Ranked: The British and Irish Lions front runners in five key positions
From left to right: Andy Farrell, Dan Sheehan and Finn Russell
There are now just 44 days until British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell names his touring party to face the Wallabies, and debate is raging over certain key positions.
While the likes of Jamison Gibson-Park and Blair Kinghorn already seemed nailed-on to feature in the Test side after their respective Six Nations campaigns, Farrell does have some question marks looming over the rest of his squad.
Hooker (2), tighthead prop (3), openside flanker (7), fly-half (10) and inside centre (12) are also the positions Farrell might be having sleepless nights over across the next 43 nights with competition and scrutiny incredibly strong across each of these key spots.
But, how are they shaping up? Well, Planet Rugby has got you covered as we break down how the depth chart currently looks in each of these five positions.
Hooker
Test starter: Dan Sheehan
Test replacement: Dewi Lake
Tourist: Jamie George
Outside shots: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ronan Kelleher
As of the time of writing, Dan Sheehan is the locked-in option to start at hooker for the Lions after a brilliant Six Nations. The Ireland ace suffered a pretty serious knee injury at the end of last season, but it didn’t even look like he’d been away as he just brought his usual brand of pace and athleticism to Ireland’s attack and combined that with all the usual tricks a hooker should have as well.
Underneath him, we think Dewi Lake will be the replacement hooker option for the Test series. The Welshman was inspirational for his side during the autumn, albeit in defeat, but imagine what he could do in a winning side. His desire to get involved and the power he possesses in contact would make him a fine option off the bench.
The final hooker on the tour, in our minds, is Jamie George. The England star had a brilliant Six Nations for Steve Borthwick’s side, and his pinpoint lineout throwing, coupled with his leadership and experience, would make him a great member of this touring party. He could also very easily push for Test inclusion.
Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ronan Kelleher are also certainly in the mix, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see either (or both) of them included come May 8.
Tighthead
Test starter: Will Stuart
Test replacement: Zander Fagerson
Tourist: Tadhg Furlong
Outside shots: Finlay Bealham
Again, after the Six Nations he had you’d think Will Stuart will start in the red jersey this summer. The England tighthead showcased exactly why he is regarded as one of the most improved props in the Test game during the Championship, combining some delicious attacking flourishes with outright brutality in the scrum, and that’s exactly what Farrell will be after for his Lions side.
Underneath him, though, is a pretty competitive queue. Tadhg Furlong’s return to action in the Six Nations should also mean he tours this summer, but his position in the pecking order all depends if he can get back up to 100% match fitness. He should get some decent minutes for Leinster in both the URC and Champions Cup before the tour, plus the block of pre-tour training the Lions go through, but if he is still slightly undercooked, it could allow Zander Fagerson to feature in the Test side.
Fagerson is a brilliant option in his own right and his impressive performances towards the end of the Championship show he could be a very valuable asset to this Test side if given a chance.
Finlay Bealham will also more than likely be in the running for the tour, but again his position in the pecking order is all very dependent on the fitness of Furlong.
Openside
Test starter: Jac Morgan
Test replacement: Ben Curry
Tourist: Josh van der Flier
Outside shots: Rory Darge
Farrell is spoilt for choice on both flanks, but openside is a particularly strong area. Wales skipper Jac Morgan was nothing short of brilliant across the Six Nations despite Wales’ struggles, seeing himself included in the official Team of the Championship as a result. His outstanding work on both sides of the ball proved he is a seriously world-class player, which will make him a fine option to start in this Test side.
Underneath him, Ben Curry has shot up the pecking order after some fantastic work this Six Nations too. His work around the breakdown could be crucial against the Wallabies, particularly in the latter stages, and would go toe-to-toe with Fraser McReight as well.
Again, the competition for spots in this touring party is rife, but we think Josh van der Flier will take that third spot just ahead of Rory Darge. The Ireland star has found himself overtaken by the aforementioned names of Morgan and Curry, but he is still a very solid option and would only complement the rest of the pack.
We must also add that we’ve not counted Tom Curry in this list, with him likely to slot in at six. Ben Earl is also likely to be included as an eight.
10
Test starter: Finn Russell
Test replacement: Fin Smith
Tourist: Marcus Smith
Outside shots: George Ford, Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley
I don’t envy Farrell here, but the biggest headache of the lot will likely be at fly-half. As of the time of writing, Finn Russell probably remains the leading contender to start the first Test, and Sunday was a reminder of his true quality and what he can do with a solid pack in front of him.
Around him, Fin Smith has played himself right into Lions contention too and probably sits second in the pecking order. He just showed serious Test-match maturity this Six Nations, while still playing the sort of attacking game Farrell will want his side to play this summer.
Marcus Smith is a curious one right now, but we think he will be included in Farrell’s touring party as a utility option. His versatility to cover both fly-half and full-back makes him a valuable option to bring on tour, especially if Farrell wants to deploy a 6/2 split.
George Ford is pushing his name further up the order with his good form, and Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley will more than likely be in contention too.
12
Test starter: Bundee Aki
Test replacement: Robbie Henshaw
Tourist: Fraser Dingwall
Outside shots: Sione Tuipulotu
Centre is also another position that could change sooner rather than later.
Sione Tuipulotu was the bolted-on starter before sustaining a freakish pec injury, and while Glasgow boss Franco Smith feels he’ll be back up and running for the tour, his position in the pecking order is fully dependent on if he can get back to 100% quickly. If he can, he should go straight into Farrell’s Test side at 12.
But, if he can’t get himself fully right for the summer, Farrell will likely turn to Bundee Aki. The Ireland centre was at his barnstorming best this Six Nations, showing exactly the blend of deft handling and punch through the middle that Farrell is after this summer. Robbie Henshaw’s versatility also makes him a viable option for the Test side, especially on the bench if the boss turns to a 6/2 split.
Fraser Dingwall has also seen his chances rapidly improve after some strong showings at the end of the Six Nations and could easily be named in the wider touring party.
