No one would’ve picked Conan, Lawes, Price and Daly to start six months ago. No one. No Murray, Faletau, Adams or George in the Test XV. Big calls from Gatland aren’t they but that’s what he does. #LionsRugby #LionsSA2021

One of the fascinating things about the Lions Test XV is, as demonstrated by Russ Petty’s graphic, a core group of the team haven’t played together before which is slightly unusual for a Lions tour. Suggests selection calls were very, very close. #LionsRugby #LionsSA2021

Wow, when you put it like that… #LionsRugby #RSAvBIL

If you haven’t listened to it already, the The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast episode with Simon Shaw is well worth a listen. One of the best they’ve done, and the former Wasps, England and Lions man is great value.

Nervous. #LionsRugby #LionsSA2021

Part of me would love to see the Lions go all out with selection and completely left-field - Russell, LRZ, Williams, Adams, Simmonds, Smith, Beirne, Watson et al. They may not win but they wouldn’t die wondering. #LionsSA2021 #LionsTour2021

Good to see Beard, Simmonds and Russell in there, albeit on the bench. I’m surprised Van Der Merwe and Owens have kept their places. I would’ve thought Hamish Watson and George came into the squad somewhere. #LionsSA2021 #BoksvLions lionsrugby.page.link/?link=https://…

6/7 backs in 3rd Test XV also started the Japan match

No Vermulean, Faf de Klerk or du Toit. Three big omissions from that Springbok XV. #LionsRugby #LionsSA2021

Lions second Test 2009 backline also had no English either - Phillips, Jones, Fitzgerald, Roberts, O’Driscoll, Bowe, Kearney. All Welsh and Irish like 2013 third Test. #LionsRugby

📺 EVERY other club has at least DOUBLE the amount of TV picks. This is starting to feel a little personal now, guys. We only lost once last season on TV and delivered some cracking games to the viewing masses (BP win v the champions, beating Glos with 14 men). #growthegame

Job Opportunity at Yarnbury. Yarnbury are looking for Rugby Development Officer, on a part time basis. Click the link for more information and how to apply. pitchero.com/clubs/yarnbury…

Breaking: had info that Daly is out of World Cup and danger that Watson might miss it too. Would be another double whammy for England in period of turmoil. Story on Daily Mail Sport …

⁦Robert Kitson⁩ new purchase for summer holiday, cheers Rob.