We are just days away from the official British & Irish Lions squad announcement and tension is mounting.
Warren Gatland is expected to name a squad of about 38 players to travel to New Zealand and win a Test Series against the world champion All Blacks.
On the latest episode of The Hard Yards rugby podcast [listen below], Ronan O’Gara, Kevin McLaughlin and Fionn Carr named eight Irish players they felt were guaranteed selection to the Lions squad. After that, it gets dicey.
https://soundcloud.com/thehardyardssportsjoe/episode-11-lions-special-our-starting-xv-the-irish-maybes-and-inside-gatlands-mind
These are the lads the panel believe are certain to travel to New Zealand – Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Tadhg Furlong, Sean O’Brien, CJ Stander, Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw.
Four have travelled before but these would be first Lions trips for McGrath, Furlong, Stander and Henshaw. Handily enough, seven featured in the 40-29 Soldier Field win over the All Blacks [only O’Brien missed out].
When it comes to the outside bets, here is who we feel has the best chance of joining their eight Ireland teammates.
1. Iain Henderson
Has a great chance as he can cover lock and blindside. Finished the Six Nations on a high and can bring dynamism and athleticism to the party. As McLauglin said:
“It’s not like he’s a lock who can do a job at six. He’s a lock who’s unbelievable at six and potentially even better. He’s the same as Itoje – an impact player – and they’re both good in an open game.”
2. Simon Zebo
O’Gara stressed that Zebo would be a smart choice as he can cover across the back three, has an attacking spark, toured in 2013 and would be a good squad member. We feel he will back the plane.
Will Warren Gatland agree? https://t.co/BAAnvczhzP
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 14, 2017
3. Peter O’Mahony
Another man that finished the Six Nations in top form. Did superbly off the bench against Wales and grasped his chance against England with a man-of-the-match display. Carried on his international form with a fine, lineout-stealing performance in Munster’s Champions Cup victory over Toulouse.
Ronan O’Gara would have him on the Lions Test bench but there is talk of O’Mahony being a midweek captain on the Lions tour.
4. Garry Ringrose
Gatland is known as a conservative coach but surely he can’t look past the creative spark and ability to seize an attacking chance out of nothing. That is what Ringrose possesses and his defensive zeal against England and Wasps, for Leinster, shows he is improving all the time.
5. Donnacha Ryan
Alun Wyn Jones is definitely going but a second lineout leader, and caller, will be required, especially if Maro Itoje is needed at blindside. Ryan is enjoying the best season of his career and calls most of the shots for Munster. Took over that role for Ireland and did a fine job against England. On Ryan, Brian O’Driscoll has commented:
“He’s a really good guy, very popular amongst his peers. He’s the type of the guy you want in the trenches and when you have to roll your sleeves up.”
6. Jamie Heaslip
Heaslip is one who seemed to be a lock to make the squad but merely good Six Nations performances and a back injury have seen him slip back in the No.8 conversation. Billy Vunipola will definitely get one spot but Toby Faletau seems certain to get the other. Still, has toured in 2009 and 2013 and could be another reliable squad player.
7. Keith Earls
In great form for Ireland during the Six Nations – leading the way for line breaks and defenders beaten, as well as finishing joint top try-scorer [3] for the tournament. Missed out on 2013 but was a bolter selection to South Africa in 2009.
8. Rob Kearney
There are those that believe Kearney will be called upon if Gatland decides he has enough goal-kickers and leaves Leigh Halfpenny at home. The Ireland fullback did not have the greatest of Six Nations but he was the best No.15 in terms of aerial takes from all six sides. Tends to up the ante whenever New Zealand are around.
9. Cian Healy
Jack McGrath and Mako Vunipola would appear to have two of the three slots sewn up. Could find himself duking it out with Joe Marler for that final spot but is seen as a quality impact sub and would be a serious midweek weapon.
10. Devin Toner
Looked odds-on to travel this summer after the November Series but his stock dipped after Ireland misfired at lineout time in losses to Scotland and Wales. Was dropped to the bench for the final day win over England but played an important cameo.
11. Sean Cronin
Late charge from ‘The Nugget’ after coming back from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Six Nations. O’Gara thinks he should make the squad:
That's why he will be the impact sub in each test vs NZ.. incredible feet and pace and power from Sean Cronin.
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) April 8, 2017
12. Jared Payne
Hard as nails, clever in attack and a defensive organiser. Accomplished Test 13 who is even better at fullback.
13. Andrew Trimble
Julian Savea and Liam Squire would probably prefer if he stayed at home…
Trimble was unfortunate that injury impinged on his Six Nations but he is more than capable of doing a job on either wing for the Lions.
14. Josh van der Flier
The versatile Leinster flanker says it would be a dream come true to represent the Lions but he is not getting his hopes up, even though he has been fitted for that famous red jersey.
15. Joey Carbery
He couldn’t…. could he?
Beat the All Blacks on his Ireland debut and has had a superb start to professional rugby with Leinster. Can play outhalf and fullback and would have no fear heading back to the country of his birth to give it a rattle.
*Let us know on Facebook or Twitter what outsiders you think have the best chance of making it.
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