Zach Mercer – Gloucester
Mercer has been one of Gloucester’s standout players this season, but even he couldn’t leave his mark in their narrow loss to Leicester.
The number eight had a relatively quiet afternoon by his own high standards, with only one truly eye-catching run to his name. For a player with England ambitions, he’ll be hoping for a much bigger impact next time out.
Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the “best scrum-half”
In a Lions XV selection that’s sure to spark some heated pub debates, Danny Care – yes, the man with over 100 caps for England – has handpicked his “best scrum-half” for next summer’s tour to Australia.
Spoiler alert: it’s not a Welshman. In fact, there’s not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.
Tomos Williams Tease – The One Welshman Who Almost Made It
Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care’s Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, “I’ve seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He’s got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there’s one Welsh player to make the tour, it’s him.” But even that wasn’t enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.
Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park is “the best scrum-half” around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!
Smith vs Russell: English Flair Wins the 10 Battle
The surprises didn’t stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England’s Marcus Smith over Scotland’s Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and England’s Ollie Lawrence.
Feyi-Waboso? Yes, Please!
Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England’s George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Danny Care and Mark Atkinson’s Lions XV:
15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.
13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.
12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.
11. Duhan van der Merwe: A powerful wing with a knack for scoring tries, van der Merwe combines size with speed, making him a difficult player to stop in one-on-one situations.
10. Marcus Smith: A talented fly-half known for his creativity and tactical awareness, Smith is adept at orchestrating play and has a keen eye for gap opportunities in the defense.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park: A sharp and agile scrum-half, Gibson-Park is recognised for his quick decision-making and ability to control the pace of the game, making him a vital link between forwards and backs.
1. Ellis Genge: A formidable loosehead prop with a strong scrummaging technique, Genge is also known for his ball-carrying abilities and aggression in the contact area.
2. Jamie George: An experienced hooker, George is a key figure in the scrum and lineout, combining technical skill with strong leadership qualities, often serving as a stabilizing force in the forward pack.
3. Tadhg Furlong: One of the world’s premier tighthead props, Furlong is renowned for his scrummaging prowess and ability to contribute to open play, showcasing exceptional athleticism for his position.
4. Maro Itoje: A dynamic lock with exceptional physicality and athleticism, Itoje is a key defensive player, known for his ability to disrupt opposition ball and make crucial tackles.
5. Tadhg Beirne: A versatile forward capable of playing both lock and flanker, Beirne is recognized for his work rate, breakdown skills, and ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play.
6. Courtney Lawes: A powerful and athletic second-row, Lawes is known for his aggressive tackling and leadership on the field, providing both physical presence and strategic insight to the team.
7. Josh van der Flier: A tireless openside flanker, van der Flier is known for his exceptional work rate and ability to make crucial turnovers, often leading the defensive efforts.
8. Caelan Doris (captain): As the captain of the team, Doris is a dynamic back-row player known for his physicality and leadership skills, playing a crucial role in both defense and attack, while also motivating his teammates.
