Pre 6 Nations Lions XV

The best 7 weeks in the Northern Hemisphere Rugby Calendar is upon us. Every year we all gather to enjoy the pinnacle of European International Rugby to answer the questions:- who are the best team in the northern hemisphere? Will there be a grand slammer? Who will get the wooden spoon? And of course for this year how many hand grenades is Eddie Jones gonna drop in the punditry box?! 

Once every four years however every game amongst the triple crown contenders is tinged with an undertone of selection drama as the Lions Tour beckons this summer and who will “put their hands up” to be on the plane to Australia will be the subtext of every encounter. 

Who will skipper? Will it be Jac or Maro or Caelan…..Who will wear 10?? Will it be Finn or Fin? Will it be Smith or Smith? Wait that’s the same person….  

Nevertheless the 6 Nations is and always will be the final dress rehearsal for 4 squads worth of players to flex their muscles and book their ticket on a legendary summer tour. 

Whispers have already started and this XV will change immeasurably between now and the summer but as the excitement builds and on current form (injuries included) this is my Starting XV for the Lions first test in Australia. Have at it!

1. Andrew Porter 

2. Dan Sheehan 

3. Zander Fagerson 

4. Maro Itoje  

5. Tadhg Furlong 

6. Jac Morgan  

7. Ben Earl 

8. Caelan Doris © 

9. Tomos Williams 

10. Finn Russell 

11. James Lowe 

12. Bundee Aki (Sione Injured) 

13. Olly Lawrence 

14. Darcy Graham 

15. Blair Kinghorn