The Lions that hold the key against Wallabies

As soon as I heard about Ali Campbell, the Lions song and rubber wristbands I knew things weren't going to end well...

what did you expect? this is Gatland's way of grooming his "boys" for the 2015 RWC...

everyone is worried about what style of rugby Gatland decides to play as if that's going to determine the game will take shape - what about the style that Robbie wants to play?

Ben, I assume that you were similarly Imassively disheartened by what I lay ahead when another clown selected the tour party for the 2005 Lions?

O'Connell, AWJ and Parling are all 5s, although that didn't stop Gatland/McGeechan having an inspired brainwave and selecting the pair in the 1st Test against the Springboks in 2009... Good work, lads.

Not necessarily weakened, but more definitely more obvious, although I suppose that is being weakened. You'll have to ignore my cynicism, but as an Englishman I'm already p*ssed off with Gatland and his media bytes and his general demeanour towards the tour. I think the man is a clown, and I'm already massively disheartened by what I think lies ahead. I just can't muster up much optimism when I'm pretty sure we will see the Welsh side selected en masse.

Jez, I reckon the other 2nd rower will depend on who is selected at hooker. If Hibbard then Wyn-Jones. If Hartley/ Youngs ( unlikely ) then Parling might get the gig.

O 'Connol Gray Felatau Vunipola Tuilagi North Lions seem to have a pack full of sledgehammers, and seem to be missing that small element when a pack operates in the loose. Sledgehammers are predictable and wave after gets gang tackled without worrying a defense.

Nice little piece WB! We have been talking a lot about the wallabies lately but not so much the Lions so it's good to remember that yes, there will be an opponent. I like your comparison O'Connell - Johnson as they both have the potential to be bullies, beside being good players, when on the pitch so our locks will have to match that. I predict at least one brawl involving O'Connell during this tour, probably mid week vs a state team! Hope he loses btw. And I hope it's vs Skelton in Sydney!

A Jones is such a critical player for mine. Cole as the reserve tighthead will cause problems coming in fresh off the bench. Who should be POC's partner, can he play next to Gray? That is a big and abrasive pairing if they can.

I like Horwill as a leader but POC is soooooo much better at it. Making Warburton captain was a huge leg up for us. Not sure if the other captaincy candidates BOD or Warburton should be in the starting side but POC I think deserves a spot. I would like BOD to be there but his body may be letting him down - scary proposition to put Tuilagi next to him so the old head can direct the young bull though.

Re: BOD, I’d also include him in the ‘pivotal players’ bracket because of the leadership qualities he brings to a backline. Especially when considering the fresh faces he’ll be surrounded by. Obviously how the pack goes is going to determine a lot. I think our loosies have a slight edge (fingers crossed Warburton continues his subpar form in Australia). I’m starting to get some confidence in our tight 5 too and think that if we can’t match them up front we’ll at least be close enough to get our backs some quality ball to work with. Should be a cracker of a series!!

Harry, that Lions backrow in 89 was brutish, Dean Richards, Mike Teague and Finlay Calder, all fine players with real mongrel in them. They were the difference in that series particularly Teague.

Watching the Rugby Show last night and saw Croft score an impressive long range try. He looks a very impressive number 6, I can remember Mike Teague in 89 having an awesome tour. Agree O'Connell very important, as is Jones the tighthead ... the Pommy tighthead, Dan Cole, has been continually bested by Benn Robinson I reckon that come the first test you will find Jonny starting at 10 for the Lions. I'm not convinced about Sexton and O'Farrell is in woeful form.

No doubt RL it starts and ends up front. Horwill has a huge job up against POC. Cliffy must stay fit for this series. Agree Moore really has to get his throwing right. I've given up on TPN's throwing. We know the Lions set piece will be very strong.

Hi Rob, agree with you re BOD, he adds a greater skill-element to what is otherwise a backline packed with brute strength. With the other blokes, the Wallabies pretty much know what will be coming at them (albeit an intimidating task!). But its jerseys 1 through 8 that will determine the outcome of this series, the other fellas just determine the margin. The Aussie front row has to at least achieve parity, our hookers can NOT maintain their current error rates, Horwill needs to have a monster series, and Cliffy Palu needs to consistently impose himself. Basically, the same brief as per RWC2011 - how did that work out for us again? :(

Good article WB! And completely agree with those 3 blokes being key to the Lions chances. Particularly Sexton. I have my doubts about Farrell in a Lions series. Sexton’s really going to have to step up for them. I know he wasn’t available for selection and he still may get a call up, but Wilko would have been an invaluable edition to this squad. I’d also add one other lynchpin to this Lions team’s chances and that’s BOD. There are 2 big crash and bash midfield options that are highly regarded but if I were Gatland I couldn’t leave BOD out of the run on side. There are already plenty of big units spread across that backline with one centre spot set to go to one of the gorillas and both wing spots going to the 100kg+ Welsh blokes. That’s plenty of arsenal to penetrate the gain line. BOD’s no wirey centre himself and is as tough as nails but he also adds finesse that would otherwise be lacking. At 34 years young, the guy is seriously a class act. In this year’s Six Nations against the eventual champions he demonstrated that he’s lost none of the skill and grace that has seen him remain one of the game’s premier midfielders for the last decade or so. When he has the ball in hand he makes it look like he has all the time in the world to do what he does. I know a BOD/Tuilagi midfield has been touted as a possible option for the three tests. I’ve got no doubt that BOD is more than up to the challenge of moving in one from his usual 13 shirt and he’s still capable of well and truly getting the job done. But if I were Gatland, I’d be starting him in his familiar role and keep all midfielders in the positions they’re used to and best at. This would mean Roberts starting at 12 and I believe Tuilagi is well behind BOD at 13. Bring the hulking Samoan on to cover 12 and 13 when and if required. I just believe that extra bit of time and space that you see at outside centre allows BOD the chance to really weave his magic.

Your quite right Ben, we could play this game until the cows come home. It's all part of the fun and build up. Let me put this to you, without the aforementioned players do you think the Lions are weakened ?

Tbh we could play this game until the cows come home. Whoever plays hooker has a huge relevance because the lineout is so key nowadays, likewise the goal kicker, and the tight five given how the scrum is refereed, the midfield to get front foot ball etc. It all depends on what style of rugby Gatland decides upon.

Key Lions are Jones, O'Connell, Sexton, Halfpenny for mine.