A group primed to beat the Wallabies.
Ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement, we have had a go a picking what we feel is the best British and Irish Lions group to send to Australia this summer.
Front row
Most of these selections are definites or probables to make the plane, with a couple of tight calls.
At loose head, Andrew Porter and Ellis Genge look to be the clear favourites, with third-choice still up for grabs.
Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman looks to be winning that race, but Wales’ Nicky Smith, who gave Ireland a torrid time in the scrum during the Six Nations, is in the running.
There’s a similar situation at hooker, where Dan Sheehan and Jamie George look likely to tour, with a shootout between Rónan Kelleher and Luke Cowan Dickie for the third slot.
Dewi Lake has been one of Wales’ few bright spots, but his chances will have been hurt by his lack of game time during the Six Nations.
Zander Fagerson, Will Stuart, and one of Tadhg Furlong or Finlay Bealham will make up the front row picks.
Furlong’s upside is probably too great to leave at home, despite his lack of game time and form this season.
Second row
Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne will be two of the first names on the plane and the test team sheets.
With news of Caelan Doris’ injury, Itoje is the clear favourite to captain the squad.
Joe McCarthy and Ollie Chessum should join them in Australia, but the fifth choice is less clear.
Dafydd Jenkins has played a lot of rugby for a 22-year-old, but will be hurt by the fact that his country and club side, Exeter, have both been awful this season.
James Ryan has been nearing his best when he has played this season, and his experience will count over Jenkins.
Back row
There were no doubts over here in SportsJOE, even before Northampton’s weekend win over Leinster, that Henry Pollock should tour with the Lions. But after Saturday’s win, even his biggest detractors will admit that simply has to go.
Tom Curry and Caelan Doris, if fit, are the other definites.
Toby Faletau has had somewhat of a renaissance this season at 34 years old.
Eight years on from his starring role in the tour of New Zealand, his experience and the need for another specialist number eight should be enough for a remarkable fourth Lions tour.
Jack Conan was one of the few Ireland players to enhance their reputation after the Six Nations, offering consistent impact off the bench.
With seven backrowers likely to be picked, that leaves two spots, with Jac Morgan, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Ritchie, Ben Curry, and Jack Willis all in contention.
Curry will be hurt by the fact that he is such a similar player to his twin brother.
Van der Flier will likely go. His form has been excellent and he is a Farrell-favourite.
However, Jack Willis has been one of the best players in the Champions Cup, despite not playing internationally, and offers a much more potent breakdown threat.
Jac Morgan also deserves a spot after proving himself during the Six Nations as one of the best players in the competition.
Scrum-half
There is clear daylight between Jamison Gibson-Park and Alex Mitchell, and the rest of the pretenders.
Wales’ Tomos Williams looks to be next in line, with Scotland’s Ben White just behind him.
However, we’re going to opt for dark horse Craig Casey, off the back of his recent performances for Munster, and his potential upside.
Out-half
Finn Russell remains favourite to start in the tests, but Fin Smith will provide stiff competition after comfortably outplaying his rival for a Lions spot, Sam Prendergast, on Saturday.
Many want Owen Farrell to go, in the hope that he can bring his world-class game management and kicking game.
It is a fair shout, and the same logic also makes George Ford, who has been driving an in-form Sale side this season, a serious contender.
However, if you are looking for bench impact and an option for a 6/2 split, Marcus Smith is your man.
Centre
Five centres may be brought, but four is more likely.
Ollie Lawrence being ruled out has made the selection easier, as had Robbie Henshaw’s downturn in form.
Provided Sione Tuipulotu returns from the injury which kept him out of the Six Nations, he should join compatriot Huw Jones, and Irish duo, Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki.
Back three
Tommy Freeman was another Northampton star who cemented their place with a sensational showing against Leinster. He will also be key if Farrell and Co. want to go with a 6/2 split, as he offers centre and fullback cover.
James Lowe leads the way to start on the opposite wing, with his kicking and game-changing moments set to be key to the Lions’ attack.
There have always been question marks over the defence of Duhan van der Merwe, but will ball in hand he is the best on offer, and has previous Lions experience.
It looks to be a straight fight between Mack Hansen and Darcy Graham for the final wing spot, with the latter showing better form throughout the season.
Jacob Stockdale remains a dark horse and the closest like-for-like should van der Merwe get injured.
At fullback, Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn will travel, and both will have serious test aspirations.
SportsJOE’S 37-man Lions squad:
Prop – Andrew Porter (Ireland), Ellis Genge (England), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Will Stuart (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Hooker – Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Jamie George (England), Rónan Kelleher (Ireland)
Second row – Maro Itoje (England), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Joe McCarthy (Ireland), Ollie Chessum (England), James Ryan (Ireland)
Back row – Jack Conan (Ireland), Henry Pollock (England), Tom Curry (England), Jack Willis (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Toby Faletau (Wales)
Scrum-half – Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland), Alex Mitchell (England), Craig Casey (Ireland)
Out-half – Finn Russell (Scotland), Fin Smith (England), Marcus Smith (England)
Centre – Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Huw Jones (Scotland)
Back three – Tommy Freeman (England), Darcy Graham (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Hugo Keenan (Ireland), Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Squad breakdown – 15 Ireland, 12 England, 8 Scotland, 2 Wales.
