On a breezy afternoon at Sydney’s North Curl Curl beach, it’s hard to imagine that some of rugby’s sharpest minds are already deep in thought about selections and strategies.
But for Anthony Seibold, this coastal paradise is more than just a scenic escape—it’s his base for dissecting the latest in the Lions tour.
Now head coach at the Manly Sea Eagles and formerly part of Eddie Jones’ England rugby setup, Seibold has opinions—and he’s not shy about them.
Tom Curry’s League Potential? Seibold’s Already Sold
While chatting over lunch by the water last year, Seibold caught up with England flanker Tom Curry.
The conversation turned serious for a moment.
“If you ever fancy a switch to rugby league, just let us know,” Seibold told him.
He’s convinced Curry would thrive in league: “His athleticism, his power, his work-rate—it was off the charts.
I always saw him as a middle forward or edge back-rower. I’d have Tom in my team every time.”
Reading the Game Before It Starts
As the Lions faced off against AUNZ, Seibold was already tuned in from his hilltop home just minutes from the beach.
He was caught off guard, though, when Ronan O’Gara popped up on the UK broadcast—Seibold had just seen him days earlier in Manly.
Still, it took Seibold no time to start analysing.
“They’re flying off the line in defence,” he pointed out.
“You can see the Farrell influence from rugby league—lots of double tackles, minimal ruck commitment, and a thick, aggressive line.”
Where Can Australia Exploit the Gaps?
If Seibold were in Joe Schmidt’s shoes, he’d look for opportunities behind that aggressive front.
“They’re not using a traditional watchdog at nine. That leaves gaps.
The Aussies will want to run at that short-side channel where the defence is thinner.”
Big Performers and Selection Predictions
Duhan van der Merwe wasted no time, scoring the first of three tries just six minutes in.
Despite some inconsistency on tour, Seibold is more drawn to others—Tommy Freeman and James Lowe, to be exact.
But for him, the real standout in Adelaide was Scotland’s Huw Jones, who broke open the defence brilliantly.
With Gary Ringrose injured, Seibold sees Jones starting outside Bundee Aki.
And if he could bring in anyone new? It’d be Herbie Farnworth, a league player for the Dolphins.
“He’s got it all—agility, power, a strong kicking game.
I know Eddie Jones rated him too. He could play for the Lions tomorrow.”
Fast, Fluid, and Full-Throttle Rugby
What impressed Seibold the most wasn’t just the tries—it was how they came.
“The tempo was unreal. Tap penalties, quick lineouts, finger-point passing.
That’s what the All Blacks mastered for years,” he said.
From Ben White to Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings, the Lions were relentless.
Seibold suspects they’ve held back some attacking variation for the Tests, but he’s convinced their defensive DNA is already on full display.
“You don’t hide your defence,” he explained. “That’s what needs to be rock solid.
You can hold back some set-piece tricks, but not your identity.”
Farrell’s Impact Still Controversial—But Valued
When Owen Farrell came on in the second half, the Lions got a new layer of control. Seibold, who worked closely with Farrell in England, praised him despite the ongoing boos.
“He’s demanding, but that’s what top teams need—tension that drives performance,” he said.
Still, Seibold doubts Farrell will start the first Test, expecting little change from the side that beat the Brumbies.
Marcus Smith and Pollock Bring X-Factor
Seibold is especially high on Marcus Smith and young Henry Pollock—particularly when the Lions need to chase points.
“Marcus plays with his head up, always hunting mismatches. He’d do great in league,” Seibold mused.
And when Pollock scored to finish things off—adding his now-famous pulse celebration—Seibold just smiled.
Celebrations That Get People Talking
Pollock’s celebration might rub rugby purists the wrong way, but Seibold sees it differently.
“In league, we celebrate. Right now, we’ve got Try July, where a gambling company donates five grand to charity per celebration.
Our captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, did one with a corner post as a walking stick. It’s fun—it makes people talk.”
With rugby union fighting for visibility in Australia, he believes moments like these are vital.
Growing the Game Down Under
Despite union being a niche sport compared to the ever-present league broadcasts, Seibold sees green shoots.
“Suaalii switching gave union a real jolt, and the Wallabies have more depth now.
The Lions are favourites, and that’s fair—but it’s going to be closer than people expect.”