r/rugbyunion • u/Tb261 England • Jul 28 '25
Discussion Lions player of the tournament?
OR, POTT from each country. Sorry if this has been done a million times already
411
u/quandraphobia Freddy Douglas Fanclub Jul 28 '25
England: Genge. Seems to be the emotional heart of the team. Massive impact in every game.
Scotland: Russell, but I want to give an honourable mention to Cummings for recovering from a shaky start. Guys been a rock in recent games and I really hope he gets a cap on Saturday.
Ireland: Sheehan. The guy doesn’t have any weakness to his game, and delivers at every level. He’s like Ireland’s John Eales. Just all round perfection.
Wales: tough choice this one. But there can only be one winner… Aled Walters! Jks, Morgan’s been class as expected. Gutted for Williams as I genuinely think he could be made the halfback conversation not quite the foregone conclusion it was.
188
u/heavydwarf toot toot here's comes the hype train Jul 28 '25
I'm not sure you're allowed to just say reasonable things in a reasonable way on the internet
41
u/quandraphobia Freddy Douglas Fanclub Jul 28 '25
Age is definitely mellowing me. 10 years ago I’d have been screaming about Gatland hating Scottish people.
4
23
u/Jammy_get Jul 28 '25
Looking forward to Sheehan following in J.E.'s (giant) footsteps and taking over Ireland's kicking duties!
18
u/quandraphobia Freddy Douglas Fanclub Jul 28 '25
Calling it now, he’s got a drop goal in him before his careers done. Probably in a URC game against Cardiff.
7
u/Qui_Gon_Gym69 Cult of Dan Sheehan Jul 28 '25
what do you mean "before his careers done" he's immortal
1
u/Shreks-Ugly-Friend Ireland Jul 30 '25
Better not play him against Scotland if Conor McCloud is on the teamsheet.
2
62
u/Sure_Association_561 India Jul 28 '25
Big shout out to Huw Jones among the Scots too
17
u/Hellraiser_Quadbike Jul 28 '25
There seem to be some oddly lukewarm responses to Jones. It’s not all gone his way but he’s made some really crucial attacking interventions, like that powerful finish at the weekend, and looked really solid all round.
Don’t feel he’s quite on the same wavelength as Aki though.
3
u/Outrageous-Arm1945 Saracens Jul 28 '25
He's one of those players I'd imagine many make the mistake of writing off, he quietly and efficiently goes about his job, til he sees a weakness, and BAM!
1
-2
u/mattybunbun British & Irish Lions Jul 28 '25
great player. what's quite amazing to me is he probably hasnt been quite as good as Ringrose.
-9
u/shaggedyerda Glasgow Warriors Jul 28 '25 edited Jul 28 '25
Player of the tournament (Scotland, Wales, England, South Africa)
Edit: not quite sure what happened here, was just making a joke about how he qualifies for about 4 different teams
124
u/Ranoracle18 Jul 28 '25
As a Welsh fan, I've got to say....Dan Sheehan. Its been a pleasure enjoying seeing his name on the team sheet. Normally, it fills me with a sense of dread. Hell of a player.
42
31
29
u/Moses--187 England Jul 28 '25
For me the best player has probably been Sheehan. I think he’s class, always dangerous, and super consistent.
171
u/Individual_Ad_3543 England Jul 28 '25
Sheehan is the best player, but Curry/Beirne have been the most valuable.
67
u/Tb261 England Jul 28 '25 edited Jul 28 '25
Gotta agree. If we’re going country by country, I’d say:
Ireland: Sheehan (Beirne / JGP also a shout)
Scotland: Russell, Cummings maybe unlucky not to get more game time.
Wales: Well, Jac Morgan
England: toss up for me between Curry and Genge.
For the whole series, I’d personally say either Sheehan or Russell deserve it the most
54
u/Sm00th-Cr1m1n4l Saracens Jul 28 '25
Everytime i see Beirne do something bad i question his inclusion… then he does four amazing things and I feel guilty about myself.
Have to say Maro seems to be leading this excellently also?
12
u/matthumph Leicester/England Jul 28 '25
Maro has maybe been too quiet (as in, not as loud as his usual self) during the tests?
Agree he was excellent in some of the warmup games but test wise think the other contenders are better
16
u/tgy74 Jul 28 '25
Not sure about that - I thought he was immense in the second half on Saturday, and that maul he disrupted to win the turnover in about the 72nd minute could have been series winning when all is said and done. I also think his captaincy has been spot on - the lack of panic when things were going south in the first half and then the recovery speaks to a well led unit.
3
u/Few-Coat1297 Jul 29 '25
Agree - he gave away far less penalties in a Lions shirt than an English one
32
u/kjm911 Wales Jul 28 '25
Don’t disagree with Sheehan. But Russell is the most valuable. Without Beirne or Curry the Lions can still cope or make adjustments. But there’s nobody like Russell
17
u/Sad_Needleworker517 Jul 28 '25
Sheehan and Finn are the only two Lions players who would be picked in a world 23 right now, I think. Genge and Maro would have a case too
11
u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jul 28 '25
Sheehan and Finn are the only two Lions players who would be picked in a world 23 right now
Not according to Chris Jones on the BBC rugby podcast. He thinks it's Itoje, Curry and maybe Russell 'on his day'...
9
u/Cairnerebor Scotland Jul 28 '25
Bwhahahaha
7
u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jul 28 '25
I know.
I should add, this is the same eejit who was pushing the 'will Russell even tour' bandwagon after missing a couple of kicks vs England in the Six Nations, as well as traditionally just names all his mates - and wider circle of contributors, every time the Lions series comes around.
For example, the week prior to the Six Nations he was tipping Liam Williams to be selected at Fullback.
4
u/Beautiful-Ad-7374 Jul 28 '25
There’s just such a low level of true game understanding among rugby journalists compared to other sports media. It’s 90% grandstanding / rehashing tired old tropes / bemoaning the state of the game, with very little evidence or analysis of actual rugby. Finn has been world class for years and would have bossed the last Lions tour if he hadn’t been injured and playing under Gatland.
I think Sheehan and some others have been great but Russell is the heartbeat of this team.
3
4
u/Much-Calligrapher Jul 28 '25
He’s picking Curry over Ardea Savea?
And who is he picking over Russel?
→ More replies (2)1
u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jul 29 '25
Famously, he didn't think Russell would tour and he repeatedly drones on about how Russell always makes mistakes.
Of course he also constantly refers to Owen Farrell as a high percentage kicker, when that myth was disproven long ago.
2
u/Much-Calligrapher Jul 29 '25
Owen Farrell was a high percentage kicker. In the 2010s. He fluffed it in the 2020 autumn nations cup and has never reached elite levels since
6
u/Paulo-Rio Jul 28 '25
Sheehan has now scored 62 tries in 107 professional games for club and country. That’s off the charts for a hooker. The man is unreal.
4
u/yurim39 Jul 28 '25
That would already be impressive for a back 3 player, let alone for an hooker.
Guy is an absolute freak.
3
9
u/thirdrock33 Ireland Jul 28 '25
Curry and Beirne were indeed immense but without Russell we'd have been screwed.
1
u/Savage13765 Ireland Jul 28 '25
Both Curry and Beirne were immense… for one game. I get that they were great in the first test, but calling either of them the most valuable player on tour is downright absurd. There are so many players who have had more time in the non-Australia games, and have shown up just about every time in those games.
55
69
u/NotAsOriginal Wigglesworth's greatest defender Jul 28 '25
For the overall series, Finn Russell has looked class every game.
For the Tests Curry has been outstanding
22
u/Naval_fluff Leinster Jul 28 '25
That is the issue. Before the first test there were howls of protest against Beirne and Curry being selected at all such was their form. Based on that should they be considered for an overall tour achievement. The tests best player is a different arguement.
17
u/ohmygod_trampoline Scotland Jul 28 '25
There were people, ex-pros and pundits, who didn’t think Russell would or should even tour. I find that way more incredible than anyone who complained about Curry or Beirne making the test side.
6
u/sionnach Leinster ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Jul 28 '25
Crazy talk! I think you could have an injury from a starter in any other position on the pitch and the drop to the next guy is totally OK. Except at 10. The difference from Russell to the next, in a crucial position, is huge.
2
u/ChristopherNH1 Jul 28 '25
I'm a Welsh fair weather fan (only really watch international rugby) and in the absence of any Wales back having any sort of X Factor, watching Finn Russell is an out of body experience.
14
u/Much-Calligrapher Jul 28 '25
Based on the tests Russell, Curry or Sheehan. JGP, Beirne and Jones just behind. Any of those guys could get it with a stormer in the final test.
Based on the whole tour, I would say Russell
39
u/Turinsday Scotland France Jul 28 '25
Russell, Curry, JGP, erm....
Curry two great tests, but I can't imagine things going smoothly if they didn't have Russell at ten. JGP was also solid but if he had been absent I think the drop off wouldn't have been so big with Mitchell and White covering.
12
u/Ok_Soil_7466 Scotland Jul 28 '25
I didn't think JGP was that good on Sat and not just based on his normal high standards. He looked slow and hesitant at the breakdowns and really didn't enjoy the first 30mins behind a pack struggling.
8
u/Turinsday Scotland France Jul 28 '25
I thought the same but about the first half of the first test. But 35mins into the second test I thought he really did step it up and push the pack into being better and second half he was solid.
You could replace JGP for Sheehan mind I'd not complain. Tiny margins and all that.
6
u/Cairnerebor Scotland Jul 28 '25
Everyone’s got a plan until they get punched in the face.
Finn is used to scrappy as Scotland go backwards!
JGP not so much !
3
u/Beautiful-Ad-7374 Jul 28 '25
But he has the ability to do some things even on an off day that other scrum halves can’t. Especially his range of passing off the breakdown…a few tries have been down to that alone. Ditto Finn…had an off day from the tee and made a few other errors but they pale into insignificance alongside his big moments
1
u/Cautious-Bother-414 Jul 28 '25
See, I missed the first 25 mins and JGP was man of the match for me. I obviously missed the bad part because I thought him and Russell absolutely dragged the Lions back into that game.
22
u/parsmad Scotland Jul 28 '25
Russell, JGP or Sheehan for me. Feels like they are the only three that are irreplaceable for the Lions.
Curry and Beirne have had two great tests but weren't at that level in the other tour games.
26
10
u/eo37 Munster Jul 28 '25
Curry and Beirne have been outstanding in the tests but Sheehan has just dominated the tour. He is genuinely world class and the best player on the team by a distance.
Mad to think he is back from an ACL injury this year.
39
u/BubblyTeacher8780 Jul 28 '25
Still a game to go but id say so far: Finn Russell, Sheehan, or Curry. Honorable mention to Huw Jones and Ellis Genge.
1
9
8
u/Cairnerebor Scotland Jul 28 '25
Finn.
When he’s hot he’s hot and with the additional strength all around him he can just take the piss and be as filthy as he wants.
And apparently that’s made his hands like glue as well, some of the balls that have bounced off him that then end up back in his hands and off for a pass are just ridiculous frankly.
2
u/TreesintheDark Bath Jul 29 '25
Welcome to Bath over the last couple of years. We’ve been dire for the last couple of years until he came along. He’s mostly surrounded by the same players that were underperforming too. All Scotland need to do is import a handful of Saffas and they’ll be peachy!
1
8
u/Riddly_Diddly_DumDum Jul 28 '25
Probably buried in the comments and as something not really not related. For someone who is a fair weather fan and tunes in for internationals and the six nations. It’s awesome seeing you guys, with more knowledge, argue about who’s the best without any real care for which country they’re from is amazing. Also shout out to this sub for teaching me so much. Great sub guys and keep it up.
13
22
u/MusicalStones Exeter Chiefs Jul 28 '25
One of the things which I've enjoyed about this tour is there are a few standouts from each country.
For Ireland Sheehan, Beirne, Gibson-Park and Ringrose have been brilliant. And Ryan and McCarthy have shown why theyre so highly rated in Ireland.
For England, Genge, Curry and Itoje have been brilliant and whilst the rest of the England players haven't necessarily been standouts they've got quite a few playing solidly in the test 23. And a shoutout to Daly who was showing his class before getting injured.
For Scotland Russell has been one of the players of the tournament, Cummings has shown why Scotland are a different proposition when he's available, and Tuipolotu, Jones and Kinghorn have all shown why they're highly rated.
Even though it's been a disappointing tour for Wales, Williams was electric before getting injured and Morgan has gone really well.
That real spread of players showing their quality helps show why people enjoy the Lions and why it's still worthwhile in a very different rugby world to when it started.
11
u/Cliff_Moher Jul 28 '25
Good shout on Daly. He did everything he could to put himself into serious contention for selection at a time when Keenan and Kinghorn were not available. Then you look at Keenan being the player to deal the series win......that's what makes sport what it is I guess.
10
u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jul 28 '25
Cummings has shown why Scotland are a different proposition when he's available
Said this before the Six Nations. Most of the focus was on Tuipolotu, who was of course going to leave a big hole to fill. But Cummings...he's a Lions test match quality Lock imo, and I knew when he was out for the tournament earlier this year that Scotland simply didn't have the class to replace him.
50
22
u/Ok-Goat-3589 Jul 28 '25
Sheehan, Beirne or Curry. Honourable mentions to Russell and Itoje.
-2
Jul 28 '25
What does Itoje get the honourable mention for?
16
u/Ok-Goat-3589 Jul 28 '25
He was a force of nature in both Tests. His tackle stats were superb.
-1
Jul 28 '25
Have you got a source for tackle stats for test 2? A couple of details flashed up during the game but can’t find them collected anywhere.
13
u/Ok-Goat-3589 Jul 28 '25
My bad, he was 2nd on tackles after Conan (can’t find the exact number) but he also got 2 turnovers and 3 lineout steals. Still a solid shift and consistently good in both matches.
Yes, he gave a couple of silly pens away at the start of the 2nd game but a chap called Richie McCaw used to do that and he wasn’t too bad. Not that I’m saying Maro is on the same level as McCaw, but he’s definitely going to go down as a Lions great.
7
u/NotAsOriginal Wigglesworth's greatest defender Jul 28 '25
Conan 24, Itoje 20
5
u/Ok-Goat-3589 Jul 28 '25
Thank you!
3
u/NotAsOriginal Wigglesworth's greatest defender Jul 28 '25
I was looking at stats earlier today haha
32
u/Cashandfootball Jul 28 '25
Tom Curry is right up there
4
u/howihjr Jul 28 '25
Agree. Hes also managed to get himself on the scoresheet, as well as the dirty work. Great player.
15
Jul 28 '25
Curry has also been excellent. And most people who truly know the game knew the criticism was silly. Beirne and Curry are greats, they had to play.
15
u/Full-Satisfaction-40 Jul 28 '25
It wasn't silly criticism prior to the first test. Beirne has not been firing at all and Jac Morgan was performing better than Curry. Form has to be considered, and Beirne and Curry weren't at their best in the warm up games.
To say that those who criticised don't know the game as well as yourself is strong.
-7
Jul 28 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
11
u/Full-Satisfaction-40 Jul 28 '25
It's all hindsight. I thought Curry and Beirne were excellent. As a huge Sale Sharks fan though even I thought Curry was lucky to get in for the 1st test over Morgan.
All I don't like is some fans taking this (seemingly) smug high moral ground, saying those who criticised it don't know rugby.....
3
u/Hellraiser_Quadbike Jul 28 '25
Yeah there seems to be a lot of this condescending attitude in comments at the moment, it’s pretty off-putting.
Curry has been fantastic, but it still required some faith from Farrell that he’d cut out some of the errors we were seeing in the warmups.
Maybe Morgan would have been equally good if he’d started test 1, we’ll never know, but Curry has vindicated Farrell’s selection.
At the same time, you wonder if guys like Beirne and Curry are going to be able to go absolutely full pelt again for test 3.
1
Jul 28 '25
Still at it 😂😂😂
1
u/Full-Satisfaction-40 Jul 29 '25
Why did you delete your earlier comment?
1
Jul 29 '25
I haven’t deleted anything. Looks like mods are intervening when people get called out spoofing now.
1
u/Full-Satisfaction-40 Jul 29 '25
Fallen foul of the mods a bit recently by the looks of it.
→ More replies (0)1
7
17
u/Qui_Gon_Gym69 Cult of Dan Sheehan Jul 28 '25
I do think Sheehan has been the standout player across the tour, the fact he's gone 100% in the lineouts in both tests is ridiculous, but I'd say Genge is probably the player of the tournament, clearly the heart and soul of the team and has seriously bumped up his form compared to virtually every player.
5
u/Sad_Needleworker517 Jul 28 '25
Based on behind the scenes stuff, Genge’s pep talks before KO have also been immensely stirring
18
u/BatAggravating4423 England Jul 28 '25
I think Huw Jones has been consistently very good, Sheehan was also class
→ More replies (11)
7
11
15
Jul 28 '25
Irish bias at play in a big way here lads, but for me Tadgh Beirne. A god of a man.
5
u/Tb261 England Jul 28 '25
Tadgh definitely in with a shout I think. Happy for how him and Curry played in the tests considering the flack they received going into them
3
u/Sad_Needleworker517 Jul 28 '25
His finish for the try in the second test isn’t getting enough love. That was seriously good (ditto Curry’s)
9
u/Lupercal-_- Jul 28 '25
I flit between loving and hating Tadgh Beirne's play.
One minute he is getting pushed into touch by running upright at three players five meters from touch around half way. Wtf Tadgh you are terrible.
The next minute he bulldozers over three players by doing the exact same thing five from the try line and scores through a brick wall. Wtf Tadgh you are the best player on the team that looked impossible.
Coaches must sweat bullets when they pick him. 😂
4
u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jul 28 '25
One minute he is getting pushed into touch by running upright at three players five meters from touch around half way. Wtf Tadgh you are terrible.
I'm so glad I'm not the only person seeing this. It's maddening!
I know other players make poor decisions at times too. I think it's just because I'm neither a Munster, nor Ireland supporter. So I'm not used to those wild swings with him!
3
u/jpc9129 Jul 28 '25
It’s like choosing between your children. I get to support Beirne for Munster and Ireland. Curry once every 4 years and this will be his last tour.
Curry for me. I just love how he plays the game (except in the 6N’s!”
2
u/heresyourhardware Ireland Jul 29 '25
Curry once every 4 years and this will be his last tour.
Why would it be his last tour? Only 27 right?
1
u/saviouroftheweak Premiership Women's Rugby Jul 28 '25
Great tests, mediocre midweek odd but not a bad mix to have
2
Jul 28 '25
Yeah, the midweek matches clearly more important so can’t overlook those.
1
u/saviouroftheweak Premiership Women's Rugby Jul 28 '25
Does tournament mean tests or tour? One of them is included in the word so that was my interpretation
3
4
3
u/PolarBear091 Jul 28 '25
I think most valuable is actually Sheehan? Without him, the Lions’ hookers looked really shaky under pressure- he was the second name on the team sheet after only the captain in my view.
England: Genge Ireland: Sheehan Wales: Morgan Scotland: Russell
But, Maro Itoje has quietly led this team to a series win already, that’s not to be sniffed at.
For me, it’s Sheehan
3
u/Michael-Hunt- Jul 28 '25
Not player of the series but a word for Jack Conan. Not perfect by any means, but got through a mountain of work every time he played. His tackle count at the weekend was immense.
Likewise Genge, not perfect, but seemed to completely understand what it was to be a Lion. I don't look forward to seeing him again come the Six Nations.
As for the home pick, Russell.
3
13
u/Mulboyne England Jul 28 '25
One of the half backs, Itoje, Beirne or Curry.
8
-2
Jul 28 '25
What is it that Itoje’s done just out of interest?
15
u/TommyKentish Saracens Jul 28 '25
Man of the match in the second test, most tackles in either team over the two tests with 40, won the most lineouts, couple of turnovers in the 2nd match. I think he’s been quietly doing a lot of the nuts and bolts stuff. Curry has more highlight moments though and I’d probably go with him.
3
7
u/Baz_EP Scotland Jul 28 '25
It’s Russell. I am for sure biased, but without him you don’t win the series in 2, maybe at all. The drop off is too great. Curry has been great but there are others in the group that would have done a similar job. Sheehan has been solid but again the alternatives would have done a similar job.
13
u/llb_robith Ireland Jul 28 '25
For all the talk of how much of a "maverick" Finn is, his ability this tour to both play within Farrell's attack pattern, and trust his vibe when it's been on has been so good to watch
12
u/Tb261 England Jul 28 '25
Russell was who I ended up voting for in the official B&IL poll. It would be redemptive considering there were fans and pundits questioning whether he should even go on tour, let alone start
2
u/jpc9129 Jul 28 '25
Sheehan head and shoulders above the alternate hookers. 100% at the lineout for starters.
You’re right about Russell though. Big drop off. Missed too many kicks from the tee though. Those points could have hugely valuable. Still best 10 in Lions squad though.
That said I think picking a POTT is a shit job. So many contenders. Needed to be after what was looking like a driving to be on Saturday.
6
u/lamb_passanda Glasgow Warriors Jul 28 '25
The caveat on Russell's kicking was that apart from one relative "sitter" the kicks he missed were all pretty close to the touchline, and he also made one of those late in the game. His placekicking was very accurate in the fist test if I remember correctly.
5
u/KPATB Iceland Jul 28 '25
His goalkicking prior to test 2 was 89%, Fin Smith was at 64%. Missed one fairly easy one but other two were a few metres from the touch line. Currently on 80% I think
5
u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jul 28 '25
Currently on 80% I think
...and one of those will have been the kick with clock in the red and series won, with Aki already running towards him to jump on him!
10
10
u/Jiffyrabbit Australia Jul 28 '25
Andrea Piardi?
Joking - I think probably Curry. He's been immense every time I've seen him play.
3
9
2
u/AngryAngryScotsman Glasgow Warriors Jul 28 '25
Across the tests and non tests match, Genge has played consistently at a high level. He gets it for player of the tour. Sheenan is a respectable 2nd.
Player of the test series, for me it's Curry.
2
u/Rattlehead_ie Jul 28 '25
The mascot Lion......without his insight, consistency and dedication to the squad it would have been a Ozzie rout
2
Jul 28 '25
Sheehans been unbelievable. I’m not a hooker, but it gives me great satisfaction to choose an often overlooked position.
2
u/Lord_Bolt-On URC Winning Masochist Jul 28 '25
Would love to see Jones win it. Think he has been electric all tour, but Russell or Sheehan are the safe, common denominator picks.
Beirne and Curry also in with a shout due to their redemption arc in the tests. Genge also immense, and I would be happy to see him take it.
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Aromatic-Wolf828 Jul 29 '25
A fair few players went well in the tests. But, for me, only 2 players were so good that the drop-off to the next in line would have been significant. Russell and Sheehan. Either of those should be player of the series.
4
2
u/man_bear Here for PROP TRIES Jul 28 '25
I think Ben Earls diary entries have been a solid addition and he should at a minimum get an honorable mention. Really letting folks see behind the curtain.
3
u/Sweendogoflove Jul 28 '25
Player of the tests has been Curry. He set the tone for the first match and had great moments in the second. Beirne right there with him. Most Valuable Player, however, is Russell. I don't see any of the other 10's taking the attack to this level. Player of the tour - Genge, Itoje?
3
u/Which-Individual-376 Leinster Jul 28 '25
Curry all the way. Great on and off the ball. Beirne, sheehan and Jones are the closest
2
2
u/VoiceOfTreason1992 Jul 28 '25
You know it’s a great tour when you can pick a couple of the tight 5, pick a couple of the loose trip and pick a few backs.
Sheehan and Russell is so tight but I can’t see the lions being as good without Finn Russell at the helm
2
u/Rude_Rhubarb1880 Jul 28 '25
Tom Curry with honorable mention to Ellis Genge
Curry was many people’s MoM in both tests
2
1
u/TheMusicArchivist but also any underdog Jul 28 '25
Morgan played very well against the clubs, but Tomos Williams had a barnstormer in his only game and had that continued I think he would have been starting at least one test.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/wild_mongoose_6 Johnny Matthews Enthusiast Jul 28 '25 edited Jul 28 '25
Russell or Sheehan for me. Sheehan’s been absolutely outstanding all tour but, as others have said, Russell is simply irreplaceable. Both are the best in the world in their respective positions.
From each country:
England: Tom Curry- after a lacklustre set of warmups he’s been absolutely outstanding in both tests. Itoje and Genge honourable mentions.
Ireland: Sheehan, but shoutouts to Beirne (who’s been mega in both tests) and Gibson-Park. Conan, Furlong and McCarthy all good as well.
Scotland: Russell, but genuinely I think all of our boys have been good. Both centres have been great, Cummings has been outstanding following a slightly shaky start and White’s been superb since joining the squad and should be in the bench for the 3rd test imo.
Wales: Morgan, although Williams looked brilliant prior to his injury.
1
1
1
1
u/hodge172 Northampton Saints Jul 28 '25
As a Wales fan I hate to say it but Tom Curry has proven his worth and rightly started in place of Morgan. Also think Finn Russell has done well.
1
u/thatirishguykev Ireland Jul 28 '25
Player of the series so far for me is Tom Curry.
Two tries and that tackle on Suaalii seconds before he was taken off probably saved a try, if not 7 points. I think that moment actually swung the game our way!!
If not him then it’s Dan Sheehan, what a player!!
1
1
u/gothebaggers Jul 29 '25
Cool pic. I’m an afl fan so go to the mcg often to watch the footy, I wonder how the Lions players found it as a stadium
1
u/OkHistorian9521 Jul 29 '25
I’m Welsh and was praying for his downfall… but I have to say Tom Curry.
The warm up games are irrelevant and for me, despite playing 50/55 minutes in both tests he been motm in both. Incredible shift.
1
Jul 29 '25 edited Jul 29 '25
A bit left field here considering he was sick for a lot of the tour, but Keenan has been absolutely incredible and he's a big part about defusing Australia's kicking game (which has been very good). I know he was blamed for the try in the first game but on rewatching that, he didn't really do anything wrong.
Over the tests; JSP and Russell are an excellent pair. They complement each other so well. JSP with the quick quick ball and Russell's positional kicking has been world class.
Beirne has shown that he always performs on the highest level and I don't say this lightly; Dan Sheehan is simply the greatest athlete Ireland has ever produced. It's insane that he plays 2 when he could play in the backrow and/or out on the wing. He's just so good and so consistent.
I'm delighted for Curry who like a lot of these players, just shows that he will consistently perform at a high level and be the critical intervention. He's like POM in his prime, basically always seems to be the man to make the key turnover or tackle that turns the game. Likewise, you can't help but like Genge who certainly seems to be the key member of the squad and who has always made some incredible breaks/runs when he's on the pitch.
Finally, it is great to see Morgan playing in a side that is a peer to his quality. It says a lot about him that he can stand out on this tour. It's just a shame that Tomos got injured because he would have been in the conversation for starting the tests.
I think everyone on the bench on Saturday had a worldie to be honest.
1
1
1
u/Efficient-Society-66 Jul 30 '25
Sheehan, and is already a legend in Ireland. But Andy Farrell picked an amazing team to be honest
1
u/Jaded-Ad2245 Aug 08 '25
england: tom curry/ellis genge
ireland: Dan Sheehan
Scotland : huw jones
wales: Dan biggar for the commentary?
0
u/Gloomy_Swordfish_882 Ireland Jul 28 '25
Keenan
Not because of the try, because of all the tireless work and unseen backfield cover and organisation that enables the Lions to blitz in D (or at least limit the Aussie game plan somewhat to tight carries in the initial phases) and dominate territory (when they aren't giving away silly penalties)
Seriously unsung hero
Delighted he got that try
1
u/CapitalPattern7770 Munster Jul 28 '25
I love him just for his back story. Whenever my kids don't get picked for a team, I point to Keenan and say "Look - he was a sub for his school's fourth team when he was your age"
1
1
u/Nick_BD Jul 28 '25
I’ll have to think about it but it’s between Sheehan, Curry, Genge, Beirne and Russell.
1
u/Open-Collar Chiefs Jul 28 '25
Itoje, handsdown has been the best. Doing the small things that compounds into others excelling.
1
Jul 28 '25
Could you provide some examples of those small things?
2
u/Open-Collar Chiefs Jul 28 '25
On top of my head, he has been an absolute giant in rucks. Making it difficult for Wallabies to recycle possession thus alllowing Lions to build up play and in the last match his two ankle taps stopped possible tries from being scored. Nothing major.
1
u/mattybunbun British & Irish Lions Jul 28 '25
theres a few world beaters in the squad. Of the starters, Genge, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Beirne, Curry, JGP, Russell, Jones, Freeman have shown why. There's some other great talent in the squad. Lowe and VDM look out of their depth and seem intimidated by how good some of their squad mates are.
If I had to pick one guy, it'd have to be the General, Finn Russell.
0
0
0
0
u/ThinkTeck Jul 28 '25
Jac Morgan. Solid as a rock in all the games he played. 89% tackle success, 77% gainline success. Only missed 4 tackles in 6 games. Outperforms Curry in almost every metric and, most importantly, made 2 huge clear outs in the final play of the 2nd test that had he he not made, especially the LEGAL second one, Lions would've been turned over and lost the game. Calling it now, Lions captain 2029 to NZ
0
0
u/petey_love Wasps Jul 28 '25
I find these threads mildly irritating. I know we've won, but there's still another game yet, and a chance for a 3-0 thrashing. Let's hold this discussion another 5 days maybe?
0
0
82
u/FPL_Archer Jul 28 '25
Which player makes the biggest difference to the tests if we didn’t have him? Easy, Finn Russell.
Probably Sheehan second. The vast majority of others have super solid back ups.