The British & Irish Lions boss has now called up his 14th Leinster player ahead of Saturday’s first Test against Australia, raising fresh questions over selection bias and squad balance.
This time, it’s tighthead prop Tom Clarkson who gets the nod, joining the touring party to bolster front-row depth. He’ll link up with veteran hooker Jamie George, who was also added this week.
But not everyone’s buying it…
🗣️ FAN REACTION:
One fan said:
“Thought Joe Heyes would be first cab off the rank, as if there are genuine injuries at any point he’s just done a great job versus the Pumas.”
Another commented:
“Good god, you are aware Joe Heyes just gave the Argentinian front row nightmares that will require counseling?”
A third vented:
“This is a farce. The Lions are meant to be a proud British team – full of Irish who have at best a British grandparent. No sense of identity.”
And one frustrated supporter added:
“Odd choice. Get likely called up same time as Osbourne & travelled together. Knows system, Farrell & unlikely to play, but surely want best available to prep Test team? Is that him? Will he push team on? Farrell will be judged on results – Gatland got slated for the Geography Six as they drew.”
Editors Picks:
- Sir Clive Woodward snubs Earl and Pollock when naming his Lions XV for first test
- 1/10: Three Springboks who flopped against Italy despite big win
- Everyone saying the same thing about Owen Farrell’s Lions cameo
- 3/10: All Blacks star given brutal player rating despite big win against France
Four Lions stars who flopped against AUNZ XV
While the Lions cruised to a dominant 48-0 victory over the AUNZ XV, not every player impressed. Here are four stars whose performances fell short — and whose test hopes now look bleak despite the big win.
Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick as the British and Irish Lions ran in eight tries in a rout of the AUNZ Invitational XV in their last game before the first Test against the Wallabies next weekend.
On an eventful night in Adelaide Owen Farrell came on as a second-half substitute, with news also emerging of a head injury to Garry Ringrose, putting him in danger of missing the match in Brisbane on Saturday.
Below, we look at four players who failed to impress.
RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.
#1. Pierre Schoeman
Schoeman impressed in open play with strong carries and physicality but struggled at the scrum, conceding multiple free kicks for poor technique. His inconsistency at set-piece remains a key issue as test selection nears.
FloRugby 4/10: “Got busy in the loose as he got on the ball for some big rumbles. His shaky work at scrum time is what is holding him back, as he conceded a few free kicks for not driving straight. Schoeman offered solid carries and physicality in open play, but his inconsistency at the set-piece remains a concern as test selection draws nearer.”
