Interesting article and what it means for NZ

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2026/07/21/lions-to-face-italy-as-part-of-2029-tour/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_tw_post_as-part-of-2029-tour/

tldr:

- Not finalized but strong chance Lions play Italy first followed by playing France

- 8 match tour to NZ

Lions can only play max of 10 matches.

Article suggests 3 tests vs ABs and 5 matches against 5 Super Rugby sides. It means the NZ Maori match misses out.

How do you feel about that?

sustained power I mean

For the Saffa tour squad.

Drop your predictions below.

Personally I’d go with:

1. Bell
   
2. Norris
   
3. Tu’ungafasi
   
4. Hannah
   
5. Holland
   
6. Kirifi
   
7. Hotham
   
8. Tavatavanawai
   
9. Ioane
   
10. Hutchinson

All the ticket prices feel outrageous and I wonder if it’s due to resale. But I’m finally in a place in my life where I can afford to go. Let me know if you know anything!

Did this game 10 months ago cost Richie Mo’unga a spot on the plane to South Africa?

Canterbury lost the shield to Otago.

Had they won (and defended it once more), presumably they defend it against Mid Canterbury this weekend. Richie plays, becomes eligible for the All Blacks and is selected in the squad on Monday.