The Lions Team has been leaked...

[InBetweenWasp]

Just watched "Chasing the Sun" for the first time now it is on Sky, makes you realise exactly what the Lions up against, I just ran through 2 brick walls for Rassie Erasmus afterwards!

An utterly brilliant Documentary.  I think we often see the Boks in a similar way as we're seen by other nations (Arrogant bullies, who play a dull forward-orientated game without much else to offer) but some of the stories make you realise the real hardship some of these guys have been through and the togetherness.  WLR telling Rassie he didn't think he was good enough equally surprising as it was not having seen him need to really find his confidence to play.

IIRC the Living with the Lions iteration for this tour is actually following both sides in their preparations and backgrounds.

[Heathen]

Today it has been announced that Jonker will be the TMO!

Lions not happy.

[hookender]

Today it has been announced that Jonker will be the TMO!

Lions not happy.

Wonder if he will be asked to review if Erasmus actually has any water in a bottle he brings on?

[bigad82]

https://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-statement-independentie-comments/
Anybody know what has gone on here.
Terrible if true.

[Neils]

https://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-statement-independentie-comments/
Anybody know what has gone on here.
Terrible if true.

Bit more here -

Marcus Smith: British and Irish Lions angered by 'offensive' slur on Irish Independent podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57946171

[Neils]

https://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-statement-independentie-comments/
Anybody know what has gone on here.
Terrible if true.

Bit more here -

Marcus Smith: British and Irish Lions angered by 'offensive' slur on Irish Independent podcast - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57946171

Wording in here -

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/23/neil-francis-reference-marcus-smith-skin-colour-angers-british-irish-lions-harlequins

[Trevs Big Tackle]

I follow a reasonable slice of Irish Twitter and no-one is surprised at his racist comment and a lot were wondering how he was still employed in the first place.

[wasps]

On a happier note
I see that Nic Berry is refereeing the first match.

Great to see one of our ex-players, who had to retire early (concussion?) officiating at the highest levels.


He's done world cup matches as well, hasn't he?

[petros]

Nic Berry has looked to be the best of the SH refs since he stepped up to test level. The papers point out he played with eliot!

[hopwood]

Interesting article here by Nigel Owens.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/nigel-owens-runs-rule-over-21126585


But no...none of the 3 main referees for this series have refereed a World Cup knockout game....so it's real step up.
And with the controversy around the inclusion of Jonker as TMO...you just hope the series doesn't get centred around refereeing decisions.

Nic....along with Ben O’Keeffe and Mathieu Raynal are the next generation of leading international referees and just like a Lions series can be the make/break/pinnacle for a player, I imagine it can be a big watershed moment for the whistleblowers too.

[Rossm]

Late change for Lions. Wyn Jones out, Sutherland starts, Mako on the bench.