Lions Watch: Front Row

Ahead of the Lions Tour to New Zealand next summer, we review last weekend's performances of the options available to Warren Gatland next summer. This week we look at the front row.

Who would you start against the All Blacks?

Looseheads

Jack Mc Grath

The Leinster loose head put in another solid performance in a 60 minute display for the Irish front row against Australia last weekend, further cementing himself as a front runner for the Number 1 shirt in NZ next summer. McGrath was powerful in his tackling and produced a turnover for his side.

His performances over the November Series have been consistently excellent, hard-working and effective. With Mc Grath twice facing the All Blacks twice in quick succession, he has provided Gatland with reassurance that he can perform admirably against the All Blacks.

 Mako Vunipola

Once again a consistent performer in helping England extend their winning streak to 12 games. Mako scrummaged well against a physical Argentinian pack. His work with ball in hand, combined with his defensive effort displayed his abilities around the field.

A staggering first half effort saw the Saracens man make 12 tackles. The loose head starting role is bound to be one of the most hotly contested starting positions on the Tour. 

 Gethin Jenkins

Jenkins led from the front as he captained the side following the absence of Warburton in the win over South Africa. Made some remarkable turnovers and played his part in steadying the Welsh set piece. The 36 year old veteran has become the most capped front rower of all time overtaking Kevin Mealamu. Will have his work cut out to make a 4th Lions squad but his experience could be essential during the Tour.

Hookers

Rory Best 

A solid performance from the captain on the occasion of his 100th appearance for Ireland. Produced a timely tackle to prevent Reece Hodge sprinting away for a certain try just before half time. His leadership could be crucial during the Tour, already showing he can guide a team to beat the All Blacks will give the coaches a lot of belief. Best became the first Irish captain to guide his side to wins over southern hemisphere big three in a calendar year.

Best was called up to the 2013 Lions tour as a replacement for the suspended Dylan Hartley. He played four non-Test matches and cruelly missed out on selection for the series win over Australia. Playing arguably some of his best rugby of his career, Best is showing the credentials required to captain the Lions in New Zealand this summer.

Dylan Hartley

In a fiery contest, Hartley performed adequately in the victory over Argentina at Twickenham. Having lost their first line out of the Autumn Series, Hartley recovered to win a couple of penalties at the breakdown despite missing 4 tackles during the game.

An overall encouraging performance from the Saints hooker in a bruising encounter. He will face tough competition from the Irish leader, Rory Best - a pleasing headache for head coach Warren Gatland.

Tightheads

Tadhg Furlong

Another impressive performance from the Irish prop. Furlong won two turnovers for his side and showed his bullish ball carrying, also, hitting countless rucks and getting through a power of work in mauls and breakdowns.

Provided a lung busting carry early on in the second half that raised the atmosphere in the Aviva Stadium. There is limitless potential in the 24 year-old. Furlong has catapulted himself to the front of the queue for the Lions' number three shirt with a string of fine November performances. 

Dan Cole

A mixed bag from the England tight head - another game without touching the ball. The game had to wait until the 36th minute for the first scrum, it was then proceeded by five of them which resulted in Cole being yellow carded following an onslaught from the Pumas scrum. 

Cole was more involved in the second half despite a resurgent Pumas fight back. Having toured with the Lions in 2013, Cole will face stiff competition for the starting tight head role from Ireland's Tadhg Furlong, but seems destined for another Tour.

WP Nel

Edinburgh's WP Nel, was ruled out of Scotland's matches against Australia, Argentina and Georgia through injury. Nel has won 15 caps for Scotland and will be looking to return to the side for the upcoming 6 Nations campaign following a neck injury. He is a viable contender to add to the front row options for Gatland next summer in New Zealand, but will need to ensure consistent game time throughout the 6 Nations in order to justify a selection.