Fresh reports emerge suggesting Lions tour 'could be postponed' - Ruck

Fresh reports emerge suggesting Lions tour ‘could be postponed’

South African Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux has revealed that the British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa could be postponed if fans are unable to travel.

Roux has revealed that the tour is not “commercially viable” if supporters cannot travel.

“There has been some talk of moving it out [to a new date],” Roux said.

“But our travel advice is that by June/July we should be at what is deemed to be normal international travel. But we are monitoring it on a monthly basis.”

He added: “Travelling for international events will likely still be under more pressure than pre-Covid [in July 2021].

“No spectators and people not being able to travel would not make this commercially viable and then we would discuss how we continue with the tour.”

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An All-Time Lions Greatest Ever Playing Squad

Back Three (6)

Looking back in these critical positions there is much talent (I common theme throughout all selections), so to narrow it down is very difficult. But the players I have selected are:

JPR Williams, Gavin Hastings, Gerald Davies, Tony O’Reilly, Jason Robinson and Andy Irvine. 

These selections give you sufficient cover at full-back with four players in Williams, Hastings, Robinson and Irvine all played internationally at 15. In terms of try threats, then Davies, O’Reilly, Robinson and Irvine gives you that as well from the wings and also you have some good kicking options there. 


Centres (5)

I am looking for partnerships and also players who can give you a physical edge to be able to carry the ball. Also footballers who can spot opportunities in defensive lines. My choices are:

Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Davies, Bleddyn Williams, Mike Gibson and Will Greenwood

These selections give me three centres in O’Driscoll, Davies and Williams who are more comfortable in the outside-centre position but can be adaptable. Still. with Gibson, I have a football option at inside-centre. Greenwood was a fabulous centre, who can play at 12 or 13 comfortably, great hands and always a try threat.


Fly-Halves (3)

This position has arguably given me the biggest selection headache. So many great tens for the Lions. If JPR is to be my test full-back which he would start, then I need a ten who is a consistent place kicker or look at other options. With that in mind, have selected the following:

Barry John, Jonny Wilkinson and Jackie Kyle

John and Kyle were just magicians in their time on a rugby field. Both were competent goal kickers but could be inconsistent. My safety net is the selection of Wilkinson. A prolific goal kicker, and also can slot in if required, at inside-centre. A nice option to have.

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