Lions Watch

So, as if on cue, the powerhouse line-up at Sky Sports 'The Rugby Club' finally dropped their 'if the lions played tomorrow...' selections on us, and there were signs of consensus and conflict with RGN. Have a look below (bold writing means the most picked player amongst all pundits).

Gethin Jenkins is the player of choice in the loosehead position. I can see Stuart Barnes' point of view but we simply have to take the aussies on up front and whilst Jenkins and Healy are both solid scrummagers, Jenkins pips it. He may not offer as much in attack as Healy, but he's there abouts.

Hooker is a tough one as I believe we have some good ones in the British Isles but no stand-out. I still think Ross Ford is the man as he seems to epitomise the modern hooker. Hartley is a solid back-up but I think he lacks Ross' dynamism.

Adam Jones is another overwhelming favourite for the most important position on the pitch and rightly so. His experience with Wales and the Lions in South Africa will be crucial and he seems to adjust mid-game if experiencing problems and get back on top. Dan Cole definitely has a role but this will probably be from the bench. 

Richie Gray seems a slam-dunk for a second row birth but Sale are going to have to pick up in form if they are going to advertise his best assets. Paul O'Connell seems to be a favourite for the second slot, having captained the last tour and being of a very aggressive nature. However, I think with such a heavyweight front row, we can afford some athleticism in the lock position which is why I have opted for Lawes. 

Back-row seems to be locked down on the flanks, with Warburton and Ferris the overwhelming favourites. Both physical, fast, they get over the ball and are big game players. No.8 seems to have caused more of a debate. Faletau is a strong footballer, of which there is no doubt, but he feels to similar to the 6 and 7, so I'd pip for a bulldozing No.8, my choice being Morgan but Heaslip more than fits the same mould.

Scrum-half, Mike Phillips. No explanation needed. Ben Youngs needs to mix his game more and Danny Care's service is quicker. Youngs could struggle to make the midweek team given his recent international form. 

Jonny Sexton is the man for 10 at the moment. He leads the Leinster backs with guts, grace and nouse and when on the front foot is simply irresistible. He is also supremely combative, which may unnerve people like Quade Cooper if they end up in the opposite 10 shirt.

Centre also seems to have a degree of consensus, apart from a couple of shouts for Jonathon Davies. He has been in some excellent form but Roberts can do what he does from a physical and line running perspective and Brian O'Driscoll gives you more life in the centres. Plus the aussies always seem to struggle with ODs running lines. 

Leigh Halfpenney needs to be involved on some level, possibly on the wing. He is not the complete full-back as Kearney is but he is very fast and has a place kick like a howitzer. I cannot believe all the other pundits have overlooked Ashton so readily. George North had a good Six Nations but I think he faded a little towards the end and Ashton gives a more wiley option out wide. Ashton supporting players like OD and Roberts in the midfield is a genuinely exiting prospect. North as an impact sub definitely though. 

Rob Kearney, full-back. Catches 99.9% of anything sent towards him, loves to counter-attack from pretty much anywhere, has a great nudge and gets in people's faces. Everything you'd ever want from a loony sweeper. 

So some evidence of 'great minds...' and all that but I'm more interested in your opinions. Give me some comments with your teams and lets see how they match up.