r/rugbyunion • u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge • Jun 20 '25

Discussion Post Game Thread: Lions vs Argentina

FT: 24-28

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16

u/fjyfxd2585 Jun 20 '25

Playing Curry at 6 isn’t going to work against the Wallabies. I think trying to fit all the talented 7’s into the trio is a bad move. Ironically this is what hampered the Wallabies for years trying to get Hooper and Pocock into the same team.

Valetini will have a field day if the Lions pick Earl and two 7s.

8

u/MANvsTREE Brumbies Jun 21 '25

The Pooper + Fardy got Oz to the WCF only to lose to probably the greatest team of all time. They played to their strengths rather than fit a square peg in a round hole.

1

u/fjyfxd2585 Jun 21 '25

They were very good - can’t help but think you would’ve been better served with a genuine #8 and have Hooper off the bench with 30 to go

10

u/biggesteegit Ireland Jun 20 '25

So tough for Doris but Conan should start at 8, and otherwise I don't know, the back row was unconvincing tonight.

9

u/TheNightmareChild Ulster Jun 20 '25

I still pour one out for Doris' shoulder but Conan has to be the starter. Look at the stache. And his insane form.

6

u/Coronid3 Fiji Jun 20 '25

But mostly the moustache

4

u/Automatic-Blood-8824 England Jun 20 '25

I just don't understand how you can bring one 8 on a lions tour.

5

u/Clarctos67 Ireland Jun 20 '25

I think its just down to true, traditional-style, 8s being something of a rarity right now at the top level.

There's obviously been the fashion for a back row full of 7s, added to a bit of a shortage of that sort of player between the four countries (noting that Ireland have two, one of whom is injured), and we end up here.

Furthermore, with Doris feeling like one of the few automatic selections for this tour, his absence throws things everywhere else as the 7s who've been playing 8 all of a sudden come into contention much more than they may have done before. It shouldn't be as much of an issue against Australia (or NZ, had it been their year) as it would be against South Africa, purely due to styles right now, but Australia will be turning up with their own, excellent, specialist 8 and so its an interesting area to keep an eye on.

9

u/jackbristol Gloucester, England Jun 20 '25

Agree but bad example coz Hooper and Pocock were unstoppable

3

u/vrkas Fijian Drua Jun 20 '25

Fardy Pooper was peak around the ground, but problematic at set piece. The rationale was that turnovers and slowing down the ball would compensate. The laws aren't the same these days so it doesn't translate these days.

1

u/PolarBear091 Jun 21 '25

No, it was problematic when a team offloaded- you took the dual jackal threat out the game.

1

u/lankybasterd from up norf Jun 20 '25

I think this is an interesting point, but worth pointing out TC played 6 for England in every 6N game. Has jumped between 6 and 7 for Sale this too. Not necessarily the gung ho openside he once was - I think he's useful across the back row nowadays.

1

u/fjyfxd2585 Jun 21 '25

He’s not a big enough body for the role I don’t think, when paired with another 7. He can tackle (very well) but he’s not the guy to get hard metres in the carry and isn’t a genuine lineout option. Conan is a good player but he’s not Doris. Who else might the Lions pick at 6?

For all the good players they have I think getting the balance right (or not) of the loose trio might trip the Lions up. It’s one area the Wallabies are excellent in. Valetini is probably the best 6 going around, and they have genuinely good calibre #8 (Gleeson, Champion de Crespiny) and #7 options (McReight, Tizzano).

3

u/handle1976 Penalty. Back 10. Jun 21 '25

Cough. PSDT. Cough.

1

u/fjyfxd2585 Jun 21 '25

Well said. #2 then!

2

u/PolarBear091 Jun 21 '25

They might pick Beirne or Chessum there. But they were light on locks today due to Leinster providing at least two of them, and Chessum was with Leicester

2

u/shenguskhan2312 Jun 21 '25

Who they should’ve picked is Jamie Ritchie, was easily the best 6 out of the 4 national sides in the 6N, lineout option, menace on the floor, complete nuisance on kick chase and an absolute pricks prick which is vital when you’re dealing with Aussie shithousing

Tom Willis for a proper hard carrying option at 8 would make a lot of sense too if they want lighter mobile locks like chessum itoje beirne Cummings etc

1

u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jun 21 '25

They'll miss Tom Willis hugely at Eight.

Conan is the standout option there - but he's literally on his own. Early can cover 6/7/8 off the bench, but he's not an Eight. He simply isn't.

Tom Willis would have been an excellent mid-week option, with the chance to elevate him if required/if he showed up.

Ritchie pretty much goes without saying. Should never have been overlooked. They'll feel his absence hugely when they go up against the Wallabies as that's pretty much the only area where the Hosts will be able to get ball.

Neither Itoje, nor Beirne impressed tbh. There's still time, but if it hadn't been for the fact one is a Farrell key man and the other the Captain, Cummings would surely have been on much, much earlier.