British & Irish Lions watch: Edition 6

With the excitement building ahead of 2013's visit to Australia, we decided to pump up the volume by bringing you our B&I Lions watch!

With the excitement building ahead of 2013's visit to Australia, we decided to pump up the volume by bringing you our sixth British & Irish Lions watch!

Every three weeks or so Planet Rugby will update its leaderboard for who should pack their bags, who should keep the diary open and who should stock the fridge with a few beers, pizzas and ice creams for soaking up the tour on the couch, as the most coveted of selections fast approaches.

We must stress that long-term injuries have been taken into account for our calls. However, those nearing a return to action are accommodated.

Here we go – make sure to give your feedback.

FULL-BACKS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Competition for the 15 shirt has become so intense that rather than take two full-backs, we have opted for three. Leigh Halfpenny is still out in front after a man-of-the-match performance for Wales against France in Paris, but his flexibility in the back three could see him selected on the wing. Rob Kearney continues to work his way back into form and his best games are ahead of him, while his experience from 2009 is useful. The eye has been well and truly caught though by Stuart Hogg – with the Scotland full-back racking up two long-range tries in two games. Continue that form through the rest of the championship, and he may win a starting spot.

On standby: Lee Byrne, Alex Goode

Best make other plans next June: Ben Foden, Felix Jones.

WINGS

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Following his match-winning try in Paris, George North offered a timely reminder of what he can do on the biggest stage. It means that North slots back onto the plane, at the expense of the injured Simon Zebo, whose injury rules him out for now despite his audacious bit of skill against Wales. Chris Ashton retains his spot after a hard-working opening to the Six Nations so far, with the flying Dutchman Tim Visser also coming in to claim his plane ticket. That leaves Mike Brown, whose contributions so far in the Six Nations for England have been outstanding. Alex Cuthbert remains on the fringes, as does new Scotland winger Sean Maitland after impressing for Scotland in his first two Test matches.

On standby: Alex Cuthbert, Sean Maitland, Eli Walker, Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe

Best make other plans next June: Liam Williams, Ugo Monye, Christian Wade, David Strettle, Sean Lamont

CENTRES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: No changes to the centre collection from last time out. Jamie Roberts was another Welshman to rediscover his best form against France, excelling on his 50th cap. Brian O'Driscoll produced a rather subdued performance against England – it has been quite a busy morning for Ireland's most capped player with the birth of his daughter – but he was electric against Wales and must not only travel, but also start. Manu Tuilagi is yet to leave his mark on this year's championship following injury, but is still a powerful weapon and could prove so against France this weekend. Brad Barritt's qualities continue to go unheralded but he is a coach's dream given his work-rate. That leaves Jonathan Davies, who despite seemingly forgetting how to pass against Ireland, clings on to travel. Billy Twelvetrees is on the radar, as is Matt Scott.

On standby: Scott Williams, Matt Scott, Billy Twelvetrees

Best make other plans next June: James Downey, Anthony Allen, Darren Cave, Gordon D'Arcy, Ashley Beck

FLY-HALVES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Injury has provided a temporary setback for Ireland's Jonathan Sexton, but the new Racing Métro recruit is still the best option. Hot on his heels though is Owen Farrell, who simply continues to improve with every Test he plays after a fine kicking performance in the win over Ireland in Dublin. The closer we edge towards the first Test in Brisbane, debate over who must direct the Lions will intensify and the gap between these two players is currently a lot closer than people expect. Dan Biggar silenced some critics against France and is undoubtedly talented, but will face competition from a resurgent Toby Flood, whilst Jonny Wilkinson's Lions chances appear to be fading. Ruaridh Jackson is another to catch the eye.

On standby: Toby Flood, James Hook, Ruaridh Jackson

Best make other plans next June: Jonny Wilkinson, Rhys Priestland, Ronan O'Gara, Rhys Patchell, Charlie Hodgson, Greig Laidlaw, Paddy Jackson

SCRUM-HALVES

Kiss the wife and kids goodbye: Danny Care and Ben Youngs are as difficult to separate when it comes to selection for England as they are far the Lions, with Care landing the most recent blow with a stunning try against Leicester for Harlequins. Youngs though is seen as the preferable option given his all-round abilities. Mike Phillips will also travel behind the pairing, with Ireland's Conor Murray likely to challenge him for the remaining spot.

On standby: Conor Murray, Eoin Reddan, Paul Marshall

Best make other plans next June: Tavis Knoyle, Issac Boss, Richard Wigglesworth, Lloyd Williams, Lee Dickson, Henry Prygos