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Published 15:13 6 Jul 2021 BST
Updated 15:14 6 Jul 2021 BST
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"You're really talking through hypotheticals! I think anything is possible with Covid."Tandy, who is defence coach for the Lions, was also asked if the tourists would consider a 15 vs. 15 training match if the Bulls game, or any other warm-up game, had to be cancelled. "It'll depend on what point of the tour we’re at," he said.
"I think we’ll weigh up whether to give the boys an extra day off or a heavier loaded contact day. With Covid everything can move so quickly and change so quickly. It’s just seeing where the group is. We’ll adapt to that as we go along."With that in mind, we tried our hand at selecting two sets of 15s for a Lions Probables vs. Possibles training match. Both sides are stacked with quality players. On the latest episode of House of Rugby's Lions Series [LISTEN from 2:30 below], Sean O'Brien, Alex Goode and Tom Croft discussed who is already pressing solid cases for Test selections. Such a 15 vs. 15 hit-out could definitely provide Gatland and his coaches with Test selection clarity.
The Probables vs. Possibles is a remnant from the amateur rugby days, but some coaches have been known to crack it out to get a taste for their best XVs, and those that have what it takes in a white-hot and highly competitive atmosphere.
Back in 2017, Joe Schmidt assembled 40 players in Ireland camp at Carton House and ran 15 vs. 15 sessions as he put plans in place for what would be a stand-out 2018. Andy Farrell has done similar, but the matches do not extend to full-blown 80-minute affairs.
We have selected our Probables by going back to the Lions XV Pecking Order we have been using to chart player form, and standing, since late last year. These are the players we feel are in pole position for Test spots.
15. Liam Williams 14. Louis Rees-Zammit 13. Robbie Henshaw 12. Bundee Aki 11. Josh Adams 10. Dan Biggar 9. Conor Murray 1. Wyn Jones 2. Jamie George 3. Tadhg Furlong 4. Maro Itoje 5. Iain Henderson 6. Tadhg Beirne 7. Hamish Watson 8. Toby Faletau
The Possibles, then, are the best of the rest, and some combinations that are used to playing with each other.
A handful of the players listed below could still find themselves starting the First Test against South Africa, given how they fare over the coming weeks and what set-backs may befall others. It is another stacked XV.
15. Stuart Hogg 14. Anthony Watson 13. Chris Harris 12. Owen Farrell 11. Duhan van der Merwe 10. Finn Russell 9. Ali Price 1. Mako Vunipola 2. Ken Owens 3. Kyle Sinckler 4. Courtney Lawes 5. Adam Beard 6. Josh Navidi 7. Tom Curry 8. Jack ConanThat still leaves the likes of Rory Sutherland, Zander Fagerson, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jonny Hill, Sam Simmonds, Gareth Davies and Elliot Daly in reserve. If it comes to it - and it would probably take a couple of warm-up games falling by the wayside to happen - the Lions should record it all and include it as a bonus in the eventual tour DVD. It would be a gripping view.
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