The British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand is underway and the hard work has already begun.
The Lions play their first Test against the All Blacks on June 24 at Eden Park but, first, must negotiate six warm-up matches against the best Super Rugby sides the host country has to offer.
The first chance to impress Warren Gatland and his coaching staff, however, comes against NZ Barbarians in Whangerei this weekend. As many as seven of Ireland’s 11 representatives could be included in the matchday 23 so it is an early chance to impress.
Right now, before a ball is kicked, here are the Ireland players with the best chance of starting that First Test against the world champions in Auckland.
1. Tadhg Furlong
You can’t see the Lions going into combat without this man in the No.3 jersey. It has been some journey for the Wexford native but he showed in two Tests against the All Blacks, last November, that he has no fear of them.
Chances: Starting
2. Conor Murray
Gatland and his coaching staff are big fans of Murray and see his game control, physicality, kicking and ability to take the ball on as key ingredients of a Test Lion. Rhys Webb is his main competition but it is hard to look beyond Murray.
Chances: Starting
3. Jonathan Sexton
Murray’s selection could pave the way for Sexton to get that No.10 jersey ahead of Owen Farrell. Starred as an attacking, play-making outhalf on the 2013 tour to Australia and stood up well in Six Nations games against France and England.
Chances: Should start
4. Jack McGrath
Favourite to squeeze in as starting loose-head, ahead of Mako Vunipola, but the warm-ups could prove crucial. Oddly, the loss of Billy Vunipola could benefit his brother as the Lions will be keen for big ball-carrying options and Mako has the edge over work-horse McGrath.
Chances: Should start
5. CJ Stander
If Gatland truly does see him as a No.8, now that Vunipola is out of the tour, it could be trouble for Stander. Toby Faletau is Gatland’s reliable for the role and could well beat Stander in a 50/50 call. The Munster man’s flexibility across the back row could yet see him on the bench as an impact sub, even though he is better when unleashed from the start.
Chances: Should start
6. Rory Best
With Ken Owens out of the first game, possibly the second, it is a straight call between Best and Jamie George. Eddie Jones employed him as a sub throughout the Six Nations but George has shown with Saracens that he’s more than capable of facing the fire early on.
Chances: Likely to start
7. Robbie Henshaw
If Sexton gets the outhalf nod, we can see Farrell employed as inside centre. That could leave Henshaw battling for the No.13 jersey with Jonathan Davies and Jonathan Joseph. One would imagine that Gatland simply must have Henshaw in his backline but we are biased Irish folk.
Chances: Outsider
8. Jared Payne
Lions legend Ian McGeechan has Payne tipped as his First Test bolter and he may not be far off. Payne can cover 13 and 15 and has won acclaim as “captain” of Ireland’s backline defence. Has plenty of attacking nous and knows these Kiwis streets all too well.
Chances: Would be a shock
9. Sean O’Brien
Gatland is a card-carrying member of ‘The Tullow Tank’ fan-club and he will be hoping an in-form O’Brien can force himself into the Test reckoning. When fit and firing, there are few better flankers in northern hemisphere rugby. Tour captain Sam Warburton being primarily an openside is a sizeable road-block.
Chances: Needs a strong start to give him a shout
10. Iain Henderson
Another Ireland player that could go from outsider to Test starter over the next three weeks. Can cover blindside but is seen as a big, ball-carrying second row option. Maro Itoje will have a spot locked down [excuse the pun] so Henderson has the likes of Alun Wyn Jones and George Kruis to dice it out with.
Chances: May have to settle for replacements role
11. Peter O’Mahony
Somebody has to be number 11 on our list and it pains us to place O’Mahony there. The Munster captain has been exceptional in big games for province and country this season and is regarded as a nuisance presence for the Kiwis at both the breakdown and lineout. Will need to start the tour strong.
Chances: Unlikely right now but watch this space…
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