Lions have the right mix to win 2017 series
OPINION: Blend the the best of England and Ireland, add some Welsh rarebit and save the Scots for the midweek match mix.
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland may finally have the recipe to beat the All Blacks in his New Zealand homeland next year?
Gatland may have to leave his defensive blinkers behind in Cardiff, but the ex-all Blacks hooker certainly has better talent than the last Lions retinue to land here. Clive Woodward’s 2015 team had too many players past their best, but Gatland could conceivably field a side in or approaching their prime.
Only hooker Dylan Hartley, the obvious choice as captain, flanker Sean O’brien and lock Alun Wyn Jones of the potential starting lineup, will be aged 30 or over when they arrive at Auckland Airport.
England’s unbeaten run in 2016 and Ireland’s historic first test win over the All Blacks add a piquancy to the next Lions tour which was sadly absent 12 years ago.
IS THIS THE LIONS TEAM TO BEAT THE ALL BLACKS? 15: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales).
The Lions’ player of the series in Australia in 2013 is an elusive runner with a touch of class. Has honed his game since moving to France with Toulon.
A star of Wales’ tour to New Zealand in 2016, Williams can operate anywhere across the back three. Has plenty of pace and safe hands under the high ball.
14: Liam Williams (Wales). 13: Robbie Henshaw (Ireland).
Equally at home in the 12 or 13 jerseys, Henshaw shapes as the best Irish midfielder since 2005 Lions tour captain Brian O’driscoll.
12: Owen Farrell (England).
His experience in the pivot position equips him to serve as a second playmaker. The best goalkicker in world rugby and he grew up in rugby league so there’s no doubts over his defence.
The Wasps pest could also easily play at fullback or centre. Speed to burn and doesn’t shirk his defensive work either.
11: Elliot Daly (England). 10: George Ford (England).
His Bath boss, Todd Blackadder, has compared Ford to Dan Carter for his vision and control of a game. His clever passing and kicking has helped England’s back play blossom under Eddie Jones.
A Munster monster man who many rate the world’s best halfback in 2016. Built like a backrower, a dangerous runner around the edges and a master of the box kicking art.
9: Conor Murray (Ireland). 8: Billy Vunipola (England).
You have to be good to keep Wales’ Taulape Faletau out of the starting lineup, and Vunipola certainly is. Eddie Jones believes the Brisbaneborn, 126kg Vunipola can be the best No 8 in the world.
7: Sean O’brien (Ireland).
Wales’ Sam Warburton has his adherents, but O’brien has consistently troubled the All Blacks at the breakdown and offers more around the field. Missed the historic win in Chicago while on the injury comeback trail, but was dynamic again in Dublin.
The Saracens youngster won World Rugby’s emerging player award for his deeds at lock in England’s series win in Australia. But he has the pace and athleticism to play in the backrow and would offer an additional lineout option.
6: Maro Itoje (England). 5: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales).
Wales’ most capped lock remains a wily campaigner and would bring plenty of experience from the 2009 and 2013 Lions tours.
4: George Kruis (England).
The Saracens second rower has edged out Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury as England’s firstchoice lock.
3: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland).
The 24-year-old still feels he is’’a big, big step away’’ from the Lions after just 11 tests for Ireland. But the County Wexford farmer is the standout tighthead, although it’s hard to leave out any prop called Samson (Wales’ Samson Lee).
2: Dylan Hartley (England).
Rotorua’s finest export underachieved earlier in his career after bouts of ill-discipline and inconsistency, but he’s added extra maturity to his game and has thrived as England’s captain. Edges out Ireland’s able Rory Best, Scotland’s Ross Ford and English understudy Tom Youngs.
(England). Billy’s Wellington-born big brother is 130kg and a powerful scrummager, but is handy around the field too. Eddie Jones reckons Vunipola’s skill set is better than the All Blacks’ tight forwards.
Reserves: 16-Rory Best (Ireland), 17-Samson Lee (Wales) 18-Jack Mcgrath (Ireland), 19-Joe Launchbury (England), 20-Chris Robshaw (England), 21-Greig Laidlaw (Scotland), 22-Manu Tuilagi (England), 23-Jonny May (England).
1: Mako Vunipola