Ultimate Rugby Lions XV
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Ultimate Rugby – British & Irish Lions Starting XV
1. Jack McGrath
Established himself as one of the best forwards in the Northern Hemisphere. The form of the Leinsterman has resulted in Cian Healy playing second fiddle, despite returning to something like his best.
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, enjoying a 100% success throughout the championship.
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.
2. Rory Best
The Ireland hooker is a leading candidate to captain the side this summer. Best remains one of the most reliable hookers in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Ulsterman is likely to be joined in an all Irish front row against the All Blacks. His close association with the Irish props either side of him is sure to rekindle fond memories of defeating NZ in Chicago.
Best enjoyed a steady 6 Nations campaign, having already guided Ireland to victories over NZ, SA & Australia – Best has shown he has the leadership qualities and the ability to motivate his players in tough situations.
3. Tadhg Furlong
The Wexford native continued his outstanding form from 2016 into this year’s 6 Nations and was included in many pundits’ team of the tournament.
At 24, Furlong has established himself as Ireland’s first choice tight-head. His performances during the 6N improved in every round, as he got the upper hand on some giant packs such as the French & English.
Renowned for his bullish carries and work in the loose, Furlong’s formidable carrying game, and ability to offload accurately makes him the front-runner for the No. 3 shirt.
4. Alun-Wyn Jones
Despite an unconvincing 6 Nations campaign with Wales, Jones will be one of Gatland’s first men on the plane to New Zealand.
A leading candidate for captaincy before the 6N began, his credentials are still in question after being overruled on-field by another team mate. Jones led the Lions in the deciding 3rd Test in 2013.
A guaranteed starter if fit, something that Gatland is keen for his captain to be.
5. Maro Itoje
One of the most naturally gifted all-round athletes in world rugby, Itoje has become a regular starter under Eddie Jones’ tenure.
He comfortably slotted into blindside flanker during the 6 Nations and was a stand-out performer, his versatility makes him indispensable.
The Saracens second-row is favourite to partner AWJ in the engine room. Shortlisted for 6N player of the tournament due to his powerful and athletic displays.
6. CJ Stander
The South-African born blindside has a natural ability to break tackles, stay on his feet and make hard yards. Tipped by many to be the starting No.6 for the Lions, his devastating hat-trick in Rome is one of the highlights of the tournament.
A natural No.8 for his club, Stander has shown he can perform on the highest level at blindside flanker, further enhancing Warren Gatland’s back-row options.
The Munster hero is a strong candidate for player of the tournament. Stander tasted victory against NZ in Chicago, scoring a try in a dominant display.
7. Sam Warburton
His decision to relinquish the Wales captaincy paid off with some terrific displays in the 6 Nations at blindside flanker.
Warburton has the trust and respect of Warren Gatland after previously captaining Wales and the Lions on a winning tour.
The bookmaker’s favourite for the captaincy this summer, Warburton seems to have a weight lifted off his shoulders and is playing himself into contention for the starting open side role, such has been his form.
8. Billy Vunipola
Missed the first half of the 6 Nations tournament due to injury. He returned to play second fiddle behind Nathan Hughes during the final two rounds.
Vunipola has matured into one of the best, most destructive back-row forwards in world rugby.
His performances and success with Saracens & England over the last two seasons have almost guaranteed the 24 year-old a starting berth in New Zealand.
9. Conor Murray
Sets the standard amongst the scrum-halves in contention for the No. 9 Lions shirt. The Munster man has experience of touring with the Lions in 2013 and can lay claim to being the most complete scrum-half in world rugby.
His battle with Aaron Smith & TJ Perenara in the first Test will be one of the most intriguing, after a man-of-the-match performance defeating NZ in Chicago.
10. Johnny Sexton
Sexton sat out the opening two rounds of 6 Nations action, but returned to the fold to put in two world-class performances against France & England to settle the debate about the identity of the best fly-half in the Northern Hemisphere.
Despite being targeted by the English forwards, he came out relatively unscathed leading his team to a massive victory.
Sexton’s game management will be crucial if the Lions are to have a chance of defeating the All Blacks.
11. Liam Williams
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. Joint leading top try scorer in the 6 Nations, Williams bagged tries against England, Scotland and Italy.
Displaying his killer instinct with the try line in sight. With New Zealand having a tendency to kick a lot of possession away, Williams has the ability to exploit holes in the NZ defence.
12. Owen Farrell
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.Robbie Henshaw
The Leinster & Ireland centre has made a huge impact on the international stage since his arrival. Henshaw can play at 12,13 or 15, but regularly finds himself at inside centre making hard yards with his explosive gain line bursting carries.
If Gatland goes down the ‘ Warrenball ‘ route, Henshaw could find himself at 12 but he can be as effective in the 13 shirt as he showed for Connacht throughout the years.
He offers physicality and guile in attack, while never shying away from his defensive duties. Despite playing his whole season at 12, Henshaw deserves a starting role whatever position it may be.
14. Anthony Watson
A limited preparation due to injury saw the Bath wing miss out on the first half of the 6 Nations. Watson is a potent finisher having scored 12 tries in 26 England tests to date.
He returned against Scotland to score a try in the process. If he can get a run of games under his belt, Watson will be hard to leave out of the Test side.
15. Stuart Hogg
A live contender for player of the tournament, for a 2nd consecutive campaign. Hogg was a joy to watch with ball in hand, finding space for fun throughout and highlighted his dangerous ability to counter attack from anywhere on the pitch.
Hogg displayed his kicking attributes with some long range efforts. The Scotland full back is almost guaranteed to start the first Test and will provide Warren Gatland’s back-line with a cutting edge in attack.
