The Rugby Pod Episode 34 - Lions Squad Debrief and Fin Smith Joins the Pod
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May 13, 2025 Fin Smith, a promising fly-half for Northampton Saints and a newly selected British & Irish Lion, joins the discussion. He shares insights about his incredible journey, including the Saints’ impressive run to the Champions Cup Final. The hosts dissect the emotional highs and lows of the Lions squad selection, reflecting on surprises and strategic implications. With plenty of humor, they also touch on underdog triumphs in rugby and the excitement brewing for an upcoming live show. It’s a lively blend of analysis and camaraderie in the rugby world!
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Lions Tour & Scheduling Clash
- The Lions squad selection shows there is still huge global appetite for the Lions tour and the red jersey.
- Scheduling clashes with club finals threaten to devalue the Lions experience by diluting the touring squad with temporary replacements.
Doris’ Injury Impacts Captaincy
- Injuries to key players like Caelan Doris have shifted Lions captaincy to Maro Itoje.
- Doris’ injury is a significant loss, possibly hindering his captaincy opportunity.
Balanced Lions Squad Selection
- Andy Farrell has chosen a very balanced and informed Lions squad with few surprises.
- The captaincy choice of Maro Itoje is widely seen as strength given injuries to other leaders.