations
I think that's just as much of a case of the rest of the Scots team not being as good as their SA and Irish opposites on the whole.
Not England, they've got the wood on them overall.
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@sparky said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande My guess is that Andy Farrell will pick the squad. Jonny Sexton's role will be mostly to do with goalkicking and a bit of game management.
And sportsmanship.
@nostrildamus said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@sparky said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@Catogrande My guess is that Andy Farrell will pick the squad. Jonny Sexton's role will be mostly to do with goalkicking and a bit of game management.
And sportsmanship.
The Alistair Campbell role
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Doris could be doubtful due to the shoulder injury he suffered against Northampton.
"Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards," a Leinster statement said.
Was he really a good chance to be the captain? I guess it depends on how impartial Farrell is with his selections.
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Doris could be doubtful due to the shoulder injury he suffered against Northampton.
"Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards," a Leinster statement said.
Was he really a good chance to be the captain? I guess it depends on how impartial Farrell is with his selections.
@Bovidae said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Doris could be doubtful due to the shoulder injury he suffered against Northampton.
"Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards," a Leinster statement said.
Was he really a good chance to be the captain? I guess it depends on how impartial Farrell is with his selections.
Two horse race between him and Itoje in most pundits eyes
Both 80 min players with their places in the starting XV locked in
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After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
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After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
I’d still take Russell over Prendergast if they’re taking 3 fly-halves.
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After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
@MiketheSnow said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
He will go, 100%.
The best Lions teams tend to have a Scot at 10. His creativity and unpredictability will thrive behind a dominant pack ( of not many Scots, ironically enough the backline will be full of them )
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When is the team named?
(In 3, 2, 1 ...)
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I’d still take Russell over Prendergast if they’re taking 3 fly-halves.
@Catogrande said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
I’d still take Russell over Prendergast if they’re taking 3 fly-halves.
Depends how long Farrell intends staying in Ireland before taking the England job.
If he's staying in Ireland then it would be better to develop Prendergast.
The Lions can win the series without Russell.
At the moment I have Finn Smith as my starter with Marcus Smith on the bench.
Marcus offers more as a bench 10/15 than Russell.
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Genuine question by the way ...
Edit: which was funnier that I thought.
Good to see they have proactive management.
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@MiketheSnow said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
He will go, 100%.
The best Lions teams tend to have a Scot at 10. His creativity and unpredictability will thrive behind a dominant pack ( of not many Scots, ironically enough the backline will be full of them )
@MN5 said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@MiketheSnow said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
He will go, 100%.
The best Lions teams tend to have a Scot at 10. His creativity and unpredictability will thrive behind a dominant pack ( of not many Scots, ironically enough the backline will be full of them )
Worst tactics to play against a team like Australia.
You need a creative Test 10 that puts people in space and who doesn't fade in and out of matches. That's Finn Smith for me.
If you need something extra / different then Marcus is your man from 15 or 10.
If Russell doesn't start he doesn't make the 23.
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@Bovidae said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
Doris could be doubtful due to the shoulder injury he suffered against Northampton.
"Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards," a Leinster statement said.
Was he really a good chance to be the captain? I guess it depends on how impartial Farrell is with his selections.
Two horse race between him and Itoje in most pundits eyes
Both 80 min players with their places in the starting XV locked in
@MiketheSnow Itoje I can agree with.
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@MN5 said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@MiketheSnow said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
He will go, 100%.
The best Lions teams tend to have a Scot at 10. His creativity and unpredictability will thrive behind a dominant pack ( of not many Scots, ironically enough the backline will be full of them )
Worst tactics to play against a team like Australia.
You need a creative Test 10 that puts people in space and who doesn't fade in and out of matches. That's Finn Smith for me.
If you need something extra / different then Marcus is your man from 15 or 10.
If Russell doesn't start he doesn't make the 23.
@MiketheSnow said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@MN5 said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
@MiketheSnow said in 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia:
After the weekend, Pollock, Finn Smith, Mitchell, Freeman on the plane
Russell surplus to requirements for me
Both Smiths do everything Russell does but better
He will go, 100%.
The best Lions teams tend to have a Scot at 10. His creativity and unpredictability will thrive behind a dominant pack ( of not many Scots, ironically enough the backline will be full of them )
Worst tactics to play against a team like Australia.
You need a creative Test 10 that puts people in space and who doesn't fade in and out of matches. That's Finn Smith for me.
If you need something extra / different then Marcus is your man from 15 or 10.
If Russell doesn't start he doesn't make the 23.
Yeah Russell might be a midweeker to be fair but he’ll definitely tour
