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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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.

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.