Bookmakers put their faith in Scarlets trio for Lions challenge
THREE Scarlets players are rated odds-on to be named in next year’s Lions touring party.
They are among seven Welshmen who the bookmakers believe are nailed-on to be named in Warren Gatland’s squad to face world champions South Africa in their own back yard.
Despite his absence from the game since the last World Cup because of injury, Jonathan Davies heads five Welsh backs who are considered bankers for the challenge down south.
The Scarlet has been outstanding on the last two Lions tours – justifying his selection for the final Test ahead of Brian O’driscoll in 2013 and being named player of the series in New Zealand four years later – and knows what’s required for such a rarefied level of rugby.
Davies has also previously shown he can return strongly from serious injuries.
He’s 4-11 with Betfair and 1-3 with Skybet to be selected.
Liam Williams is also rated oddson, along with Gareth Davies, who is the most fancied Welsh scrum-half ahead of Tomos Williams and Rhys Webb.
But the shortest price currently being quoted about any Welsh player is the 1-16 Skybet is offering on Josh Adams. He is 1-12 with Betfair.
The ultra-consistent Hendy product has resumed rugby in blistering form after lockdown.
He scored 10 tries in capped internationals in 2019. Only one player in history, Tom Shanklin in 2004 with 11, has crossed for more touchdowns for Wales in a calendar year.
There’s also the not-insignificant fact that Warren Gatland rates Adams, enjoying not just his try-scoring ability but also his work off the ball.
Only two eligible players, England’s Jonny May and Owen Farrell, are felt more likely to travel.
The two Welsh forwards with the shortest odds are Alun Wyn Jones (17) and Justin Tipuric (4-6).