The 2017 Six Nations will be a make or break affair.
You can run amok in league competition and become a star in a European Cup run but most British & Irish Lions teams are selected by the cut and thrust of the Six Nations.
If your team can make a championship charge, and you have played a big part, expected a call from Warren Gatland or one of his coaching team.
Many players that have made the plane in the past will insist they knew nothing until the April morning of the squad announcement, many will have a fair idea as soon as the Six Nations wraps up.
During the championship, Lions representatives visit each of the four ‘home nations’ during camp and get measurements for leisure wear, jerseys and suits. Some may see if as affirmation that they are close enough to touch the Lions. Many have been fitted for a suit, though, without ever making the plane.
Ireland will be well represented in New Zealand next summer. Their November Series form confirmed to Warren Gatland what he knows about so many of these Irish players. Beating New Zealand in Chicago has virtually booked passage for a few key players.
Others will get their boarding passes confirmed once they keep up their current standards in the Six Nations. All eight will go if they steer clear of injuries. In no particular order, they are:
Tadhg Furlong
What a year this man has had. On the fringes at the 2015 World Cup, Furlong is now Ireland’s undoubted tight-head and a man who does not fear teams or reputations. In line for the Lions No.3 if he can keep his form up.
Watch out Ben Smith!
Robbie Henshaw
Performances in away (and neutral ground) wins over South Africa and New Zealand proved Henshaw’s undoubted, brutish class and showed he can operate at the highest level in the 12 or 13 jersey. Should be another starter.
Jack McGrath
For a large chunk of 2016, McGrath was the only Irishman featuring on prospective Lions XVs. Had an excellent Six Nations and is part of a team that causes constant issues at scrum, breakdown and when it comes time to maul. A tyro all over the park.
Conor Murray
The Lions starting No.9 but Ben Youngs is not a bad fall-back option at all. Murray confirmed how sensationally, consistently good he is against the very best. Rhys Webb will be hoping for an injury-free run but Murray is the man.
Rory Best
Still not sure if he will be the Lions captain or whether he will start but he is a cert for the tour. Leads by example, has tightened up his basics, is a demon at the breakdown and can sugar-talk just about any referee he meets.
Johnny Sexton
When it was suggested, late last year, that Dan Biggar could pip him to the Lions No.10 jersey, we scoffed. Now, it does not seem so crazy. Still a class, attacking act but his inability to go deep into games could cost him. Still, a banker for the tour.
Devin Toner
A respected rugby writer suggested, before November, that Toner wouldn’t make the England squad. Three impressive performances later and Lions legend Ian McGeechan is tipping him for the tour. Will Greenwood feels he is definitely in the selection mix. May not start the Tests but a reliable midweek option against Super Rugby sides.
Jamie Heaslip
Enjoying a renaissance to his Test career and being merely very good rather than match-winningly brilliant. Interestingly, his finest two games were the 14-man victory over South Africa and the Dublin loss to the All Blacks.
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