British & Irish Lions vs Japan, 26 June

                     
BRITISH & IRISH LIONS v JAPAN
Saturday 26th June
3:00pm KO
BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Channel 4 Live

Referee: Pascal Gaüzère
Assistant Referees: Romain Poite, Pierre Brousset
TMO: Eric Gauzins

TEAMS:

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS:

15. Liam Williams (Scarlets, Wales) #833
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #824
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby, Ireland)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)
10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, Wales) #821
09. Conor Murray (Munster Rugby, Ireland) #790

01. Rory Sutherland (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland)
02. Ken Owens (Scarlets, Wales) #829
03. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #818
04. Iain Henderson (Ulster Rugby, Ireland) #808
05. Alun Wyn Jones – Captain (Ospreys, Wales) #761
06. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby, Ireland)
07. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys, Wales) #786
08. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby, Ireland)

16. Jamie George (Saracens, England) #819
17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, Wales)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England) #814
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, England) #826
20. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, Wales) #779
21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
22. Owen Farrell (Saracens, England) #780
23. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, England) #816

JAPAN:

15. Ryohei YAMANAKA
14. Kotaro MATSUSHIMA
13. Timothy LAFAELE
12. Ryoto NAKAMURA
11. Siosaia FIFITA
10. Yu TAMURA
09. Kaito SHIGENO

08. Amanaki Lelei MAFI
07. Pieter LABUSCHAGNE
06. Michael LEITCH (c)
05. James MOORE
04. Wimpie VAN DER WALT
03. Jiwon KOO
02. Atsushi SAKATE
01. Keita INAGAKI

16. Kosuke HORIKOSHI
17. Craig MILLAR
18. Asaeli Ai VALU
19. Jack CORNELSEN
20. Kazuki HIMENO
21. Tevita TATAFU
22. Naoto SAITO
23. Rikiya MATSUDA

COMMENTARY:

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named 21 uncapped players in a 52-man training squad – his first squad announcement since the 2019 World Cup – ahead of the nation’s historic clash with the British and Irish Lions in June. The Brave Blossoms are scheduled to face the Lions at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on June 26 in what will be the first-ever clash between the two sides.

Joseph has called on a mix of his 2019 World Cup stars, uncapped players, homegrown talent and foreign imports to prepare for the match. 21 members of the World Cup squad, such as standout wing Kotaro Matsushima and captain Michael Leitch, have been recalled back into the training camp.

18 of those players were part of the match day side that featured in Japan’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance in Tokyo two years ago, a match the Brave Blossoms lost 26-3 to eventual champions South Africa.

Among the cohort of uncapped prospects included in Joseph’s enlarged squad, there are a raft of names that will be familiar to Super Rugby fans.

Former Highlanders prop Craig Millar, who moved to Japan to join the Sunwolves in 2018, is one such player, as are ex-Blues lock Liaki Moli. The pair join the likes of former Hurricanes lock Mark Abbott, ex-Southern Kings midfielder Shane Gates and experienced outside back Gerhard van den Heever as uncapped foreigners who have completed residency requirements in order to become eligible for Japan.

All five players have subsequently been named in Joseph’s squad, as have three Australian youngsters – Dylan Riley, Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter – who are all one step closer to switching their allegiance to Japan.

Other notable uncapped players to have earned selection include those who have starred in the domestic Top League competition.

Tongan-born Kobelco Steelers No 8 Lui Naeata, who stands at 1.93m and 118kg, has been a dominant force for the reigning Top League champions since joining the club in 2018. As a result, the 27-year-old has been handed a maiden call-up to the national side and will compete with Highlanders star Kazuki Himeno, Canon Eagles powerhouse Amanaki Mafi and Suntory Sungoliath behemoth Tevita Tatafu for a place at the back of the scrum.

Likewise, halfback Naoto Saito has been in fine form while working in tandem with Beauden Barrett as halves partners at Suntory Sungoliath this season, and the 23-year-old is one of three scrumhalves in line for a potential test debut.

Based on the performances he has seen throughout the Top League this season, Joseph said he was “excited” for his side’s chances in the upcoming fixture, even if it has been 18 months since Japan last played a test match.

“It’s been a long time coming since our last squad announcement and I am very excited about our upcoming challenge against the British and Irish Lions,” he said in a statement.

“It will be a very special occasion for the team to play the Lions for the first time ever. Announcing this squad is the first step in our preparation.

“The 2021 Top League has produced some great team performances and the competition between the teams is a lot closer than past years which is great for the development of the game in Japan.”

Joseph added the Lions clash presents his uncapped players with a chance to prove their worth on the test scene following the departures of former senior players.

Two days after the announcement of the final squad to travel to the Scottish capital, the selected players will assemble for a 12-day training camp in Beppu, Oita between May 26 and June 8.

The Brave Blossoms will then play a warm-up match against a Sunwolves select in Shizuoka on June 12 before flying out to Scotland on June 16.

Go on then, here's a Lions XV to get us started:

1.Mako 2.George 3.Fagerson 4.AWJ 5.Itoje 6.Curry 7.Watson 8. Faletau 9.Price 10.Farrell 11.Duhan 12.Aki 13.Harris 14.LRZ 15.Williams

Tried to rest players involved in the sharp end of the season, and play those who could use some minutes at this level.

Go Lions!!

This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Nice to hear it's not just us who are upset about selection.

I would really like to see a young, talented Japanese side give this a lash so I hope Joseph is adventurous.

Looking forward to making the trip to Edinburgh & also finding out this week if we're lucky enough for our tickets to allow us in!

funnyExiledScot wrote:Go on then, here's a Lions XV to get us started:

1.Mako 2.George 3.Fagerson 4.AWJ 5.Itoje 6.Curry 7.Watson 8. Faletau 9.Price 10.Farrell 11.Duhan 12.Aki 13.Harris 14.LRZ 15.Williams

Tried to rest players involved in the sharp end of the season, and play those who could use some minutes at this level.

Can probably take out Curry. Likely to be playing for Sale the weekend before in the playoffs. Would not be surprised to see Beirne or Lawes at BS instead.

Otherwise, would agree with that side FES

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

They also picked a Japanese born lock forward who's smaller than most centres playing in europe.

AWJ won't be the most underpowered lock on the field for once then

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Joseph isn't getting that much criticism at home. Everyone understands how strange this year has been, and how little time Joseph has had with his team. He was stuck in New Zealand for much of the season, and unable to closely monitor any players. This squad seems designed to do a specific, short term job, with little preparation. There is a wide expectation he will bring in more of the younger players in Autumn, when he has a six week training window. If he doesn't, then that's when you are more likely to hear rumblings of discontent.

BamBam wrote:AWJ won't be the most underpowered lock on the field for once then

He never is, he's over 19 stone. He has lost his pace though.

mikey_dragon wrote:

BamBam wrote:AWJ won't be the most underpowered lock on the field for once then

He never is, he's over 19 stone. He has lost his pace though.

He had pace? Weight also doesn’t equal power

I can't see Jones last 3 tests of 80 mins should he even start. There'll be at least 2 captains over the main games.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

And yet another thread gets taken over by the continuous & pettiness running down of AWJ. We get it, certain people don't feel he should tour, let alone be captain but for the love of God let it go! Stop turning every Lions thread into this pointless back n fore.

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

They are all Japan-qualified but they are not all Japanese. For instance, Michael Leitch is Japanese. While Koo Ji-won has lived in Japan since he was two (he was born in South Korea), he only naturalized recently, in 2019. Wimpie van der Walt is one of several players in the squad without Japanese citizenship. Taking citizenship in Japan is a big step as, at least in theory, you are required to renounce any other citizenships.

It became a talking point during John Kirwan's tenure as Japan coach. Like most international coaches, Kirwan was keen to select whoever he could, regardless of nationality. Club teams in Japan had really started recruiting heavily from overseas, and so Kirwan found a larger pool of foreign-born, Japan-qualified players. Casual rugby supporters were surprised to see all the non-Japanese names, because residency qualification was an unfamiliar concept.

When Kirwan's team had a poor World Cup, Eddie Jones made a point of promising he would select more local players. In fact, he went back on that quite quickly. However, success bought him, and the players, a lot of goodwill. The same goes for Jamie Joseph.

Nationality and eligibility can throw up a few surprises. When Quade Cooper tried out for the Australian Olympic Sevens team, it turned out he wasn't eligible, as he only had a New Zealand passport. He had to apply for citizenship on the hurry. The All Black sevens programme had similar issue with some of their players.

I would suggest the talk about who plays in the Lions and captains them is actual quite important myself.

No 7&1/2 wrote:I would suggest the talk about who plays in the Lions and captains them is actual quite important myself.

It is, however there are correct ways of discussing it. Oakdene’s last line is spot on from my POV, that there can’t be the back and forth nonsense that went on this afternoon.

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

You're right, Van den Heever always dreamt of playing for Japan when he signed as a project player for Munster...

No 7&1/2 wrote:I would suggest the talk about who plays in the Lions and captains them is actual quite important myself.

It is important, but when it ends up with snide remarks being made against the player it doesn't feel so important does it? If you, or anyone else, want to keep beating the same drum why not create a single thread where you can keep all the childish remarks?

I can't believe I have to say it again but this a discussion forum for rugby. It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

No 7&1/2 wrote:I can't believe I have to say it again but this a discussion forum for rugby. It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

I didn't say it was childish to discuss Lions selections, it's the repeated childish remarks aimed at one player time & time again, thread after thread.

No 7&1/2 wrote:It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

Oh the irony.

You don't rate AWJ though, we all know this, fine, thats your opinion, but Oakdene is correct beating the same drum on every Lions thread, and childish remarks is dragging this place down.

LordDowlais wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

Oh the irony.

You don't rate AWJ though, we all know this, fine, thats your opinion, but Oakdene is correct beating the same drum on every Lions thread, and childish remarks is dragging this place down.

You do realise that is exactly the same thing that you and Mikey do, as soon as there is any criticism of AWJ the pair of you jump in with an equal amount of childishness.

It's the first thing I have typed on this thread.

Oakdene wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:I can't believe I have to say it again but this a discussion forum for rugby. It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

I didn't say it was childish to discuss Lions selections, it's the repeated childish remarks aimed at one player time & time again, thread after thread.

I assume you're talking about the jokey comment by Bam then? Though shalt not use humour.

LordDowlais wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

Oh the irony.

You don't rate AWJ though, we all know this, fine, thats your opinion, but Oakdene is correct beating the same drum on every Lions thread, and childish remarks is dragging this place down.

No childish comments from me about him. And again it's not that I don't think he's a good player. You presumably disagree with my comment that he's unlikely to play 80 mins plus in the 3 tests then?

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:I can't believe I have to say it again but this a discussion forum for rugby. It's not childish to talk about Lions selections.

I didn't say it was childish to discuss Lions selections, it's the repeated childish remarks aimed at one player time & time again, thread after thread.

I assume you're talking about the jokey comment by Bam then? Though shalt not use humour.

The thing is one comment might be jokey, but it's not just one is it? I'm sure if you look through the other Lions threads there are more comments, heck there are 2 on here alone by Bam.

And zero from me.

No 7&1/2 wrote:And zero from me.

I didn't say you had made any.

Rugby Fan wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

They are all Japan-qualified but they are not all Japanese. For instance, Michael Leitch is Japanese. While Koo Ji-won has lived in Japan since he was two (he was born in South Korea), he only naturalized recently, in 2019. Wimpie van der Walt is one of several players in the squad without Japanese citizenship. Taking citizenship in Japan is a big step as, at least in theory, you are required to renounce any other citizenships.

It became a talking point during John Kirwan's tenure as Japan coach. Like most international coaches, Kirwan was keen to select whoever he could, regardless of nationality. Club teams in Japan had really started recruiting heavily from overseas, and so Kirwan found a larger pool of foreign-born, Japan-qualified players. Casual rugby supporters were surprised to see all the non-Japanese names, because residency qualification was an unfamiliar concept.

When Kirwan's team had a poor World Cup, Eddie Jones made a point of promising he would select more local players. In fact, he went back on that quite quickly. However, success bought him, and the players, a lot of goodwill. The same goes for Jamie Joseph.

Nationality and eligibility can throw up a few surprises. When Quade Cooper tried out for the Australian Olympic Sevens team, it turned out he wasn't eligible, as he only had a New Zealand passport. He had to apply for citizenship on the hurry. The All Black sevens programme had similar issue with some of their players.

Mate, nationality is not defined by citizenship. Just as with citizenship, you can have multi-nationalities.

And, remember, you're discussing this with a Welshman. My nationality is Welsh, but I can't have Welsh citizenship.

Hence, they are all Japanese.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

You're right, Van den Heever always dreamt of playing for Japan when he signed as a project player for Munster...

Oh, you think nationality isn't a choice that you can make as an adult.

I feel sorry for people who think that way.

There's only one way to settle this.

I will be the Lions captain.

But I'm only doing it for you guys.

George Carlin wrote:There's only one way to settle this.

I will be the Lions captain.

But I'm only doing it for you guys.

But you have to prove you can play a full 80mins for the Lions first.

LordDowlais wrote:

George Carlin wrote:There's only one way to settle this.

I will be the Lions captain.

But I'm only doing it for you guys.

But you have to prove you can play a full 80mins for the Lions first.

3 times!

In all seriousness I know that certain former Lions have come out & said this match is about money etc, for me it is a chance for fans, who may not ever be able to afford to see the Lions abroad, to actually see the side. It won't be a full strength Lions but it will still be a cracking occasion & I'm looking forward to, hopefully, being allowed in!

Oakdene wrote:In all seriousness I know that certain former Lions have come out & said this match is about money etc, for me it is a chance for fans, who may not ever be able to afford to see the Lions abroad, to actually see the side. It won't be a full strength Lions but it will still be a cracking occasion & I'm looking forward to, hopefully, being allowed in!

Couldn't have said it better. I am looking forward to this game.

PhilBB wrote:Oh, you think nationality isn't a choice that you can make as an adult.

Not all choices are equal, however.

The singer Rina Sawayama has lived in Britain since she was 5. She went through school here, and then university in Cambridge. She is widely thought of as a British artist but she doesn't qualify for the Mercury Prize because she isn't British. Both her parents are Japanese, so she is Japanese. While she could apply for British citizenship, Japan doesn't recognize dual citizenship, and would require her to renounce her Japanese citizenship. Since all her relatives are in Japan, that's not a decision she wants to take.

It is her decision not to take British nationality. However, if an American artist was in the same position, it would not be an issue, as the United States recognizes dual nationality.

Also, you mention the word "adult". In rugby, you can be captured for a country by turning out for them at Under-20 level. Famously, that stopped Steve Shingler representing Scotland. Meanwhile, in Japan, until a very recent law change, you don't become an adult until the age of 20. Rugby thinks you can decide your nationality as young as 18. Japanese law doesn't think you can do so until you are 20.

LordDowlais wrote:

George Carlin wrote:There's only one way to settle this.

I will be the Lions captain.

But I'm only doing it for you guys.

But you have to prove you can play a full 80mins for the Lions first.

Not at all. My World Class Reputation will overcome any concerns over fitness, fatness, age, lack of ability and poor discipline.

George Carlin wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

George Carlin wrote:There's only one way to settle this.

I will be the Lions captain.

But I'm only doing it for you guys.

But you have to prove you can play a full 80mins for the Lions first.

Not at all. My World Class Reputation will overcome any concerns over fitness, fatness, age, lack of ability and poor discipline.

You really shouldn’t offer up such obvious open goals Mr GC

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

You're right, Van den Heever always dreamt of playing for Japan when he signed as a project player for Munster...

Oh, you think nationality isn't a choice that you can make as an adult.

I feel sorry for people who think that way.

They aren't choosing a nationality, they are choosing what is best to secure a professional contract and who can blame them. There are very few spots available in club rugby for foreign players across the globe. Thankfully that is changing with the ever expanding MLR and Japan's new leagues.

Probably more suitbale here than the England thread as that seems to be more a development set of games while I suspect Tuilagi will high on the replacement list for the Lions.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/25/manu-tuilagi-to-return-for-sale-against-bristol-after-eight-month-layoff-british-and-irish-lions

Returning to the bench this weekend and if he shows any sort of form could make a huge impact in SA. Still not entirely sure whether Gatland has wriggle room in the squad for returning players or whether the current limit is there until someone drops out injured.

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

You're right, Van den Heever always dreamt of playing for Japan when he signed as a project player for Munster...

Oh, you think nationality isn't a choice that you can make as an adult.

I feel sorry for people who think that way.

Drivel. So I can just decide to be Slovenian?

No 7&1/2 wrote:Probably more suitbale here than the England thread as that seems to be more a development set of games while I suspect Tuilagi will high on the replacement list for the Lions.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/25/manu-tuilagi-to-return-for-sale-against-bristol-after-eight-month-layoff-british-and-irish-lions

Returning to the bench this weekend and if he shows any sort of form could make a huge impact in SA. Still not entirely sure whether Gatland has wriggle room in the squad for returning players or whether the current limit is there until someone drops out injured.

That Guardian feature reads as close to a propaganda piece written by an agent than anything I've seen this year.

George Carlin wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Probably more suitbale here than the England thread as that seems to be more a development set of games while I suspect Tuilagi will high on the replacement list for the Lions.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/25/manu-tuilagi-to-return-for-sale-against-bristol-after-eight-month-layoff-british-and-irish-lions

Returning to the bench this weekend and if he shows any sort of form could make a huge impact in SA. Still not entirely sure whether Gatland has wriggle room in the squad for returning players or whether the current limit is there until someone drops out injured.

That Guardian feature reads as close to a propaganda piece written by an agent than anything I've seen this year.

“Manu’s in great shape ... he looks massive,” said Sanderson. “Not out of shape massive, just strong as a bull. I had to stop him running because he was just running through the lads in the live tackling. It’s really exciting to see. He looked scary out there, scarily powerful.”

If it were anyone else I'd point and laugh but Tuilagi has made a career out of it. You could say Sanderson is bound to say that but you see plenty of coaches trying to downplay impact. As ever with Tuilagi it's not his ability but durability. I can certainly see him coming in and making a huge positive contribution.

George Carlin wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

George Carlin wrote:There's only one way to settle this.

I will be the Lions captain.

But I'm only doing it for you guys.

But you have to prove you can play a full 80mins for the Lions first.

Not at all. My World Class Reputation will overcome any concerns over fitness, fatness, age, lack of ability and poor discipline.

I'm backing you George. A Lions captain from Ayr is frankly long overdue, and as a lawyer I'm sure you'll have Warburton-esque influence over the ref (AKA asking the ref why he keeps penalising Mako at the scrum).

Soul Requiem wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

You're right, Van den Heever always dreamt of playing for Japan when he signed as a project player for Munster...

Oh, you think nationality isn't a choice that you can make as an adult.

I feel sorry for people who think that way.

Drivel. So I can just decide to be Slovenian?

Ever heard of Aaron Cook?

lostinwales wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

PhilBB wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:This Japanese squad cause quite a stir in Japan with the amount of journeymen "foreign" players selected, especially in the backs where Japan shouldn't have to rely foreign players for their bulk, like in the pack. Joseph was accused of selecting the heaviest squad he could in order to appease the Lions in their prep to face SA and when you see the likes of van den Heever and Gates, selected ahead of Japanese talent I can see why they were frustrated.

Mate, they are all Japanese

Stop with this ethnicity drivel.

You're right, Van den Heever always dreamt of playing for Japan when he signed as a project player for Munster...

Oh, you think nationality isn't a choice that you can make as an adult.

I feel sorry for people who think that way.

Drivel. So I can just decide to be Slovenian?

Ever heard of Aaron Cook?

Indeed, although it was a case that Moldova paid for his services. Not sure anyone is going to be calling him Moldovan*.

*assume that's the correct term.

Not holding out much hope for our tickets being some of the lucky ones, thought we would have heard by now. Hey-ho will still be a good weekend up in Edinburgh.