@bones said in Hurricanes v Lions:
I really don't see how Ardie is still in consideration either. Time to move on. He's bloody lazy on defence and just an absolute glory hunter. He's only there if it's "on".
I'm expecting that they'll pick six loose forwards - though it's possible that they'd pick five or even seven if they decided to pick Fifita as the fourth locking option. But assuming it's six, then the only absolute cast iron certainty is Sam Cane - though they'll pick the other five from six (maybe seven) contenders.
I think Fifita is highly likely, especially since he played the last couple of tests. Squire should get picked as long as he's fit and has a game or two under his belt.
If you assume those three, then I'd choose Todd, Ioane and Whitelock - and that would be two each of openside, blindside and No. 8 - with a fair bit of crossover utility.
Other contenders would include Ardie and Taufua and just maybe Frizzell, but I think it's too early for him. Might be someone else I'm overlooking? Ardie's realistically the only one with much shot of pushing out one of these six - if he would get picked ahead of Todd, or if the selectors really wanted his test experience on the bench.
However, if Squire isn't fit (and I am correct), it becomes a lot more interesting. To retain the balance, you'd theoretically pick another 8/6, which should be Taufua or Frizzell (or someone else) ahead of Ardie.