LIONS STOCKTAKE
On current form, Farrell gets the nod in front of Sexton for tour of South Africa
IN THE summer of 2021, the British and Irish Lions will embark on a gruelling tour of South Africa, taking in three Tests against the Springboks on their home turf.
That eagerly-anticipated series is two years away with the likes of Warren Gatland, Eddie Jones and Gregor Townsend in the running for the top job. Joe Schmidt will be top of that list as well if he decides to return to coaching after his final assignment at the World Cup.
There will be injuries, fluctuations in form and bolters to consider in the months leading up to that tour, but if the Lions starting line-up was picked this week, what would it look like? FULL-BACK: Elliot Daly (England)
The Saracens-bound speedster had some shaky moments at fullback during England’s tour of South Africa last summer, but he has looked far more comfortable in the Six Nations. His booming left boot would be handy on the Highveld as well. On standby: Stuart Hogg (Scotland) RIGHT WING: Johnny May (England)
Very much in the ‘headless chicken’ category in his early years, May has improved his aerial skills, defence and positioning. On standby: George North (Wales) OUTSIDE CENTRE: Jonathan Davies (Wales)
The Welsh midfielder has started six consecutive Lions Tests across the New Zealand and Australia tours and you wouldn’t bet against him making it a clean sweep in South Africa.
On standby: Henry Slade (England)
INSIDE CENTRE: Manu Tuilagi (England)
A Lions tourist to Australia in 2013, Tuilagi looks back to his blockbusting best at the moment after six injury-ravaged seasons. The Anglo-Samoan wrecking ball has been sharp to date in the Six Nations. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) LEFT WING: Jacob Stockdale (Ireland) Joe Schmidt’s men have struggled for attacking fluency in the championship so far, but Stockdale produced the goods again in Murrayfield. On standby: Jack Nowell (England) OUT-HALF: Owen Farrell (England) Johnny Sexton is the reigning world player of the year On another level: England’s Owen Farrell but Owen Farrell is the form No 10 in the northern hemisphere. The Saracens out-half has gone up a level this season and looks far more dangerous with his passing and kicking game.
On standby: Johnny Sexton (Ireland) SCRUM-HALF: Ben Youngs (England)
Up until last summer, Conor Murray would have been one of the first names on a team-sheetbut the Munster star spent five mounts out of action with a neck injury and still isn’t 100 per cent fit. His usually reliable passing and box-kicking have lacked zip and accuracy, while his trademark sniping around the fringes has been virtually non-existent. At this point, Youngs would get the starting spot. On standby: Conor Murray (Ireland) LOOSEHEAD PROP: Mako Vunipola (England) Followed up that phenomenal 27-tackle shift against Ireland with another busy display against France at Twickenham. The elder of the Vunipola brothers has developed into a top-class scrummager. On standby: Cian Healy (Ireland) HOOKER: Stuart McInally (Scotland)
All-action front-rower, has been consistently excellent for club and county over the past 12 months. Offers pace and isn’t afraid to get stuck in as well. Not many players strip Tadhg Furlong of possession. On standby: Jamie George (England) TIGHTHEAD PROP: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Remains an iron scrummager and powerhouse in the loose. Has a skillset that other tightheads cannot match at present. The combination of Furlong as a starter and the feisty Kyle Sinckler as a late impact sub worked well for the Lions in New Zealand in 2017 On standby: Kyle Sinckler (England) LOCK: James Ryan (Ireland) Only 22 and approaching world-class status. Continues to deliver for province and country with a freakish work-rate. On standby: Grant Gilchrist (Scotland) LOCK: Maro Itoje (England) Already regarded as one of the top locks in the world. Was in the form of his life before suffering a knee injury against Ireland. On standby: Courtney Lawes (England) BLINDSIDE FLANKER: Peter O’Mahony (Ireland) Returned to his snarling best against Scotland after a quiet showing against England. His lineout ability and breakdown nous still set him apart. On standby: Josh Navidi (Wales) OPENSIDE FLANKER: Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Has deputised brilliantly for another livewire flanker in the form of Hamish Watson. A standout forward in Europe this season. On standby: Tom Curry (England) N0 8: Billy Vunipola (England) Looking back to his best in recent months. Saracens and England look far more threatening when he’s on the field. On standby: Sean O’Brien (Ireland).