We are now a little more than four months away from the naming of the 2013 British & Irish Lions, and though a lot can happen in that time it’s fair to say that all those who are in serious contention will have been sounded out by now. This is part one of a look at those possibly headed to Australia next June.
With the addition of the 23rd man to the reserves bench, the multi-skilled prop who could play both sides has been all but rendered obsolete at international level. Such are the differences between the two, highlighted beautifully by Tom Court’s tighthead nightmare against England, pundits are now forced to raise their level of expertise and approach them as entirely independent positions, something that aficionados of front row play have been advocating for years now. In any event, it does play a significant role in selection, particularly in select sides such as this. Where once the likes of Matt Stevens might have had an advantage because of their ability to cover both sides adequately, it’s now safe to say only the very best of specialists will be considered, which is probably for the best.
The front row has, in recent years, been a spot of both strength and weakness for the Lions. Typically the first and perhaps second choice players are top class but after that things to get a bit questionable. That appears to be the case once again, but this time there is an air of at least modest capability about those third, fourth, and fifth down the list. This is important as there are still many games to be played between now and June and injures, both before and during the tour, will surely yet play a part in selection.
Even the most casual observers would have to appraise Cian Healy and Alex Corbisiero as the most qualified candidates on the loosehead sides. Both are unusually young to have reached such a level of excellence at a position normally earmarked for more mature players, but there can be no question that their contributions in open play married with surprising ability in the scrum has elevated them to the status of the quintessential modern prop. Gethin Jenkins is probably the best example of this all-around ability from the previous cohort, and he remains the most likely choice for the third loosehead spot based both on class and experience, but form and fitness issues derived from his second string status at his club pose some uncertainty over his selection.
Indeed the man ahead of him at Toulon should be looked at as a serious contender for the tour, for if anyone is to arrive on the dusty shores of Australia with a preceding reputation as a conqueror the name of Andy Sheridan would be first on the list. The former Sale powerhouse is reportedly in top form once again and his popularity as a tourist would not go unnoticed by the Lions selectors. An issue that arises from either man is that of their availability given the likelihood of their club to advance to the French finals, and whispers abound that Jenkins has been looking for an early train back to Cardiff to boost his chances.
Of the less prominent names the abrasive Joe Marler and steady Paul James could be options, and one who could be a bolter after impressing in the autumn internationals is Ryan Grant. His performance against the Springboks was one of the best in recent memory by a Scottish prop and that will not have gone unnoticed by selectors. Rhodri Jones from Scarlets was touted to break through this season, but having just recovered from shoulder surgery there is precious little time for him to press his claims. Similarly Mako Vunipola, who has enjoyed a conspicuously rapid rise through the ranks, is not quite ready, but not an altogether absurd selection as an alternate.
Given the dearth of exceptional tighthead props in the world it is no surprise that the pickings for the Lions are decidedly slim, figuratively speaking that is. Two players, Dan Cole and Adam Jones, can pack their bags already as the only question is which will be the run-on selection, but after that the choices are far from obvious.
Mike Ross and Euan Murray are preferred by their respective national sides and can hold a scrum steady but their best days of getting around the pitch, not their forte at any time, are well behind them. Craig Mitchell is probably the best of the rest though he is dependent on regaining enough fitness to see some game time during the Six Nations. When you consider just how close the likes of Geoff Cross, David Wilson, or even Michael Bent might be to gaining Lions recognition you understand the serious lack of depth at this most crucial position.
Hooker is a bit less worrisome. While the top picks might not quite be world-beaters, there are several players who could come in and do a job if called on to do so. Rory Best and Dylan Hartley would have to be considered the top two, but not by nearly as much as they would have been a year ago. Injuries handed opportunities to Richardt Strauss and Tom Youngs, and it has to be said that both adapted very favourably to international conditions. Youngs in particular offers a running game that few, if any, other front rankers possess. Such a unique quality put Lee Mears on the plane last time around, and could very well put the Leicester man on one this time.
Two that have previous Lions experience are Ross Ford and Matthew Rees. While neither have been in great form of late, there is still time to recover and both have favourable leadership qualities that would be welcome on tour. Richard Hibbard could feature among the non-travelling reserves, with his strength in the collisions and the scrum the best parts of his game.
Pack Your Bags
1 Alex Corbisiero, Cian Healy
2 Rory Best, Dylan Hartley
3 Dan Cole, Adam Jones
There Or Thereabouts
1 Ryan Grant, Gethin Jenkins, Joe Marler, Andy Sheridan
2 Ross Ford, Matthew Rees, Richardt Strauss, Tom Youngs
3 Craig Mitchell, Euan Murray, Mike Ross
