And so, with the first Lions Test announcement just hours
away, here’s a very quick (for once) rundown on who RuckedOver would have facing
up to the Wallabies in Brisbane – injuries permitting, of course...
Starting Line Up
1. Mako Vunipola – Ignore the garbage about
his scrummaging, he has more than held his own so far this tour. His carrying and work rate, and overall
intensity, is colossal and he will be a key yard maker for the Lions. Corbisiero can always come on if the set piece
is looking shakey.
2. Tom Youngs –
By a fair way, the form hooker on tour.
Carrying and defensive work has never been doubted, but his throwing-in
has been on the money too – even if he has kept it relatively simple. I don’t care, Tom, the way the lineouts have
gone on this tour, just chuck it to the bloke at the front.
3. Adam Jones – He’s had a quiet tour and
his place doesn’t look quite as well-cemented now, but his know-how and
solidarity will be key in the opening exchanges. An absolute rock in the set piece but he will
need to get his nasty-face on if the Lions are to dominate up front.
4. Alun Wyn Jones – After a sensational game
against England and an even better one against the Waratahs, it looks as if the
Welshman can now be classed as a ‘big game player’. His aggression, intensity and work at the
breakdown have him nailed on for a starting spot.
5. Paul O’Connell – Like his second row
partner, another to really hit his straps in this tour. Will fire up the troops and provide a
rallying point, but he’s also discovered a useful pinching ability over the
ball at the breakdown over the last couple of games.
6. Tom Croft – A blinding end to the season
for Leicester was followed up by a stunning performance in Sydney. He’s shone against South Africa in the red
shirt, he’ll be keen to do it again against Australia and is a man who can
really dominate those wider channels.
7. Sam Warburton – Understated but classy,
the Captain seems to be finding his feet again.
A couple of sharp turnovers have impressed already this tour but it’s
his physicality in defence that make him such a key performer for the Lions.
8. Jamie Heaslip – Such a tight call. Faletau looked good against the Brumbies but it
was a case of too little, too late – plus he played a full 80 and so would be
jaded for this one. Heaslip has been
impressive on the gallop but will have to make sure he puts in the graft as
well.
9. Mike Phillips – Another close call. If Ben Youngs had shone against the Brumbies
then I would have gone for him, as I think he’s looked sharp on tour and would
link up well with Sexton. But Gatland
hasn’t tested that partnership, so Phillips gets the nod – plus his abrasive ‘qualities’
may well put Genia off his game.
10. Johnny Sexton – Despite Farrell improving
game by game, Sexton is still streets ahead – a classy operator who stands flat
and has an ability to beautifully disguise his passes. He’ll be looking to really pressurise the
Aussie 10 channel.
11. George North – I’ve not quite bought into
the whole media (and Rob Howley) induced circus surrounding him, but he’s still
an absolute machine and a key attacking component for the Lions. The more he gets involved, the more dangerous
the tourists’ attack will be.
12. Manu Tuilagi – A ridiculously harsh call
on Davies, who was utterly class against the Waratahs, but seeing as how
Gatland wants to play – plus the fact that debutant Christian Lealiifano will
be starting at 12 for the Wallabies – I think Manu would be the best bet. His carrying ability and his promising
partnership with O’Driscoll are the sellers for me...but in all likelihood he’ll
be injured so Davies will start anyway.
13. Brian O’Driscoll – Again, harsh on
Davies, but O’Driscoll has had a fine tour well. A touch of class amongst all that power is
required and he provides a focal point amongst an otherwise pretty young
backline. He won’t be overawed by the
occasion...and he has a score to settle.
14. Simon Zebo – Alex Cuthbert is unlucky
but, in my mind, is too similar to North and has looked a little lethargic and
defensively fragile on this tour. Zebo
is a fine footballer who loves stepping in at second receiver and trying to
make things happen, and will complement North superbly.
15. Leigh Halfpenny – No contest. Poor Stuart Hogg has been pressed into
service at full back so Halfpenny has taken the chance to make the jersey his own
with his near-flawless goal kicking and ever-improving running threat when
joining the line.
16. Richard Hibbard – He has been solid this tour
and his aggression and physicality will be useful late on or if the scrum is
looking wobbly.
17. Alex Corbisiero – He’s looking very
strong and will sure up the set piece if needed.
18. Dan Cole – A world class scrummager with
the ability to scavenge for the ball is not a bad option to have on the bench.
19. Geoff Parling – A real surprise package
this tour. He’s been mobile in the park
and a real powerhouse in the lineout.
20. Justin Tipuric – A difficult one but I
think I would rather have the option of bringing Tipuric’s energy on –
especially if the Lions are losing the battle of the breakdown.
21. Ben Youngs – Has looked very dangerous on
tour and will expose tiring fringe defences.
22. Owen Farrell – Ever improving, with
decent distribution and kicking, and is a more-than-useful goalkicker if (God
forbid) Halfpenny can’t continue.
23. Jonathan Davies – Unlucky not to be starting,
but his intelligent ball-playing will be useful to bring on if more finesse is
needed in the middle or if good old BOD is worn out.
Who would you pick to start the first Test?
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