The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

Graham Simmons and our very own 2017 Lion James Haskell reunite to discuss the latest Lions lineup up against the mighty Invitational AUNZ in Adelaide. The lads dive into Andy Farrell’s selections, shuffling of the pack and the Lions 24-36 victory over the Brumbies. What’s key to improving the Lions breakdown? Which centre combo will make the first Test? Do the Wallabies have an ambush planned for the Lions? With Fin Smith at 10 and Owen Farrell on the bench, don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 📏 02:51 - It’s Not About Size: A New Back Row 🪑 03:58 - Owen On The Bench 🎯 08:15 - Test Spots Wide Open? 🃏 06:56 - A Hand Full of 7s? Shuffling The Pack 🔁 11:04 - Lions V Brumbies: Are We Stuck On Repeat? 🤼 15:06 - Get A Grip: The Breakdown 📦 19:46 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL ♟️ 24:50 - 3D Chess Masters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined in studio by Jonathan "Fox" Davies, a Lions legend who knows what it takes to win a series. We dissect the "very Test match feel" of the line-up for the Brumbies game and what it tells us about Farrell’s mindset going into the opening test. We delve into the crucial selection calls in the back row and centres, with Foxy offering fascinating insights from his own tours—including the infamous 2013 Brian O'Driscoll decision that placed him at the heart of one of the Lions' most controversial moments. And with Test week fast approaching, we reveal the ultimate first test week prep – what the pros really do. Foxy pulls back the curtain on how elite players gear up for the biggest stage. Plus, we recap England’s impressive win in Argentina—is the best English fly-half currently playing there? Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Strap in with Continental Tyres! 00:04:10 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England Shock Argentina 00:06:25 🧠 Is England’s Best Fly-Half Playing in ARGENTINA?! 00:12:59 🐉 "Foxy" Unleashes Truth on Wales 00:20:22 🦁 Is THIS the Lions Test Team We’ve Been Waiting For? 00:22:19 💥 The Back Row Debate  00:34:24 🎯 Simon Easterby’s Quiet Power 00:43:04 💪 The Ultimate First Test Week Prep – What the Pros REALLY Do 00:45:04 ⏰ What Top Players Do in the FINAL 24 Hours Before Kickoff 00:50:29 ❌ Brian O’Driscoll… DROPPED. Foxy’s side of the story. 00:56:18 🔵 Is Leinster Cohesion The Lions Winning Formula? 00:59:26 🏉 That Try Against the All Blacks  01:08:25 🇦🇺 Australia v Fiji re-cap 🦁Brisbane Live Show https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=wdHizTsDKESEyggGBlygMllXlDCLktVDgSrU_ZMU0ttUNThFMUxGU0wzRUxBRk5NRVQyRUdEQklPNC4u&route=shorturl 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British & Irish Lions survive Sydney with a slippery win against NSW Waratahs 10-21. Join Graham Simmons and former 2013 & 2017 Lion Jonathan Davies on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and "Foxy" reflect on a rough game, reacting to the Lions helter-skelter handling, striding set-piece, the Waratahs jackling prowess and what it’s like to be coached by Andy Farrell. Is this why Owen Farrell’s experience was called upon? Which combos will face the Brumbies next week? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's fourth match and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🤔 01:51 - Are The Lions Trying Too Hard? 💪 03:57 - Jackling GIANT Gamble ⚠️ 05:01 - Caution Wet Floor 🤯 07:50 - The Positives: Huw Jones is HUNGRY 📞 10:45 - Is This Why Owen Got The Call? 🛠️ 12:30 - How Foxy Would Fix It 🔥 17:30 - The Wallabies Want CHAOS 📦 22:00 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL 🧩 23:10 - Combos To Battle The Brumbies 🏉 26:00 - Life Under Andy Farrell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Simmons and 2013 & 2017 Lion Jonathan Davies discuss Owen Farrell’s monumental return to the British and Irish Lions, making him the 5th player EVER to partake in 4 tours.  "Simmo" and "Foxy" sink their teeth into Andy Farrell's freshly picked Lions XV poised to face the NSW Waratahs, as well as the Lions crushing 12-52 victory over the Reds. Is Owen match ready? Is Andy Farrell playing games with Joe Schmidt with a 6-2 bench? Can we see a first Test team emerging? With Tadhg Beirne at the helm and Blair Kinghorn joining the fray, don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up!   "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🫡 01:06 - Commiserations Elliot Daly 🦁 02:23 - Owen Farrell Is A Lion For THE 4TH TIME 🗞️ 07:17 - Managing The Press 🌳 09:06 - Lions XV Team Squad V NSW Waratahs... AKA The Shrubs 🤔 12:03 - Who Will Start The First Test? 🔍 19:50 - Reviewing The Reds Game: Is Farrell Toying With Schmidt? 📦 22:03 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL 💥 25:46 - Will The Bench Dictate All? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Settle in, Dream Team! This is one of GBR’s longest and most in-depth episodes, featuring Irish and Lions legend Conor Murray. Known for his humble demeanour and cool head amidst the storms of professional rugby, Murray, offers a truly insightful look back. He shares candid reflections on three British & Irish Lions tours and four Rugby World Cups. Discover the fascinating dynamic of playing alongside, the likes of Johnny Sexton & Owen Farrell. Plus, the team dives deep into the latest Lions tour action, injury updates, and genius of Andy Farrell and Joe Schmidt. Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Meet Conor Murray 00:04:14 🔁 R360 Update 00:27:21 🦁 2013: First Time Lion 00:30:17🏉 2017: Lions No.9 00:35:24🤝 Playing with Sexton & Farrell 00:42:00 🔴 Captaining the Lions 00:51:00👋 Leaving Munster 01:03:16🌱 Peter O'Mahony: Lawn Perfectionist 01:06:05🕊 Axel Foley Tribute 01:10:00☘️ Greatest Days in Green 01:15:00🏆 Winning Down Under 01:18:45💔 World Cup Hurt 01:23:34🦁 Lions Team v Reds ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British & Irish Lions strike hot on Australian soil with a sizzling 7-54 victory against Western Force in Perth. Join Graham Simmons and former Lion Hamish Watson on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the rugby. "Simmo" and “Mish rip into the action, reacting to the Lions blitz defence, restarts, the power of Pollock and the flair of Fin Russell. With Tomos Williams sustaining a hamstring injury, will Farrell be calling up another 9? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's second match and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres ⚡️ 01:09 - An Electric Start For The Lions 📋 05:05 - Work Ons: Restarts, Discipline, Territory 🔮 09:21 - A Sign Of Things To Come? 😤 10:46 - FEAR The Bench 🧑‍⚖️ 12:05 - Ben O'Keeffe’s Referee Game 🚑 14:42 - Dial 999: Tomos Williams Injured? 🔟 16:24 - Fin Russell FLAIR 📦 18:42 - The Total Package, Delivered By DHL ⚖️ 25:51 - How Does Farrell Weight Up This Win? 🧪28:04 - Picking The Perfect Combo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Simmons and 2021 Lion Hamish Watson dive into Andy Farrell's greatly anticipated second British & Irish Lions XV for the 2025 Tour. With Western Force poised to strike, the lads dissect the selections, the battle for test spots, and Farrell’s key selection changes made since Dublin. Has Farrell got the chemistry right? Massive moments await as Dan Sheehan debuts as captain and Pollock starts at 8. Don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era heats up! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres #Rugby #Podcast 🛞 00:00 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 🦁 01:39 - Farrell’s Second Lions XV UNPICKED 🔍 06:44 - Broader Picture: Who Haven’t We Seen Yet? 🧪 10:23 - Blend Of The Back Row 🧠 13:05 - Memory Lane: Watson’s 2021 Lions Tour TRY 🤝 19:00 - Bonded By The Jersey 🤔 22:10 - Why Won’t Joe Schmidt Release Players? 🃏 27:00 - The Lions Top Trump Card 💪 28:26 - Power Of The Bench Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are honoured to host the inspirational Finlay Calder OBE, captain of the iconic 1989 British & Irish Lions! Prepare for a journey back to one of rugby's most legendary tours. Finlay, a man known for being "as hard as granite but famously humble," opens up about the raw truth behind the Lions' historic feat: coming from 1-0 down to win the series in Australia, a record that still stands. Hear the incredible inside story of the "Battle of Ballymore," the pivotal "if you step down, I step down" moment that cemented his leadership, and the crucial changes that transformed a defeated team into winners. Finlay shares candid insights into his "old school, fire and brimstone" captaincy, the unique camaraderie forged amidst fierce competition, and the mercurial talent of Jerry Guscott, whom he hails as the "most influential man in Lions rugby." Finlay's Lions account is packed with rugby folklore, leadership lessons, and emotional reflections on his greatest moment in the game. Plus, hear his advice for current Lions captain Maro Itoje and who is the greatest of the Lions leaders. Season 5 is Sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🛞 Meet the Legend 00:04:11 🔴 Becoming Lions Captain 00:07:59 🔥 The First Test 00:13:30 🍩Donal’s Donuts 00:15:14 🥲Finlay’s attempted resignation 00:17:05 🧱Jerry Guscottt selected for 2nd test. 00:30:13 🩸The Battle of Ballymore 00:38:43 🦘The Decider 00:53:03 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Mighty Mouse Tribute ⌚WOB Group Competition - https://forms.gle/FgVKoWvgCQB7b4PL7 🦁O’Neill’s Live Show - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbr-x-oneills-mens-lions-preview-show-tickets-1408518439569?aff=oddtdtcreator 🇦🇺Sydney Live Show https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby-%E2%80%93-live-show/181667?previewId=A6935A80-427F-11F0-B10D-EFE2262313DD 🧡 GBR Tour https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-good-the-bad-the-rugby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The British & Irish Lions' tour started with a jolt as Argentina pulled off a stunning 24-28 victory in Dublin. Join Graham Simmons and former Lion Shane Horgan on The Quick Tap as they dissect the good, the bad & the Rugby. "Simmo" and "Shaggy" pull no punches, reacting to Andy Farrell's "unacceptable" comments and the Lions' disjointed performance. Was just early tour rust? Don't miss this analysis of the tour's rocky start and what it means for the path to the Wallabies series. "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, and went on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. The Quick Tap is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:02:00 😡 Andy Farrell's Unfiltered Reaction 00:08:39 🦁 What Went Right? 00:17:00 🤔 The Owen Farrell Question: Should He Join Squad? 00:18:00 🦘 Western Force Enters the Equation 00:20:00 🎣 Shane's Pollock Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lions guru Graham Simmons and 2005 Lion Shane Horgan sink their teeth into Andy Farrell's hotly anticipated first British & Irish Lions XV for the 2025 Tour. With Argentina standing in their way in Dublin, the lads dissect the selections, the battle for test spots, and why the Pumas will be flying into this game like players possessed. From Tadhg Furlong's fitness to the emotional weight of pulling on that red jersey, we explore the immense pressure and unique alchemy of the Lions' opening act. Don't miss this crucial breakdown as the 2025 Lions era officially begins! "Simmo" worked for 25 years as Sky Sports' rugby union reporter, working on 5 Lions Tours. He also spent a decade broadcasting on their golf coverage from Ryder Cups and US Opens to USPGAs. GBR's Lions Coverage is sponsored by Continental Tyres 00:00:00 🚗 - Strap in with Continental Tyres 00:03:30 🦁 - Farrell's First Lions XV Unveiled 00:04:30 🩺 - Tadhg Furlong's Fitness Under Spotlight 00:10:06 🔥 - Argentina Bring "Players Possessed" Mentality 00:13:38 😨 - Lions Loss in Opening Game: A Potential "Disaster”? 00:15:42 🤝 - Aki and Tuipulotu Partnership 00:21:49 ❤️ - What pulling on the Red Lions Jersey Means 00:25:06 ⏱️ - Immense Pressure in Limited Game Time 00:32:03 📣 - Dublin Ready to Roar #Rugby #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices