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Ireland’s first success against the All Blacks in 111 years and England’s dramatic resurgence under Eddie Jones presents the British and Irish Lions with some welcome selection headaches ahead of next year’s tour of New Zealand.
The composition of the loose forward trio and who will play five-eighth in the Test matches shape as topics of fierce debate in the coming months.
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The manner of Ireland’s victory in Chicago might also result in a change of tactical approach.
A year ago, it appeared the best the Lions had to offer was a big pack and a kicking fly-half who seeks success through territorial dominance. The battle for territory will obviously be vital, however Ireland’s feats showed that a little ambition can go a long way.
The Irish beat New Zealand at their own game in the Windy City. Granted the All Blacks were hit hard by injures, but Ireland’s attack was swift, varied and accurate – finding an alarming number of holes close to the ruck. Defensively, Ireland hassled the All Blacks into mistakes with their rush tackling. They kicked smartly, avoiding hand and finding land, and attacked the set-piece with vigour. Wales had their moments in June as well.
Ireland won the breakdown contest in both Tests against New Zealand. Their loose-forward trio of Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and CJ Stander had a great balance. Heaslip is a powerful carrier and frequent choice in the lineouts. His fine form was acknowledged with his nomination for the IRB Player of the Year Award. Stander toils abrasively – the type of player who gets under your skin! O’Brien was the best player across both Tests and his carrying has improved out of sight; he was dynamic over the ball.
Could the back row be entirely Irish?
Sam Warburton is a vastly experienced campaigner and is universally respected as one of the best openside flankers in the game, but has time passed the Welsh captain by? James Haskell was a colossus in Australia and in tandem with O’Brien could form a potent combination.
Will the Lions field two openside flankers?
The tactic has been an occasional success for the Wallabies, however its use would exclude the likes of Taulupe Faletau and Billy Vunipola from the mix – or force Heaslip to move to the blindside limiting his effectiveness off the back of the scrum.
Who will steer the Lions around the paddock?
Expect Conor Murray, Greg Laidlaw and Ben Youngs to scrap for the halfback position, but the No.10 position has an early front-runner.
Johnny Sexton had a blinder in Chicago and Ireland were worse for his departure in Dublin. Sexton is silky, consistently asking questions of the opposition defence. He was a massive success for the Lions in 2013.
How can you leave Owen Farrell out?
Presently, Farrell is the best goal-kicker in the world and is playing the best football of his career. Able to cover second-five with equal competence, Farrell’s shortcoming is that he is not a particularly gifted attacking player.
If the Lions choose to play a more expansive running game, Jamie Roberts and Robbie Henshaw might be a better fit alongside Sexton.
Fascinating times. 2017 can’t come soon enough.
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.