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An unlucky Lions XV that've missed the plane to Australia
By Ian Cameron
Unlucky Lions XV: As is the norm, the announcement of a British & Irish Lions squad is met with jubilation and heartbreak in equal measure.
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For the 38 names heading to Australia this summer, dreams have come true. For those left behind on a selection call, there’s little consolation.
Here, we’ve picked a starting Lions XV (and a few honourable mentions) of those who didn’t make Andy Farrell’s squad, but who easily could have, based on talent and recent performances.
1. Nicky Smith
One of the most consistent scrummagers in the northern hemisphere, Smith’s omission likely came down to style over substance. A rock in the Leicester Tigers pack, he can maybe count himself a little unfortunate, even if most wouldn’t have had the Welshman on their Lions bingo card.
2. Jamie George
A centurion for England and a previous tourist, George’s Lions pedigree wasn’t enough to earn him a third tour. Losing his England starting shirt to Luke Cowan-Dickie will have played against him.
3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
A bolter’s bolter who many expected to sneak in. His meteoric rise at Sale has been impossible to ignore, and while the 21-year-old’s time may yet come, it won’t be this summer.
4. Courtney Lawes
The former Lions stalwart has rolled back the years for Brive this season. But at 36, and having retired from international rugby with England, the writing was always likely on the wall. All reports had him ripping up trees at his new French club but ultimately not playing top-level rugby was going to count against the veteran.
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5. Adam Beard
At 6’9″, Beard is the one of the tallest frontline lock available to the home nations, and his omission is curious given the Lions’ relatively short second row stocks. With only James Ryan offering extra height for hire, Beard could maybe have added to their lineout edge, although many branded him a Warren Gatland hipster choice in 2021.
6. Jack Willis
One of Toulouse’s best players in a side full of stars. His omission is perhaps the most baffling of all. The flanker has been imperious in France, but his lack of recent Test caps has probably counted against him.
7. Ben Curry
The younger Curry twin enjoyed a statement Six Nations, particularly as an impact substitute. Henry Pollock’s dramatic rise may have been the deciding factor in nudging him out.
8. Tom Willis
Another player who has excelled this season for Saracens and for England. While Ben Earl and Jack Conan got the nod, many believed Willis’ brute power and big body would have added real value on hard Aussie tracks.
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9. Ben White
The Scotland and Toulon halfback has plenty of reason to feel a little miffed, although it’s hard to argue with any of Jamison Gibson-Park, Tomos Williams or Alex Mitchell.
10. Sam Prendergast
Farrell’s bold call to exclude the young Irish fly-half is understandable, just. At 22, he still has time, but being very much outplayed by Fin Smith in the Champions Cup semi-final on the weekend was the nail in the coffin.
11. Josh Adams
A try machine in 2021, Adams just hasn’t quite hit the same heights for a struggling Wales in recent years. Even so, his nose for the line and experience make him a harsh omission.
12. Owen Farrell
Farrell’s exclusion wasn’t a given going into today, even if he was seen as a long shot by many. A veteran of three tours, the 112-cap England fly-half has paid the price for an injury-hit season and a muted debut campaign at Racing 92. Still, few players in the game read a contest like him.
13. Robbie Henshaw
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising exclusion in the backs. Henshaw has done little wrong, but the combination of Bundee Aki, Sione Tuipulotu and Garry Ringrose edged him out. Form and fitness weren’t enough.
14. Darcy Graham
Dropped in favour of bigger bodies and kicking options, Graham is the ultimate unlucky omission. Lightning quick, endlessly elusive, but edged out by Duhan van der Merwe and Mack Hansen.
15. Freddie Steward
Arguably the best aerial player in Europe, Steward’s omission reflects Farrell’s desire for attacking flair at fullback. But in a tight Test series, his safe hands may yet be missed.
Honourable mentions:
George Ford: There was a late campaign to get Ford selected on the back of excellent form for Sale Sharks but his pigeon-holing as a potentially weaker defender may not have warmed him to former rugby league hard-man Farrell from a selection point of view.
Chandler Cunningham-South: The 128kg Harlequins back row’s blend of verve, physicality, versatility and raw confidence surely has him in the 2025 conversation. Being able to play lock would also have counted in his favour but Harlequins’ poor Gallagher Premiership and European form probably hurt his case.
Cam Winnett: One of Wales’ finds of the season. Not quite ready for Lions duty, but not far off.
Tom Roebuck: The Sale Shark is a powerful finisher with a big frame and a big future.
Jack Dempsey: Scotland’s Aussie-born No.8 continues to excel, but missed out in a crowded back-row picture.
Alex Coles: Coles may have outperformed Joe McCarthy at the weekend but his lack of game in the Guinness Six Nations may well have hurt his cause.
Jack Willis is one of the best players in Europe. He put Toulouse in a position where they could beat Toulon in the CC quarter. The semi was out of reach away with a depleted Toulouse.
I think Farrell decided cutting non test players simplified his role (even if weakening the team).
Don’t agree Marcus was lucky.
Dunderhead Borthwick did his best to ruin Marcus,s confidence by moving him around .
Class tells, form temporary and Mr Farrell can see that.
With top players around him , you will see the real Marcus .
Mid week 10 but will play himself into contention .
He is box office and that alone will ensure the Lions have full gates mid week .
Never a doubt apart from the “ let’s see which way the mind blows press” backing no hopers like ford .
I think that the French based players inability to be available for the Tours start has obviously counted against them.
Other than that it’s not really controversial, although I would add that Marcus Smith should consider himself lucky.
No Blair Murray love? Murray looked good in an otherwise poor Welsh backline. His ability to play anywhere in the back three would have been a bonus. Without him and Darcy Graham , the Lion’s backline looks to be a little one paced. Lowe and van der Merwe are both power wings of a style the Wallabies will be familiar with from Super Rugby. Tuipolutu hasn’t played at all recently, while Hansen has been out as well. The backline outside Russell looks safe rather than spectacular, Aki’s star has begun to fade, while Keenan and Ringrose havent looked like last years versions. The series will be won and lost up front but maybe the Lions will regret not having some sheer speed to turn to when thr need arises.