NICK CAIN’S LIONS STARTING XV
1 Jack McGrath (Ireland)
Fierce competitor who brings heavy tonnage at the scrum and in the loose
2 Jamie George (England)
Strong at set-piece, livewire in the loose – time to break out from Hartley shadow
3 Tadgh Furlong (Ireland)
Developing as tight-head of true stature, and rollicking presence about the pitch
4 Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)
A rugged lock who is also a force of nature at close quarters. Shoulder injury a concern
5 Courtney Lawes (England)
Back to his best in the Six Nations – strong at the lineout, and exceptional mobility
6 Maro Itoje (England)
Gives the back row athleticism, size, strength and adaptability, plus a lineout option
7 Sam Warburton (Wales)
Inspirational at his best. Breakdown force with destructive tackling and strength over the ball
8 Billy Vunipola (England)
New Zealand will not have a powerhouse carrier with his match-turning bulldozing strength
9 Conor Murray (Ireland)
Can produce moments of magic around the base. Big, abrasive, and tactically very astute
10 Owen Farrell (England)
Younger, stronger and more robust than Sexton. A world-class goalkicker and fine passer
11 Sean Maitland (Scotland)
Experienced wing at the top of his game – a threat in attack and very solid in defence
12 Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Had a mixed Six Nations, but brave, hugely physical, and has underrated kicking game
13 Jonathan Joseph (England)
Not as big as Jonathan Davies but faster and more elusive – rarely opens door in defence
14 George North (Wales)
The giant showed signs of reawakening against Ireland, and if he does, cannot be ignored
15 Liam Williams (Wales)
He has all the skills – and Hogg loses out because the last line of defence has to tackle strongly
REST OF SQUAD:
Full backs: Halfpenny (W), Hogg (S); Wings: Nowell (E), Daly (E); Centres: S Williams (W), Te’o (E); Fly-halves: Sexton (I), Cipriani (E); Scrum-halves: Webb (W), Youngs (E); No.8: Faletau (W); Flankers: Tipuric (W), Stander (I), O’Mahony (I); Locks: Kruis (E), Henderson (I); Hookers: Best (I), Owens (W); Props: M Vunipola (E), Marler (E); Cole (E), Sinckler (E)