Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the "best scrum-half"
10/16/2024 09:23 AM
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.
Their dream team boasts eight Englishmen and six Irishmen, with just one lonely Scotsman completing the first Test XV. And as for the Welsh? Only Tomos Williams even got a mention, with Care and Atkinson giving a nod to his electric start at Gloucester – but he still couldn't crack the team.
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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 recognized 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.
Sixteen England players expected to feature in Andy Farrell's 2025 British & Irish Lions squad
According to the latest odds, bookmakers have highlighted a compelling selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour, combining established talent with rising stars.
The back-three features powerhouse winger Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) as a standout, with odds of 1/16, alongside Irish duo James Lowe (1/8) and Hugo Keenan (1/5), both integral to Ireland's recent success. England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (4/9) and Tommy Freeman (8/11) add youthful energy, while George Furbank (2/1) rounds off the versatile options.
In the centres, Bundee Aki (Ireland) leads the pack at 1/5, supported by England's Ollie Lawrence (1/4) and Scotland's dynamic Sione Tuipulotu (2/7). Veteran Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) also makes the cut at 8/11.
At fly-half, Owen Farrell (England) is heavily favored (1/10), while Marcus Smith (8/15) and Finn Russell (8/11) promise creativity.
Scrum-half selections are led by Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), with Alex Mitchell and Ben White battling for spots. In the pack, stalwarts like Maro Itoje (1/33) and Tadhg Furlong (1/8) headline, as rising players such as Ben Earl (1/5) and Caelan Doris (1/5) look set to play key roles. The odds reveal a blend of experience and fresh talent for the upcoming tour.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36), according to the odds
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 4/9
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 8/11
- George Furbank (England) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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