Some big, big calls…
The time has passed. The clock struck 12 pm and the announcement was made. 11 Irish. 12 Welsh. 16 English. 2 Scottish.
Warren Gatland’s 41-man Lions Squad has been revealed and there were a couple of surprises on the list, especially following all the rumours that emerged about the squad over the last 24 hours.
As expected England have the strongest representation in the squad following their back-to-back Six Nations titles, with Wales and Ireland being strongly represented as well.
Although we’re sure that Scotland will feel aggrieved at their relatively paltry inclusions of Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour, considering they beat both Ireland and Wales in this year’s Six Nations.
Ireland are the third most represented in the squad, but the omission of Simon Zebo from the squad has raised more than a few eyebrows, with the Munster man expected to travel after a decent Six Nations and the feather in his cap that he can cover both wing and fullback.
Donnacha Ryan and Garry Ringrose were also names bandied about as potential late bolters for the squad with Ryan in terrific form over the past couple of months. It may be that Jared Payne’s surprise inclusion edged Ringrose down the pecking order slightly.
Other inclusions that caused a stir were Ross Moriarty at eight, but given his versatility in what should be an abrasive tour, the decision makes a lot more sense and Ben Te’o.
Former Leinster centre Te’o also made the squad despite only switching to Rugby Union three years ago, while the explosive Jamie George and Kyle Sinckler have the amusing honour of being selected, despite never starting a game for England.
It seems that these were the key selections…
Lawes/Launchbury | Henderson/Ryan | Te'o/Williams | Payne/Ringrose | Seymour/Earls | Nowell/Zebo #LionsNZ2017
— Munster Haka (@MunsterHaka) April 19, 2017
No Simon Zebo…
Cant believe Zebo wasnt picked #LionsNZ2017
— Daniel 🇵🇸 (@daniel_breen123) April 19, 2017
Hard to argue with the majority of decisions but surely Zebo should be going #LionsNZ2017
— Daithí Boland (@dots_b) April 19, 2017
Would put money on that zebo will in the squad by the end of the tour 🦁 #LionsNZ2017
— Tadhg Reynolds (@tadhgreynolds) April 19, 2017
All is not lost for those not selected… expect injuries.
https://twitter.com/MarkymarkDaly/status/854664515065184256
You can’t please everyone…
If I'd change one player in the squad it would be – Ringrose for Davies #LionsNZ2017 #ireland
— Nick Eversfield (@NicholasEvo) April 19, 2017
People felt that Joe Launchbury can feel very, very aggrieved…
Taking donations to buy Joe Launchbury a ticket to NZ and an official tour shirt, cos I feel so strongly that he should go…. #LionsNZ2017
— E M M (@tickMattock182) April 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/NMackman/status/854664271569014784
https://twitter.com/thehman95/status/854664230418698240
As do the Scots…
https://twitter.com/jkameslly/status/854670676850089984
https://twitter.com/DaleMMcGovern/status/854670650249818112
https://twitter.com/dr_cwm/status/854657766631366656
