RugbyRebels

British and Irish Lions: Keenan, Freeman, Jones, Aki, Kinghorn, Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Ryan, Beirne, Curry, Conan

Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Chessum, Morgan, Earl, Mitchell, Farrell

Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

Aki, Ryan, Porter, Farrell, just what.

Cameo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:52 am Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

The beeb commented that Earl could also cover centre, which does give us the tantalising possibility of a Farrell/ Earl 12/13 partnership.

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:09 am

Cameo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:52 am Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

The beeb commented that Earl could also cover centre, which does give us the tantalising possibility of a Farrell/ Earl 12/13 partnership.

Or, if Russell and Jones go down injured, 10 - 13 would be Farrell Aki Earl. I really hope that happens.

Won't be watching. Still a supporter, still want the Lions to win, but won't be watching AF's Ireland/family wet dream.

Donny osmond wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:21 am

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:09 am

Cameo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:52 am Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

The beeb commented that Earl could also cover centre, which does give us the tantalising possibility of a Farrell/ Earl 12/13 partnership.

Or, if Russell and Jones go down injured, 10 - 13 would be Farrell Aki Earl. I really hope that happens.

Won't be watching. Still a supporter, still want the Lions to win, but won't be watching AF's Ireland/family wet dream.

Oh yes, Farrell/ Aki/Earl! Worth watching for the comedy horror value.

Lazarus like rebirth of Owen Farrells career enabled by his dad.

It’s a tad stinky. And looks like Jones was a mad tactical sub last week- sadly, as we won, glossed over. As will a lot of the stuff on this tour which has been a bit strange; I guess it’s a strange tour in the first place when you think about it.

Cameo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:52 am Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

Is he fit?

Cameo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:52 am Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

Indeed. I really hate 6:2 benches. I guess Jones could pop out into the back 3.

These must be the form players then..
Kinghorn, Ryan in recent matches mebiz.
Faz will be a bit disappointed Doris is not there, and Ringrose/McCarthy not fully fit.
Does appear a bit AI generated (not autumn related), but the algorithm could have been tweaked a bit for a more attacking bench...but then 'legacy' / 'history' and all that.

p/d wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 8:05 am

Cameo wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 6:52 am Shame for Tuipulotu, who I think is just a better player than Aki, and a bit of a lack of back three cover on the bench (is there any cover outside 12?).

Is he fit?

Supposedly.
Wasn't he supposed to be "fit for selection, but not worth risking" last week? was certainly reported as being in full training ahead of last weekend (though that may well have been after the team announcement)


Veletini out though


Who's going to want this more?
Do the Aussies want revenge, and the Lions just want to be home?
Or do the Lions want a white-wash, and the Aussies just want to be anywhere else?

It's all a bit "3rd place play-off at the RWC"
I'll probably watch it, as I've nothing better to do this weekend, but I won't bother to walk the half-hour in to the club

No Valetini!!!! Bollox.

It really is such an uninspiring selection with the uber uninspired picking of the fazlet.
Luckily I'm in the south of france and none of my streams have worked so I won't have to suffer his inspirational leadership and insufferable refereeing at all
Pollack instead of earl. He could have covered the back 3

Really not a fan of the 6:2 split - particularly when Farrell is one of those 2…
I feel it works better with an 11/13/14/15 utility back (Daly, Freeman, etc) - rather than the coaches son…

Renniks wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:27 am Really not a fan of the 6:2 split - particularly when Farrell is one of those 2…
I feel it works better with an 11/13/14/15 utility back (Daly, Freeman, etc) - rather than the coaches son…

I wrongly assumed that a 6:2 would involve Marcus ahead of Owen. Daddy is more or less admitting that his initial squad selection was a mistake.

Kinghorn ahead of Lowe is logical. There is fault to find in all the other team units.

As an exercise in switching fans off, I suppose he did his best.

Renniks wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:27 am Really not a fan of the 6:2 split - particularly when Farrell is one of those 2…
I feel it works better with an 11/13/14/15 utility back (Daly, Freeman, etc) - rather than the coaches son…

Yeah, for a 6:2 to be even remotely worth the risk, you need a FB/IC who can cover FH (eg Kinghorn), then cover for the back 4 on the bench - or at worst a FH/FB (eg Marcus ) on the bench, with centres who are vaguely bilateral, and at least 1 wing capable of stepping in at OC.

If you want a 10/12 on the bench, you need a 3rd back on there as well.

As it is, if a winger goes down, you've got Farrell => OC, Jones =>FB, Keenan => wing.
None of whom have my usual full-season's-worth of matches played in those positions

As is, you'd expect Fazlet to come on the Aki - which is... fine, I guess. Anything else though, and it's going to be very uncomfortable

Oakboy wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:36 am

Renniks wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:27 am Really not a fan of the 6:2 split - particularly when Farrell is one of those 2…
I feel it works better with an 11/13/14/15 utility back (Daly, Freeman, etc) - rather than the coaches son…

I wrongly assumed that a 6:2 would involve Marcus ahead of Owen. Daddy is more or less admitting that his initial squad selection was a mistake.

Kinghorn ahead of Lowe is logical. There is fault to find in all the other team units.

As an exercise in switching fans off, I suppose he did his best.

I'm not sure it's admission that initial selection was a mistake, I'm sure Farrell Sr would have selected Junior if he'd been anywhere near fit at the start. Taking him in the initial squad when he'd effectively only be available for the tests would have sent a very curious message. Once the tour was well underway he probably thought he could ride out any flak ( not that there was a lot from the press and pundits from what I saw, mostly just from the fans)

I’ve managed to stay pretty positive about this tour so far but this selection is somehow both weird and boring at the same time. Ireland pack + Itoje and Curry just feels wrong.

I really can’t work out the need for both Morgan and Earl. We’re happy to risk all sorts of rejigging in the backline because our flyhalf cover is good at hitting rucks?

astralweeks wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:14 am It really is such an uninspiring selection with the uber uninspired picking of the fazlet.
Luckily I'm in the south of france and none of my streams have worked so I won't have to suffer his inspirational leadership and insufferable refereeing at all
Pollack instead of earl. He could have covered the back 3

If you have a tv where you're staying, or can find a bar with a television, the match is being shown free on Channel 21 L'Equipe. (12h midday kick off French time)

In one respect, AF is on a hiding to nothing. The standard of the opposition, regardless of the performance in the 2nd test, demands a 3-0 series win. 2-1 would represent failure. He has picked HIS strongest side. Now, they have to win. He could have handed out a half dozen caps to allow for defeat (arguably). He stands by his selection. Defeat would now be embarrassing.

I don’t think anyone was expecting him to simply hand out caps to all the guys who haven’t played, but there are a few configurations that would seemingly make his life a lot easier.

Hopefully Beirne/Curry will still be able to throw themselves in to this game now that the series is won, having looked a bit shagged out earlier in the tour. Maybe this is what Morgan/Earl is for.

The Tuipulotu situation is just odd. I like Aki, but he’s been showing his age for a good while and was not very good last at all last week.

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:52 am

Renniks wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:27 am Really not a fan of the 6:2 split - particularly when Farrell is one of those 2…
I feel it works better with an 11/13/14/15 utility back (Daly, Freeman, etc) - rather than the coaches son…

As is, you'd expect Fazlet to come on the Aki - which is... fine, I guess. Anything else though, and it's going to be very uncomfortable

well, one expected that last week, but it didn't. (assuming you mean for Aki)

Oakboy wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 10:52 am 2-1 would represent failure.

nah. Job's done, be amazed if they can muster much enthusiasm if the 1st half is like last week. They are running on near empty imo.

francoisfou wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 10:45 am

astralweeks wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 9:14 am It really is such an uninspiring selection with the uber uninspired picking of the fazlet.
Luckily I'm in the south of france and none of my streams have worked so I won't have to suffer his inspirational leadership and insufferable refereeing at all
Pollack instead of earl. He could have covered the back 3

If you have a tv where you're staying, or can find a bar with a television, the match is being shown free on Channel 21 L'Equipe. (12h midday kick off French time)

thanks for letting me know but will I really want to watch it????

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:34 am

Donny osmond wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:21 am

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Thu Jul 31, 2025 7:09 am

The beeb commented that Earl could also cover centre, which does give us the tantalising possibility of a Farrell/ Earl 12/13 partnership.

Or, if Russell and Jones go down injured, 10 - 13 would be Farrell Aki Earl. I really hope that happens.

Won't be watching. Still a supporter, still want the Lions to win, but won't be watching AF's Ireland/family wet dream.

Oh yes, Farrell/ Aki/Earl! Worth watching for the comedy horror value.

You are missing the cherry on the top, which is Kinghorn going down injured as well to leave Farrell/Aki/Earl with Mitchell on the wing.

Weird tour, made weirder by selections. The constant favouritism towards Irish players and half-Irish players who happen to share a surname with the coach is infuriating - Ryan was lucky to be on tour, let alone starting ahead of Cummings and Chessum (probably in that order, especially with Skelton to combat, although Chessum getting fucked about played at 6 in the warmups didn't help him), Porter over Genge remains a mystery, and picking Kelleher on the bench isn't much better, the fact that HJones was definitely dropped aftter the second test and probably would've been dropped for this one if it wasn't for Ringrose's honesty. Whatever the result in the end, it's definitely been a Lions that's less than the sum of its parts.

Wouldn't mind Australia winning, partly for the good of the game in the country, partly so we don't have to deal with the press wanking off about this side being "all-time greats because they achieved a whitewash for the first time in 40 years!!!" That way leads us to Owen Farrell getting called up for 2029 because he's got the experience of two winning tours.

The only thing I'd say in favour of Farrell is that I agree with his rejection of most of the France-based players, given the way things have played out. Kinghorn is without a doubt the best full-back in the British Isles and one of the best wingers but, because he came so late to the tour, he's only just made it into the starting XV for the final game, and that only because the back three have been so uninspiring as a unit.

Puja