Lions & All Blacks Combined Starting XV Dream Team
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1. Jack McGrath - Leinster & Ireland
Established himself as one of the best forwards in the Northern Hemisphere.
At 27, McGrath is at the peak of his powers, a combination of size, strength and power ensured Ireland gained the upper hand at scrum time during the 6 Nations.
The dependable loose-head faces stiff competition from Mako Vunipola for the starting role but his scrummaging dominance should see him start for the tourists this summer.
2. Dane Coles - Hurricanes & New Zealand
Simply the best hooker on the planet. Coles began the Super Rugby season in scintillating form for the Hurricanes, before a string of injuries halted his progress.
Coles combines the strength and work-rate of a forward but the pace and passing skills of a back. A worrying combination for Warren G.
3. Owen Franks - Crusaders & New Zealand
The potential of Tadhg Furlong is a tough selection to leave out, but the experience of the 90-times capped Crusaders tight-head gives him the green light from us.
Franks has been the cornerstone of the New Zealand scrum and has become one of the most destructive scrummagers in past seasons.
Reknowned for his strength, the double World Cup winner will be an invaluable addition to the All Blacks front row.
4. Maro Itoje - Saracens & England
Itoje is one of the most naturally gifted all-round athletes between the sides. Having tasted multiple sucesses' already at the tender age of 22. He is the right man to throw into the deep end to halt the New Zealand engine room.
Having quickly established himself as a key member of Eddie Jones' side - his versatility allows him to comfortably slot into the back-row if needs be.
The powerful Saracens lock was named European Player of the Year in 2016 - his meteoric rise to the top of the game hasn't stopped since.
5. Sam Whitelock - Crusaders & New Zealand
The Crusaders man has become the enforcer in the AB's side and recently became the All Blacks most capped second-row.
His experience will be vital in leading his side to a series victory, with 84 appearances under his belt.
Recently signing on until after the 2019 RWC - Whitelock has been tipped to succeed current captain Kieran Read.
6. CJ Stander - Munster & Ireland
The South-African born blindside has a natural ability to break tackles, stay on his feet and make hard yards.
A natural No.8 for Munster, Stander has shown he can perform on the highest level at blindside flanker, further enhancing the Lions' back-row options.
Stander has tasted victory against the AB's in recent months, scoring a try in a dominant display in Chicago.
7. Ardie Savea - Hurricanes & New Zealand
The brother of fellow Hurricane Julian. Savea has been outstanding with his all-action displays this season.
The 23-year old is seen as the natural successor to the likes of Vito & Kaino.
His stats this season never ceases to amaze with 13 turnovers, 87 tackles and 5 tries in 10 games. Potential world-beater.
8. Kieran Read - Crusaders & New Zealand
One of the finest No.8's the game has seen, his battles with Billy Vunipola had the potential to go down in history.
Read made the choice to pursue professional rugby instead of cricket at an early age, a gamble which has certainly paid off.
The two-time World Cup winner & 2013 IRB Player of the Year, has played 97 test for the AB's.
His 100th cap could come in the Lions series decider in game 3 - a mouth watering prospect.
9. Conor Murray - Munster & Ireland
Sets the standard amongst the scrum-halves between the two sides with his performances this year.
The Munster man has the experience of touring with the Lions in '13 and can help to further his claim of being one of the most complete scrum-halves in the game.
His battles with TJ & Aaron Smith will be one of the most intriguing, after a man-of-the-match display defeating NZ in Chicago.
10. Beauden Barrett - Hurricanes & New Zealand
The current World Player of the Year - Barrett is blessed with great pace, an eye for a gap and mesmeric handling skills.
His distribution and kicking from hand are almost indefensible at the best of times.
The Canes fly-half/full-back has providedmany moments of magic this season in Super Rugby scoring 4 tries and notching 13 try assists.
Andy Farrell will have many sleepless nights conjuring up a plan to stop this mercurial talent.
11. Julian Savea - Hurricanes & New Zealand
Hurricanes flyer is an absolute bulldozer in full speed and ploughs throw opposing defenders for fun.
One of the all-time leading try scorers in World Rugby, he has quickly become of the most feared attackers in the game.
12. Owen Farrell - Saracens & England
Farrell will be one of the most important members of the Lions squad because of his ability to cover out-half and centre, excelling at both.
Ultra-reliable with the boot, his distribution is perfectly timed and his tackling has become thunderous in contact.
Farrell will relish the battles with Ryan Crotty, Anton Leinert-Brown and Malakai Fekitoa.
13. Malakai Fekitoa - Highlanders & New Zealand
Burst onto the scene as a youngster and has cemented himself in the NZ midfield in recent seasons.
His hard lines of running and dogged defensive work-rate will keep the Lions centres hard at work.
14. Liam Williams - Saracens & Wales
World-class at full-back or on the wing. Williams is a natural under the high ball and his finishing ability is up there with the best in the game.
With New Zealand having a tendency to kick a lot of possession away, Williams has the ability to exploit holes in the NZ defence.
15. Ben Smith - Highlanders & New Zealand
The versatile Landers' man can slot in anywhere across the back three.
He is reliable under the high ball and one of the most deadly back field attackers in the game.
He is arguably the finest full back on the planet.
Substitutions:
16. Jamie George
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Tadhg Furlong
19. Brodie Retallick
20. Sam Warburton
21. TJ Perenara
22. Johnny Sexton
23. Jordie Barrett
