This video can not be played Ieuan Evans 'disappointed' at Wales' Lions squad quota Andy Farrell's player selection for the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia was another brutal reminder of Wales' fall from grace. With Wales on a 17-game losing run, only two players - flanker Jac Morgan and scrum-half Tomos Williams - earned spots in the 38-strong squad. Scrum V The Warm Upgathered the thoughts of Welsh former Lions on the make-up of the squad and the lack of their fellow countrymen to make the cut. Former Scarlets and Clermont Auvergne centre Davies believes Morgan and Williams "will go out and give a great account of themselves and fly the flag for Welsh rugby". He added: "It looks a strong squad and there is a lot of time spent deliberating over who goes, and they feel that they've got a good mix to go out and win a Test series "I think Maro Itoje is a great leader, he's gained a huge amount of maturity over the last 12 months and the way he has led England has been extremely impressive and inevitably his form has been great, and you'd think he's a guaranteed starter for that Test team. It's great for him. "You can tell how good Andy Farrell is with what he's done with Ireland, the Lions tours that he's been involved in. I've loved working with him and I'm sure he'll make sure everything is done to the best of his ability to make sure the team is best prepared to go out there and win the Test series. "I think it will be a lot tougher than people expect. The hardest thing with the Lions tour is that you have four nations coming together and then in six weeks you're playing one of the best teams in the world, that is the hardest part of it. "But with the experience that they have in the coaching set-up and players, I'm sure they'll be able to get on the same page very quickly. "With the strength in that squad, I'm sure they can go out and win the series." Alex Cuthbert, a 2013 series winner in Australia, believes Morgan and Williams' "performances probably deserve their call-up". He added: "I'm gutted there's not a couple more Welsh influences in the squad, but Andy Farrell has obviously decided to go for familiarity and people he can rely on, which is the massive Irish influx in the squad. "But I'm extremely excited for the two Welsh lads that got selected and hopefully they'll get the job done. "Farrell has gone with a lot of Irish lads who have done the job away from home against New Zealand, and it's going to be no easy task over in Australia." Cuthbert is also "pretty confident" Farrell's Lions can repeat the 2013 success he and his team-mates enjoyed. "The players named are all top players from their representative countries, the style of play you can pretty much say is going to be the way Ireland play and they've done a job on Australia a number of times, but away from home it's going to be tough," he said. Cuthbert says Morgan is "a very clever rugby player, world class in what he offers around the field". "It's not just at the breakdown, but his leadership with Wales and Ospreys, his carrying, his defensive ability which we saw in the Six Nations," Cuthbert said. "He's going to be in a team that are on the front foot, playing attack-minded rugby which I think is really going to suit him. "And what he is, is a great bloke and I think he'll be really good in that environment. A lot of lads will get on well with him." Richard Hibbard, who played in all three 2013 Tests against the Wallabies said: "I was hoping for a few more [Welsh selections], but unfortunately it's currently where we're at, but it's a fantastic achievement for those boys, it shows all the hard work they put in in the last season and I'm delighted for everybody that's been selected. "Jac Morgan's always the standout player in every game, he's carrying a lot of weight on those young shoulders. He thoroughly deserves it, no player in Wales deserves it more than him, especially being captain through this tough period, he's just held himself so well, it's phenomenal." Hibbard says Farrell is a "fantastic" coach for the players to work under. "He is one of those coaches you just want to play for, the way he talks, he so passionate. His defence is very simple," Hibbard said. "He makes you believe in it as much as he does. He's one of those coaches you will follow into battle. "The Australian team is going to be coming back into some form. Playing in someone else's country and trying to get the wins is tough, but that's a very good looking squad, a very Irish dominated squad, but if anyone can do it, I think Farrell can take them out there."
Davies, Cuthbert and Hibbard on Wales' Lions woes
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Limited Welsh Representation in British and Irish Lions Squad for Australia Tour"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
The recent selection of the British and Irish Lions squad for the upcoming tour to Australia has highlighted the struggles faced by Welsh rugby, with only two players, flanker Jac Morgan and scrum-half Tomos Williams, making the 38-man roster. The disappointment is palpable among former Welsh Lions players, including Ieuan Evans, who lament the lack of representation from their country, especially following a disheartening 17-game losing streak. Despite this, Davies expressed optimism for Morgan and Williams, believing that they will perform admirably and represent Welsh rugby well. He commended the squad's overall strength and noted the careful deliberation that went into the selections, highlighting the leadership qualities of players like Maro Itoje and the effective coaching of Andy Farrell, which he believes will prepare the team adequately for the challenges ahead in Australia.
Alex Cuthbert, a former Lions player, echoed the sentiments of disappointment regarding the limited Welsh representation but expressed excitement for Morgan and Williams, acknowledging their deserving call-ups based on their recent performances. He pointed out that Farrell's strategy appears to favor familiarity, resulting in a squad heavily influenced by Irish players who have previously succeeded against formidable opponents like New Zealand. Cuthbert praised Morgan's rugby intelligence and leadership qualities, anticipating that his style of play will thrive in an attack-oriented environment. Richard Hibbard, who participated in the 2013 Lions series, shared similar thoughts, recognizing the hard work and dedication of Morgan and Williams. He believes that Farrell’s coaching will inspire the players to perform at their best, despite the challenges posed by competing in Australia. Overall, the former players conveyed a mix of pride for the selected Welsh representatives and concern over the broader implications for Welsh rugby's current standing on the international stage.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reflects on the current state of Welsh rugby, particularly in light of the British and Irish Lions' squad selection for the upcoming tour to Australia. The focus is on the limited representation of Welsh players in the squad, which underscores the difficulties faced by the team in recent years. The insights shared by former Lions players highlight a mixture of disappointment and hope regarding the future of Welsh rugby.
Emotional Response to Squad Selection
The selection process has elicited disappointment from figures like Ieuan Evans, who notes the stark reality of only two Welsh players making the squad amid a 17-game losing streak. This situation raises concerns about the state of Welsh rugby and its standing in the international arena. The emphasis on the lack of Welsh representation creates a narrative of decline and challenges the pride associated with the national team.
Support for Selected Players
Davies and Cuthbert express optimism regarding the inclusion of Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, suggesting that they will perform well and represent Welsh rugby positively. This sentiment aims to bolster the public’s morale amidst the disappointment, providing a glimmer of hope in a struggling team. By highlighting individual player capabilities, the article attempts to foster a sense of pride and support for the selected players, even as the broader team faces challenges.
Coaching and Strategy Insights
The article also touches on the coaching abilities of Andy Farrell and the strategic considerations behind the squad selection. There’s an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in bringing together players from different nations and the challenges of competing against strong teams. This aspect emphasizes the importance of leadership and preparation, suggesting that despite the current struggles, there is potential for success if the team collaborates effectively.
Underlying Message and Public Sentiment
While it discusses the immediate issues at hand, the article also reflects a broader concern regarding the future of Welsh rugby. The focus on past glories juxtaposed with current challenges paints a picture of urgency for fans and stakeholders in the sport. This duality serves to connect with supporters who may feel a sense of nostalgia while also grappling with the reality of the present situation.
Manipulation and Trustworthiness
The article does not overtly manipulate information but rather frames the situation in a way that encourages discussion about the future of Welsh rugby. By emphasizing both disappointment and hope, it seeks to engage readers without crossing into sensationalism. However, the narrative can lead to biased interpretations if readers focus solely on the negative aspects without recognizing the potential for change.
The reliability of the article rests on its balanced presentation of opinions from former players who have a vested interest in the success of Welsh rugby. Their insights provide a credible perspective on the situation, although the overall tone may lean towards a more optimistic outlook in the face of adversity.
In summary, this article serves to highlight the pressing issues within Welsh rugby while simultaneously fostering a sense of hope and support for selected players. It reflects a community grappling with disappointment but also looking forward to potential redemption through individual performances.