As the dust settles on the first Six Nations to include bonus points I’ll be taking a look at the teams and who will make the plane and who will be unfortunate to miss out.
Throughout the six nations, Warren Gatland continuously alluded to the fact that his selection for this tour will be more difficult than four years ago, with more players in form and vying for spots that they weren’t doing in 2013, making a place on the tour party that bit more coveted.
Warren Gatland is preparing for his third tour, second as head coach
England’s record-equalling run is sure to see them well represented in New Zealand, Eddie Jones openly saying “he expected to see a minimum of 15” Englishman in the party and little can argue with him given their transformation after the 2015 World Cup. Maro Itoje is one player who has benefitted immensely from the change in management as his performances for Saracens have been rewarded with a consistent spot in the second row under Eddie Jones, with him also switching to the back row when other options are available at lock, showing how integral he is to the side. Being a versatile player is useful when it comes to the Lions, as it means you can make the team if not in your desired position, Itoje certainly has shown he has the capabilities to play in the back row if other players are deemed better choices at lock.
Itoje’s versatility and workload could make him a candidate for a test start come June.
Ireland under Joe Schmidt have improved steadily in the post-O’Driscoll era with them winning back-to-back six nations titles in 2014 and 2015 and has seen them end an 111 year wait for a victory over the All Blacks in the autumn of 2016 followed up by victories over South Africa and Australia. The half-back pairing of Connor Murray and Jonny Sexton is an early choice for a test start in June given the relationship they have built with Ireland. Both players have an attacking mindset to get on the front foot and have confidence with ball in hand so they can utilise the platform, players like CJ Stander and Billy Vunipola give them.
Could Ireland’s half back pairing be set to join forces for the Lions?
Scotland are possibly the most improved team out of the four nations with Vern Cotter introducing a more attacking brand of rugby which has reaped rewards by seeing the Scots score more tries which has been an issue for them in recent years. As a result it wouldn’t be a surprise if more Scots were present than on previous tours. Stuart Hogg has shone under Cotter and has gone on to become one of the best attacking backs in the northern hemisphere and is sure to be one of the first names in the test team. His attacking instincts will be vital if the Lions are to take the Kiwis on at their own game.
Stuart Hogg could really test the All Blacks with his quick feet and attacking vision
Wales are a team in strong transition and are trying to adopt a different style of game to the one that proved so successful in the early years under Warren Gatland. In Gatland’s absence, Rob Howley has attempted to play a more expansive game with some players flourishing and some losing the skills they had under the old style. George North should see himself in the test team again after overcoming questions over his concussion problems with some outstanding games in this year’s six nations. Sam Warburton has been reborn after the captaincy was taken away from him at the start of the campaign and was one of the Welsh’s star performers.
Sam Warburton has been in scintillating form since giving up the captaincy
The captain debate is always an intriguing one with various names being thrown around already. Proven leaders like Greig Laidlaw and Rory Best who their coaches have shown an enormous amount of faith in during their respective reigns. Owen Farrell has been suggested as a potential candidate having done the job for England in Dylan Hartley’s absence. Warburton is again being tipped as a possible captain for the tour given his presence on the field and his successful stint in 2013. Alun Wyn Jones has been an incredible servant to Welsh rugby and his qualities as a leader make him another choice as captain ahead of the squad announcement on April 19.
My Lions 23 for the first test in Eden Park, Auckland;
15 Stuart Hogg (Scotland), 14 Anthony Watson (England), 13 Jonathan Joseph (England), 12 Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), 11 George North (Wales), 10 Jonny Sexton (Ireland), 9 Connor Murray (Ireland), 8 Billy Vuinpola (England), 7 Sam Warburton (C) (Wales), 6 CJ Stander (Ireland), 5 Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), 4 Maro Itoje (England), 3 Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), 2 Rory Best (Ireland), 1 Jack McGrath (Ireland), 16 Ken Owens (Wales), 17 Rob Evans (Wales), 18 Mako Vunipola (England), 19 Jonny Gray (Scotland), 20 Ross Moriarty (Wales), 21 Rhys Webb (Wales), 22 Owen Farrell (England), 23 Tommy Seymour (Scotland)
