Future Lions - The 2021 young guns
Despite what an old cantankerous journalist may have intimated, the Lions future is safe. With that in mind, we take a look at some of the young guns who may line out the next time the Lions congregate in South Africa. (Number shown is age in 2021)
- Ellis Genge (England, 26)
The 22 year old prop has been a revelation for Leicester in the Premiership this year, with his dynamic ball carrying and solid scrummaging being one of the highlights of a pretty bland season for Leicester.
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England, 27)
Another young English forward, Cowan-Dickie is an abrasive hooker who has been capped for England previously. It is unlikely that Ken Owens or Rory Best will make the 2021 squad due to age, so the young Cornishman has a real opportunity to force his way onto the plane to South Africa.
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland, 25)
Capped 9 times for Scotland at age 21, Fagerson is one of Scotland’s brightest stars, and another 4 years of international rugby should hopefully iron out some of Fagerson’s problems at scrum time. Will likely contest with two 2017 Lions for a tighthead spot, Kyle Sinckler and Tadgh Furlong, who will both be 28 during the next tour.
- Jonny Gray (Scotland, 27)
Very unlucky not to make the squad this year Gray has been a mainstay in the Scottish second row over the last few years, and may arguably be at his peak come the 2021 tour. He also should have been called up to the Lions instead of a certain Welsh second row who’s name I can’t even remember.
- Nick Isiekwe (England, 23)
One of the stars of the U20 Six Nations Championship for England earlier this year, Isiekwe is a dynamic, modern lock, and the youngster’s prolific ability have seen him called up to the England senior side for their tour of Argentina this Summer. Came through the Saracens academy, which produced the 2017 Lions second rows George Kruis and Mark Itoje.
- Jack Conan (Ireland, 28)
A versatile back row who has been in prolific try scoring form for Leinster this year, Conan is seen as a long term replacement for Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip for Ireland, and should have enough international experience to put him in the frame for the tour to South Africa.
- Josh Van der Flier (Ireland, 28)
Another Leinsterman, Van der Flier has struggled with injuries in recent months, but is seen as one of the finest back rows in the Northern Hemisphere when fit. Capped 7 times for Ireland, Van der Flier will be a mainstay in the Irish back row for years to come, and will undoubtedly be in the frame for Lions selection in 2021 (and could even make the 2017 tour if injuries start to take their hit).
- Zach Mercer, (England, 24)
The England u20 captain has been arguably the Premiership’s find of the year, with his soft hands and phenomenal work rate, and will likely be contesting with Billy Vunipola and Josh Beaumont for the England number 8 shirt in 2021.
- Ali Price (Scotland, 27)
Greg Laidlaw’s transfer to Clermont Auvergne should lead to Price becoming Scotland’s first choice scrum half after the Lions tour. A fast scrum half, who gives great service to his outside backs, Price should be at prime age and in prime form for the 2021 tour.
- Joey Carbery (Ireland, 25)
This time last year, you would be forgiven if you had not heard much about this young Irish fly half. Earning his first Ireland cap in Ireland’s victory over New Zealand last October, Carbery has shone this year, whether that be at 10 or 15 for Leinster, and his MOTM performance against Wasps in the European Cup quarter finals showed exactly what the youngster is capable of.
- Keelan Giles (Wales, 23)
Not much has been said of the young Welsh winger which hasn’t been said already. Blessed with incredible pace, phenomenal footwork and surprisingly solid defensive ability for such a small and young winger, Giles was first called up to the Wales squad at age 18, and will likely be contesting with current Lions Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson for a spot on the wing in the 2021 tour.
- Harry Mallinder (England, 24)
The 6’5″ youngster has been arguably Northampton’s back of the season, and his playmaking ability as well as his versatility (being able to cover 10, 12 and 15) should lead to him becoming a regular in the England set up over the next 4 years, if he can tidy up some of his defensive issues.
- Garry Ringrose (Ireland, 26)
Recently named Ireland’s young player of the year, Ringrose is part of a very effective centre partnership with Robbie Henshaw for both Ireland and Leinster. His exceptional solo try against Clermont Auvergne in the European Championship semi finals showed exactly what the young outside centre is capable of, and if he continues his prolific rise then he should be one of the first names on the plane in 2021.
- Adam Byrne (Ireland, 27)
Byrne’s form for Leinster this year has earned him the support of many pundits, namely Will Greenwood, and the tall winger should be in contention for a spot in the 2021 tour if he can continue his try scoring form for Leinster and ultimately Ireland in the future.
- Rhun Williams (Wales, 23)
The second Welshman on the list, Williams has been called up for Wales’s Summer tests at the tender age of 19, after brilliant campaigns for Cardiff Blues and Wales U20 this season, scoring on his Blues debut against Trevino. The youngster is seen as a long term replacement to Leigh Halfpenny for Wales over the coming years.
- Niall Scannell (Ireland, 29)
Arguably established as Ireland’s second choice hooker, Scannell will hope to dislodge the ageing Rory Best as Ireland’s starting hooker, after enjoying a stellar season for Munster.
- Rob Evans (Wales, 29)
A talented loosehead prop, Evans has enjoyed another solid season for Llanelli Scarlets as they finished 3rd in the Pro 12, and should definitely be in contention for a maiden Lions tour in 2021 if he isn’t called up as an injury replacement this year.
- Paul Hill (England, 26)
An athletic, aggressive prop, Hill’s stock has fallen slightly over the last year, losing his England bench spot to 2017 Lion Kyle Sinckler, but at the age of 22 his career is still in a very early stage, and many tip the Northampton Saint to become an international mainstay for England in the future.
- Adam Beard (Wales, 25)
The second Osprey in this team, Beard is a former Wales U20 lock who has impressed many this season with his solid performances for his club side, and many tip him to be a long term replacement for the popular Lion Alun Wyn Jones in the future.
- Sam Underhill (England, 24)
Called up to the England senior side for the first time this Summer, Underhill is a versatile back row forward who has impressed many with his performances for Ospreys this year, and many tip the youngster to form a solid partnership for both club and country with fellow Bath players Zach Mercer and Tom Ellis.
- Tomos Williams (Wales, 26)
The young Cardiff Blue has had a stellar season in the Pro 12, and his performances have earned him a rightful place in the Welsh senior side in the Summer. Should be contesting with 2017 Lion Rhys Webb for a place in the Welsh setup for many years to come.
- Sam Davies (Wales, 27)
Immensely popular in his native Wales, Davies has been a solid performer for Ospreys over the last few years, and broke into the Welsh setup for the 2017 Six Nations.
- Huw Jones (Scotland, 27)
A fast, agile centre, Jones could have been a potential Lions bolster this year had he not succumbed to injury after impressive performances in the previous Six Nations and Autumn Tests for Scotland.
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.
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.
9 Go to comments