SIX NATIONS 2019 - LIONS STARTING SIDE
1. Cian Healy (Ireland)
Age has not wearied the dynamic Leinster loose-head who at 31 remains one of the most dangerous close-range try scorers in any pack of forwards. Gritty and experienced at the scrum, and hard to hold in the close quarter combat.
2. Ken Owens (Wales)
Momentum-man Welsh hooker. The Scarlets captain brought outstanding form over the course of the season into this tournament. Strong in the tight, huge work rate in the loose – including a tireless 14 tackles against the Scots.
3. Kyle Sinkler (England)
Big improvement at the scrum eclipsed by a huge contribution around the field – even outstripping Tadhg Furlong, who beat him to the 2017 Lions starting tighthead slot. Tackle count of 20 against Wales off the charts.
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Master and Commander, whose street-smart leadership and individual prowess drove his team on. The Welsh captain refused to accept defeat, and right call at right time was key to comebacks against France and England.
5. James Ryan (Ireland)
A picture of high octane consistency over the campaign, despite being edged out by Maro Itoje in Dublin until injury ended the English lock’s tournament. Leaps, carries and tackles to the highest standard every game.
6. Josh Navidi (Wales)
The dreadlocked Cardiff Blues openside has adapted seamlessly to the blindside role in this Grand Slam tilt, and has come of age. Power and good footwork make him hard to nail, while he is like a pit bull in defence.
7. Tom Curry (England)
Transformed from a lightweight breakaway out-muscled by the Springboks last summer into a powerful breakdown force. Strong and predatory over the ball every game, and his poacher’s try against Wales gave England a great platform.
8. Ross Moriarty (Wales)
Not the biggest No.8 on the block, but indomitable. His ability to punch above his weight throughout the tournament, as well as unflagging work-rate, was crucial to Welsh success. Taulupe Faletau was barely missed.
9. Conor Murray (Ireland)
Bit of ring rust at the start of the tournament, but by the middle of it was back to his best. Blip in Cardiff. Size and speed make him dangerous inside the 22, puts more hang time and accuracy on his box-kicks than rivals, and has a sharper tactical head.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
King of the hill at fly-half despite his second-half tactical blank against Wales. While he is not yet the full article as captain he kept his discipline, and the fizzing accuracy of his best passing is world class – as is most of his goal-kicking.
11. Josh Adams (Wales)
Wonder wing. Started the great escape in Paris with blistering break to set up opening try, scored in Rome to keep lacklustre Wales on track, brilliant leap and touchdown to see off England, and text book in-out to see off Scots.
12. Manu Tuilagi (England)
A long time coming, but worth the wait. Brought midfield muscle England missed during his fouryear injury absence, and after limbering up in the first three rounds went on the rampage against Italy, scoring two tries and setting up another.
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
Unyielding bulwark on which Shaun Edwards built the abrasive defence that earned Wales a Grand Slam. Clever counter-attacker – and while not as incisive as he was in 2017 as Lions player of the series, still carried the threat.
14. Jonny May (England)
The “Mayday! Mayday!” alarm call sounded after the rapid England wing scored four tries in the first two rounds, with a kick-chase hat-trick against France and an early score against the Irish.
15. Liam Williams (Wales)
Mister Immaculate throughout the campaign, but especially against England. His timing and agility under the high ball spiked their guns, while the threat he posed from deep with his sinuous running was a nerve-jangler for every defence.
Replacements bench
16. Jamie George (England) 17. Rob Evans (Wales) 18. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) 19. Courtney Lawes (England) 20. Justin Tipuric (Wales) 21. Gareth Davies (Wales) 22. Johnny Sexton (Ireland) 23. Elliot Daly (England)
WHETHER it is big impact or ‘finishers’ you want, this bench fits the bill. In the front row Jamie George nudges out Irish skipper Rory Best at hooker, mobile Welsh loose-head Rob Evans was much improved at the scrum, and Irish tight-head Tadhg Furlong is a mighty replacement despite a slight dip in loose.
Before he was injured Courtney Lawes was in clattering form and Justin Tipuric’s breakdown effectiveness was crucial for Wales.
A half-back duo with the dynamism of Gareth Davies and strategic nous of Johnny Sexton covers the bases, while Elliot Daly’s flair adds the finishing touch.