While England grapples with backline inconsistency and forward depth debates, three of their best performers this season aren’t even eligible for selection – simply because they’ve gone abroad.
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Manu Tuilagi, after ending his international career post-2024 Six Nations, has just been voted into the Top 14 Team of the Season – in his very first year playing in France.
Even more impressively, he did it despite breaking his arm in pre-season. At 34, he still dominated alongside Fijian partner Sireli Maqala, helping Bayonne storm to a fourth-place finish.
And he’s not alone.
Jack Willis – arguably the most in-form back-rower in Europe – was a monster for Toulouse all year. He capped it off by scoring two tries in the Top 14 final to seal a 24th league title. Still, he’s invisible in an England jersey because of the RFU’s overseas selection ban.
David Ribbans, meanwhile, has led Toulon from the front since his post-World Cup move. He, too, made the Team of the Season – another name that would be wearing white if England weren’t so stubborn about foreign-based players.
Top 14 team of the season
15. Thomas Ramos (Toulouse) 14. Damian Penaud (Bordeaux-Begles) 13. Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) 12. Manu Tuilagi (Bayonne) 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Begles) 10. Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Begles) 9. Maxime Lucu (Bordeaux-Begles) 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon) 2. Maxime Lamothe (Bordeaux-Begles) 3. Ben Tameifuna (Bordeaux-Begles) 4. David Ribbans (Toulon) 5. Thibaud Flament (Toulouse) 6. François Cros (Toulouse) 7. Jack Willis (Toulouse) 8. Facundo Isa (Toulon)
Three Changes Andy Farrell Must Make for Lions’ Second Test vs Australia
Here’s a breakdown of the three underperforming Lions players, their potential replacements, and why each should be dropped for the next Test based on current form and match impact.
#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
- Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
- Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise
Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
Final Verdict:
Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.
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