The two biggest risers from this week were fairly obvious, and predictable, but there were a couple cruel injury blows that could affect the final selection in eight weeks time.
Not too much to talk about in the front rows this week. Mako Vunipola’s strong showing bumps him ahead of Joe Marler for the time being, and he takes the spot of the injured Gethin Jenkins. No change at tighthead, as Euan Murray had a decent enough game to keep Mike Ross at bay.
Rory Best returned to form this week, and Tom Youngs continued his impressive rise to test contender status. Dylan Hartley has a lot of ground to make up if he’s going to jump in, with Ross Ford’s previous Lions experience aiding his application. Richard Hibbard showed better with a well taken try via his power running, but there is still some worry about his throwing consistency.
The second row sees the return of Alun Wyn Jones to form and fitness, a big boost particularly given Richie Gray’s hamstring injury suffered on Saturday. Ian Evans continues to perform well and outplayed Jim Hamilton to take his spot. The shoulder injury to Ryan Jones means there is an opening for a lock/flanker and indifferent form from Courtney Lawes gives Robert Harley a chance after a reasonably industrious effort.
Along with Jones, the biggest return to contention was from Sam Warburton, who had an outstanding game for Wales. His inclusion is at the expense of Kelly Brown. No changes at number eight as Jamie Heaslip continues to struggle and Ben Morgan remains injured.
It was a big week for Conor Murray, who showed excellent form for Ireland to inch ahead of Greig Laidlaw. Danny Care had a below par match for England and is in now in real danger of being overlooked.
Toby Flood didn’t exactly sparkle but he did a job and fills in for injured Owen Farrell. Despite not playing, James Hook’s versatility still gives him the edge as a third flyhalf option.
The centres remain a hotly contested spot, as Brad Barritt looked vulnerable for the first time in the tournament and gives way to an improving Jonathan Davies. One name now set in stone is that of Brian O’Driscoll. Yet another courageous effort has him as a leading candidate for the tour captaincy, and a test spot at either 12 or 13.
Fullback of the week was Rob Kearney, who reminded us of his class, but Stuart Hogg and Leigh Halfpenny remain strong options. Halfpenny’s impressive recovery from three consecutive misses at goal underlined his character. It was a tough weekend for wingers, with only George North and Sean Maitland able to impress much.
With one week to go in the championship the squad is start to settle a bit, but there are still spots up for grabs. Plenty of stock will be put on the championship decider in Cardiff, where those players who are on the bubble will have a chance to write their name on a ticket. There are key also head to head battles all along the pitch that could determine test starters, particularly in the second row, centres, and at openside flanker. Given the stakes, it should be a real cracker.
LIONS SQUAD ROUND 4
FORWARDS(20):
Cian Healy, Ryan Grant, Mako Vunipola, Rory Best, Tom Youngs, Ross Ford, Dan Cole, Adam Jones, Euan Murray, Joe Launchbury, Ian Evans, Alun Wyn Jones, Geoff Parling, Robert Harley, Tom Wood, Sean O’Brien, Chris Robshaw, Sam Warburton, Johnnie Beattie, Toby Faletau.
BACKS(16):
Ben Youngs, Mike Phillips, Conor Murray, Dan Biggar, Toby Flood, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Brian O’Driscoll, Manu Tuilagi, Tim Visser, George North, Sean Maitland, Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg, Rob Kearney.
NOT CONSIDERED DUE TO INJURY:
Alex Corbisiero, Gethin Jenkins, Richardt Strauss, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Richie Gray, Paul O’Connell, Stephen Ferris, Ryan Jones, Dan Lydiate, Ross Rennie, Chris Henry, Ben Morgan, Chris Cusiter, Eoin Reddan, Owen Farrell, Rhys Priestland, Jonathan Sexton, Gordon D’Arcy, Joe Ansbro, Nick De Luca, Jonathan Joseph, Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy, Simon Zebo, Ben Foden, Rory Lamont.
