OTD: England World Cup winner Mike Tindall makes life changing decision

And it would earn the BIL franchise $millions

Steyn won the last series for the boks having not played test rugby for 5 years.

but i think his dad will resist selecting him too frequently. like he’ll get a game off the bench, but he definitely won’t be in the test side, and he might not even start any of the midweek fixtures. he’ll be in the squad for his leadership.

Pollock has never started at 6 before. not sure he really has the heft for it. And Earl is a great 8, but doesn’t add much power.

Sean O’Brien also said after the 2017 tour that Farrell and Sexton lead the coaching after the first test.

I don’t like that Owen Farrell has been called up for the tour, but what you have said is nonsense.

That was the 4th Lions game I have seen. The last two tests in South Africa in ‘74, and a game up in Townsville in ‘89. The atmosphere is always great, and last night was no exception. Sure there was disappointment at the end, with the Lions running away to such a big margin. But to see the best of Britain and Ireland on tour is very special.

“The Test matches are what draws the people, but the tour matches are what make the trip. Meeting friends new and old, making new memories and seeing great moments in parts of Australia away from the big events. That’s where the memories really build. That’s why a Lions tour is so special.” Great comment, just sums it all up in a nutshell. I went into the stadium very early last night, with the purpose of watching the Lions warm up, but also to talk to anyone who looked interesting, who was prepared to have a bit of a chat.

My net included a young Welsh couple living currently in Australia, excited to be there to watch the Lions, but sad so few Welsh players in this squad. Then a lovely big Irish woman, from Cork and the Dolphin club. She talked of the emergence of very good players now coming out of west Cork. I just missed catching Ronan O’Gara, who was talking to her as I approached, but was just then grabbed for an on field interview. Then a New Zealander with great knowledge of Lions past, including the great Willie John McBride. Watching the game, I had a Sri Lankan lad on one side who played when younger, and two girls, one Australian, and one from Belfast( where I went to high school and university.) The Irish girl turned out to have cousin up and coming with Ulster, David McCann.

Roll on 19th and the first test….Brisbane will be humming…can’t wait !!

Guess even if he doesn’t play much Owen will bring something to camp and drive standards

Will be really interesting to see how Reiko goes. I feel like for many players, new and old, this is a “prove what you can do on the pitch then” team. Performances and combinations formed now could form a lot of the selection decisions for the rest of the year. Exciting stuff!