If the 2017 Lions was named tomorrow

If the 2017 Lions was named tomorrow
1. Jack McGrath - We expect McGrath to wear the no.1 jersey come 2017 but we feel he may have a fight on his hands for the red jersey along with the green jersey against team mate Cian Healy. Two excellent loose heads but due to Healy's injury concerns over the past few years feel McGrath gets the nod here.

2. Dylan Hartley - Give us a chance to explain ourselves on this one before you think we've lost the plot. Aside from his poor discipline record and several on pitch incidents Hartley is still one of the most talented hookers in the world. In 2 years time Hartley will be 31 come 2017 and will be in the prime of his career, if he can manage to behave and not receive any bans he could well be the starting hooker.

3. Samson Lee - Lee has been impressive since breaking onto the international scene for Wales with legend Adam Jones' boots to fill. Jones was always a frequent member of the Lions squads so could we see another Welsh tight head holding down his place for several tours to come?

4. Courtney Lawes - If you want aggression and physicality on the pitch, this man breathes it. A massive tackle and huge presence around the field like Lawes is an asset to any team. 

5. Iain Henderson - With Paul O'Connell retired from international rugby, Irish fans are really expecting Henderson to blossom into the player they know he can become. With glimpses of his talent in recent performances the future looks bright for the Ulster man.

6. Peter O'Mahony - Sadly O'Mahony is out for the rest of the season due to his injury sustained against France but we expect him to come back fitter and stronger than ever. O'Mahony is the perfect example of passion on a rugby field as he puts his body on the line every time for his team.

7. Sam Warburton - Captain of the 2013 tour, it's hard to see anyone usurping him from a place on the next tour and captaining them again if Warren Gatland is at the helm. After a brave campaign from Wales at the World Cup it just shows how good Warburton is as a leader in a squad.

8. Toby Faletau - Impressive throughout Wales RWC campaign and with age on his side Faletau is well in contention to start at number 8 in 2017. With Bath looking to spend big money on his signature it just shows how highly he is rated.

9. Conor Murray - The Lions will have an abundance of options at scrum half for the 2017 Lions but it's hard to see past Conor Murray in the starting jersey. The Munster man has been a pivotal figure for Ireland in recent years.

10. Jonathan Sexton - In two years Sexton will be 32 which will probably mean his last Lions tour. It will be interesting to see if the Lions opt for a younger player at 10 such as George Ford or Finn Russell.

11. George North - After a quiet World Cup by North's standards we expect him to come back with a bang in the 2016 6 Nations and to state a claim for the Lions left wing spot which he was so impressive on back in 2013.

12. Robbie Henshaw - One of Ireland's most impressive performers in last year's 6 Nations and the World Cup has made him hot property as Connacht look to stop bigger sides luring him away. His immense work rate and physically is an asset to any team.

13. Jonathan Joseph - The thought of a Henshaw/Joseph partnership is quite exciting. The pace of Joseph running off Henshaw's hard work could be dangerous for defences to deal with.

14. Anthony Watson - One of England's impressive performers in a poor World Cup campaign. If he can keep up his try scoring form as England look to rebuild he's definitely a big star for the future.

15. Leigh Halfpenny - Unfortunately we did not get to see Leigh Halfpenny at the 2015 Rugby World Cup after suffering an injury against Italy in the warm up fixtures but his counter attacking qualities and kicking accuracy will be vital to the Lions game plan.

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