Gatland has got it wrong. But here is my team for the first Test
Row over extra players distracts from victory that shows the Lions can spring big surprise on Saturday
Ireally hope the Lions tour does not become overshadowed by the row over the six call-ups, but I am sorry to say that, for me, it strikes the wrong note. I can understand why Warren Gatland has done what he has. I have got no issues with protecting the Test team by calling up some extra cover for midweek. But why not call up the players who just missed out on selection in the first place? The ones who deserve to be there, who would give their right arms to be there, rather than some players purely because they happen to be in the right geographical location?
For many players, being given a Lions jersey is the absolute pinnacle of their careers. For me these call-ups devalue the jersey. They are fine players, but not the best available. Eddie Jones said he would not stand in the way of any of his England players being called up. He understands what the jersey means. He will be gutted for someone like Joe Launchbury.
The row is a shame because that was another creditable win for the Lions yesterday against the Maori All Blacks, another step forward.
Yes, there is still work to be done in attack, and yes, the All Blacks are another step up again, but the Lions were dominant. The forwards were outstanding, the set-piece excellent. Defensively, the team were outstanding. They pressured the Maoris, forcing them into errors, gradually assuming control. The game went a long way to nailing down a few positions for that all-important first Test, and here is my starting XV:
15 Leigh Halfpenny
Halfpenny played very well, approaching his 2013 form. It will be so important to take away the All Blacks’ kicking threat – one thing they won’t do is kick away half as much ball as the Maori.
14 Anthony Watson
If you pick Halfpenny, you need some X-factor elsewhere in the back three. Watson has looked closest to providing that.
13 Jonathan Davies
I like the combination of Davies and Te’o in the centres. Davies has a solid all-round game, experience, and he is a left-footed kicker. His kicking is a real weapon. A few times yesterday his ability to kick in the outside channels turned possession into pressure.
12 Ben Te’o
Some players get better the more they wear the jersey, and Te’o appears to be one. He was excellent again yesterday, holding the outside shoulder really well. He and Davies are beginning to look like a real combination.
11 George North
I would be inclined to start Elliot Daly on Tuesday, and if he performs then I would probably start him against the All Blacks. But failing a dazzling performance, North looks a safe bet.
10 Owen Farrell
If he is fit, Farrell starts for me. But he must be fit by Tuesday. If not then I would have no problem with Jonathan Sexton at outside-half.
9 Conor Murray
Started shakily against the Maori but I cannot see him being dropped. Was excellent against the Crusaders.
1 Mako Vunipola
Mako’s ability in the loose, his game involvement, makes him a real weapon. His familiarity with Jamie George is another reason I have picked them together.
2 Jamie George
Another player, like Te’o, who seems to be getting better with every game he has in the Lions jersey. A natural ball-carrier, he hits rucks and has very good game involvement.
3 Tadgh Furlong
Impressed when he came on the international scene and is still impressing. His scrummaging yesterday was of the highest order, helping the Lions control the setpiece.
4 George Kruis
I have gone with an all-Saracens second row. Kruis is a really good line-out organiser, he carries well and is playing well. I think he has been the form lock on this tour.
5 Maro Itoje
It is not as if Alun Wyn Jones has not played well. But Itoje has that X-factor. His speed, comfort in the outside channels and prodigious work off the ball are all huge weapons.
6 Peter O’Mahony (c)
Sam Warburton is perhaps two weeks away from being fully fit. If he does not start, O’Mahony is my captain. A
player’s player. A natural leader.
7 Sean O’Brien
One of Gatland’s biggest decisions. Does he play a nearly-fit Warburton, his tour captain? Or does he go with one of the Lions’ most in-form players?
8 Taulupe Faletau
Outstanding Lions player of the tour so far. Looks fresh and has benefited from missing so much of last season.
The competition is fierce. Whatever team Gats selects, they must believe they can win. I believe they can.