Lions Talk Hotting Up - Forwards

by Brendan Cole

With an Ian McGeechan/Warren Gatland/Shaun Edwards coaching ticket, Wales were, in some quarters at least, expected to dominate the upcoming Lions Tour to South Africa. That became less likely after Wales' defeat to France in Paris last weekend, a match which confirmed what the prior games against Scotland and England had hinted at: the standards being reached by certain of the 2008 Grand Slam winning players have slipped.

Several individuals who were seen as strong contenders to play in the Tests are now much less certain to do so. The best example is probably the Welsh back row – Test contenders Ryan Jones, Andy Powell and Martyn Williams have all been left out of the team for the next match against Italy and must now hope for a chance to re-state their case against Ireland in the final round.

At least one is likely to be disappointed. Wales captain Ryan Jones, though he is will most likely start in the final round match, is in a particularly difficult spot. Injured for the opener against Scotland the Lions captaincy contender was not prominent against England and missed two key tackles against France – both in the lead up to scores. Number eight Powell has been exposed as a limited player against committed defenders and his reputation is now severely dented while openside Williams has struggled to exert his usual influence playing off a less dynamic ruck.

Irish Back Row Has Made A Big Impression

In contrast, Ireland's 6/7/8 unit has both individually and collectively made a very positive impression over the three games they have played together so far.

Granted, Jamie Heaslip did not manage to open up behind the first line of England's defence as he did against France and Italy but he did so mightily impressively in those first two games against France and Italy. Heaslip's appeal is that he can do the hard work in the tight and then, when given the slightest gap, gallop through it to game-changing effect. The better quality the team he is in, the better he will do – and there are few superior to the Lions.

At six, Stephen Ferris, who has also played a role in key Ireland scores, has had a remarkably consistent impact mixing hard graft and high quality. Aside from Jones, James Haskell is his main competition and the Englishman was outplayed at Croke Park.

At seven, David Wallace has not been as obviously on form but he has been picking of his singles with ball in hand and looks ready to take his chance to make bigger interventions. His work on the deck and in the tackle area has also been outstanding in what are proving difficult circumstances under the current laws. Meanwhile, Denis Leamy is waiting in the wings for a chance to make a claim for a spot on the plane. Wales's Jonathan Thomas, picked to face Italy, has been handed his chance to do just that.

The problem for the Lions selectors is that aside from Wales and Ireland, who else is there?

The Scottish back row has been particularly poor to date with Jason White down the pecking order there and Simon Taylor is seen as the most realistic contender to even travel. Alasdair Strokosch, dropped for the Scots first game against Wales, is possibly a better shout than either. The English trio have as a unit struggled to be as dynamic or influential as France or Ireland. Nick Easter has class but no pace while Joe Worsley has impressed as a one man wrecking ball without adding to the attacking game. The Lions are likely to play with more ambition than he allows.

Along with half-back, the back row is arguably the key to the series but the Lions' Brains Trust will also be keen to field as tough and dynamic a tight-five as possible.

Springboks Must Be Out-worked In The Tight

Out-working South Africa in the tight – as well as securing reliable first phase ball - would give the Lions a vitally important platform. Paul O'Connell, secure in the lineout and exceptionally dynamic in the loose, is as nailed on as it gets for one Test jersey while the selection of 23-year-old Alun-Wyn Jones as Wales captain against Italy confirms that he– rightly - rates very highly in Gatland's estimation.

Donncha O'Callaghan is possibly next in line and has the work-rate but he has not shown an ability to match Jones for playing ability around the park. The occasional snatch of ill-discipline is also possibly a factor against him. Nick Kennedy's lineout talent and decent all round game might give him a claim. This call it may depend on how the series pans out tactically.

An O'Connell/A-W Jones combination would be a match for anything South Africa can field.

The front row is, as ever, tough to read. Unfortunately, there is no truly outstanding hooker at this point in time. Jerry Flannery's lineout throwing ability is possibly a trump card, particularly given that he currently has superb timing with Paul O'Connell. The tendency to spill ball when carrying would have to be curbed. Dylan Hartley is physically the best candidate but his poor disciplinary record would perhaps count against.

In the prop berths, Euan Murray is a tight-head in the classic mould and made an impressive statement against Italy. He is possibly the only likely Scottish Test starter.

At loosehead, Scotland's Allan Jacobsen is out of the reckoning due to injury and with the English front-row currently medicore, the dynamic Gethin Jenkins, who can cover both sides, has probably got the strongest claim. John Hayes may yet have something to say but he would probably have to start ahead of Jenkins. If he doesn't, Andrew Sheridan's ability to cover two sides well, allied to his record for effectiveness in the toughest of games, could see him shade the subs pick.

Possible Lions' Test Pack And Subs:

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Jerry Flannery
3. Euan Murray
4. Alun-Wyn Jones
5. Paul Connell
6. Stephen Ferris
7. Martyn William s
8. Jamie Heaslip

Subs:

16. Dylan Hartley
17. Andrew Sheridan
18. David Wallace
19. Nick Kennedy