England duo tipped to lead the Lions... but don’t rule out Welsh hopefuls
PAUL O’Connell has put England stars Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje at the top of his list of potential captains for the Lions tour of South Africa whenever it takes place next year, but they face strong competition, not least from Wales.
The former Ireland lock led the cream of British and Irish rugby into battle during an epic Test series with the Springboks 11 years ago.
He was also a Lion in New Zealand in 2005 and during the conquest of Australia in 2013, breaking an arm during the opening Test but remaining among the dressing room, such was his influence.
So who are the other contenders? Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton, a Lions kingpin in Australia and during the Gatland orchestrated drawn Test series with then world champions New Zealand three years ago, remains in the mix.
Full-back Stuart Hogg, who was in Gatland’s squad for both those missions, has made a positive impact as skipper in revitalising Scotland following their World Cup horror show.
And there’s three candidates from Wales, in veteran leader Alun Wyn Jones, centre Jonathan Davies and Mr Consistency Justin Tipuric.
We assess the strengths and weaknesses of the seven before delivering his verdict.
ALUN WYN JONES
May be approaching 35, but has been there and done it with a record nine Lions Test appearances on the bounce in the professional era. Strengths: Started the opening clash with the Springboks in 2009 and came off the bench in the other two.
He was a key figure in Australia four years later, captaining Gatland’s gang to glory in the final Test after Sam Warburton was forced to sit it out with a hamstring injury.
And Jones was a thorn in the side of the All Blacks in 2017 as the Lions defied the predictions of many pundits and rugby followers by holding the back to back world champions to a draw. He’s a natural leader, a respected global figure and still a hell of a player.
Weaknesses: Age is against him. He would be 35 and in line to be the second oldest player to represent the Lions in a Test behind Simon Shaw, the lock who started ahead of him 11 years ago, if picked to face the Springboks.
Wales have also had a disappointing Six Nations with just one win, over Italy, and defeats to Ireland, France and England.
Andy Howell’s verdict: Was favourite for the post following last season’s Grand Slam and leading Gatland’s Wales to the semi-finals of the World Cup, but the clock ticking is his enemy.
Leads from the front, has a close relationship with Gatland and a never-say-die attitude.
However, that won’t count for much if the ruthless Kiwi doesn’t think Jones is deserving of a Test place because Gatland doesn’t do sentiment.
Still in the reckoning, but odds have lengthened and his hopes will rest on his performances and Wales’ results before the decision is made.
OWEN FARRELL
Gatland is a fan of the England skipper and likes his competitive edge and abrasive attitude.
The outside-half or centre was a member of his inner circle in New Zealand and is set to have a major role in South Africa.
Strengths: His win-at-all-costs mentality mirrors that of Gatland and it was the goal-kicking of Farrell which was crucial in the Lions squaring the series with the All Blacks.
His all-round game has developed over the years, but it isn’t clear whether No.10 or 12 is his best position.
Weaknesses: England coach Eddie Jones describes him as a “vociferous” presence in the dressing room.
Farrell’s temperament on the pitch is questionable and he’s a hot-head while his lack of pace may be exposed on the expected fast tracks of the high veld.
Andy Howell’s verdict: A firm front-runner, but his tendency to lose the plot under pressure and wind referees up the wrong way won’t aid his cause.
Gatland likes captains of the ilk of Sam Warburton, who only spoke to referees when necessary but commanded the utmost respect and was able to influence decisions through diplomacy. So, it’s not a given Farrell will be handed the role with it perhaps dependent on his form and behaviour when international rugby resumes.
JOHNNY SEXTON
Was guiding hand in Australia and