Lions-sized headache

Gordon D'Arcy: has earned a place in Chris Jones's XV

14 April 2012

It was portrayed as the England tour to New Zealand in 2005. Yes, it may go under the banner of the Lions, the most famous touring team in the world, but after England's World Cup triumph and the appointment of Clive Woodward as coach, the only debate was going to be just how many English players would head Down Under.

Six weeks ago most would have put the number around 20 - from a squad of around 30 - but the Six Nations tournament has given the 10-match trip to New Zealand a completely different complexion.

France are the 2004 Grand Slam champions, Ireland finished second with the Triple Crown, while England were merely third with a team playing well below normal standards.

Woodward does not have to name his tour party for 12 months - a blessing for those English players who have lost their way since the World Cup triumph.

Men like Trevor Woodman and Ben Kay could come again, but Test rugby is an unforgiving arena and English rugby is populated by ambitious young guns desperate for a chance in the big time. Just think about Sale's Chris Jones and Bath's Olly Barkley.

If Woodward was picking on current form, it would be difficult for him to get beyond a not-so-magnificent seven England players in a Lions Test XV. Patently, that figure would increase if Jonny Wilkinson was fit.

Standard Sport's Lions XV reflects the consistency of Ireland and the spark of excitement Wales have brought to the sport after their World Cup heroics against England and New Zealand. Scotland, the wooden-spoon winners in this season's Championship, supply veteran loose-head prop Tom Smith, who missed the second half of the Six Nations. His selection reflects the paucity of options for a position where Woodman has struggled recently.

The captaincy goes to Lawrence Dallaglio, despite Brian O'Driscoll's success with Ireland. I agree with Warren Gatland, the former Irish coach, who would prefer to minimise the pressure on O'Driscoll - arguably the most potent midfield force available to the Lions - although his co-centre Gordon D'Arcy is laying claim to that title.

Too much attention on O'Driscoll will be a distraction and it makes much more sense for the more experienced Dallaglio to get the vote.

Full-back goes to Gareth Thomas, who has turned in strong performances for Wales. His consistency gets him the vote ahead of Jason Robinson, who does not offer the same classic running lines from No15 that he employs on the wing. That is the position at which he should win a Lions place.

If fully fit, I would have chosen Geordan Murphy, of Ireland, ahead of Thomas, but he only made one appearance and that was on the left wing. He will be the Lions full-back in 2005. Josh Lewsey has been one of the successes of England's back line this season and his powerful cover tackling will be needed against the Kiwi pacemen. The mercurial Shane Williams, of Wales, is the other wing.

O'Driscoll and D'Arcy benefit from the injury problems that affected Mike Tindall's availability and I cannot see anyone pushing this trio in midfield.

Without Wilkinson, the outside-half position comes down to a battle between Ronan O'Gara, of Ireland, and

Stephen Jones, of Wales. By the time the Lions are chosen, Sale's Charlie Hodgson will also be in the frame.

Matt Dawson is the obvious scrum-half choice, with Wales's Gareth Cooper pushing hard. No one else is close.

Loose-head prop is an area of concern to Woodward, but the veteran Smith is still better in the tight than Woodman. Wales's Duncan Jones is a strong candidate, while Reggie Corrigan, of Ireland, has a shot.

Steve Thompson overcame his lineout problems to edge out Shane Byrne, of Ireland, and Scotland's Gordon Bulloch. Phil Vickery is at tight-head, although Julian White is rated the stronger scrummager. Welsh prop Adam Jones has real promise and little fitness, but keep your eye on him.

Danny Grewcock and Paul O'Connell could become one of the great Lions second-row combinations and will worry the All Blacks in the tight.

Simon Easterby has been a tireless member of the Irish pack, while Richard Hill is chosen at open-side flanker. But if the Lions opt for my dark horse for the tour - London Wasps' uncapped flanker Jonny O'Connor - then he could play No6.

O'Connor is recovering from a serious leg injury and if he can bounce back then expect this livewire to be unleashed on the All Blacks.

A lot will happen in the next 12 months and some players will be struck down by injury or poor form. But Wilkinson should be back, giving the squad a very different look.

Chris Jones's XV

Full-back Gareth Thomas Wales
Wing Josh Lewsey Eng
Centre Brian O'Driscoll Ire
Centre Gordon D'Arcy Ire
Wing Shane Williams Wales
Outside-half Ronan O'Gara Ire
Scrum-half Matt Dawson Eng
Prop Tom Smith Scot
Hooker Steve Thompson Eng
Prop Phil Vickery Eng
Lock Danny Grewcock Eng
Lock Paul O'Connell Ire
Flanker Simon Easterby Ire
No8 Lawrence Dallaglio Eng, capt
Flanker Richard Hill Eng

England 7; Ireland 5; Wales 2; Scotland 1
Selected from 2004 Six Nations players
Not considered due to injury: Jonny Wilkinson (England), Adam Jones (Wales) and Jonny O'Connor (London Wasps)

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Brian O'Driscoll

Lions-sized headache

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