The Telegraph has rolled out its Lions squad, and guess what? It’s causing a stir worthy of a scrum!
Eight English players have made the cut, and they’re ready to clash with the cream of the Home Nations. Let’s dive into the English talent storming the Lions’ fortress! Check out their full squad here.
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Loosehead Legends: Genge vs. Smith – The Battle of the Beasts!
First up, we’ve got the mighty Ellis Genge squaring off against Welsh powerhouse Nicky Smith, who’s been dubbed the form loosehead of the moment. Smith’s got a case, but Genge’s explosive scrummaging and open-field antics make him hard to overlook. Not to forget Joe Marler and rising star Fin Baxter, who are lurking in the shadows, ready to throw their hats into the ring for extra scrummaging muscle!
Hookers on the Hook: Youth Meets Experience!
In the hooker corner, it’s Theo Dan—young, energetic, and ready to rumble! He’s joining seasoned contenders like Ronan Kelleher and Dewi Lake. With Dan Sheehan sidelined due to injury, the competition just got a lot more exciting. Dan’s raw athleticism adds a dynamic flair, while veteran Jamie George provides the calm amidst the storm as a reliable backup.
Locking Horns: Itoje’s Unshakeable Position!
Next, we move to the second row, where Maro Itoje reigns supreme. A true titan, his mix of physicality and tactical wizardry is essential against the world’s fiercest forwards. And don’t sleep on George Martin! This versatile player can toggle between lock and flanker, proving his worth in the most intense Lions matchups.
Back Row Bonanza: Earl Lights Up the Field!
In the back row, Ben Earl is turning heads with his dynamic post-Six Nations form. His blistering pace and knack for scoring make him a must-have. Meanwhile, Jack Willis could also be a crucial selection, depending on his availability.
Centre Stage: Lawrence Brings the Power!
Now, let’s talk about the center—Ollie Lawrence. He’s been in top form at Bath, pairing raw power with sharp lines of attack. His performance solidifies his role as a standout center among the English contingent.
Winger Wonder: Feyi-Waboso Brings the Fire!
Rounding off this English ensemble is Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. His electrifying performances this season have earned him a well-deserved place. With versatility and speed on the wing, he’s set to inject fresh energy into the backline.
Squad Breakdown
- Loosehead Props
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
- Nicky Smith (Wales)
- Hookers
- Theo Dan (England)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
- Tighthead Props
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Locks
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Scott Cummings (Scotland)
- Maro Itoje (England)
- George Martin (England)
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Back Row
- Ryan Baird (Ireland)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- Jack Willis (England)
- Scrum-Halves
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
- Ben White (Scotland)
- Tomos Williams (Wales)
- Fly-Halves
- Finn Russell (Scotland)
- Marcus Smith (England)
- Jack Crowley (Ireland)
- Centres
- Bundee Aki (Ireland)
- Ollie Lawrence (England)
- Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
- Wingers
- James Lowe (Ireland)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
- Mack Hansen (Ireland)
- Fullbacks
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
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Three ex-Lions were not impressed with Warren Gatland as head coach
Finn Russell has become the latest Lions tourist to openly criticize head coach Warren Gatland following the 2-1 series defeat against South Africa.
#1. Sean O’Brien (2017)
The Irishman started all three Tests of the 1-1 drawn series with New Zealand.
“If we had a little more structure during the weeks, and more of an attack gameplan, driven way earlier in the tour, I think we could have won 3-0,” O’Brien said.
“With the players we had, we should have won the series.”
He later reinforced this point of view during an interview with Lions teammate James Haskell
“When you look at the players we had – there was so much world-class talent in the squad, enough to have won all the Tests.
“I know all about the history, how the Lions have only won seven Tests or something like that in New Zealand over the years.
“But look at what has happened to New Zealand since 2017. They’re still a brilliant team. But we (Ireland) beat them in 2018; South Africa beat them down there in 2018, Argentina had their win last year, England destroyed them in the (2019) World Cup.
“Think about it. The Lions not only had the best of England but also Ireland, Scotland and Wales. That’s where I was coming from; we had the players to do it. I didn’t intend to insult or undermine anyone by saying that.
“I certainly don’t want to do that this time because Warren’s a good coach, the right man to lead this tour. But do I still think we could have won 3-0? Yeah, I do.”
Sean O’Brien facts:
- Internationally, he played for Ireland for ten years, and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017
- O’Brien played across the back-row, though he primarily plays as an openside flanker
- He bought Bellamy’s Pub in Ballsbridge with Leinster teammates Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney and Jamie Heaslip. After an extensive refurbishment, it was reopened as “The Bridge 1859”
