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'Frankly insulting': The 2 clear trends in Lions' squad reactions
By Neil Fissler
The social media platform X is a great source of entertainment and reaction for any big announcement or event, and Andy Farrell and his Lions squad selection, as expected, have come under the microscope.
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One of the biggest talking points has been Farrell picking only two Wales players, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans.
“Wales have (the) same amount of Lions as Connacht,” wrote one fan, while another added, “Absolutely gutted to see only two Welsh internationals called up for the British Lions Tour”.
Welshman Big Arch praised the squad and said the fact that only two Wales players were named is a “huge reflection on where Welsh rugby is ATM,” which was echoed by many other fans.
“Two Welsh players in Lions squad got to be the lowest representation for Wales in Lions history, definitely up there… shows where Welsh rugby is right now.”
Farrell has named 15 Ireland internationals, the highest proportion of any single nation in a Lions squad since the Second World War, and for most on X, it proved to be too many.
“Too many past-it Irishman and way too many Scottish and Irish player passport projects that shouldn’t be eligible,” said one fan, while another simply said, “Still too Ireland heavy if we’re all honest.”
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“James Ryan selection is a joke hasn’t had a good game in years. Daly lucky, but can see the versatility angle. Our wingers, apart from Freeman, don’t really strike fear into the Aussies in terms of running threat,” fumed another.
One of the unluckiest players not to make the initial squad is Jack Willis, generally recognised as the best back row playing in Europe right now, but seemingly Farrell hasn’t been impressed.
“Can’t argue with many selections, surprised Jack Willis didn’t make it, I think he’s a better all-round player than Morgan,” said one fan.
“Clear bias with back row selection. No, out and out, No 8. Surely should be a place for Faletau and Jack Willis,” and
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“Jack Willis is arguably the best flanker in the world at the moment, and he’s not made the Lions for some reason.”
Another fan claimed, “No, Jack Willis is frankly insulting to the player. His not being available for England (stupid rule) shouldn’t matter for a Lions tour.”
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Not to be that guy, but this piece says 15 Irish in 37 is the highest proportion since the WWII, despite the fact that the last time the Lions toured Australia there were 15 welsh in the initial 37 player squad (this can change with injuries)
Kinda goes to show the often cyclical nature of these things, Wales were the best team then, Ireland won the Triple crown now, England dominated 01, and Scotand had 9 players in 89 more than Welsh or Irish.
Context is always important.
I might be showing my ignorance but does he lack a bit of pace? His forte is jackallingand sheer grunt with mobility but not outright pace. The front fives selected all have mobility so perhaps Farrell is looking more for outright pace in his back row as that will be needed to counter the Aussie backs
Jack Willis better than Ardie Savea or PSDT? Tell him he’s dreaming!
Thats a nice earring
To be fair 2 is 2 more than I expected in the squad. Whether they’ll see any game time in the 3 tests remains to be seen.
Williams is class in a decent team.
Love it! Twitter/X aka ‘the playground of the moron’.
The only home nation to win a 6 Nations title(s) since the last tour should be well represented. Not to mention a slam and multiple triple crowns.
The fact that same nation has won their last 4 against Australia may have played on Farrells mind? Not least as he was part of the coaching set up for those games.
The “no out and out number 8” comment as well when you have the lad that started all of the last tours tests at 8….