Lions

After taking a couple weeks of holiday at the end of the 6N, our coaching team regrouped on Monday and turned their attention to the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa - see who they expect to start come June 20th in Durban.

The quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup over the weekend provided some fantastic action - none more so perhaps than the Lions trial between Munster and the Ospreys. Both Rob Howley and Warren Gatland were in the stands and no doubt taking notes for head boss Ian McGeechan.

A lot has happened since the panel’s previous selection and yet there are only a couple subtle changes to their lineup. Choosing to show some faith in those they have previously names, our selectors are still confident the Home Nations have the potential to go to the republic and upset the World Champions. 

Despite still having an injury cloud hanging over him, Lee Byrne is still expected to start at fullback against the Springboks. His Ospreys teammates, Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe, continue to retain the selectors’ faith.

One change however does come in the centres. After putting their egg’s in Gavin Henson’s injury prone basket last time, our three selectors have now gone with England No.12 Riki Flutey. The argument, according to one of the panel, is that 'Flutey will provide some experience and also take the attack to the South African line - the ideal compliment to an in-form Brian O’Driscoll.'

Should the adopted Englishmen earn a callup to the Lions, he would become the first man in history to play both for, and against, the famous red strip. As a member of the Wellington team, Flutey played against a midweek Lions team in New Zealand in 2005.

‘Mr Reliable’ Ronan O’Gara is expected to start at No.10 but, instead of being partnered by his international colleague, and clubmate, Tomas O’Leary, will be joined in the halfback positions by Welsh scrumhalf Mike Phillips. The Osprey’s man’s physicality reportedly what earned him the call.

The looseforward combination of Jamie Heaslip, Martyn Williams and Tom Croft remains intact despite the contining challenge from David Wallace and Stephen Ferris. On the bench, David Wallace edges out Ryan Jones. Jones provides great leadership and will be an important part of the squad but Wallace's form is just too good to ignore.

After his spectacular performance in the Heineken Cup this weekend, Donncha O’Callaghan finally displaces Alun-Wyn Jones to partner his old-mate Paul O’Connell in the second row. There seems to be increasing speculation that Simon Shaw will get the nod from McGeechan - this could just be a Wasps connection getting some press but it might be a wildcard to keep you eye on.

Euan Murray’s performances for Northampton continued to show exactly why rugby365 has so much faith in him. Jerry Flannery and Gethin Jenkins too are easy picks at this stage for our Lions Brains Trust.

The Team:

Lions: 15 Lee Byrne (WAL), 14 Tommy Bowe (IRE), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (captain) (IRE), 12 Riki Flutey (ENG), 11 Shane Williams (WAL), 10 Ronan O’Gara (IRE), 9 Mike Phillips (WAL), 8 Jamie Heaslip (IRE), 7 Martyn Williams (WAL), 6 Tom Croft (ENG), 5 Paul O’Connell (IRE), 4 Donncha O’Callaghan (IRE), 3 Euan Murray (SCO), 2 Jerry Flannery (IRE), 1 Gethin Jenkins (WAL)
Replacements: 16 Lee Mears (ENG), 17 Phil Vickery (ENG), 18 Alun-Wyn Jones (WAL), 19 David Wallace (IRE), 20 Tomas O’Leary (IRE), 21 Stephen Jones (WAL), 22 Luke Fitzgerald (IRE)

Number of Players in the Starting XV:

Ireland: Seven
Wales: Five
England: Two
Scotland: One

Still in our thoughts… Delon Armitage, Joe Worsley, Gordan D’Arcy, Harry Ellis, Marcus Horan, Leigh Halfpenny, Stephen Ferris, Mark Cueto, Ross Ford, Tom Shanklin, Adam Jones, Geordan Murphy, Ryan Jones