As the British and Irish Lions gear up for their next tour, rugby enthusiasts worldwide are speculating about what a reversed Lions team might look like. Instead of selecting players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, imagine a squad comprised of the best talent from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia.
Building the Reversed Lions Squad
The selection of players for this hypothetical reversed Lions team would be a fascinating process. As the reigning world champions and the number one side in the world, the Springboks would undoubtedly form the core of the squad.
South Africa’s victory in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups is a testament to their incredible depth of talent and winning mentality.
A Formidable Front Row
In the front row, the Springboks’ Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Frans Malherbe would provide a formidable scrummaging unit. Nche’s destructive power, Marx’s dynamic ball carrying, and Malherbe’s work rate would lay a solid foundation for the team.
Physicality in the Second Row
The second row would feature the most physical lock pairing in world rugby, with Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert bringing their trademark aggression and physicality to the pack.
A Dynamic Back Row
The back row for this reversed Lions would blend the best of South African and New Zealand talent. Siya Kolisi, the inspirational Springbok captain, would lead the team from the openside flanker position. He would be joined by the tireless Pieter-Steph du Toit, renowned for his incredible tackle count, and the dynamic Ardie Savea, who would bring his explosive ball carrying to the number 8 role.
Halfback Partnership
At halfback, the livewire Faf de Klerk would partner with the experienced Handre Pollard, providing a perfect mix of energy and game management.
A Potent Reversed Lions Backline
The backline for this reversed Lions would feature a potent combination of speed, skill, and power, with Cheslin Kolbe and Will Jordan offering blistering pace on the wings, Lukhanyo Am and Jordie Barrett forming a formidable midfield, and Argentina’s Emiliano Boffelli providing a reliable boot and solid defense at fullback.
Impact from the Bench
The bench for this reversed Lions team would be stacked with impact players, including All Blacks stars Codie Taylor, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, and Beauden Barrett, as well as Argentina’s Pablo Matera and Australia’s Taniela Tupou.
The Coaching Edge
With Rassie Erasmus at the helm as head coach, this reversed Lions team would have the tactical acumen and winning mentality to take on any challenge.
The Reversed Lions Full Squad
- Ox Nche (South Africa)
- Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
- Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
- Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
- Franco Mostert (South Africa)
- Siya Kolisi (c) (South Africa)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
- Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
- Faf de Klerk (South Africa)
- Handre Pollard (South Africa)
- Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
- Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
- Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)
- Will Jordan (New Zealand)
- Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)
- Codie Taylor (New Zealand)
- Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
- Taniela Tupou (Australia)
- RG Snyman (South Africa)
- Pablo Matera (Argentina)
- Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
- Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
- Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
While this is all hypothetical, it’s an exciting thought experiment that highlights the incredible talent in the southern hemisphere.
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