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13 clubs feature in Lions 23, including Prem strugglers Worcester
Worcester, the bottom side in last season’s Gallagher Premiership, have hailed the role their two new signings have had so far on the Lions tour in South Africa, winger Duhan van der Merwe getting picked in the starting side for this Saturday’s first Test versus the Springboks and loosehead Rory Sutherland included to provide front row cover from the bench.
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Thirteen Premiership/United Rugby Championship clubs have players involved in this weekend’s matchday 23 and Worcester are the sixth-best represented club following their heavy recruitment overhaul, 20 players leaving at the end of the 2020/21 season to be replaced by a treasure trove of new recruits headlined by van der Merwe, a January 4 signing, and Sutherland, a July 1 signing.
Neither player has yet to train for the Sixways-based club, never mind wear the jersey in a match, but the official Lions teamsheet ahead of Saturday’s Test series opener has listed both players as Worcester rather than Edinburgh, the team they had played for in recent years.
That description might upset a few Edinburgh fans. If the pair were listed as still attached to the Scottish club, as they were when the Lions squad was originally selected on May 6 when the 2020/21 club season was still ongoing, they would have three representations in the Lions first Test squad as Hamish Watson has been chosen on the bench.
Instead, it is Leinster, with three starters, Saracens, with two starters and a replacement, and Scarlets, with one starter and two replacements, who are the teams providing three players each to this weekend’s Lions matchday 23.
1??1?? @duhanvdmerwe
1??7?? @RorysuzzBoth of our boys are involved on Saturday as the Test series begins for real ?
— Worcester Warriors (@WorcsWarriors) July 21, 2021
“Duhan and Rory have for me both have been standout performers in terms of the games we have seen so far,” enthused Worcester head coach Jonathan Thomas on a Warriors video which coincided with the start of their pre-season training. “Duhan, from a power and an X-factor view, and Rory, his work rate and collision stuff has been phenomenal in the first few games. We have got the core of the team back in but we are all really proud and wishing those guys all the best in the coming weeks and look forward to welcoming them in a few months’ time.”
LIONS FIRST TEST 23: CLUB BY CLUB
LEINSTER: 3 starters – Henshaw, Furlong, Conan
SARACENS: 2 starters/1 replacement – Daly, Itoje/Farrell
SCARLETS: 1 starter/2 reps – W Jones/Owens, Williams
EXETER: 2 starters – Hogg, Cowan-Dickie
NORTHAMPTON: 2 starters – Biggar, Lawes
WORCESTER: 1 starter, 1 rep – van der Merwe/Sutherland
MUNSTER: 2 reps – Murray, Beirne
BATH: 1 starter – A Watson
GLASGOW: 1 starter – Price
OSPREYS: 1 starter – AW Jones
SALE: 1 starter – Curry
BRISTOL: 1 rep – Sinckler
EDINBURGH: 1 rep – H Watson
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Gatland has voiced his anger over his leaked Lions team and vows to do things differently next week for the second Test versus the Springboks #LionsRugby #CastleLionsSeries #RSAvBILhttps://t.co/ke9yx87me9
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 21, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
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