Sir Ian Mcgeechan
My 36-strong Lions squad for South Africa tour
Full-backs Stuart Hogg
(Scotland) Has really improved since moving to Exeter. A leader and a counterattacker, which is important on the hard South African pitches.
Liam Williams
(Wales)
His return made a huge difference to Wales. Brilliant under the high ball, superb counterattacker and versatile.
Wings Louis Reeszammit
(Wales) Youngster deserves a call-up on based on form. Pure speed and growing in confidence.
Josh Adams
(Wales) The most consistent winger going back to the last World Cup. Another whose return made a difference to Wales.
Elliot Daly
(England) Controversial pick as he has not been in top form, but his versatility is a real asset. And has Lions experience.
Anthony Watson
(England) The pick of England’s backs in Six Nations. Incredible athlete. Can cover full-back.
George North
(Wales) Can play wing or centre. Amazing try record and has Lions experience.
Centres Robbie Henshaw
(Ireland) Arguably the player of the Six Nations. Outstanding in every game.
Chris Harris
(Scotland) A great advert for Steve Tandy’s coaching – a rock in the Scottish midfield.
Jonathan Davies
(Wales)
If he is fit he has to travel. No one better at defending the 13 channel.
Henry Slade
(England) Tough on Garry Ringrose. But Slade’s greater versatility just shades it.
Fly-halves Owen Farrell
(England) Another controversial pick, though not in my book. Big-match player. Covers 10 and 12. Goal-kicker. Leader.
Dan Biggar
(Wales) Always dependable. Led Wales to another Six Nations crown. Good relationship with Gatland.
Finn Russell
(Scotland) Russell is the best 10 in terms of attacking kicks. Great variety, too. Greater maturity and control now.
Scrum-halves Conor Murray
(Ireland) Timely return to form. Gats trusts him.
Ben Youngs
(England) No one has nailed down this spot, and experience is key.
Ali Price
(Scotland) Gatland might
contender at start of Six Nations to a favourite to start against Boks.
Kyle Sinckler
(England) Interesting to see which world-class tighthead, Sinckler or Furlong, starts.
Tadhg Furlong
(Ireland) Another whose return to form could not have been timed better. Ireland looked a different team.
Andrew Porter
(Ireland) More than capable stand-in for Furlong. Can play either side of the scrum.
Hookers Ken Owens
(Wales) Not slowing down at 34. talisman.
Jamie George
(England) Some rate Luke Cowan-dickie higher, but George’s Lions experience counts for a lot.
George Turner
(Scotland) A revelation in the Six Nations and a Lions bolter. Accurate thrower to the line-out and excellent in the loose.
Second rows Maro Itoje
(England) Did not have the happiest of Six Nations, but difficult to imagine a Lions without Itoje. Will not take a backwards step.
Alun Wyn Jones
(Wales) Ageless warrior. Only concern is whether he can play three Tests back-to-back.
James Ryan
(Ireland) Injuries meant we did not see the best of him in the Six Nations, but a shoo-in.
Tadhg Beirne
(Ireland) Line-out jumper, turnover specialist. Beirne can cover No6 or No 8.
Iain Henderson
(Ireland)
So good four years ago. I am a fan. In form as well. Gatland is well stocked in the second row.
Back rows Tom Curry
(England) Just an outstanding athlete and growing as a leader, too.
Hamish Watson
(Scotland) Offers something a little different with his power and explosiveness ball in hand.
Justin Tipuric
(Wales) World class for Wales. Will enjoy the firm grounds in South Africa.
CJ Stander
(Ireand) Will be motivated to go out on a high. Solid and covers No6 and No8.
Taulupe Faletau
(Wales) Billy Vunipola’s loss of form means second No8 berth goes to Faletau, who is back to something approaching his best.