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What did the 6 Nations tell us about the chances the 2013 British and Irish Lions have of beating Australia just over a year from now?
With Wales taking the Grand Slam, England recovering from their world cup debacle to finish a credible second and Ireland coming third, despite missing some key players, confidence should be high.
Looking at it on a positional basis there are some areas of strength, but also some areas that will need a bit of work between now and then from the presumed coach Warren Gatland.
Prop: An area of real strength with Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones of Wales assured seats on the plane, along with Euan Murray and Dan Cole. The remaining places are likely to be fought out between Alex Corbisiero (whose demolition on Ireland last weekend will have done him no harm) and Cian Healey. Test Starters: Jones and Jenkins
Hooker: More of a concern. Dylan Hartley leads the way with Ross Ford and Rory Best behind him, but none of these guys will have Stephen Moore quaking in his boots on current form. Test Starter: Hartley
Second Row: A few standouts and a few players with real potential here. Richie Gray was the standout Scottish player and looks like a world class talent and Paul O’Connell was in fine fettle before he was struck down by injury. Ian Evans and the England duo of Botha and Parling impressed but are they Lions? I am not convinced. The likes of Courtney Lawes still have time to muscle in. Test Starters: Gray and O’Connell
Blind Side: How do you fit three into one? Dan Lydiate was deservedly player of the tournament. A beast in defence, who models himself on arguably the finest no.6 of the modern era in Richard Hill. Tom Croft seems back to his best, with a turn of pace that will be well suited to playing in Australia and Stephen Ferris of Ireland continues to perform at a world class standard. Test Starter: Lydiate
Open Side: Will someone please wrap Sam Warburton in cotton wool for the next 15 months? Favourite for the captaincy and at this stage the only player available who can match David Pocock at the breakdown. Sean O’Brien seemed a bit off the boil, although still a fine player and Robshaw’s commitment and leadership skills suggest he would be a good midweek captain. Test Starter: Warburton
No. 8: The emergence of Dave Denton in Scotland has allayed the concerns around the disappearance of Jamie Heaslip. The form 8 of the tournament was Ben Morgan. An old school bruising runner with an uncanny ability to stay on his feet and very deft hands. Toby Faletau has time to recapture his best form and push Morgan hard. Test Starter: Ben Morgan
Scrum Half: The first of a couple of real concerns for the Lions. Outside Mike Phillips there is a dearth of people putting up their hands. Ben Youngs looked to have regained some form when he replaced the abject Lee Dickson at Twickenham, but none of Blair, Cusiter, O’Leary or Reddan have done anything to prove they are worthy of a shirt. Test Starter: Phillips
Fly Half: The second area of real weakness. Owen Farrell was magnificent, but is still very inexperienced. Rhys Priestland was solid and Jonny Sexton continues to struggle to translate club form onto the international stage. Test Starter: Farrell
Inside Centre: Jamie Roberts was relatively quiet, but the success of the no.13s for Wales suggests that he created a lot of room for those outside him. Brad Barritt never took a backward step and showed incredible work rate but needs to showcase some more creativity. Test Starter: Roberts
Outside Centre: Brian O’Driscoll was injured, so we still have to factor him into the equation, but even without the great man this is another area of strength for the Lions with Tuilagi and Scott Williams showing they are international players to watch. Keith Earls showed some nice touches but is defensively naive. Test Starter: Tuilagi
Wingers: Anyone seen Chris Ashton? Before the tournament he was my choice for one of the test spots. Should he regain form then he will still be there, but is currently in a worrying slump. Tommy Bowe continues to show he is a class act, and George North is a scary prospect (surely he isn’t actually still a teenager?) Previous Lions tours have shown that the wing is a position where someone can come out of the blue and claim a test spot (Ugo Monye anyone?) Test Starters: North and Bowe
Full Back: Rob Kearney did his chances no harm with a strong showing. Leigh Halfpenny seems very at home at 15 on the international stage and Ben Foden showed glimpses of his best form as the tournament progressed. Test Starter: Kearney
If ten of the 15 names I have selected run out in Brisbane on June 22nd 2013 I will be more than happy!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.