'Hope I can do them proud': Northampton sign Italy's Callum Braley

“Two trailer-park girls go round the outside. Round the outside, round the outside”

I think he’s a beast of a prop. But once you get a reputation for having suss technique, you’re constantly going to be scrutinized.

Razor dropped Wyatt Crockett after 202 Crusaders games, ending his career, before 2018 final because of concerns that ref would ping him.

I thought they were average - Freeman was very average, Jones was passable, but and this is a big problem for Ireland going forward - Lowe (34 next birthday) and Aki (36 next birthday) look like they're starting to feel the effects of time.

Aki made more mistakes than I have seen recently and was challenged aerobically in finishing games 2 and 3. Lowe looked powerful but other than a nice pass to set up Beirne for a try, was mistake ridden and seemed ponderous. Do have to wonder exactly how long they have at the top level - given not many people can survive at the international level in their mid 30’s - especially in a position like wing.

Having said that, I'd be in favour of Australia relaxing their selection policy as they have so many of their best players overseas.

Btw I wouldn't limit the testing of the Lions to the last two matches, I'd say it was the last three. That First Nation and Pasifika team gave them a good going over and showed Joe how it had to be done. I was expecting big roles for Uru and/or LSL in green and gold but it never happened.

The just aren’t able to retain then because a) the union/game in the country isn’t as profitable, and b) because the team doesn’t quite have the same status.

Agree with your points, though would get you to note that it happened before the Dutch timber came to the land of growth. The previous years with Darry and Lord offered great promise first (not even on year with short locks after Whitelock and Retallick retired).

As you say Australia were dominating everything, I’m not sure Tupou helped the scrum but him and Will definitely helped with the psychological battle of a test, which is probably the most important thing.

And you’re right regarding selection, if its good enough for France, it’s good enough for Australia. Joe should simply select these players regardless of their club commitments, they can leave it to the clubs to rest the players adequately to replicate an off season when they return from international duty, during the club season.