An area of traditional strength for the Lions has been the second row, and this time around is no exception. While The Wallabies have likely captain James Horwill to call on, beyond that their choices look pretty ordinary. Sitaleki Timani is prone to off-days, Rob Simmons is unconvincing, and Kane Douglas is unproven. By contrast the Lions can call on any number of decent enough hard men to get the job done in the engine room.

It might be a stretch to suggest that anyone is assured of their spot, but if anyone is you would not be unwise to wager that Richie Gray will be the tallest man in the party. Despite an unspectacular start to the season with both Sale and Scotland struggling, Gray’s combination of size and athleticism is world class if the test side were picked tomorrow he would be the most popular choice at no4 by some margin. Similarly no5 might go to two-time tourist and former captain Paul O’Connell, and fitness permitting he will almost certainly join for a third time, but that remains a serious question at this point as injuries have severely limited his game time over the past several months.

Of the other four member of the 2009 vintage, only Alun Wyn Jones looks likely. Presuming the Ospreys captain recovers well from his recent shoulder surgery, his well-rounded game should see him called a second time. Retirement from international duty makes Nathan Hines a long shot for final selection, though he remains a physical and skilled practitioner in good form for Clermont at the ripe old age of 36. It’s safe to say that Simon Shaw and Donncha O’Callaghan are both on the last legs of their storied careers and won’t be part of this tour.

For the first time in ages Wales can lay claim to having four quality second rows, and aside from Jones at least two others are in with a shout. Luke Charteris has the height and defensive presence that might compliment Gray in what could potentially be the largest second row in test rugby history. Another option might be the brute force go forward of Bradley Davies, although his apparent reticence to lengthy travel might hinder his chances. A few years ago we might have expected Ian Evans to be a top contender, and after serious injury and a dip in form he has rebounded somewhat, but not enough as of yet to merit more than an alternate’s position.

Warren Gatland will likely take five locks, at least one of whom will likely be a ‘swing-man’ capable of doubling as a blindside flanker. England lead the way in that department with three such mobile characters, the most obvious being Courtney Lawes. The Northampton hit-man is a favourite to tour, but Gatland likes his locks to get involved in the dirty work, and Lawes might be a bit loose in that area. His countrymen Geoff Parling and November standout Joe Launchbury look a bit more accustomed to the dark arts and are favored for the time being by Stuart Lancaster.

The Irish are not left out of the equation here either, as both Donnacha Ryan and Iain Henderson fill these qualifications rather nicely. Ryan is a fiery, abrasive characters who competes well in the lineout and is first choice now at both Munster and Ireland. Henderson, whose rise is reminiscent of Launchbury, is the next big thing in a dominant Ulster pack and has been highly impressive at every level he has played. He has future Lion written all over him, but this trip might just come a year or two too soon.

Pack Your Bags
4 Richie Gray
5 Paul O’Connell

There Or Thereabouts
4 Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Nathan Hines
5 Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, Geoff Parling, Donnacha Ryan