A look at a reversed British & Irish Lions team. Images: Instagram @bokstjopsanddops and X/Twitter
Explore a hypothetical reversed British and Irish Lions team with the best players from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia.
A look at a reversed British & Irish Lions team. Images: Instagram @bokstjopsanddops and X/Twitter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At halfback, the livewire Faf de Klerk would partner with the experienced Handre Pollard, providing a perfect mix of energy and game management.
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.
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.
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.
While this is all hypothetical, it’s an exciting thought experiment that highlights the incredible talent in the southern hemisphere.