As the Six Nations ends, talk turns to who will make the British & Irish Lions squad for this summer’s three-Test series in Australia. The simplest solution would be to select tournament winners France, including a fit-again Antoine Dupont, the best player on the planet. And hope the Aussies don’t notice …
If only.
So, back from the land of make-believe, before we select our starting XV to face Australia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on July 19, let’s look at how each nation we can pick from fared.
Over the course of the campaign, Ireland’s dominance began to wane. They placed third in the Six Nations table owing to points difference, albeit beaten only by France.
With their young squad of large, skilful athletes, an ascendant England were second, beating every side but Ireland. Ending the final weekend with a record 14 – 68 hammering of Wales puts many in England’s ranks into Lions contention at just the right time.
Scotland showed brilliance at times but were all too often out-powered, notably by France.
And so to Wales, Wooden Spoonists for a second year running. A record 17 losses on the bounce and a set-up in disarray, it is now unremarkable for Wales to be beaten by Italy.
So, with all that considered, here is my starting Lions XV:
Forwards: 1. Ellis Genge (Eng); 2. Dave Cherry (Sco); 3. Will Stuart (Eng); 4. Maro Itoje (Eng) – captain; 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ire); 6. Tom Curry (Eng); 7. Jac Morgan (Wal). 8. Caelan Dorris (Ire).
Backs: 9. Jamison Gibson Park (Ire); 10. Finn Russell (Sco); 11. Duhan van der Merwe (Sco) 12. Bundee Aki (Ire) 13. Huw Jones (Sco) 14. James Lowe (Ire) 15. Blair Kinghorn (Sco).
