Rugby

Ah well,not to be this year

Same here. Ran out of puff. Conditioning coaches will get a rocket. Quins were by far the better side in the end -fitter, more spark, bit more nasty (of the required type) too. Baldwin has made such a difference for them. They're mad to let him go next year. Kenningham has been excellent and Lynagh Jr looks like he's arrived.

Bit quizzical about that high shot on Siale at the end though. Made no difference to the result. And it would have been a shame to end on a red card. But they got that wrong.

Yep, I’ll give you those! Although both england qualified now!

Meanwhile, Benetton champions of Europe and SA... Thumped the Bulls. Great story.

I don't think Sale would have overcome Exeter with a full 15 for 80mins. Should be a good final though, Quins are excellent in attack, and Exeter in top gear are an incredible side to watch.

Missed AJ today. And Van de Merwe would maybe have cancelled out Cowan Dickie also (he was good today). Would have been a very tight game with those two - probably worth the 10pts between them?

Yep, soon as I saw both of them were out I had doubts, but all in, very pleased with the season, fingers crossed for next season.

The Prem next season will be ridiculous. You've got the top 4 from today + Sarries (or Ealing), a resurgent Tigers (Sinfield could be a blinding addition for them) and Cipriani at Baaaarth, Saints and Wasps are dangerous too, as are Irish and Falcons with their miserly defence. Worcester have signed some serious players. And obviously as always, next year will be Gloucester's year...

Top 4 could be a crapshoot from any of 6, even 7 teams.

Forgot about Saracens, aren't they about 100 points up after the 1st leg?
You're right, should be a cracking season, hopefully I may even get to a few games.

I'll be moving in down from the Wandle. Hope that means access to more games.

Where is coverage (catch-up) for the lions matches?

Can’t see it on itv or bbc but tricky searching without finding spoilers.

Channel 4, I think.

That final was insane! Great from Quins, Lynagh looks like a hell of a player, Smith is properly class, pleased for Care - plus Marchant on this form needs to get into the England team long-term...

Watched a couple of Quins games this season, that final score does not surprise me at all.

The Lions chances of victory went up considerably with the AWJ injury. Saves Gatland having to make the hard choice and put him out to pasture. With Vermeulen doubtful for the Boks the Lions are so far coming out better in the injury roulette.

Yup, that’s it! Thank you

Marcus Smith called up for the Lions in the middle of the England game...

Saw that, also enjoyed channel 4 coverage of match against Canada at Twickenham. Refreshing change to the Inverdale, Guscott, Davies vomit from the BBC.

Don’t forget Eddie Butler. Worse than Inverdale. Maybe not quite as bad as Guscott.

Eddie Butler

Ruins the Superbowl coverage on the Beeb every year too. Someone has obviously told him he’s some kind of poet or something, as he does those dreadful monologues over slow motion montages of the season’s action...

Also: Wesleeey Fofanaaa, or however he says it, and all the other overpronunciation of French names.

Ready for the 4th Test, everyone?

Faf could be in bother if the citing fella was actually watching that. He does that at least once a game, flying out with absolutely no technique. Surprised he's not been carded more. So much talent and obviously a good rugby brain, but loses it for a split second about every hour or so on the pitch. Weird.

Great game. Some close calls and dumb moves but overall great game. AND seeing a game again in a pub.

Some strange selections in the Bok Squad for the first Test.

The starting front row are a big worry, Jacques and Rassie appear to have banked on surviving the first 30 mins or so and then bringing on the first choice props just before half time. It's weird as Kitshoff is the best lose head in the world and can easily go 60-70 minutes, seems a waste not to squeeze as much time from him as possible.

Kwagga also doesn't convince at 8, Duane will be a huge loss, especially if the Lions get a lead.

9-15 is as per the WC and pretty much picks itself.

The bench is lacking in quality with both Elton and Herschel Jantjes out of form and Elstadt not really being test class. Loed is awesome but hasn't played in months.

Still think they have enough to take the series but Covid disruption and injuries now mean it's going to be a far closer series than first imagined.

Kwagga

Gotta love him but I'd prob stick to the blue print and pick some one bigger. I think picking someone his size opens up selection possibilities for the lions.

Being a 5'11 80kg openside when I played senior rugby I love a smaller backrow player. Much more comfortable picking Curry, Watson and a big 6 against 2 monsters and kwagger than against 3 monsters.