Lions Contenders – Locks

The merits of the talismanic Paul O’Connell have already been discussed, and it’s now a virtual certainty the big man will start the Lions series as the first man on the team sheet and captain. The man to lock the scrum with him is far less clear cut. A number of players are picking up a bit of form recently and with only four second rows likely to travel, there are some tight calls to be made.

Alan Wyn Jones is being talked about as the leading candidate to step in with big Paulie. He’s followed last years grand slam form with so sterling performances of late, and possess a sound all round game. It is his playing partner for Wales that has caught my eye most though. Ian Gough has hit some serious form in recent weeks. He’s more physical than his younger playing partner and in the last few years hasn’t really been talked about at a Lions level. He’s really impressed me with his work rate and tackling of late, and another big man to take on Bakkies would be very useful.

Donncha O’Callaghan has also picked up a bit of form recently. I never really got what he did to be honest. People always used to say he does all the unseen work, but as far as I was concerned it wasn’t seen because he was doing very little. I think he’s had a really good six nations so far and is as physical a lock as you’ll find in Britain at the moment. He’s a genuine contender, especially as he played Lions test on the last tour, and has locked the scrum with O’Connell for many a year now. Scotland’s two best locks, Hines and Murray, haven’t played this six nations so its hard to judge if they have a good shot at going to be honest. Both are hugely physical men, who would relish this side of the game against the Boks. Hopefully their club form is being watched by McGeechan.

From England, Borthwick has been so publicly ridiculed since accepting the captaincy he surely wont go. To be fair I actually thought he had a decent game against Ireland at the weekend, but he is a lineout specialist and that’s not whats needed against the boks. And to be honest, if it was, Kennedy is miles ahead. He is the best lineout forward Britain and Ireland have at their disposal. He’s been pretty active in the loose as well, but his problem is he’s a little light weight. He also has very little experience at this level. Simon Shaw has a decent shot as well, playing for McGeechan and Edwards club and being an absolute beast of a man. He’s getting on a bit though and is being ignored internationally so it’s unlikely.

That’s about it to be honest. Players like Charteris, Palmer, Kay, Hamilton, Kellock and Grewcock have outside bets if they get fit and playing well but any of their names included would be a massive shock. I can’t really see any outside bets. There’s no locks producing outstanding club form and not getting international recognition at the moment.

On the plane: Paul O’Connell

Departures Lounge: Alan Wyn Jones, Ian Gough, Donncha O’Callaghan

Keep June Free: Nick Kennedy, Nathan Hines, Steve Borthwick, Simon Shaw, Scott Murray