Liam at full-back, Leigh on the wing and Tipuric at seven – notWarburton

THERE have been countless arguments in pubs, clubs and work places, but the only selector whose views truly count will get to deliver his verdict next week when Warren Gatland unveils his Lions side for the first Test against New Zealand.

But I have had a go at picking a team that would give the tourists their best chance of starting the series on a positive note. 15. Liam Williams There is absolutely zero indication that Warren Gatland will use Williams at full-back, but he could do worse than give such a selection serious thought.

At a time when Austin Healey is calling for Mike Brown to fit Gatland’s supposed criteria for a No. 15 of “catching every high ball, making every tackle and fighting every man in a black shirt” it is worth asking the question: why send for the combustible England man when Williams can do all those things and he is already in the squad? 14. Leigh Halfpenny Anthony Watson showed enough in general play to feature here, but Halfpenny’s peerless goal-kicking makes him a player the Lions need to carry in their starting XV.

He is deadly and no-one else in the party has his range or accuracy. Also, eight tries in 22 starts on the wing for Wales suggests he can finish. 13. Ben Te’o This one depends on whether Jonathan Davies is fit to face the Maori. If he is then the temptation would be to use him at 13 and Te’o at 12, with Owen Farrell figuring at fly-half.

Te’o has made a serious impact on the tour so far. He scatters defenders and acts as a target for his pack. 12. Owen Farrell The Lions’ best rugby on this trip came with Farrell and Jonathan Sexton operating alongside each other against the Crusaders.

What you lose in power and defensive certainty you gain in skill and intelligence. 11. George North North had mixed reviews after his effort against the Crusaders, but he tackled resolutely and achieved four possession turnovers.

Sometimes, opportunities are simply not there to perform wonders in attack.

Potentially, he is a keynote player. 10. Jonathan Sexton Perhaps the most welcome sight of the tour for Gatland was Sexton rediscovering his confidence and poise in the game against the Crusaders.

He is a clever player who has the brains and skill to steer a team in the right direction. 9. Conor Murray Rhys Webb had a strong game against the Highlanders, but Murray offers the element of outstanding game control that is indispensable to a team that wants to topple New Zealand.

The Irishman’s effort against the Crusaders was something else. 1. Mako Vunipola There may still be the odd question over his scrummaging, but he has improved in the set-piece and around the field he is a force of nature, a player who gives any side he plays for an extra dimension. 2. Jamie George A flick-of-a-coin call here, with George just coming through over Ken Owens on the strength of his effort against the Crusaders.

It was the best performance by a hooker on the trip so far. 3. Tadhg Furlong Let’s assume Dan Cole’s chances took a knock as the Lions scrum ended up in a heap in Dunedin.

Kyle Sinckler is startling around the field, but the primary job of a tight-head is to anchor the scrum and there are few better in world rugby at that particular task than Furlong. 4. George Kruis Maro Itoje has caught the eye, but Kruis is a no-nonsense operator who is capable of ransacking an opposition line-out and he is unbeaten on this trip so far. 5. Alun Wyn Jones It isn’t just about Jones’s tireless appetite for work and his steelplated mental strength. It is also about the effect he has on those around him. Against the Crusaders, he lifted the whole side from front 6. Sean O’Brien The Tullow Tank is another player who is capable of lifting his game to heights even the All Blacks respect.

Injuries have plagued him in recent times, but when he is on his game his tractor-like charges and uncompromising tackling make him a huge asset. 8. Taulupe Faletau It says everything about Faletau’s form on this tour than few have mentioned the absent Billy Vunipola.

And why would they? Faletau has been unyielding in defence and terrific going forward. He is, assuredly, the first name on the team sheet. 7. Justin Tipuric In the debate over who should play at openside, some have ludicrously appeared to forget that Tipuric is even on the tour.

He has creative skills that few other No. 7s in the world come close to matching, while he is also a more than capable defender. It would take a leap of faith to include Sam Warburton at this point.