The Six Nations is in the book, but who will start for the Lions in New Zealand?
Here is a suggested selection just a couple of months out from the tour.
15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) – Scotland won all three home games in the Six Nations for the first time since 1999 and Hogg was the key attacking spark behind these successes. His pace and eye for the gap makes him arguably the form fullback in world rugby at present. Hogg is sound defensively.
14. George North (Wales) – Appears to be back to his rampaging best. His two tries against Ireland in Cardiff won the match.
13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland) – Outplayed Anthony Joseph on the last day of the championship. Deceptively strong, Ringrose was incisive almost every time he touched the ball, a resolute defender.
12. Owen Farrell (England) – Until Sunday had been unbeaten in his last 35 matches for club and country. An ace goal-kicker and solid all-round performer. It’s hard to ignore the bedrock of the English backline.
11. Elliot Daly (England) – Scored a brilliant try at the death to beat Wales in Cardiff. A very good defensive winger, which will be valuable if the games turn into territorial arm wrestles, and a proven finisher. Liam Williams of Wales and Tim Visser of Scotland also have strong campaigns.
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland) – George Ford (England), Dan Biggar (Wales) and even Finn Russell (Scotland) staked strong claims for the 10 jersey, but Sexton’s experience and creative flair is likely to ask more questions of the All Blacks’ defence. A vital cog in the Lions’ 2013 triumph in Australia.
9. Connor Murray (Ireland) – His combination with Sexton is a proven winner. An accurate kick from the base of the ruck where the All Blacks will pressure, Murray is experienced and classy. Rhys Webb of Wales and Ben Youngs of England pushed hard for a place too.
8. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland) – The Lions selectors boast an embarrassment of riches when it comes to loose forwards. Billy Vunipola, Hamish Watson, CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony, Ross Moriarty and James Haskell were all outstanding for their respective countries, but Heaslip gets the nod at No.8. Less than a year ago he was a nominee for IRB World Player of the year. Offers a genuine lineout option which others don’t and has an outstanding work rate. Vunipola off the bench in the last 20 minutes could be dynamite after an hour of the demanding Heaslip.
7. Sean O’Brien (Ireland) – An absolute workhorse whose impact at the breakdown can be devastating. Bustling with ball in hand, O’Brien completely outplayed Sam Cane in two Tests last year.
6. Sam Warburton (Wales) – Herculean tackle counts, inspiring leadership, Warburton often hit top form in the Six Nations. His quality is undeniable.
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5. Courtney Lawes – Lock is another position where the Lions are totally spoiled for choice. The Gray brothers, Joe Launchbury, Devon Toner, Iain Henderson, Alun Wyn Jones and Donnacha Ryan are among the many options at Warren Gatland’s disposal. Lawes has been selected in this team because he is in career-best form. A giant of the man his superior physically will be critical in trying to wear down the All Blacks pack.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – Equally adept at flanker, Itoje is a huge body with a massive engine who has rapidly forged a formidable reputation. Will bring great energy and hustle to the Lions pack.
3. Dan Cole (England) – A crafty menace at scrum time troubled all opponents in the Six Nations. Brings considerable experience and was a strong performer for the Lions in 2013.
2. Rory Best (Ireland) – Hooker will be a contentious place with Ken Owens (Wales) and Dylan Hartley (England) capable starters. Best wins approval here because he appears busier around field and troubled the All Blacks last year.
1. Jack McGrath (Ireland) – Rarely bettered in the scrum and a Trojan around the paddock. Just edges England’s Joe Marler.
English twizz
Guest
If the first test team doesn't have mario itoje starting and it goes wrong the knifes will be all out for WG with extra special venom
English twizz
Guest
Then say it's not a spear tackle and then boo him for saying it was a spear tackle when he plays in the north
Daire Thornton
Guest
Maybe the Lions should drop Beauden Barrett on his head, slde line him for 13 months and call him a sook then.
Joe Wood
Roar Rookie
Not bad. Back row and 13 I'd change personally. Would still have Joseph (JONATHAN Joseph) in at 13, and back row I would go for Stander at 6, Warburton at 7 and Billy Vunipola at 8. Tempted to start with Mako at 1 too if he gets back to where he was before injury, but in current form McGrath is great. O'Brian and Heaslip aren't as good as they used to be, but should definitely go. Also, VERY tempted to go for Launchbury over Lawes, but TOUGH call.
Lara
Guest
Eddie would say not enough English players.....what are you thinking.....at less half the team.
redbull
Guest
Stander rather then Heaslip. The back row for Ireland against England was about the best they could put out. Would prefer Furlong rather than Cole, but it is a pretty close run thing. Same Liam Williams rather than Daly, the guy is electric with the ball, but you have chosen Daly for his (implied) better defence. I do think Sexton is getting a but too frail. He is constantly targeted and is showing the effects. English halves? You needed to name a bench.
Graeme
Guest
Not a bad side but when you compare with their likely NZ opposites how many would make a composite side?
BBA
Guest
Only if they are talented and influential. Dont think it will be a concern this tour.
BBA
Guest
oops my bad, I stand corrected
Hello Everybody.ï
Guest
After the 6 nations Ive settled on my team. 1) J.McGrath 2) R.Best 3) T.Furlong 4) J.Launchbury 5) A.W.Jones 6) M.Itoje 7) S.Warburton 8) B.Vunipola 9) C.Murray 10) J.Sexton 11) E.Daly 12) O.Farrell 13) J.Joseph 14) G.North 15) S.Hogg 16) D.Hartley 17) M.Vunipola 18) D.Cole 19) C.J.Stander 20) S.O'Brien 21) R.Webb 22) G.Ford 23) L.Williams
Daire Thornton
Guest
Tadgh Furlong
cuw
Guest
15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) 14. George North (Wales) 13. Jonathan Joseph (England) 12. Jonathan Davies (Wales) 11. Elliot Daly (England) 10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland) 9. Connor Murray (Ireland) 8. Billy Vunipola (England) 7. Justin Tipuric (Wales) 6. Sam Warburton (Wales) 5. Joe Launchbury (England) 4. Ritchie Gray (Scotland) 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) 2. Ken Owens (Wales) 1. Jack McGrath (Ireland) Rory Best (Ireland) Mako Vunipola (England) Dan Cole (England) Maro Itoje (England) CJ Stander (Ireland) Rhys Webb (Wales) Owen Farrell (England) Liam Williams (Wales)
Morsie
Guest
I'd agree completely on not having any of the backs as captain, they're likely to get spear tackled and "rubbed out".
Browny
Roar Rookie
That was my first thought as far as omissions. At first glance did think "where's Billy?!" but I do like the idea of Heaslip starting and Billy doing his wreaking ball impersonation at the back end of the match.
Dsat24
Guest
Just quietly at the 60th minute in the first dig there will be a need for the bench to have wheels
taylorman
Guest
Yes if Warburton is considered the number one openside, which in my book isn't saying a lot, he should probably be captain if only for the sake of continuity, previous Lions successful captain and has an understanding with Gatland that goes back years. I wouldn't go near putting an inside back as captain against the ABs, although it did work with Dawes many moons ago, but Farrell will be under immense pressure from the ABs and he'll need to focus 100% on his role as playmaker and goalkicker. As chief kicker, playmaker and captain stands out even more as an obvious target. Phil Bennett captained in 77 here and was hardly visible in the tests, despite playing great stuff against the provinces.
JimmyB
Guest
Not sure that Hogg can be deemed to be 'sound' defensively, but he's certainly great going forward. Does Anthony Joseph play inside or outside of Jonathan Watson, either way, I'd take JJ in the 13 shirt. Daly might well tour due to his versatility but I can't see him starting the first test and certainly not on the wing. Heaslip will be lucky to be on the plane let alone anywhere near the test squad. SOB has had a pretty poor season all in, great player that he certainly was, more likely Warburton at 7 and Stander at 6. Launchbury over Lawes. Furlong over Cole My Nan over Best.
JimmyB
Guest
Why not be greedy and select 23 instead?!
Sean
Guest
Vunipola at 8, Warburton at 7 with Stander at 6. Launchbury/Wyn Jones/Henderson and Johnny Gray all ahead of Lawes. Furlong to start too.
Riccardo
Guest
Pretty decent team Adam. Possible Bench: Vunipola, Owens, Furlong, Launchbury, Stander, Webb, Biggar, Williams