Who have been the worst Lions players based on reputation?

Monday, 02 August 2021 at 09:13

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byRugby Rucker

With the final test of the 2021 British & Irish Lions series on the horizon, plenty of top players have failed to impress.

The tour has brought out the very best in some players, surfaced some rising talent and also highlighted those who are massively out of form.

So, who have been the five most disappointing players on the Lions tour so far?

3 worst Lions players compared to reputation

#5. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

Age: 30
Lions caps: 5
Position: Number 8

The back rower’s exclusion from the Lions side for the first Test with South Africa came after a fragmented run-in to the series during which he played bits of games here and there. Came off the bench in the second test, but looked a shadow of the player who starred for the tourists four years ago against New Zealand.

DID YOU KNOW? As a young boy, his school friends struggled to pronounce his Tongan name, and so he picked up the nickname Toby.

#4. Jonny Hill (England)

Age: 27
Lions caps: 0
Position: Lock

The Exeter Chiefs lock, who established himself as an England regular in recent months, has had a tough time in South Africa.

One of his early performances was so underwhelming that former Ireland forward Neil Francis dubbed him 'one of the .'

worst second rows ever to be picked by the Lions

#3. Gareth Davies (Wales)

Age: 30
Lions Caps: 0
Position: Scrum-half

Ranked as the 10th best rugby player in the world by the New Zealand media just two years ago, 'the interception King' has failed to impress when given minutes by Warren Gatland.

His poor form, lack of tempo and wayward box-kicking meant he's one of the few players that was never really in contention for a test spot.

#2. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Age: 26
Lions Caps: 0
Position: Fly-half

A player who has been hurt by the isolations due to Covid and injury since the Lions arrived in South Africa. Flashed a lot of his potential against the Sigma Lions, but will ultimately see this tour as another 'what could have been' moment in a career full of near misses.

DID YOU KNOW? His grandparents were international badminton players, his uncle and great-grandfather played Cricket for Scotland

#1. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Age: 30
Lions Caps: 2
Position: Fullback

Rated by many as the best fullback in the world, Hogg had a torrid time at under the high-ball and covering the backfield in the two tests.

With Hogg somewhat blowing his opportunity, Liam Williams, who was pushing hard for selection in the back-three last week, will likely come in and offer more security under those Pollard bombs.