Welsh aces leading the Lions race – Guscott

ENGLAND legend Jeremy Guscott has backed Welsh stars Dan Biggar and Taulupe Faletau for starting spots in Warren Gatland’s Lions side this summer.

But the hero of the 1997 tour admits he has some doubts over two of Wales’s best Six Nations performers, George North and Louis Rees-zammit.

After a Six Nations title, Welsh involvement in the tour should be fairly considerable, with some of Wayne Pivac’s side already nailed on.

Writing in his Rugby Paper column, Guscott went through his Lions certainties, featuring the likes of Conor Murray, Robbie Henshaw and Stuart Hogg.

“At fly-half performance-wise it has to be Dan Biggar,” he said.

“The Welsh 10 is starting to play flatter and attract defences onto him.

“He is also brilliant under the high ball, and a good defender. I’d also say that he is now a better goal-kicker than Owen Farrell.

“If anyone knows Biggar it is Gatland, and because Farrell did not shine in the Six Nations the Welshman has a great opportunity to become a Lions Test starter.

“This time if the England captain goes on the tour it will be more on reputation, and being a ‘Test match animal’, than on current form.”

With his midfield options, Guscott claimed that Gatland would be “praying” for the return of Manu Tuilagi, adding that he was yet to be convinced by North.

“George North might also be an option, but although he played well in the Six Nations, and did not get exposed at outside centre, I am still not oversold on him at 13.”

On the wings, Guscott sang the praise of Anthony Watson and Josh Adams, despite the latter not being “fashionable” in some people’s eyes.

“Louis Rees-zammit is the new Six Nations star and deserves praise, but, great as his tries were, there are positional plays that he needs to work on, especially in defence, where his sheer inexperience works against him.”

In the pack, Guscott singled out Wyn Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and Faletau as men who should be on the plane.

“Wyn Jones had a good tournament for Wales, likewise Rory Sutherland for Scotland, which leaves Mako Vunipola with ground to make up.

“Taulupe Faletau has had a lot of injuries since joining Bath, but he is leading the charge at No. 8.”