Lions Contenders – Back Row

Plenty of competition here!

At openside Martyn Williams is comfortable the best out and out 7 we have. His consistency of performance is phenomenal, and the best decision Gatland ever made was getting him out of retirement. David Wallace has been in world beating form this season and will definitely travel. He’s been outshone in the six nations by Ferris and Heaslip, but his ability to make hard yards is 2nd to none. Added to this, he can play anywhere across the back row so he’s a shoe in. With seven back rows likely to travel, it remains to be seen whether he’ll bring 2 or 3 opensides. Certainly Wallace’s inclusion would merit another out and out ground hog. Rees, Barclay and Worsley would be fighting for this. Barclay has been in impressive form of late, but can he stand toe to toe with Burger? He’s very inexperienced, but this never stopped McGeehan picking the likes of Eric Miller on previous tours. Joe Worsley is probably the best defender available but offers nothing in attack at all. Rees is probably the main candidate if he can get fit. He’d have to do something massive in premiership games with no international or European matches to play in but at least he’s playing under the nose of the boss at Wasps.

At blindside, Ryan Jones will almost certainly travel despite his very indifferent form. He was the best Lion on the terrible New Zealand tour, and leads his country admirably. Ferris has been exceptional this year for a recovering Ulster and Ireland. He’s an absolute beast of a man and will gladly put the body on the line against Smith and co. His inlusion would probably mean Haskells exclusion, which seems unlikely seeing as he is a Wasps player and probably England’s best forward this six nations. On for Ferris would get it, Haskell has played in far bigger games despite his young age. Neither will let us down. Stuart Barnes would probably cream himself if Tom Croft got in, but he doesn’t do anywhere near enough for me and his really inconsistent. He can light up a field with his pace, but he’s not a winger so unless he gets more physical he’s staying at home. There could be an argument he might travel as he can play lock as well, but its not a great reason.

At number 8, Powell is in pole position. He’s a monster of a carrier and tries as hard as anyone, but have you ever seen him offload. He’s the most head down number 8 I know. I’d say he’ll still go though. Heaslip started the Six Nations with a huge performance, but his form has been poor all year. His probably just in there at the moment but I reckon he’ll need one more big game to solidify his place. Simon Taylor has been in good form for Scotland, but is suffering a little from playing second row for his club. As per the Croft argument, this may help. He’s a good head up ball carrying number 8. I’d like to see him included.

They’re the main lads. Jonathon Thomas, Nick Easter, Jason White, Denis Leamy, Ali Hogg and Kelly Brown could all play their way in, and there are a host of options below them. It’s our strongest positions so we could debate it all day. As an outside bet, look out for Sean O’Brien of Leinster. He’s an absolute beast of a carrier, and great at the ground work. He’s almost no experience, but if McGeechan is going to throw out a wild card, why not the best open side prospect in Britain and Ireland?

On the Plane: Martyn Williams, David Wallace, Ryan Jones

Departures Lounge: Andy Powell, Jamie Heaslip, James Haskell, Simon Taylor

Keep June Free: Stephen Ferris, Tom Rees, John Barclay, Joe Worsley, Tom Croft