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The fifth in a seven-part series in the run up to this summer’s selection, taking a look at the 2013 incumbents and their chances of being selected again.
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Part 1: Props
Part 2: Hookers
Part 3: Locks
Part 4: Back row
MIKE PHILLIPS
2013 tour: Comfortably the most experienced of the 2013 halves, Phillips made his case for the test team with two tries against the Barbarians, forcing many of us to admit against our own will that he was in fact good. He played four matches on tour, and like much of the Welsh population he started the third test.
Since then: Having previously announced his intention to never move back to a Welsh club, Phillips was sacked in late 2013 by Bayonne for ‘repeated misconduct’. He was later welcomed by Racing Metro. Internationally he found himself losing ground to Rhys Webb and was eventually dropped for the 2015 world cup, and didn’t play even when Webb was injured. Stuck on 99 caps, he retired from internationals after the tournament. Now playing back in England for Sale, Phillips announced his retirement from all pro rugby would come at the end of the season.
Touring chances: 3%. He’s still playing, so it’s not completely outside the realms of the possible, but anyone who thinks it’s necessary is probably Mike Phillips.
CONOR MURRAY
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2013 tour: Most likely a pick for the midweek side, a 23-year-old Murray made appearances against each of the club teams before coming on as a sub in the latter two tests.
Since then: He has become the nailed-on starter for the Lions. Murray’s strength is in his consistency and decision-making, but marries it with an all-round game of high quality service, close-range tries and fine kicking game. Best on field the last time anyone beat the All Blacks. His wikipedia page is enormous.
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Touring chances: 99.5%. I’m not saying 100% for anybody, because strange things happen. But it’s fair to say he’s been telling people he’s busy this summer.
BEN YOUNGS
2013 tour: The England scrum half was one of the young talents to emerge from Martin Johnson’s time as coach with some credit. Youngs competed for a starting test spot on the tour but only did so in the second Test, which the Lions lost. He was dropped for the third.
Since then: A mercurial talent whose unpredictable flashes of brilliance occur in entirely predictable places – that is, whenever he has plenty of front-foot ball, Youngs has been in and out of the England team but has been an important cog in the recent string of victories, particularly last autumn. A dodgy six nations (in which England’s first choice back row were injured) and questionable European cup appearances (in which Leicester’s increasingly unimpressive pack were beaten up front comfortably) re-established the pattern.
Touring chances: 65%. Ben Youngs being a Lions player is something that we’re just going to have to get used to. Probably competing for third place rather than first now, so it’s likely that he’ll look the best of them by only playing in matches where the Lions have that pack dominance he craves.
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JOHNNY SEXTON
2013 tour: Went as first choice and stayed there, starting all three tests on tour and bagging a fine try to start the Lions backs’ party in the third.
Since then: Kept doing what he has been doing, which is being the best 10 in the six nations. Went to play in France for a bit, as they all do now. Gets a few murmurs about no longer being the man for the job, usually while injured and someone like Paddy Jackson is being above average. Continues to look the assured maestro of Ireland’s game every time he comes back.
Touring chances: 98%. Booked and will start the first test except in an emergency. Negotiations between Leinster and Lions staff regarding keeping him frozen in carbonite until the tour begins are ongoing.
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OWEN FARRELL
2013 tour: An excellent goal kicker, strong tackler, and consummate northerner, Farrell was second choice in 2013 after having established himself in the England side the previous year as a 20-year-old. One of only two fly halves, he played the majority of midweek games as well as all three tests as a sub.
Since then: Went through a period of battling the similarly backgrounded George Ford for his England place, with Farrell being out of favour for the 2015 world cup. The less said about that the better, Eddie Jones’ solution was to successfully pair up the two as 10 and 12. Farrell’s re-emergence as an international goal-kicking 12 has made him arguably the most improved international of the last four years, all while continuing to impress in the 10 shirt for Saracens. And Saracens have turned into the principle European super-club on his watch too. So that’s handy.
Touring chances: 99%. Like Sexton, Farrell has a few games this season to not get injured.
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Comments on RugbyPass
It was a let’s-see-what-you're-made-of type of a game. The Bulls do look good when the opposition allows them to, but Munster shut them down, and they could not find a way through. Jake should be very worried about their chances in the competition.
2 Go to commentsHats off to Fabian for a very impressive journey to date. Is it as ‘uniquely unlikely’ as Rugby Pass suggests, given Anton Segner’s journey at the Blues?
1 Go to commentsSad that this was not confirmed. When administrators talk about expanding the game they evidently don’t include pathways to the top tier of rugby for teams outside of the old boys club. Rugby deserves better, and certainly Georgia does.
1 Go to commentsLions might take him on if they move on Van Rooyen but I doubt he will want to go back, might consider it a step backwards for himself. Sharks would take him on but if Plumtree goes on to win the challenge cup they will keep him on. Also sharks showing some promising signs recently. Stormers and Bulls are stable and Springboks are already filled up. Quality coach though, interesting to see where he ends up
1 Go to commentsAnd the person responsible for creating a culture of accountability is?
2 Go to commentsMore useless words from Ben Smith -Please get another team to write about. SA really dont need your input, it suck anyway.
264 Go to commentsThis disgraceful episode must result in management and coach team sackings. A new manager with worse results than previous and the coaching staff need to coached. Awful massacre led by donkeys.
1 Go to commentsInteresting article with one glaring mistake. This sentence: “And between the top four nations right now, Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand…” should read: And between the top four nations right now, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and France…”. Get it right wistful thinkers, its not that hard.
23 Go to commentsHow did Penny get the gig anyway?
2 Go to commentsNice write up Nick and I would have agreed a week ago. However as you would know Cale & co got absolutely monstered by the Blues back row of Sotutu, Ioane and Papaliti and not all of these 3 are guaranteed a start in the Black jumper. He may need to put some kgs before stepping up, Spring tour? After the week end Joe will be a bit more restless. Will need to pick a mobile tough pack for Wales and hope England does the right thing and bashes the ABs. I like your last paragraph but I would bring Swinton, Hannigan into the 6 role and Bobby V to 8
21 Go to commentsThe Crusaders can still get in to the Play Off’s. The imminent return of outstanding captain Scott Barrett and his All Black team mate Codie Taylor will be a big boost.There are others like Tamaiti Williams too. Two home games coming up. Fellow Crusader fans get there and support these guys. I will be.
1 Go to commentsCant get more Wellington than Proctor.
2 Go to commentsWhy not let the media decide. Like how they choose the head coach. Like most of us we entrust the rugby system to choose. A rugby team includes the coaches. It's collective.
13 Go to commentsHi NIck, I have been very impressed with him and he seems a smart player who can see opportunities which Bobby V _(who must be an international 6_) doesn’t see or have the speed to take advantage of. If he continues to improve and puts on 5kgs then he could be a great 8. He is a bit taller than Keiran Reid at 1.93m and 111 kgs, so his skill set fits his body size and who knows where it will lead. I hope the spate of Achilles tendon issues have been dealt with by the S&C people. It’s been a very long time since Mark Loane and Kefu stood out at 8. The question is will we be able to hold onto him, if he does make it he will be pretty hot property. I disagree with the idea of letting them go to the Northern Hemisphere and then bring them back.
21 Go to commentsBilly Fulton 🤣🤣🤣🤣 garrrmon not even close
13 Go to commentsDoes the AI take into account refs? hahaha Seriously why not have two on field refs to avoid bias?
23 Go to commentsVern challenging this Blues side might be the edge they need to fulfill their potential. Convincing results from strong D and strong carries are hard to argue against.
1 Go to commentsLove seems to add a strong back field defense with speed to close the gap and tackle to his ability to attack, kick and pass (an accurate long pass). This sets him an edge over some of the other names - JRK in particular. Has to be said that Jordan and Stevenson have also been exposed defensively while Love has yet to face test match intensity. Spoilt for choice.
1 Go to commentsHe’s strung together a few strong seasons, I’d like to see him in the ABs and build some depth along with Reiko and ALB. Levi Aumua hasn’t taken the step we hoped to see but time yet.
2 Go to commentsWhere has our good friend Pecos gone!? Similar place to the Crusaders D, the abyss.
4 Go to comments