WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THIS MONTH…
“Who will make the 2021 Lions squad?”
DESTINATION KNOWN! The British & Irish Lions have confirmed that they plan to tour South Africa this summer as planned, but who will be flying south at the end of June?
With the Six Nations completed and Warren Gatland due to name his squad at the start of next month, the selection debate has intensified.
Some players have timed their runs impeccably. Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong returned from injury in fine fettle; his quick-step in Scotland was a reminder of his skills in the loose and a week later against England he emphasised his power in the tight. You’d expect he and Kyle
Sinckler to be the top two Lions tightheads, but what of a third?
And the situation on the other side of the scrum looks highly competitive, with Cian Healy, Wyn Jones, Rory Sutherland and Mako Vunipola all in contention. It’s the same at fly-half, each nation having a prime candidate – Dan Biggar, Owen Farrell, Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton.
As for back-row options, the glass is not just full but overflowing, particularly when you add locks who can play at six
– think Tadhg Beirne and Maro Itoje – and those not involved in the Six Nations – think Sam Simmonds – into the mix.
In other areas the cupboard is not quite bare but distinctly lacking. Wales’ Ken Owens was outstanding at hooker in the championship but who else will go? Jamie George was first-choice No 2 in New Zealand four years ago but ended the Six Nations on the bench and now has to prove his case in England’s second tier. There is no standout at scrum-half either, although Conor Murray’s performance against England may put him at the front of the queue.
There is certainly plenty for Gatland to ponder over the coming weeks, with European matches almost a final audition for players. Let us know who would make your Lions squad.