WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? | NORTHERN HEMISPHERE EDITION

Let's reflect, at the end of an international season, about where the big teams in the Northern Hemisphere are. What are their challenges? Strengths? Hopes? I dissect France, England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

[@unaagnew6623]

Tim thank you for respecting our Irish identity. It was hard earned after almost 800 years oppression by England.

[@installtechireland]

As a card carrying Irishman, socialist and small-r republican, I’ve no issue whatsoever with Home Nations. It reflects the history of the game. Great channel, love your work. Keep it up. 👍

[@stephenlong2937]

Yes, exactly. In irish rugby you leave the politics at the door and get on with the game. No issue at all with calling them the home nations.

[@tomfarrelly4552]

Agree, especially coming from you Tim, no issue with the term Home Nations

[@RazorMouth]

It's always been the home unions. They changed the Lions to the B and I Lions, that's enough for me.

[@donovanmostert6692]

Between the URC and egg chasers the relevance of northern hemisphere rugby has grown massively in SA.brilliant.great stuff Tim

[@olmecking1]

Holy Moses! 15k subs in the last 2/3 weeks! Well done Tim! You are now the main main in KZbin Rugby! Deservedly so, well done 👏

[@cgfnortje]

Squidge Rugby is still at the top with 240K subscribers. Eggchasers should probably collab with Squidge since both channels are in the UK. Two Cents and Distracted Sports in NZ does a podcast together, which seems to have added to their subscriptions. However, Tim's channel is growing fast. His monologues are very well structured and professional, all the more reason to get into the podcasting game.

[@ciarankennedy4789]

And well deserved..top man Tim

[@mazibukomail]

@@cgfnortje Coming to South Africa helps alot, South Africans love hearing good thing about their country from people in other countries.

[@cgfnortje]

@@mazibukomail , it probably helps but it's not a necessity. I also follow Off the Ball. They tend to talk some s%iT about us over there since it's an Irish show. I enjoy the rivalry and banter of the Irish fans there. I just follow all the rugby channels in general. As for Distracted Sport, I like his humor.

[@cateym]

​​@@cgfnortjeSquidge has bias issues. Tim is superior. He will overtake Squidge

[@JohnGallagher-oe9uu]

Your brillant Tim. Love listening to your views on Rugby. You know your stuff' you are not bias. Best out there. Brillant.

[@cateym]

Your lack of bias is what makes yours the best rugby channel on KZbin. Kudos Tim 👏

[@icemanire5467]

Same with Two Cents Rugby

[@colmgrimes2996]

@@icemanire5467 my "go to" 2 channels for rugby 100% agree your objectivity is a massive appeal. Don't be afraid to criticise teams either its part of it too. but ya the pod is for the lads kinda thing. this is for the wider rugby world any fan can get into this channell and be happy they subscribed

[@patrickbrennan911]

You’re a clever man Tim…not saying the home nations! 😉 Been with you from the beginning. Since before KZbin. Pleasure to meet you outside Loftus. If you’re coming back to SA (or Ireland indeed where I live), we’d be happy to host you for a pint or a bed! 💪💪💪

[@iainbeattie2970]

As a Scot I dread the next 6N. Yes we have talent but not the coaching group to make the whole better than the sum of the parts.Our attack coach is a few years out of school and as WP Nel said the team and the coaching staff lack edge. Glasgow has a bit more edge due to Franco but Edinburgh is as soft as they come.. England are in a great place and Wales will be getting much better with better coaches. Ireland and France are just awesome so its a 3 way battle for 6N with the other teams maybe upsetting the apple cart. Thanks for your recent videos Tim - great work

[@kev63inuk]

Great post Iain . Agree with most of what you said and do think our boys will win back that Calcutta cup next year. But actually think Scotland have been clever with this summers tour. Under the radar but a fresh Scotland next year could pull off a few surprises.

[@alexbarclay9615]

Franck has to be the next Scotland head coach for me

[@IvanDobski]

Tim, your rugby analysis is always great, but the respect you continually show to the complicated (& often tragic) history between Ireland and the UK is a big reason as to why I love this channel. Personally I'd have no issue with you referring to Ireland as a home nation (esp since the Ireland team is made up of a territory that is still within the UK) and I can see others here saying the same, but it's probably too loaded a term even if no offence is intended. 'The British and Irish teams' might be cumbersome but it's probably a safer bet! 🙏 BTW, I dunno if you're in the UK tomorrow (Sun, 21st of July) but BBC 2 will be showing the All-Ireland Hurling Final at 3pm (throw in at 3:30). As someone into combative team sports, I suspect you might enjoy it. 👍

[@scoggscork]

Nothing wrong in saying home nations, maybe there is some overtones in it, I’m not sure but I’m Irish always liked it, it’s historical! Best rugby channel on KZbin 👍

[@MrCravendish]

6 nations next year is going to be very competitive. Ireland champions and now re-surgent, France with Dupont returning and getting back to their best, England becoming established, Italy having their best season in a long time and Wales

[@IcarianX]

And Wales... 😂

[@decmurray1096]

Whey aboot Scotland aye?

[@chrislenferna4384]

@@decmurray1096potentially battling it out for the wooden spoon.

[@feral_orc]

My local club in Ireland was founded in before the 20th century as a cricket and football club, and still goes by "Rugby Football Club", so I do not mind being called a "home nation" in the sense that yeah Ireland was a home nation when it was first established. I DO NOT SPEAK FOR EVERYONE. Just to be clear!

[@RazorMouth]

The sport is called Rugby Football. My club in Wexford is called that too. I don't understand what you mean?

[@denisleonard-si3jk]

Thanks mate u doing a fab job ,keep up the great work

[@matthewhodgson7388]

I'm Irish and I would have no problem being called a home union

[@jean-michel.a]

Thank you for including France in your review. ❤ Dupont is World champion with France 7, won the Top14, France national championship and the European cup. This year alone.

[@johannblignaut1966]

Antoine is simply the most skilful player I have seen in 70 years of watching rugby.France must be very grateful to have such a player.🇿🇦

[@lel2991]

⁠@@johannblignaut1966France is gifted to have a player like him, it would be perfect with some fresh blood into french team so that Dupont could have more chances to win a bit more. And a big thank for greeting Dupont instead of mentionning the "4 world cups", South Africa don't need that kind of toxic guys to be recognized as one of the best rugby nations ever 🇫🇷🤝🇿🇦

[@jakemiddleton5266]

Great analysis as always. Interesting question from an England perspective, I think Marcus Smith had his two best games for England in NZ (if you ignore the goal-kicking in the first test). Do you keep him in to continue to grow into the shirt? Or, do you bring in Ford to be the senior man with a really young backs division? Short-term, that steady hand may help win those tight games. Or at least allows Marcus off the bench to opens things up if England are behind. But they you have both Marcus and Finn getting very little game time, so little development. I also believe having Marcus playing at 10 unleashes more attacking options, because he is also a run threat. That said, I don't know how much faith Borthwick has in Marcus, as shown by taking him off in the last 20 of both games. I think a pack that is smaller than NZ, SA and France, and with less depth than Ireland, you potentially need to look at tweaking the wider gameplan to be more about possession, and using that defence to set-up counter-attacks, rather than looking for territory and set-piece dominance. The top teams will out-kick, and win pens, as NZ did so well in the last 20 of both games. Aside from props, and a decision at 10, one areas I think England aren't sure yet is the centres. Lawrence was quietly competent, but it still feels like he is a running 13 who is being made into a crashball 12. And Slade, in attack, seemed pretty quiet in both games. Hard to replace though as his role is so essential defensively. If Furbank is your additional playmaker at 15, do you also need an additional playmaker at 13? Or perhaps Slade stays, and you add a running threat at 15? We have so many young quality wingers, potentially with others like Murley to join them when he returns from injury. Without doubt, the Lions team should have a strong Ireland spine, they have been the best Northern Hemisphere team for a while, they deserve it. I think there will be a fair few England players too, but a lot of those younger ones will end up in the mid-week squad. Would love to see Finn as starting 10 on England's summer tour during the Lions. Perfect chance to increase his time in that role internationally. If Ford and or Marcus aren't with the Lions, give them a summer off.

[@john9508]

As a Scot it is a great summer tour as it gives some of the senior players a much needed rest after such a long season. It also gives the younger guys a chance to show what they can do as well as build up relationships within the squad. With the U20's winning the WR U20's Trophy last night is back in with the the big boys next year with around half the squad still in the U20's next year.

[@BazBoks]

@john9508 Let's be honest, Scotland gaining nothing from summers tour to the USA. They've earned a tour to SA

[@Zomo1553]

​@@BazBoks Australia won't want us touring there because it won't end well for them and be embarrassing. We just don't have the money or fan base to go to NZ or SA, just wouldn't sell

[@user-is9of]

Lions xv 1. Porter 2. Sheehan 3. Furlong 4. Itoje 5. Ryan 6. Beirne 7. Vdf 8. Doris 9. Jgp 10. M smith 11. Lowe 12. Aki 13. Tuipulotu/ Henshaw 14. Waboso 15. Keenan/ kinghorn 16. Kelleher 17. Schoeman 18. Fagerson 19. Mc carthy 20. Earl 21. Mitchell 22. Russel 23. Ringrose/ H Jones

[@Zomo1553]

@user-is9of I pretty much agree except would put Beirne into second row, earl into starting back row, start the scottish midfield of Russell, and Huwipolotu. Back 3 I'd go all out attack and play Wasobo and Graham on the wings. A tour In Australia is always going to be more about pace and skills than massive power and size (hence the small back row). I do love the player bundee aki has become but tuipolutu has to play 12 at international level, he can get away with it for club

[@Zomo1553]

@@user-is9of and if you want to play a safe pair of hands on the wing (if that's how you classify Lowe), Kyle Steyn is far better imo

[@gerryc1575]

Tim, I'm born just north of the border, now living in Dublin. 100% Irish, I and my peer group have no issue with Home Nations, we even use it, especially when the Triple is in play 😀

[@eoinoconnell185]

Irish here. ''Home Nations'' is completely fine.

[@johnmccrea864]

Speak for yourselves no one else😊

[@3storiesUp]

Sorry .. respectfully no.

[@ron1346]

Sorry but have to disagree, despite being born in Belfast myself. Ireland is a distinct nation from the UK and is in no way part of it.

[@DeusExMamiya]

If you don’t consider France or Italy to be “home“ nations, then neither is Ireland. Like them, we are a whole other country.

[@AD-zcvnt]

I think George Martin has to be nailed on. What a player. Only gonna get better. Beasted our boys in the 6N

[@EggchasersRugby]

He is a beast. Him and Joe McCarthy are 2 'enforcers' with big futures

[@cgfnortje]

Tim is right about young prospects not always living up to the hype as they get older. In SA, we had Johan Goosen, who everyone thought would become our first choice 10. Injuries ruined his international career. Another example is Frans Steyn. He was absolutely brilliant as a lad, winning his first world cup as a young adult. Yet he had trouble even getting selected after that, mostly due to personal issues with coaches and clubs, etc. It seems that things always get in the way of the trajectory of promising young players.

[@cheslynribberts4433]

What you mean he won 2 world cups

[@cgfnortje]

@@cheslynribberts4433 , 2007 and 2019.

[@cgfnortje]

@@cheslynribberts4433 , in the second one he was a replacement, not a super sub. He was picked for his experience. Also remember the years in between where he didn't even make selection because of friction with coaches and with SARU about his contract.

[@jamesclarke9333]

Tim, big fan man, loved watching you in my home country. Ill be with my brother in Krugersdorp in a couple months. I am currently in Leeds and would love to have a chat, My Oldest brother played first team at Estcourt in 1983 with Henry Honibal and I was a constant visitor to the Stranskey's farm just out of Mooi River where Joel's youngest brother Brad and I used to best mates, I was captain and scrummy , Brad was either 10 or 15.... love what you do man... keep going.

[@creekyknee]

James, thanks for making me laugh. When I glanced at your comment, I read "Big Fat man" instead of "big fan man". Its me not you.......

[@physicsno1]

3 very good up and coming props for Leinster that’ll hopefully be test ready for Ireland in the near future. 1) Michael Milne. 2) Jack Boyle. 3) Thomas Clarkson.

[@GysbertDewet]

South African here, England is strong well done.

[@laoch5658]

Ireland stronger yeah

[@jasonwall5012]

3:58 so if you were there, did you see the English foot in touch, 3 phases before they scored the try? That the TMO rules can onky chech to the 2nd phase.

[@kevincallaghan3212]

You can say 6 nations unions Tim which we al are

[@fergalbannon4614]

That's not the same thing. He's trying to omit both Italy and France. Triple Crown contenders works, but sounds dumb.

[@TonyMcHugh]

I'm Irish you can call it the home unions

[@jonwright4719]

Keep playing Marcus at 10 and have Finn or Fordy on the bench for the end game and switch Marcus to FB as Furbank runs a lot in the first 60 usually- then you have space on the bench for another fresh speedster (like the Beauden Barrett effect)- SB will sort the scrum problem,

[@kev63inuk]

Sort of agree Jon , but think we have better options at full back than Marcus playing there. Hendy or carpenter could do a job now . Wouldn’t give up on Freddie Just yet either if he can develop his attacking game . He’s still young .

[@CrazyMonkey679]

As an Irish man, I’ve no problem with the term ‘Home Nations’ in regards to rugby as we compete as an all island team.

[@justinstephenson9360]

Difficult to argue against the video. England: u20 side gives hope for props, but I agree drop off in quality at 9 and centres. We have several potential international 9s as back up to Mitchell but each one has issues and has not made a big step forward in reducing weaknesses. Centres options are just dire. Dingwall is safe but lacks that little something to be better than decent at international level. For this reason I suspect Freeman will be converted into a centre. Ireland: Are in a good place, talent coming through, impeccably coached. Sure they have a couple of positions where they are a bit short but overall great. Wales: the video was mild. Wales are in a dire place - they have some exceptional players, but not enough of them and some of the replacement to first choices are not even close to international standard. Rot started years ago at the head as WRU has completely mismanaged the local game. I think they are going to get worse for at least the next 3-4 years. Scotland: lots of mismanagement by SRU, they have butchered the heart of local club rugby in Scotland. Yet...the Scottish team is not in a bad place, as long as everyone is fit. The strength and weakness of the Scottish team all revolves around Russell's mindset. When he is up beat they can be amazing, but when his head drops it infects the entire team.

[@michaelvdunne]

Do you know that most of the Irish team played Gaelic football in their childhood. You should look at the All Ireland football final next Sunday it maybe interesting.

[@EdLo3]

With Freddie Stewart failing to impress at 15 in the second test, is it time for him to consider 12? I'm not sure he's a world's best distributor but with Carpenter next off the rank after first choice Furbank, if Freddie wants to get more caps he needs to consider becoming a utility back. He has the size but is he our Jordie Barratt? Because you're right Tim, Lawrence at the moment is our only world class 12. Dingwall is simply too small for international rugby at 12, in my humble opinion.

[@zkavess7294]

I hope you're right with the Lions break down... Players always come back wrecked from the tour and often the following season can be a bit of a write off for some of them. As few England players as possible please! Ideally Farrell's eyes will light up at the likes of Willis, Lawes, Mercer, Farrell jr etc.

[@Camcolito]

End of season? It's all been building to Wales V Queensland Reds.

[@EggchasersRugby]

hahaha

[@Dedbeatz.]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zootarootoot]

Great rugby insight as always, but where's the holiday footage bru...?

[@EggchasersRugby]

Haha. I'm on the case!

[@Fighting_Irish184]

For Ireland, with centrally contracted players the decision has been made not more imported props. This will force teams to develop their own props. It will be interesting to see who comes through

[@Oakeybloke]

The 6 nations was originally called the 'Home Nations Championship', which included Ireland. In fact wasn't there a football tournament recently called the home nations cup or something?

[@LFire12]

Just because something was called something previously doesn't mean it's right to continue to do so. The Lions just used to be the British Lions...things change because they should.

[@Oakeybloke]

@@LFire12 to be fair they were called the British Isles lions, but most people just called them the British lions, so I can see why they changed it. The home nations name was changed because France joined 👍🏼

[@DAGATHire]

aye right that was before ireland freed itself of tyranny. Things change! and indeed home nations is a relic of a bygone era.

[@kokomo4718]

I have been watching the Scotland games, not because I care about Scotland though. I'm just interested in where the US and Canada are going.

[@tim73639]

CCS has to be a shout for the lions, on a steep learning curve, but already having an impact at the highest level.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Decent shout. Unique talent.

[@subbie5498]

nah not over morgan baird and beirne

[@Johnny-cf3jp]

Felt NZ had worked him out in the 2nd test. But, still young

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

Definitely looks like northern hemisphere rugby has gone up a few levels since South Africa joined their rugby competitions.

[@PB22559]

How has northern hemisphere rugby 'gone up a few levels' since the saffers joined the URC and champions cup.....where's your evidence to back up that claim?

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agree 100%

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Oh my god please stop 😂

[@BazBoks]

@Sineadmcd it's a fact. Pre 2021, name a good European team. England got ass whooped in 2019, same with Ireland. I mean I'd argue Wales were the only exception

[@BazBoks]

@PB22559 it's a fact. When SA was in Super Rugby look how good NZ were. SA leave, look how bad NZ are and how good Europe is

[@groenrizla2513]

The top 3 teams in the rankings are definitely the top 3 atm and 4, 5 and 6 are capable of an upset on a good day. Arg and Aus are still questionable but we'll see about Aus in the championships. Tough for the Boks to best the Aussies at home but at least NZ is in SA, it's exciting with all the new innovations happening.

[@jaredwilson28]

Yeah because NZ don’t win much in SA 😳

[@groenrizla2513]

@@jaredwilson28 No I think NZ must have the best winning record in SA out of any other team. The rivalry wasn't created because of a single series win. SA won a series in NZ in the 1960s wasn't it? And then NZ won a series in SA in 96? SA vs NZ are by far the biggest rivals in the sport.

[@financialliberty2381]

France with DuPont and Ntamack are definitely at the level of the top 3 teams. Don't get lured by the last 6N, being the home team and the favourites along with Ireland, France were easily the most disappointed team from the last RWC and it was obvious in the last 6N that they didn't quite recover from that. + not having the world best halfbacks combo (Dupont and Ntamack) certainly didn't help them.

[@danman2928]

Thanks for the reviews tim

[@winstonhulley626]

Hi ... we still have Portugal to Play! Regards from South Africa!

[@SMacCuUladh]

northern hemisphere he said.

[@winstonhulley626]

@@SMacCuUladh pORTUGAL IS nORTHERN hEMISPHERE!!

[@icefarrow7959]

​@winstonhulley626 So is Japan, technically. Point is they're not really included. Japan is always thrown in with the Southern teams.

[@winstonhulley626]

@@icefarrow7959 Jip, Totally Agree with you!

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

2nd and 3rd tier rugby nations are also important to the game. That’s why we still talk about teams like Portugal and Ireland.

[@jaykaye594]

Ringrose foe the Lions? At long last?

[@lenbignell]

Of these four teams I would opine that England is probably in the best place. They are making big strides forward with the gameplan that SB is instituting. Scotland will start improving when the youngsters start coming through. Definitely a light at the end of the tunnel. Wales need a freshening and probably a better gameplan. I dont know wether Gats is still the right guy for the job. Finally Ireland. In a good place as far as current performance goes, however, I dont see them maintaining cohesion through into next year as they dont have the same depth as many of the others do. One game win away doesnt suddenly prove that your team is the best in the world. Consistency is the key...Sais key was lost on occasion. Great analysis from you Tim, as always. Enjoyyour narrative. Cheers from SA, home of the eternal Bokke. Viva rugby.

[@patrickclarke8013]

Just curious, what Scottish youngsters do you think are coming through ? They have been the whipping boys in the u20 6n for the last 3 or 4 years at least. Maybe those youngsters are currently playing in south Africa.

[@cowardlylion9947]

'Scotland will start improving when the youngsters start coming through' Scotland's U-20s record in the last 3 Six Nations 15 1 0 14 Ireland '...don't have the same depth as many of the others do' Ireland's U-20s record in the last 3 Six Nations 15 14 1 0 Some people should just stop commenting.

[@davidwalker2402]

It’s funny England lose 4 of their last 6 games the beat Ireland by a point and japan a tier 2 nation , now I know they ran NZ close and France but lost those 3 games , losing to France was not a great result considering Italy just drew with them the week before and beating japan well this week Georgia also went to japan and won. Yet you put them as best placed of all 4 nations. Let’s look at Ireland last 25 games lost 3 one score to NZ 1 score to England 1 score to SA. In those games the beat England 3 times France twice SA 3 times NZ twice Australia 1 Scotland 3 times and you believe they have no cohesion or depth of players. At the moment Ireland has a much younger and stronger bench than England this born out last Saturday when they brought on all the bench and went on to beat SA in what was regarded as one of the best tests of all time. Now back to depth, Ireland under 20s won the 6 nations in 2020 2022 2023 / and second with no losses same points as England lost on goal difference. 20/22/23 were grand slams , so I would consider that a fair bit of depth to get through. Incidentally they were runners up in last years under 20 World Cup and lost in the semi final in 2024 World Cup . Ireland have not had a problem with depth in 20 years and overall have been the most successful team in the 6 nations in this period . We have also been hugely more successful than England through our clubs in the European cup. So maybe you can enlighten me how out of that you believe England will be the most successful team and Ireland will not be able to maintain cohesion? You also say one game won doesn’t suddenly make you a great team but forget the other 22 games we won, and maybe you’ll square this with Englands total inconsistency in winning against their consistency losing. I do get England are playing well but your optimism comes without any foundation except what you say. Mmmmm🙃🤭🤫 BUT MY GUESS IS YOUR STILL SUFFERING FROM 12 YEARS OF GETTING BEATEN AT HOME AWAY AND NEUTRAL BY THE IRISH 😂😂😂

[@patrickclarke8013]

@@cowardlylion9947 pick those "records "from your butt?

[@patrickclarke8013]

@@cowardlylion9947 cool story

[@dagdag3805]

You can say Home Nations when talking Rugby because Ireland rule England, Scotland and Wales

[@AD-zcvnt]

The toughest part for AF is going to be picking his team. Spoiled for choice. Suspect Oz will be well able for the Lions by then.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I hope Australia can put up a test. They've made a good start

[@johngarveyire]

I thought Steve B was a "caretaker" manager, not up for it, blamed losses on players but I retract that - he's a proper bloke, building England again after , lets face it, Eddie lost the plot.

[@JohnJohannesJacobs]

Ireland were great, but You could argue that SA were also without 6 of their main 23 squad in the 2nd test against Ireland. Kitshof on prop, Lood de jager and Kleyn at lock, Jasper Wiese at 8th man, Damian Willemse at fullback and add to that Willie out in the 3rd minute. All six those players would've played against irelnad if they were fit. (exlcuidng Willie, SA were down five players in the first game)

[@matthewbrown2567]

Etzabeth would have still started at lock. But otherwise good points

[@JohnJohannesJacobs]

@@matthewbrown2567 The match day 23 squad…. Both starting 15 and players on the bench.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Decent point.

[@kev63inuk]

⁠​⁠@@matthewbrown2567been surprised no one’s mentioned Etzabeth much this series . Actually thought World Cup like sexton he was playing on reputation. Not sure he will keep his place during the rugby championship.

[@Mikemusic50]

Keenan barring injury or a catastrophic loss of form should be Lions test fullback

[@danielgriffin9431]

What about Finn Russell?!? Best out half in the world (& I’m Irish ☘️)..

[@justintrapp4320]

Sorry Tim, England got a walk in the park draw in the world cup! So they seem to have the inside track always,makes you wonder?

[@patrickchilds2987]

How does England's route to the 2019 rwc final fit into your argument ?

[@justintrapp4320]

@patrickchilds2987 the word used was in not to!

[@patrickchilds2987]

@@justintrapp4320 your second sentence rather contradicts your reply ‘so they seem to have the track always , makes you wonder ‘ Just sayin

[@Runic254]

Mate did you seriously leave out Finn Russell as a starting 23 for the lions, he is starting every single test.

[@TopgunB]

Northern hemisphere have caught up to Southern hemisphere period.

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

Indeed. Won't surpass though. Cream reamains at the top.

[@michaelrooks4030]

I think we hear yhat every year..and then when world cup comes around its the same old story...more often then not ..no northern hemisphere team makes it pass the semi finals

[@simonwatkins8754]

How about Tomas Williams???

[@neillfotheringham211]

When is Lions squad usually announced?

[@creekyknee]

Tim, you are always so careful to be respectful. Not sure how I feel about an Englishman referring to Ireland as a home nation. I understand why its said like that, tradition etc. but with our shared history which hasn't always been that amicable I think its best to not refer to Ireland as a home nation. We have been independent for a while now and if we were ever to get into bed with another nation again, it most definitely wouldn't be with England by choice. You are a true gent for recognizing that it might not be appropriate, not a biggie but thanks for saying it before we did 🙂

[@GysbertDewet]

Is there a limit how many players from each country has to be in the lions team?

[@Damomasts]

No.

[@frasermilne7801]

Aust have work to do if they think they can beat the Lions. Currently they are not in the same league. It may be clearer after the RC. I have doubts.

[@knoll9812]

England looking good for two years out

[@ColmOCallaghan-i6b]

Think you left Keenan Crowley Lowe & Hansen out of irish players who could make Lions team

[@gunnertheharleyrider7594]

England is getting better by the game.

[@BazBoks]

But they're not the world champions. Only videos should be about the world champions until 2027

[@Johnny72505]

​@@BazBoksThat's so stupid wtf haha

[@thomaslequesne5475]

​@@Johnny72505SA fans are so self-centered I'm not even confident it's a joke.

[@PB22559]

England had 2 chances to beat NZ and they failed. A NZ side with a new coach and with a lot of improving to do. Wins are what count.

[@BazBoks]

@@thomaslequesne5475 You have to earn the right to be self-centered.

[@rowan_8755]

Wales need to remove their cap rule. The welsh shield is not strong enough atm for the players to develop how they need. They have other players they should be using

[@kieranoconnor4334]

not sure that the wc exit explains all of the france slump;;;;but you could do a whole episode on that and still not get the answer in fairness;

[@EggchasersRugby]

Fair

[@Zomo1553]

I mean it was a 3rd string team that lost to a nearly full strength argentina. That wasn't unexpected

[@kev63inuk]

Think the fact that they are French explains that slump more than the World Cup exit. They still sit there in a very good position and should go through the next twelve months unbeaten. But we know they won’t.

[@Zomo1553]

@kev63inuk for me it's as simple as: Dupont is the entire game plan, the entire team, the rest of them aren't actually that special, the whole team is built around Dupont. Watching him for toulouse was crazy

[@adambexson7795]

I get that Dan Cole is getting on a bit, but he is surely going to be hard to ignore for that Lions squad?

[@EggchasersRugby]

Furlong, Fagerson...and then...you may well be right actually!

[@steveygifo]

That's insane, not wrong but just insane that among the Home Nations Dan Coles will probably be 3rd choice Prop. Also Tim, obviously you've no bias against players but it feels like you don't rate Robbie Henshaw based on a few videos. Even in the video talking about Rassie picking the Ireland Team, he picked Ringrose coming back from injury layoff over Henshaw and you didn't bat an eyelid plus you've not mentioned him as a potential lion off the Irish team. Just interesting especially as he's the last to wear Lions 13

[@knoll9812]

Henshaw does not reliably turn up for big games ​@@steveygifo

[@mathieusarran7833]

How could you not mention Hugo Reus ? 😅

[@olliehere23]

Kee-nan...kee-nan!!

[@richardmurphy-w8e]

Scotland i get the feeling they are a dorment volcaino i dont know whats needed to set them off Murph Irish fan

[@charliebannon5489]

Thanks Tim. You are amazingly unbiased and respectful. I always love yoyr videos. So to clarify, please don't call Ireland a home union or a home nation. Those terms are very triggering for many as we were never a willing member of the UK. I know they don't teach you Irish history in the UK, but to make it simple, remember when Russia had a "referendum" to see if eastern Ukraine "wanted" to be part of Russia? England did something similar to Ireland. It didn't go down well. Thank you for your respect. Keep up the good work 🙂

[@WayneNinnemann]

Keep it up Boet

[@francoisverdoes8552]

Top 5,6 teams are more equal then ever before,i think.

[@quentinquentin6752]

I’m Irish and i call Ireland a Home union. Any other Irish here do the same? I’m older so maybe the younger crowd don’t say that anymore.

[@laoch5658]

no its not a home union. A s an Irishman i shouldnt have to tell you why its not. maybe youre a west brit leinster fan

[@gdproy]

Is Owen Farrell also not eligible for the Lions?

[@EggchasersRugby]

Decent shout that. Imagine!

[@patrickchilds2987]

Yes Farrell is eligible for selection

[@davidwalker2402]

Ireland have not reclined in the last 20 years, there systems and academy’s similar to NZ that players are constantly coming through every year we play were told Ireland players getting old yet we only need to change a few younger players in and we have a team of huge experience with good young blood. England complete shit for 2 years and changing coaches players systems etc . I think id prefer the Irish systems.

[@kev63inuk]

There you go again . Any thoughts on your own country.😂

[@davidwalker2402]

@@kev63inuk i think we will remain a top team this year and into the future. When are you expecting England to win

[@kevinmccann-y4k]

Home nations are the original competitors before France joined

[@conorfurlong]

Ireland definitely not a “home nation”. Unless you would call France a home nation as well. It’s always fascinating how English commentary on Ireland focuses on Andy Farrell 🧐. Yes he’s a great coach but we won at the weekend because we have great Irish players who have incredible skill, determination, and a never-say-die attitude.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I did say Farrell and his coaching team :) They shifted the mindset brilliantly. Addressed fundamentals like pure fight for each other. Fair play, the players went out and delivered though.

[@conorfurlong]

@@EggchasersRugby oh I didn’t mean just you. It’s every English media person, from rugby writers in the Guardian to podcasters to match commentators. Yes, Farrell is great but he’s building on from players whose skills have come from the Irish clubs and provinces. Make Farrell the head coach of Scotland or wales and you would not get them to the place Ireland has been at for the last few years.

[@kev63inuk]

Nope it’s in your own head regards Andy Farrell. Stop using the English media as an excuse all the while . It’s never mentioned let alone focused on by anyone in England about Andy Farrell being English managing Ireland. It was also never mentioned in England the lukewarm reaction when he got the Irish job.

[@conorfurlong]

@@kev63inuk 😂🤦‍♂️

[@geoffnelson6756]

Don't think Farrell will pick 11 Ireland players in a lions 15, he will motivate the England players massively, but how many welsh players could make a matchday Lions 15. Wonder if Owen will be up for selection, the one negative of the 25 tour will be the chatter arounf father and son dilemma.

[@patrickchilds2987]

There is a lot of rugby to play between now and the Lions tour. Andy Farrell will select the best available but am sure selection will be based on his gameplan and versatility rather than on a national basis. Yes you are right there will be a lot of noise about Farrell. Personally I like Farrell, he is excellent but even if he has a stellar season at Racing I don't think he will be in contention because he won't have played international rugby .

[@richardredmond1463]

Not sure any Wales player will make a Lions XXIII next year.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Dewi Lake probably close to the No 16 shirt as it stands?

[@richardredmond1463]

@@EggchasersRugby 4th behind Sheehan, George and probably Kelleher too unfortunately.

[@henryburton6529]

Ireland are just better than South Africa at Rugby. How many times do we have to see it?

[@vjmightyw]

🤣😂

[@craigmurray4746]

Not enough, because we don't play the Irish often enough. A new rivalry has been formed and it deserves more matches to prove things one way or the other. But in the meantime, we'll just keep shining the Webb Ellis Cup 😂

[@lenbignell]

You are trying to elicit response by spewing this type of nonsense. You should consider joining whoopicushion on The View, as a permanent panelist.

[@victordastile5204]

RWC quarters chokers😂😂😂

[@icefarrow7959]

Reminder that SA also consistently lose to Australia, who're a shell of their former selves, but they always like to brush over that fact 😆

[@gpilley1]

Surely you just forgot to say thst russell will be starting for the lions. He has proven he os the best fly half in the NH right now

[@joshhunter1129]

Did you forget Finn for starting berth at Lions or just not think he’s in with a shot? My 23 looks something like 1. Porter 2. Sheehan 3. Fagerson 4. McCarthy 5. Itoje 6. Berne 7. VDF 8. Doris (C) 9. JGP 10. Finn 11. Van Dee Merwe 12. Aki 13. Tuipolotu 14. Feyi-Waboso 15. Keenan 16. Lake 17. Schoeman 18. Furlongh 19. Gilchrist 20. Darge 21. Mitchell 22. Frawley 23. Kinghorn (I maybe missing someone obvious) I’d also seriously consider Jack Willis over VDF and VDF to the bench over Darge. And Lawes into 6 Beirne into 5 and Itoje onto the bench Gilchrist out, I’m just not sure if Farrell will take players not playing for their country even though he’s allowed to

[@EggchasersRugby]

If I didn't say it, then yes I did!

[@joshhunter1129]

@@EggchasersRugbymakes sense, lot of positions to remember. Was just interested if you felt Smith and Crawley had (or would) overtaken him

[@Zomo1553]

Van der Merwe is a complete liability and shouldn't even play for Scotland. Steyn is actually 10x better a player. Also my bold prediction, if Andy Christie can stay fit he will turn a lot of heads this season. Guy is an absolute unit and by far the most dynamic forward scotland have had since professionalsm. If he stays fit he could be on the plane

[@Zomo1553]

​@@joshhunter1129 tuipolotu is a 12 not a 13, I know he plays there sometimes but he's not nearly as good

[@Damomasts]

​@@Zomo1553couldn't agree more, dvdm is massively overrated.

[@davidwalker2402]

I think we have probably learned that all top 5 countries are improving and this is very exciting for the future of rugby. I hope Scotland will also progress and get even better put the silly loses behind them. Wales will and are improving but coming from a long way back. Props are always going to be hard to find except in Africa 😂 big players would rather train to be second rows so props may have to be brought in from abroad . The November internationals will be important and I believe England have to step up or they are not going forward. Need to beat NZ at least once no more morale victories.

[@Patrick8804]

Another trend is Borthswick taking off players like Marcus Smith and then losing the games. Poor selection strategy.

[@olmecking1]

Wales got to semi finals with those guy's

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

Ireland announced that from 2025 no non irish qualified props can be signed by the irish teams so IRFU are finally trying to solve the lack of depth at prop

[@EggchasersRugby]

Good move

[@davemull7061]

No true Irish rugby fan would have an issue with being described as a home nation Tim, the Scots on the other hand...😀

[@Caledon1893]

I think Scotland, Japan and Italy should be praised for giving chances to tier 2 nations. France, England, NZ, Ireland and Wales rarely play tier 2 teams which hinders the growth of the game.

[@icefarrow7959]

No use in "growing the game" if it ain't making you money.

[@LFire12]

Agreed. Ireland, in particular, IMO owes Portugal a debt and a date on the calendar. Portugal hosting them in the unofficial run out to help get Jonny Sexton back up to speed before the World Cup.

[@Caledon1893]

​To put it into context NZ have played England more than double the amount of times they have played Fiji, Tonga and Samoa combined...​@@icefarrow7959

[@deadtopcat]

Didnt ireland do a training camp in portugal before the world cup. Which included the Portuguese team. ​@LFire12

[@BazBoks]

Any word on the Springboks world cup champions?

[@kilokali6903]

Tim did say he is doing a southern hemisphere version later, pay attention

[@BazBoks]

@kilokali6903 Southern Hemisphere should come out first

[@Jack-qv5ru]

This is the IQ level you get from someone who has grown up without electricity.

[@conchronic]

U R not a saffa why would you care ?

[@padawan9127]

​@@Jack-qv5ru😂😂

[@johnphelan6623]

Your hunch was correct. Ireland is NOT a "home" union. 🙄

[@MUSICozzy]

It is never ok to refer to Ireland as a home union!!

[@supersox31]

The British isles

[@andrewharris1837]

Been a great season,well reported on by Tim @eggchasers

[@michaelrooks4030]

😂😂😂that old chestnut ..could off. Should off ..but didnt ..end of story...

[@TheBullhannigan]

The Home Nations are the original four nations of rugby, which are England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, in alphabetical order. There's nothing wrong with saying it, and politics be damned. The term 'British Isles' was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, referring to these two islands. Rugby unites these islands.

[@creekyknee]

B0llox. Ireland is not a minion of England anymore and never will be again. That phrase came into being when we were a part of the British Empire which was a Union that was formed using un-believable cruelty and violence. Being a "Home nation" (to England) is not something that any Irish person should be proud of or acknowledge/recognise. Learn your history.

[@TheBullhannigan]

@creekyknee that's not what minion means. You mean 'dominion'.

[@johanvandermerwe4884]

Got a little blush going?

[@WorkingFromHomes]

Wasn’t hard to be a Scotland fan.. Love this team. Good fellas doing a good job for us.. Go Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@irishpride9867]

Keep up the good work.And well said, Ireland is not a home nation

[@MoorayWK]

SA overflowing with world class props while a lot of the Northern teams are struggling. Maybe that's why World Rugby is trying to negate the scrum? See you at the All Blacks game in Cape Town!

[@knoll9812]

Don't think so. These rules were being raised a few years ago when Ireland and England not showing weakness. I think they are sing for more attractive games

[@patrickchilds2987]

How do the new laws around the scrum benefit England, France or Ireland who play off it ? WR is trying to reduce the amount of time resetting scrums to make it a more attractive spectacle. Sorry but the law changes have nothing to do countering Springbok scrum dominance.

[@basildavidson4597]

👍🏻

[@BazBoks]

Springboks are the rugby world cup champions. What an achievement for these fine specimen

[@ZombieFireNinja]

My dogs name is Bruno

[@BazBoks]

@ZombieFireNinja Didn't ya hear? Springboks won the rugby world cup. P.S terrible name for your dog, kind of a Nazi name

[@Hogumdn]

⁠@@BazBoksbit much

[@Stephendenham]

France sent their kids 😬

[@shintenkai1648]

I really appreciate your love of the game it really shines through all the salt and toxicity of most NH fans/pundits.