Emirates Lions v British & Irish Lions, 3 July

First topic message reminder :

                                  
EMIRATES LIONS v BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
Saturday 3 July
KO: 18:00 SAST / 17:00 UK / 20:00 Dubai  
Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park), Johannesburg
Sky Sports Action

Referee: AJ Jacobs (SARU)
Assistant Referee 1: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
TMO: Stuart Berry (SARU)

TEAMS:

EMIRATES LIONS:
15. EW Viljoen
14. Jamba Ulengo
13. Manuel Rass
12. Burger Odendaal
11. Rabz Maxwane
10. Jordan Hendrikse
09. Dillon Smit

01. Nathan McBeth
02. PJ Botha
03. Ruan Dreyer
04. Ruben Schoeman
05. Reinhard Nothnagel
06. Sbusiso Sangweni
07. Vincent Tshituka
08. Francke Horn (captain).

16. Jaco Visagie
17. Sti Sithole
18. Carlu Sadie
19. Ruhan Straeuli
20. Emmanuel Tshituka
21. Morne van den Berg
22. Fred Zeilinga
23. Dan Kriel.

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS:
15. Stuart Hogg – captain (Exeter Chiefs, Scotland) #783
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby, Wales)
13. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby, Scotland)
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, England) #780
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales) #836
10. Finn Russell (Racing 92, Scotland) #835
09. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) #843

01. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales) #842
02. Jamie George (Saracens, England) #819
03. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England) #814
04. Maro Itoje (Saracens, England) #825
05. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, England)
06. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, England) #826
07. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)
08. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, Wales) #779

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, England)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, England) – Prop #787
18. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
19. Iain Henderson (Ulster Rugby, Ireland) #808
20. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, England)
21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets, Wales)
22. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby, Ireland) #837
23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, England) #822

COMMENTARY:

Old Man wrote:Match still on Here are some photos of the Lions training their first day in preparation for the match

Photos

Cheers for that fella

Vunipola, George, Fagerson, Itoje, Hill, Curry, Watson (H), Simmonds, Price, Russell, Watson (A), Farrell, Harris, LRZ, Hogg

Wyn Jones, Owens, Furlong, Beard, Navidi, Davies, Aki, Daly

Just my suggestion based on who didn't play last week. Only LCD left to be involved I think?

Team announced soon

Yeah, 10am UK time.

Not far off

Wyn Jones George Sinckler Itoje Hill Lawes Watson Faletau Price Russell Adams Farrell Harris LRZ Hogg

Replacements
LCD Vunipola Fagerson Henderson Simmonds Daves Aki Daly

Hogg captain, fair play.

LCD officially fine then

Apart from a few it has the wiff of a mid week side off it

Im surprised LCD has recovered sufficiently to play in a week.

https://www.world.rugby/news/612885

Anyone know more on concussions than me, I know that if you're knocked out you're (supposed to be) immediately removed from the game. Does that automatically mean you undergo concussion protocols or is it possible to be out cold and not suffer from concussion at all? Just amazes me that he hasn't been on complete rest this week and if he has how he can be chosen for the bench. Just seems unnecessarily risky.

That's a good Lions team. I think Lawes, Beirne, and perhaps Itoje are considered back-row throughout this tour. Itoje will likely feature at lock mostly along with Hill, Henderson and Beard. Gats is trying to match the Boks up front.

Hopefully we see far less choke-tackles this week. Ruined the Japan game for me.

SA put out a good team for Georgia, doesn't seem to be a match thread for it though.

Collapse2005 wrote:Apart from a few it has the wiff of a mid week side off it

It may end up that way but you can't really draw conclusions now. Selection has been determined more by availability, and the need to give everyone an early start, than any decisions on a pecking order.

Having said that, the players who put in a good shift against Japan, have made a good claim to be Test starters. Anyone not showing up at the weekend may find themselves on the outs fairly quickly.

Some intriguing selections in there. Lawes looks to be going head to head with Beirne for the 6 shirt. Watson gets the first chance to stake a claim for the openside spot.

Russell-Farell is massively intriguing - you couldn't pair two more contrasting players together if you tried. If Farrell doesn't completely lose it with Finnsanity they could actually work, and he could be a positive influence on Finn. They'll know they're pretty much in direct competition with Biggar paired with Aki or Henshaw.

Wings are all to play for IMO and Adams has a great chance to really cement his place with another strong showing.

Hogg will be absolutely desperate to start the tour off well. 4 years ago this would have worried me, but he's massively matured in that period and I'm sure he'll play to what's needed for the team.

Wonder who gets kicking duties.

Rugby Fan wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Apart from a few it has the wiff of a mid week side off it

It may end up that way but you can't really draw conclusions now. Selection has been determined more by availability, and the need to give everyone an early start, than any decisions on a pecking order.

Having said that, the players who put in a good shift against Japan, have made a good claim to be Test starters. Anyone not showing up at the weekend may find themselves on the outs fairly quickly.

You are probably right however for Hogg at least I wonder is it a bad sign for him that he has been made captain.

I would pick him as a starter but I suspect Gatland will favour Williams (also class) and in picking Hogg as captain he may well end up mid week captain a bit like Best was in NZ.

Team's up

LIONS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS

15, Stuart Hogg – captain (Exeter Chiefs, Scotland) #783

14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby, Wales)

13. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby, Scotland)

12. Owen Farrell (Saracens, England) #780

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales) #836

10. Finn Russell (Racing 92, Scotland) #835

9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) #843

1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales) #842

2. Jamie George (Saracens, England) #819

3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England) #814

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, England) #825

5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, England)

6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, England) #826

7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)

8. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, Wales) #779

Replacements:

16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, England)

17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, England) – Prop #787

18. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)

19. Iain Henderson (Ulster Rugby, Ireland) #808

20. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, England)

21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets, Wales)

22. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby, Ireland) #837

23. Elliot Daly (Saracens, England) #822

First thoughts...
Not nearly enough Scots in the 23.

Adams-Hogg-Zammit make a very exciting back three, Aldi Price-Dancer are a very exciting and creative half back pairing, The Flyng Shoulder-James McBrown at 12 &13 may nullify all that attacking potential. Mind you, the midfield defence should be brutally effective. So if the home Lions are stopped repeatedly in their own half and then kick to Hogg &co that should be "interesting". It will be telling to see wether Dancer focusses on tight game management and smart kicking, like he did against England, or tries to show us all his glorious passing skills in an effort to convince Gats he's the Test 10. I feel Gats will want to see smart kicking.

At loose head neither Wynn Jones nor Mako blowing like an asthmatic Moby Dick fill me with delight. At tight head Sinckler and Ragnar The Pretty would seem to have this match to audition for the bench spot in the Test 23. I'd go for Ragnar all day every day.

Not convinced by the balance of the back row: individually they are all very, very good, but not too sure how they will combine. Sam Simmonds on the bench will have all three of them looking over their shoulders.

Can't wait for Saturday.

Rugby Fan wrote:Wonder who gets kicking duties.

Pretty confident it'll be Farrell. Finn's not a regular kicker, and Hogg only takes the odd long kick.

Big ask of the players involved in the premiership final to start this match. Not much time to get up to speed with the Lions way of playing, but hoping it goes well. Good team and hopefully the pace in the back 3 will be utilised effectively.

RDW wrote:

Rugby Fan wrote:Wonder who gets kicking duties.

Pretty confident it'll be Farrell. Finn's not a regular kicker, and Hogg only takes the odd long kick.

An interesting point. Dancer takes most of the kicks for Scotland, does he not? He is a very good kicker. The Flying Shoulder is an excellent kicker and I wonder if it might come down to ego as to who gets to take the responsibility. Mind you, one good argument for having a second playmaker is it takes a bit of resonsibility off the 10's shoulders. Also, if The Shoulder slots in at 10 occasionally this may give Dancer a bit more time and space to really slice open the home defence.

jimbopip wrote:

RDW wrote:

Rugby Fan wrote:Wonder who gets kicking duties.

Pretty confident it'll be Farrell. Finn's not a regular kicker, and Hogg only takes the odd long kick.

An interesting point. Dancer takes most of the kicks for Scotland, does he not? He is a very good kicker. The Flying Shoulder is an excellent kicker and I wonder if it might come down to ego as to who gets to take the responsibility. Mind you, one good argument for having a second playmaker is it takes a bit of resonsibility off the 10's shoulders. Also, if The Shoulder slots in at 10 occasionally this may give Dancer a bit more time and space to really slice open the home defence.

Finn doesn't kick for his club, and only started kicking for Scotland when Greig retired. He's s decent kicker, but not top class.

Farrell on the other hand is a world class goal kicker who has kicked for club and country his whole career, winning games at the highest level.

It'll definitely be Farrell!

No 7&1/2 wrote:Im surprised LCD has recovered sufficiently to play in a week.

https://www.world.rugby/news/612885

Anyone know more on concussions than me, I know that if you're knocked out you're (supposed to be) immediately removed from the game. Does that automatically mean you undergo concussion protocols or is it possible to be out cold and not suffer from concussion at all? Just amazes me that he hasn't been on complete rest this week and if he has how he can be chosen for the bench. Just seems unnecessarily risky.

The Premiership rules as I understand them is if one is out cold, it is, as you say, an immediate removal with no re-entry to the match followed by an HIA.  Head contact without being knocked out can allow re-entry if the player passes the on-field HIA.  And we have seen that this season.  It is possible for a player to be knocked out without a concussion, but those situations are rare and the longer term is almost impossible to predict.  And many times symptoms don't show up immediately.    

Players have been removed for failing the HIA and play the following week if they pass the return to play protocols.  The broadcast didn't show the incident over and never focused on LCD when he was on the ground so we know less than usual.  He did seem in full control of his faculties when he walked off, though not sure that should really matter.  My bigger concern is he should not have travelled the next day.  

In the NFL a player is automatically put though their version of the HIA if a head injury is suspected, even a whiplash type with no direct head contact.  I spoke with the head of the med staff at an NFL team yesterday and he confirmed if a player is knocked fully out and is on the road his team will automatically put the player in a hotel for a minimum of two nights and is checked daily.  There are standards the player must meet before being put on a plane home.  The NFL (now) has tough minimum standards but teams are encouraged to go beyond if they feel it is necessary.  It might be different if a player is travelling from the west coast to the east coast than form, let's say, Washington D.C. to New York.  In those cases if the player is in reasonable shape, he might be put in a can and driven because it is only about 200 miles.

I bet Eddie will be watching Russell-Farrell as an axis with half an eye on whether Smith-Farrell could work.

doctor_grey wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Im surprised LCD has recovered sufficiently to play in a week.

https://www.world.rugby/news/612885

Anyone know more on concussions than me, I know that if you're knocked out you're (supposed to be) immediately removed from the game. Does that automatically mean you undergo concussion protocols or is it possible to be out cold and not suffer from concussion at all? Just amazes me that he hasn't been on complete rest this week and if he has how he can be chosen for the bench. Just seems unnecessarily risky.

The Premiership rules as I understand them is if one is out cold, it is, as you say, an immediate removal with no re-entry to the match followed by an HIA.  Head contact without being knocked out can allow re-entry if the player passes the on-field HIA.  And we have seen that this season.  It is possible for a player to be knocked out without a concussion, but those situations are rare and the longer term is almost impossible to predict.  And many times symptoms don't show up immediately.    

Players have been removed for failing the HIA and play the following week if they pass the return to play protocols.  The broadcast didn't show the incident over and never focused on LCD when he was on the ground so we know less than usual.  He did seem in full control of his faculties when he walked off, though not sure that should really matter.  My bigger concern is he should not have travelled the next day.  

In the NFL a player is automatically put though their version of the HIA if a head injury is suspected, even a whiplash type with no direct head contact.  I spoke with the head of the med staff at an NFL team yesterday and he confirmed if a player is knocked fully out and is on the road his team will automatically put the player in a hotel for a minimum of two nights and is checked daily.  There are standards the player must meet before being put on a plane home.  The NFL (now) has tough minimum standards but teams are encouraged to go beyond if they feel it is necessary.  It might be different if a player is travelling from the west coast to the east coast than form, let's say, Washington D.C. to New York.  In those cases if the player is in reasonable shape, he might be put in a can and driven because it is only about 200 miles.

A can? is that not taking things too far? (sorry)

Thanks for the medical insight it is fascinating. I wonder if we'll get any more information on the incident. I don't think they can sell it as anything but knee to head.

This will be a high scoring game, at least the Emirates Lions will chance their arm and throw everything into attack, that is how they like to play. So the British and Irish Lions will be able to test themselves in defence.

The Emirates Lions are poor in game management, playing high risk rugby from anywhere.

They don’t have many big names, so will be mostly an unknown for the tourists.

Should be entertaining

Faletau in particular should feel a bit of pressure from Simmonds. Thought he was pretty poor off the bench, on Sat. If Gatland is true to his word, then it should mean Simmonds will start the next game, so he does have a good opportunity to make a good impression off the bench and then to start next game.

I may have expected Daly over Adams, but it is good to see Adams get a shot on his preferred wing (or the one he usually plays on anyway).

I don't see it being any cause for concern, with Hogg being captain either. There's nothing to suggest Williams is in pole position to be 15 for me.

Old Man wrote:This will be a high scoring game, at least the Emirates Lions will chance their arm and throw everything into attack, that is how they like to play. So the British and Irish Lions will be able to test themselves in defence.

The Emirates Lions are poor in game management, playing high risk rugby from anywhere.

They don’t have many big names, so will be mostly an unknown for the tourists.

Should be entertaining

Any players to look out for? This is the same Lions side that won super rugby a few years ago wasnt it?

Scottish fans might recognise Nathan McBeth in the Emirates lions squad, he played U20s for Scotland a few years ago and remains SQ.

Haven’t seen the team yet, will comment as soon as it is announced.

No unfortunately not many of those players around who made three finals in Super Rugby.

RiscaGame wrote:Faletau in particular should feel a bit of pressure from Simmonds. Thought he was pretty poor off the bench, on Sat. If Gatland is true to his word, then it should mean Simmonds will start the next game, so he does have a good opportunity to make a good impression off the bench and then to start next game.

I may have expected Daly over Adams, but it is good to see Adams get a shot on his preferred wing (or the one he usually plays on anyway).

I don't see it being any cause for concern, with Hogg being captain either. There's nothing to suggest Williams is in pole position to be 15 for me.

The lesson there is you really can't have poor cover for openside on the bench when you've already got an out and out 8 and lock/flanker hybrid.

Old Man wrote:Haven’t seen the team yet, will comment as soon as it is announced.

No unfortunately not many of those players around who made three finals in Super Rugby.

according to rugby pass:

SPRINGBOKS (vs Georgia, Friday)
15. Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 61 caps, 60 pts (12 t)
14. Rosko Specman (Toyota Cheetahs) – uncapped
13. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 46 caps, 60 pts (12t)
12. Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs) – 67 caps, 141 pts (11t, 7c, 21p, 3d)
11. Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks) – uncapped
10. Handré Pollard (vice-captain, Montpellier) – 48 caps, 457 pts (6t, 74c, 89p, 4d)
9. Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 14 caps, 30 pts (6t)
8. Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo) – 6 caps, 0 pts
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (DHL Stormers) – 55 caps, 25 pts (5t)
6. Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 50 caps, 30 pts (6t)
5. Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 39 caps, 5 pts (1t)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) – 85 caps, 15 pts (3t)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls) – 42 caps, 5 pts (1t)2
2. Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers) – 36 caps, 35 pts (7t)
1. Ox Nché (Cell C Sharks) – 1 cap, 0 pts

Replacements
16. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 33 caps, 25 pts (5t)
17. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers – 47 caps, 5 pts (1t)
18. Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 38 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19. Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 0 pts
20. Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – uncapped
21. Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers) – 10 caps, 20 pts (4t)
22. Elton Jantjies (Pau) – 37 caps, 281 pts (2t, 62c, 49p)
23. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 5 pts (1t)

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Old Man wrote:Haven’t seen the team yet, will comment as soon as it is announced.

No unfortunately not many of those players around who made three finals in Super Rugby.

according to rugby pass:

SPRINGBOKS (vs Georgia, Friday)
15. Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 61 caps, 60 pts (12 t)
14. Rosko Specman (Toyota Cheetahs) – uncapped
13. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 46 caps, 60 pts (12t)
12. Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs) – 67 caps, 141 pts (11t, 7c, 21p, 3d)
11. Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks) – uncapped
10. Handré Pollard (vice-captain, Montpellier) – 48 caps, 457 pts (6t, 74c, 89p, 4d)
9. Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 14 caps, 30 pts (6t)
8. Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo) – 6 caps, 0 pts
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (DHL Stormers) – 55 caps, 25 pts (5t)
6. Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 50 caps, 30 pts (6t)
5. Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 39 caps, 5 pts (1t)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) – 85 caps, 15 pts (3t)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls) – 42 caps, 5 pts (1t)2
2. Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers) – 36 caps, 35 pts (7t)
1. Ox Nché (Cell C Sharks) – 1 cap, 0 pts

Replacements
16. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 33 caps, 25 pts (5t)
17. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers – 47 caps, 5 pts (1t)
18. Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 38 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19. Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 0 pts
20. Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – uncapped
21. Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers) – 10 caps, 20 pts (4t)
22. Elton Jantjies (Pau) – 37 caps, 281 pts (2t, 62c, 49p)
23. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 5 pts (1t)

Sorry, I am talking of the Emirates Lions team announcement, this is the Bok team to play Georgia

No 7&1/2 wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Faletau in particular should feel a bit of pressure from Simmonds. Thought he was pretty poor off the bench, on Sat. If Gatland is true to his word, then it should mean Simmonds will start the next game, so he does have a good opportunity to make a good impression off the bench and then to start next game.

I may have expected Daly over Adams, but it is good to see Adams get a shot on his preferred wing (or the one he usually plays on anyway).

I don't see it being any cause for concern, with Hogg being captain either. There's nothing to suggest Williams is in pole position to be 15 for me.

The lesson there is you really can't have poor cover for openside on the bench when you've already got an out and out 8 and lock/flanker hybrid.

Yeah, you make a good point there.

Do the Emirates Lions not have any players in the Springbok side, or are they being held back for the Emirates Lions vs B&I Lions game

Old Man wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Old Man wrote:Haven’t seen the team yet, will comment as soon as it is announced.

No unfortunately not many of those players around who made three finals in Super Rugby.

according to rugby pass:

SPRINGBOKS (vs Georgia, Friday)
15. Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 61 caps, 60 pts (12 t)
14. Rosko Specman (Toyota Cheetahs) – uncapped
13. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 46 caps, 60 pts (12t)
12. Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs) – 67 caps, 141 pts (11t, 7c, 21p, 3d)
11. Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks) – uncapped
10. Handré Pollard (vice-captain, Montpellier) – 48 caps, 457 pts (6t, 74c, 89p, 4d)
9. Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 14 caps, 30 pts (6t)
8. Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo) – 6 caps, 0 pts
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (DHL Stormers) – 55 caps, 25 pts (5t)
6. Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 50 caps, 30 pts (6t)
5. Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 39 caps, 5 pts (1t)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) – 85 caps, 15 pts (3t)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls) – 42 caps, 5 pts (1t)2
2. Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers) – 36 caps, 35 pts (7t)
1. Ox Nché (Cell C Sharks) – 1 cap, 0 pts

Replacements
16. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 33 caps, 25 pts (5t)
17. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers – 47 caps, 5 pts (1t)
18. Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 38 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19. Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 0 pts
20. Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – uncapped
21. Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers) – 10 caps, 20 pts (4t)
22. Elton Jantjies (Pau) – 37 caps, 281 pts (2t, 62c, 49p)
23. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 5 pts (1t)

Sorry, I am talking of the Emirates Lions team announcement, this is the Bok team to play Georgia

Sorry misunderstood. Link here https://twitter.com/LionsRugbyCo/status/1409454568992280586?s=19

From memory Wandisile Simelane is the only Emirates Lion in the Springbok squad. Elton Jantjies was at the Lions but went to France on loan, don’t think he would be seen as Lions player anymore.

Simelane is a promising youngster, potent on attack, still a bit iffy on defence though, only 24 years old.

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Old Man wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Old Man wrote:Haven’t seen the team yet, will comment as soon as it is announced.

No unfortunately not many of those players around who made three finals in Super Rugby.

according to rugby pass:

SPRINGBOKS (vs Georgia, Friday)
15. Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 61 caps, 60 pts (12 t)
14. Rosko Specman (Toyota Cheetahs) – uncapped
13. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 46 caps, 60 pts (12t)
12. Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs) – 67 caps, 141 pts (11t, 7c, 21p, 3d)
11. Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks) – uncapped
10. Handré Pollard (vice-captain, Montpellier) – 48 caps, 457 pts (6t, 74c, 89p, 4d)
9. Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 14 caps, 30 pts (6t)
8. Kwagga Smith (Yamaha Júbilo) – 6 caps, 0 pts
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (DHL Stormers) – 55 caps, 25 pts (5t)
6. Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 50 caps, 30 pts (6t)
5. Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 39 caps, 5 pts (1t)
4. Eben Etzebeth (Toulon) – 85 caps, 15 pts (3t)
3. Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls) – 42 caps, 5 pts (1t)2
2. Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers) – 36 caps, 35 pts (7t)
1. Ox Nché (Cell C Sharks) – 1 cap, 0 pts

Replacements
16. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 33 caps, 25 pts (5t)
17. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers – 47 caps, 5 pts (1t)
18. Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 38 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19. Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 0 pts
20. Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – uncapped
21. Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers) – 10 caps, 20 pts (4t)
22. Elton Jantjies (Pau) – 37 caps, 281 pts (2t, 62c, 49p)
23. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 5 pts (1t)

Sorry, I am talking of the Emirates Lions team announcement, this is the Bok team to play Georgia

Sorry misunderstood.  Link here https://twitter.com/LionsRugbyCo/status/1409454568992280586?s=19

Couple of experienced players, mainly the forwards, Rabz Maxwane has lots of pace, Jordan Hendrikse has promise but very inexperienced and young, nothing for the British and Irish Lions to fear. The Emirates Lions is more than the sum of its parts, I don’t think they will physically be up to it, so Tourists should dominate the set piece, will be interesting to see whether Hendrikse can control territory, it will be crucial for the Lions that they execute when they kick, but they like to run from deep.

I think the Emirates Lions will go out with the mantra of playing entertaining rugby.

The other SA Franchises will most likely stick more a more set piece platform to play off.

Kick off for the game has been brought forward by an hour to 6pm UK time to avoid a complete clash with England v Ukraine

BamBam wrote:Kick off for the game has been brought forward by an hour to 6pm UK time to avoid a complete clash with England v Ukraine

Isn't that earlier kick off for the midweek game?

RiscaGame wrote:

BamBam wrote:Kick off for the game has been brought forward by an hour to 6pm UK time to avoid a complete clash with England v Ukraine

Isn't that earlier kick off for the midweek game?

You're right, its the next game on Wednesday. One of the rugby journalists I follow on Twitter posted it as the Ukraine game!

BamBam wrote:Kick off for the game has been brought forward by an hour to 6pm UK time to avoid a complete clash with England v Ukraine

You talking about the Sharks vs Lions next wednesday?

Sharks vs Lions

OP updated.

That is a properly fun looking B&I Lions team.

A third of the starting XV is Scottish. These are strange times indeed!

Not much thrust in the centres though with Farrell and Harris! Need to get the ball into the hands of the back three.

I can definitely see this being a high scoring games.

The first few games on tour are always just about getting every players a start and a bit of a blow out. I wouldn't read too much into selections and captaincy choices in terms of Test selection. With the last provincial game being a full week before the first test (usually there's a midweek game before a test) it's going to be less easy to work out from that either, although I'd put my money on the selection for the final provisional game being close to the Test team.

What does this leave for the game after this then in terms of players due a start?

1 Vunipola
2 LCD
3 Fagerson
4 Beard
5
6 Navidi
7 Curry
8 Simmons

9 Davies
10
11
12
13 Daley
14 Watson
15

That's a lot of rugby for Sam Simmons in a short space of time!

No 7&1/2 wrote:Im surprised LCD has recovered sufficiently to play in a week.

https://www.world.rugby/news/612885

Anyone know more on concussions than me, I know that if you're knocked out you're (supposed to be) immediately removed from the game. Does that automatically mean you undergo concussion protocols or is it possible to be out cold and not suffer from concussion at all? Just amazes me that he hasn't been on complete rest this week and if he has how he can be chosen for the bench. Just seems unnecessarily risky.

I'm fairly certain that the rule is 7 days break & as the Lions match against Japan kicked off at 3pm & the match on Saturday kicks off at 5pm so as long as he is symptom free he is ok.

I want to say it happened in the 6 nations just gone where a side played one week (was it Finn Russell??) & the match he missed kicked off about 2 hours too early for him to be included.

That’s right Oak it was Russell. His was the other way round, failed the HIA in the 5pm kick off and was ruled out of the 3pm kick off the next Saturday

I’m pretty sure the 7 day rule applies to failed HIAs or anyone who went sparko.

I would expect the Lions to put at least 50 on the Emirates Lions, physically they will be too much.

Robbie Henshaw injured for this game and a doubt for the next one too. Tom Curry is currently injured too with the same excepted timeframe.

https://twitter.com/KyranBracken/status/1410933146477023232?s=19

Here's the LCD incident from last week btw - what the hell is he doing playing a week later? Not to mention getting on a plane!

Surely Owens could have gone on the bench as an abundance of caution, even if he has technically passed the protocol? Common sense has to play a part in these kind of things too.

RDW wrote:https://twitter.com/KyranBracken/status/1410933146477023232?s=19

Here's the LCD incident from last week btw - what the hell is he doing playing a week later? Not to mention getting on a plane!

Surely Owens could have gone on the bench as an abundance of caution, even if he has technically passed the protocol? Common sense has to play a part in these kind of things too.

We were discussing this a bit on the 'Lions Announcement' thread. Bracken is right. I have kind of reached the end of my tether with this kind of thing.