As the Six Nations decider between Wales and England fast approaches, there are still some Lions jerseys up for grabs. Here are five matchups that will shape Warren Gatland’s team.
Gethin Jenkins vs Dan Cole
This one is more about the former than the latter. Cole is a dead cert for selection, and his qualities are well known by now. Jenkins, however, is still a bit on edge. After playing behind Andy Sheridan at Toulon and struggling with match fitness, he has improved with each outing in the championship before hurting his calf. If he can put a convincing effort in even for 50 odd minutes tomorrow, it should be enough to put him on the plane.
Richard Hibbard vs Tom Youngs
Pace vs power, tight vs loose. Not quite in those extremes, but there is a real contrast between these two. Hibbard is brutal at close quarters and his bulk gives him an edge in the scrum. Youngs has been a revelation this season to the point where some are backing him for a test jersey. It’s possible that both could get the call, and their battle will be a focal point for many.
Ian Evans vs Geoff Parling
Before the championship it would have been a stretch to have either, let alone both, in your probable touring squad. They have each had their struggles with fitness, but have pulled through and enjoyed fine tournaments. As second row candidates continue to fall victim of injury these two are in prime position not only for tour membership, but possibly for test appointments as well. Can Evans disrupt Parling’s lineout game?
Sam Warburton vs Chris Robshaw
The mouth watering clash we’ve all been wishing to see won’t quite happen exactly how we’d like, but you can be sure Warburton will be all over the breakdown despite wearing no6 instead of no7. Both men are renowned for their strength in the tackle area. If either enjoys any superiority over the other, they could well be stepping off the pitch into a starting test jersey.
Mike Phillips vs Ben Youngs
Even though Phillips has seen his form dip in recent days, there is no more-fierce competitor when the stakes are high. If you were a betting man you would think Youngs has the nudge on for the starting scrumhalf shirt, but we’re a long 80 minutes away from considering that anything close to nailed on. This battle should be an absolute dog fight.
