Pre-Lions Tour Test Prediction

On the brink of the Lions' first game in South Africa against the Royal XV in Rustenburg, I have selected who I think should start the First Test against the Boks on the 20^th June.

The decision is based on recent form and what is needed to beat the World Champions: passion, power and defence.

By the time the Lions’ land in Durban my idea I imagine would have changed significantly, as the warm-up games are not just for acclimatising, but are a battle between not only the opposition but against fellow competitors for places.

The Certainties: The Lions’ squad is hugely competitive though there are a few players who pick themselves. Captain Paul O’Connell, fellow countryman Brian O’Driscoll and Shane Williams are the key men for the Lions; and if fit will surely start.

The Front Five: Ian McGeechan makes no secrets that he believed it was crucial for the Front Five to stand up in 1997 for a Lions win, and the same will be true on this tour. Gethin Jenkins has been the most impressive prop this season in Europe, and should be partnered by the Scottish rock Euan Murray ahead of Phil Vickery. Lee Mears gets the nod at Hooker because of his very accurate line-out which will be crucial if they are to take victory. O’Connell is obviously one he will be looking for, along with Nathan Hines. At Perpignan he is often ignored in Britain, though in the 6 Nations he proved his credentials, and his massive frame adds to the Second Row intimidation. Simon Shaw is unlucky to miss out and takes his place on the bench along with Matthew Rees of Wales.

The Back Row: Against Schalk Burger, Pierre Spies and Juan Smith, whoever is picked to combat the agile, fast and powerful threat really needs to stand up. Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace have had a season of success and will need to carry this through into the Lions. Martin Williams is also selected for his experience, loose play, and knowing what the referee can and cannot see. Tom Croft to come off the bench offers vast amounts of pace and something different to the three already on the field, as well as another option as a Lock.

Half-Backs: 9 and 10 combinations are all about partnerships, and therefore one would be forgiven for selecting the Welsh pairing of Mike Phillips and Stephen Jones. After the injury to Thomas O’Leary, Phillips is the obvious choice at Scrum-Half but Ronan O’Gara offers something much more exciting and daring than Jones. His place kicking is consistent, and his vision exemplary. Scottish captain Mike Blair is a more than adequate replacement at 9 while James Hook can cover 10, 12 and 15.

Centres: Brian O’Driscoll needs to be partnered by someone who can unleash the talent that made him a household name in his early career and has been rediscovered to some extent this season. Luke Fitzgerald could soften up the midfield, but if Riki Flutey can continue his improvement in Test rugby like, he did from an unimpressive Autumn to a successful 6 Nations, then he could be the ideal foil to put the Irishman through gaps.

Back-Three: The Ospreys Back-Three are devastating at club level, and with their understanding could be sensational for the Lions. Williams is selected undoubtedly, while Lee Byrne has been the outstanding Full-Back over the last few years. Tommy Bowe’s burst onto the scene also gives him selection, and his fantastic finishing could be the difference. Rob Kearney on the bench offers a bit more bulk and could be introduced to help close off a game.

Lions’ Squad for the 1^st Test vs. South Africa, 20^th June 2009

15 – Lee Byrne (Wales/Ospreys)

14 – Shane Williams (Wales/Ospreys)

13 – Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland/Leinster)

12 – Riki Flutey (England/Wasps)

11 – Tommy Bowe (Ireland/Ospreys)

10 – Ronan O’Gara (Ireland/Munster)

9 – Mike Philips (Wales/Ospreys)

8 – Jamie Heaslip (Ireland/Leinster)

7 – Martyn Williams (Wales/Cardiff)

6 – David Wallace (Ireland/Munster)

5 – Nathan Hines (Scotland/Perpignan)

4 – Paul O’Connell (Ireland/Munster)

3 – Euan Murray (Scotland/Northampton)

2 – Lee Mears (England/Bath)

1 – Gethin Jenkins (Wales/Cardiff)

16 – Matthew Rees (Wales/Llanelli)

17 – Phil Vickery (England/Wasps)

18 – Simon Shaw (England/Wasps)

19 – Tom Croft (England/Leicester)

20 – Mike Blair (Scotland/Edinburgh)

21 – James Hook (Wales/Ospreys)

22 – Rob Kearney (Ireland/Leinster)