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deadlyfrom5yardsout

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O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« on: Monday 25-May-2020, 09:13* »

British and Irish Lions 2021 squad: Telegraph rugby writers pick their front row - now choose yours
Ronan Kelleher and Andrew Porter among the more left-field picks as our writers start the selection process
By
Telegraph Sport
25 May 2020 • 8:00am
 
In a year's time (coronavirus permitting) Warren Gatland will announce his squad for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. We asked our rugby writers to help him out by nominating the players they would select to face the world champions.
Taking the 41-man squad from 2017 as their model, our experts are picking candidates for different positions every day this week, starting today with six props and three hookers to make up the front row. The series will continue with locks on Tuesday, the back row on Wednesday, half-backs on Thursday, centres on Friday, the back three on Saturday, and the starting XV on Sunday.
Sir Ian McGeechan
My six props: Zander Ferguson, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Wyn Jones, Kyle Sinckler, Rory Sutherland
The props need to be technically good but also adaptable and comfortable in the loose. Rory Sutherland is a potential bolter. After a few years in the international wilderness, he was immense in this year’s Six Nations, so good I would probably have him in my starting Lions XV if the first Test were tomorrow. He’s an excellent technician, which is incredibly important in South Africa.
My other looseheads? Mako Vunipola and Cian Healy have given wonderful service overs many years but injuries (Vunipola) and age (Healy) are catching up with them. I think by next year we could well see Ellis Genge (an undoubted talent although he needs discipline at crucial times) and Wyn Jones overtake them in the pecking order.
At tighthead, Tadhg Furlong has never quite rediscovered the form he found in New Zealand in 2017 but he is such a talent, and he was so good on that tour, that he is a shoo-in. Probably my starter. Kyle Sinckler, meanwhile, has become more and more critical to everything England are doing while I’d find a place Zander Fagerson, who, like Sutherland, enjoyed a brilliant season.
My three hookers: Luke Cowan Dickie, Jamie George, Ken Owens
It looks very much like a case of four into three at hooker with Jamie George, Luke Cowan Dickie, Ken Owens and Stuart McInally fighting it out. Three of them will travel, I suspect. I think George is probably in pole position at the moment. He had a great tour down in New Zealand and I think that counts for a lot. He’s very consistent, tough, a good set-piece performer. Just a very solid character. He will take some shifting.
Cowan-Dickie has made big strides as his England understudy. He has mobile, dynamic and tends to make a real impact when coming on. That would make it a straightforward fight between Owens and McInally for that last spot with Owens’ greater experience — and the fact that Warren Gatland knows him so well — probably giving him the edge.

Gavin Mairs
My six props: Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Dillon Lewis, Kyle Sinckler, Rory Sutherland, Mako Vunipola
Gatland’s Lions packs are traditionally dominated by big ball-carriers and I could see Gatland being tempted into picking all three of the English looseheads; Joe Marler for his scrummaging power and Mako Vunipola and Ellis Genge for their destructive ball-carrying and defensive work.  Yet the form of Rory Sutherland this season and his technical ability should win him a place, given the context of the England scrum struggling against South Africa in the World Cup final.
Cian Healy too has been a fantastic player for Ireland and the Lions but may struggle to keep his starting place in his national side come next season.
The tighthead side is straightforward for the first two picks, with Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler the clear favourites to battle it out for the starting place in the Test team. The third choice looks to be between Zander Fagerson, who like Sutherland has impressed with Scotland this season, and Dillon Lewis.  If his scrummaging continues to improve like it has been, he should edge it.
My three hookers: Jamie George, Ronan Kelleher, Ken Owens
Gatland is almost certain to retain his Test hookers from the New Zealand tour by selecting Jamie George and Ken Owens, but it is the third choice that could prove intriguing.
Luke Cowan-Dickie is a powerhouse operator, but is likely to have limited chances behind George with England. That could open the door for Scotland’s Stuart McInally but the bolter over the next 12 months could be Ireland rookie Rónan Kelleher. He was due to start for Ireland in the Six Nations before the Italy game was postponed. A big and physical specimen, he is said to also have a smart rugby brain. Given the experience of George and Owens, Gatland can afford to take a calculated gamble.

Mick Cleary
My six props: Zander Ferguson, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Rory Sutherland, Mako Vunipola
The cornerstone of any successful Lions tour to South Africa, the propping contingent, have first and foremost to be able to stand their ground. Think of the mayhem wreaked by Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira when up against Phil Vickery in the first test at King’s Park, Durban, in 2009, a savaging from which the Lions never managed to recover.
The scrummage sets the tone for any game against the Springboks as was shown by their demolition of England in the World Cup final at Yokohama. One of those briefly on duty that day, Kyle Sinckler, knocked cold after three minutes, will be expected to anchor the scrum, battling for the starting shirt once again with Tadhg Furlong.
Scottish duo, Rory Sutherland and Zander Fergusonget their reward for a sterling Six Nations. Mako Vunipola needs to up his game but he is eminently capable of that.
My three hookers: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Stuart McInally
It was tough to ignore the claims of the Scarlets’ Ken Owens and given his familiarity with him there is every chance that Warren Gatland will not do the same thing — especially given that the former Wales head coach appreciates the value of hard-nosed wisdom. Owens, though, will be 34 by the time the Lions head to South Africa where the grounds are hard and the air is scarce.
And, anyway, the credentials of the man vying with Owens for the third spot in the squad are first-rate. There is a real edge to Stuart McInally’s game with the Scot also a fine practitioner at the basics, the sine qua non for any hooker. The England pairing have proven to be a potent double-act for Eddie Jones, George’s solidity and leadership a sound starting point while Cowan-Dickie’s energy and unerring try-scoring instincts near the line proving a perfect foil in the latter stages.


Tom Cary
My six props: Zander Ferguson, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Rory Sutherland
Plenty can change in 12 months but as it stands Mako Vunpola looks to be on thin ice. Superb for the Lions in New Zealand four years ago, he does have credit in the bank. But he has slipped down the England pecking order in recent times and Saracens' demotion next season may not help his cause, although it remains to be seen where he ends up playing his rugby.
Ellis Genge’s career is going in the other direction and he may be timing his Lions run right although he will need to continue on his current trajectory to stand a chance. Rory Sutherland's international comeback was one of the feelgood stories of this Six Nations. If the Lions squad were being picked today he would be in it.
On the other side of the front row the picture is much clearer; Tadhg Furlong and Kyle Sinckler are both shoo-ins, the only question being which one starts the first Test, in Johannesburg.
My three hookers: Luke Cowan Dickie, Jamie George, Ronan Kelleher
Jamie George would have to have a miserable year with form or injury not to start the first Test next summer. He is clearly in pole position. The other two hookers are not so easy to call. Ken Owens will be on a lot of lists. Warren Gatland obviously knows and likes him, which counts for a lot. But I'm a big fan of Cowan-Dickie, a serious baller with an eye for a try.
It is obviously too soon for Ronan Kelleher who has barely even been capped by Ireland. But this is not a squad for today, it is a squad for next summer, and who knows, the Leinster hooker may be Ireland's first choice by then. He certainly has the raw ingredients. I’m naming him as a bolter with the usual disclaimer that he may be nowhere near the squad in the final reckoning.

Ben Coles
My six props: Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Andrew Porter, Kyle Sinckler, Rory Sutherland, Mako Vunipola
Not to heap too much pressure on Rory Sutherland, but there hasn’t been a Scottish loosehead named in an initial Lions squad since Tom Smith back in 2001. These are very much early days in Sutherland’s career but the touches he has shown so far have generated plenty of excitement. His scrummaging technique for a young player already looks pretty well developed.
Both Leinster tightheads should tour, Furlong for obvious reasons given his billing as arguably the world’s best tighthead, with Porter an exciting prospect. They would join a three-man England contingent. Mako Vunipola has a point to make in South Africa after the way the scrum dissolved in Yokohama and the time feels right for Ellis Genge to make the leap into a top-tier player at Test level, as Kyle Sinckler has done over the pat two years.
Joe Marler might still be in the frame if he makes himself available, but there is no guarantee that will be the case at this stage. No Welsh props, although Tomas Francis might be able to press his claims if fit.
My three hookers: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Ken Owens
There might be an argument here, perhaps, for one of the two Scots to tour, Fraser Brown or Stuart McInally. But neither of their claims feel strong enough compared to the selected trio.
Ireland used Rob Herring in the Six Nations but there’s a search on there for a long-term replacement for Rory Best. Which leaves George, who started all three Tests against the All Blacks in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down, plus his England rival Luke Cowan-Dickie and Wales hooker Ken Owens.
‘LCD’ finds himself in a similar position to George four years ago, stuck behind another quality operator for his country. His form for Exeter at the start of the year was impressive. Owens can be a vital tourist, battling for the 16 shirt while also leading the midweek side. And he remains an excellent player too.
Out of all the areas in the squad, this feels like one of the strongest.

Charlie Morgan
My six props: Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Joe Marler, Andrew Porter, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola
One of Rhys Carré, Cian Healy or Rory Sutherland, especially impressive during the 2020 Six Nations, could easily break up an English monopoly on loosehead props. Another industrious Scot, Zander Fagerson, is probably unlucky not to sneak one of the tighthead spots. Of these six props, only Genge and Porter would be heading on a maiden tour. Porter’s versatility, as a loosehead that has switched across to tighthead, might be useful on a taxing, if shorter, trip. For Vunipola, making a third Lions squad at the age of 30 – where he would be aiming for a second series win to go with a draw in 2017 – would be a fine achievement.
My three hookers: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie George, Ken Owens
All nine of my front-row picks are powerful scrummagers who are dynamic in the looser exchanges. Cowan-Dickie, superb for Exeter Chiefs for some time, is a brilliant jackaller who could flourish under Warren Gatland. We know that South Africa have the muscle to attack the set piece for 80 minutes and use their bench accordingly with proactive replacements. Owens turns 34 next January, so is probably at risk. As others have said, his experience should be handy. A midweek skipper in the mould of Rory Best, perhaps? Rónan Kelleher, 11 years the junior of Owens, should be the next cab off the rank. He has looked accomplished and exciting for Leinster.

 
Kate Rowan
My six props: Zander Ferguson, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola
A theme for the selection of this Lions squad is experience and it begins with the front row. If you are going to beat the reigning World Cup champions in their own back yard, and at altitude, battle-hardened players, particularly at front row are a must.
Despite his recent travails and more murmurs regarding retiring from international rugby for a second time, Joe Marler makes the cut having had a strong Six Nations this year. From Marler’s point of view, a Lions tour alongside Alun Wyn Jones offers a good opportunity to set things straight after “grab-gate”. Marler will not be a Test starter, however.
Mako Vunipola, Kyle Sinckler and Ireland’s Tadgh Furlong pick themselves, as well as current form, they all starred in the drawn series in New Zealand. Scotland’s Zander Ferguson comes in as the third tight-head. Cian Healy will be 33 and it would be a fitting finale to his career to finish up with the Lions, particularly having gone home injured from the 2013 Tour to Australia. The Dubliner would be the perfect man to have on the Test bench to replace Mako Vunipola. It will be a battle between Furlong and Sinckler for the starting tight-head spot based on current form.
My three hookers: Jamie George, Stuart McInally, Ken Owens
Jamie George looks to be the favourite to start at hooker, Ken Owens, another veteran of the 2017 Tour returns. Scotland’s Stuart McInally edges out Luke Cowan-Dickie for the third hooker berth.

poorfour

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I am surprised how many pundits are picking Mako after the way the Boks took him to pieces in the final. To be fair, he’d probably have done better if Sinckler had lasted long enough to scrummage, but once Marler and Kruis were on England had at least parity in the scrum.

Furlong and Sinckler are pretty much certain Test tightheads, barring injury and providing Kyle’s change of club doesn’t damage his form. George is a head clear of his competitors at the moment. Loosehead is more open, but in South Africa scrummaging and defence are key, which would put Marler and Sutherland in pole position. I could see Genge as a bolter if he continues to improve.

JammyGit

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Most of the time it's a gamble worth taking - Mako is a genuinely ridiculous, world-class talent outside of the scrum.

Rocker

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Jammy, Mako Vs the Boks isn't a risk he's a liability!
Assuming that everyone are happening by then the Boks pack will tear him apart, he's better than he used to be at scrum time but that isn't saying much..... Genge is as good in the loose and a better scrummager.

poorfour

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Most of the time it's a gamble worth taking - Mako is a genuinely ridiculous, world-class talent outside of the scrum.

He’s a prop who can pass the ball, but so are Furlong and Sinckler and both are better carriers these days. Defensively he’s got a good work rate, but I think he has less of a defensive impact than Marler, for all that he makes more tackles. Attackers consistently seem to avoid Joe’s channel, and that gives the defence an edge.

In the scrum, he’s good enough against any other team, and you can take the risk of including him, but the Boks are the only other side with four genuine world class scrummaging props, and Mako’s weaknesses get exposed.
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MadMax

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He’s a prop who can pass the ball, but so are Furlong and Sinckler and both are better carriers these days. Defensively he’s got a good work rate, but I think he has less of a defensive impact than Marler, for all that he makes more tackles. Attackers consistently seem to avoid Joe’s channel, and that gives the defence an edge.

In the scrum, he’s good enough against any other team, and you can take the risk of including him, but the Boks are the only other side with four genuine world class scrummaging props, and Mako’s weaknesses get exposed.

Plus he doesn't play for Quins!
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Mandator

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All the Telegraph Writers picked Kyle Sinckler and yet our club let him go!!!

JammyGit

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He’s a prop who can pass the ball, but so are Furlong and Sinckler and both are better carriers these days. Defensively he’s got a good work rate, but I think he has less of a defensive impact than Marler, for all that he makes more tackles. Attackers consistently seem to avoid Joe’s channel, and that gives the defence an edge.

In the scrum, he’s good enough against any other team, and you can take the risk of including him, but the Boks are the only other side with four genuine world class scrummaging props, and Mako’s weaknesses get exposed.

Joe is the better tackler but Mako is brilliant at the breakdown. I don't think Furlong and Sinckler are better carriers at all - they might be more likely to bust a hole but Mako carries an obscene amount and always makes ground.

Sinckler is the only other prop playing at international level with Mako's ball skills.

deadlyfrom5yardsout

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #8 on: Wednesday 27-May-2020, 11:38* »
and here's their pick for 2nd Row...


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British and Irish Lions 2021 squad: Telegraph rugby writers pick their locks - now choose yours
Maro Itoje is predicted to start, but is Alun Wyn Jones too old to play alongside him in all three Tests?
By
Telegraph Sport
26 May 2020 • 8:23am

 

In a year's time (coronavirus permitting) Warren Gatland will announce his squad for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. We asked our rugby writers to help him out by nominating the players they would select to face the world champions.
Taking the 41-man squad from 2017 as their model, our experts are picking candidates for different positions every day this week. The series started on Monday with six props and three hookers to make up the front row. The selections for the second row are below, with the back row to follow on Wednesday, half-backs on Thursday, centres on Friday, the back three on Saturday, and the starting XV on Sunday.
Sir Ian McGeechan
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Joe Launchbury, James Ryan
The Lions have an embarrassment of riches at lock. They could take twice as many as they need and they would all be world class.

Maro Itoje is a certain starter. In fact, I would probably make him Tour captain as he is one of the few players absolutely assured of his place. He has experience under his belt from four years ago, and crucially he has the respect of every player in the squad regardless of their nationality. They’ve all been up against him for club and country and they know what he is all about. He's an unbelievable competitor. The kind of player you want to play with rather than against. Plus, he's a very intelligent player.
Who else? Gats clearly knows all about Alun Wyn — and I'd certainly take him, his experience would be important for off-field standards and attitude, plus he was part of 2009 tour — but I would be tempted to start with James Ryan alongside Itoje. Ryan has become one of Ireland’s leaders in a relatively short space of time. He has a huge engine. Those two could be unbelievable together.
And I’d take Launchbury too. I feel he still has such great potential and again, he’s a leader now. The Wasps captain. His flexibility with a phase-play presence could reap rewards on the South African pitches.
Gavin Mairs
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
An area of real strength for the Lions and just as well, given the quality of the Springboks' second row, and the position from which the captaincy of the Lions will come. The choice of leader appears to be a choice between the tried and trusted totemic leadership of Alun Wyn Jones or the inspirational ebullience of Maro Itoje, and they could find themselves side-by-side in the Test side.
Yet the competition will be fierce. James Ryan, the outstanding Ireland lock, is the coming man and, four years on from almost forcing himself into the third Test starting XV, his national team-mate Iain Henderson is sure to make a compelling case.
Then you have the all-action abrasiveness and versatility of Courtney Lawes and the lineout prowess of George Kruis while the impressive Jonny Gray should flourish at Exeter next season.
The word from across the Irish Sea also suggests there may be another name in the mix this time next year, with great expectation being heaped on the shoulders of Leinster's  20 year-old rookie Ryan Baird, who could be an Ireland starter come the Six Nations.

Henderson already has Lions experience Credit: GETTY
Mick Cleary
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Joe Launchbury, James Ryan
This is an area of strength for the Lions, which is just as well given the resources the ‘Boks can whistle up to serve their own cause. The engine room will underpin so much of what the Lions will hope to achieve around the field, starting, as ever, at the set-piece where they will need to be sharp and productive in all aspects and, with a fair wind, even get in among the opposition at the line-out.
To that end a starting combination of Maro Itoje and James Ryan ticks all the right boxes, the pairing also offering a ferocious as well as clever presence at the breakdown.
The Welsh warrior, Alun Wyn Jones, may be ageing but he shows no signs of wearying in the battle to stay effective and he will be an indispensable back-up force alongside the understated but monumentally effective Joe Launchbury.
Daniel Schofield
My five locks: Jonny Gray, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
Twelve months is a long time in rugby. Fitness and form are hard to maintain, but come what may Alun Wyn Jones is guaranteed to be firing in time for the Lions series. At 35, it may well be his last hurrah, but there is no individual within this party like Jones, who can flick greatness on like a switch.
Even so there’s no guarantee that he will be starting given that Maro Itoje and James Ryan would be many people’s second-row pairing for a World XV never mind a Lions team. Itoje has taken his form from the World Cup and built upon it while Ryan has suffered a slight dip.
In the Lions’ strongest department, Courtney Lawes may well end up at blindside flanker. I also believe that moving to Exeter could elevate Scottish tackling machine Jonny Gray into the picture.
Tom Cary
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones and James Ryan pick themselves. It is just a question of which two start in Joburg. Itoje, one would imagine, is nailed on for one of the starting berths. There are so many choices for the other two locks: Joe Launchbury, Iain Henderson, Grant Gilchrist, George Kruis, Cory Hill, Courtney Lawes….
I would take Lawes for sure, although as a second row or a back row forward is open to debate. I’ll pick him as a lock who covers blindside flanker if required, which may well be how it pans out with Lawes offering extra muscle in the back row and an extra jumper in the lineout.
And with Kruis potentially out of the reckoning having gone off to Japan I'll take Henderson as my final lock although it will clearly come down to form next spring with any of the aforementioned options in with a shout.

Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje could reprise their partnership from the 2017 tour to New Zealand
Ben Coles
My five locks: Jonny Gray, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
Good depth here. All the signs point to Alun Wyn Jones going on his fourth Lions tour and the enforced rest imposed by the coronavirus lockdown on players’ bodies might actually be a benefit at this stage of his career. Is he nailed on as captain? Last year you would have undoubtedly said so, but the level of competition for the two second-row spots is so strong from Maro Itoje and James Ryan that Jones starting might not be as guaranteed as we once thought.
Itoje and Jones have partnered up before, starting the second and third Tests against the All Blacks. However, pairing Itoje and Ryan together for the Lions has been discussed in bars and clubhouses ever since the Irishman burst onto the scene in Ireland’s Grand Slam year.
It's worth adding that other locks are available. Jonny Gray is a tackling guru and having missed out four years ago, deserves to tour. Courtney Lawes brings physicality — needed in South Africa — and versatility given he can cover six.
Had Adam Beard not dropped off the Wales radar under Wayne Pivac, he would have been in the frame. Jake Ball could also make a good tourist. It feels too late for Devin Toner but Iain Henderson and Joe Launchbury can press their claims.
Charlie Morgan
My five locks: Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
If there is a temptation to go with a tight-five bolter, 20 year-old Ryan Baird is clearly a remarkable athlete – as some spectacular tries have illustrated. Those who have worked with the Leinster youngster at close quarters speak highly of his character as well. His 2020-21 campaign, whenever that begins, will be worth monitoring. Andy Farrell appeared to be on the verge of capping him at the end of the recent Six Nations.
Cory Hill, a member of 2017’s infamous Geography Six, and fellow Welshman Adam Beard are also contenders, as are Ireland’s Iain Henderson and Jonny Gray of Scotland. It is arguable that Joe Launchbury has been unlucky for two tours running. Gray will probably not be racking up huge tackle-counts for Exeter Chiefs and should get his hands on the ball a great deal and improve under Rob Baxter.
Of my quintet, Itoje, Jones, Ryan and Lawes seem close to certainties – even at this early stage. The last of these, Lawes, could spend a significant amount of time at blindside with the Test series in mind. Warren Gatland obviously enjoyed impact as a replacement in New Zealand in 2017.
Kruis, on the way to Japan, is up against it. But that trip – and the short, sharp schedule with Panasonic Wild Knights – can reinvigorate him and allow him to stay fresh as next summer arrives. He is a lineout master and a player who allows others to shine. Kruis will be motivated to make up for 2017, when he was dropped completely after one Test against the All Blacks.

Lawes offers expertise in the lineout and can cover multiple positions Credit: REUTERS
Kate Rowan
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis, James Ryan
Four of the five players selected at second row were part of Gatland’s 2017 squad. Considering his class and experience, Ireland and Leinster second row James Ryan is hardly a bolter but he is the new face in my selection
Alun Wyn Jones will be 35 and I don’t see him starting every Test but his experience will be key not just among the leaders in the pack but across the entire squad with this his fourth Lions tour. He is the only survivor from the Lions’ last Tour to South Africa in 2009.
Maro Itoje looks to be the nailed-on Test starter and you could rotate between Jones and Ryan for the second spot. Considering the unique physical punishment caused by the two Tests in Johannesburg at altitude, it is difficult to see Jones starting both of those. But do not write off George Kruis or Iain Henderson who could both easily be Test starters such is the strength in depth at second row.
Who would you pick for the second row? Comment below
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A222Quin

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #9 on: Wednesday 27-May-2020, 13:34* »
I saw they all selected AWJ - I'd rather have him around the tour as as a non playing member if his leadership is as strong as some espouse. Don't think he'd get in there on playing ability any more for me.
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Domestos

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #10 on: Wednesday 27-May-2020, 14:00* »
and here's their pick for 2nd Row...


Jump to navigation
British and Irish Lions 2021 squad: Telegraph rugby writers pick their locks - now choose yours
Maro Itoje is predicted to start, but is Alun Wyn Jones too old to play alongside him in all three Tests?
By
Telegraph Sport
26 May 2020 • 8:23am

 

In a year's time (coronavirus permitting) Warren Gatland will announce his squad for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. We asked our rugby writers to help him out by nominating the players they would select to face the world champions.
Taking the 41-man squad from 2017 as their model, our experts are picking candidates for different positions every day this week. The series started on Monday with six props and three hookers to make up the front row. The selections for the second row are below, with the back row to follow on Wednesday, half-backs on Thursday, centres on Friday, the back three on Saturday, and the starting XV on Sunday.
Sir Ian McGeechan
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Joe Launchbury, James Ryan
The Lions have an embarrassment of riches at lock. They could take twice as many as they need and they would all be world class.

Maro Itoje is a certain starter. In fact, I would probably make him Tour captain as he is one of the few players absolutely assured of his place. He has experience under his belt from four years ago, and crucially he has the respect of every player in the squad regardless of their nationality. They’ve all been up against him for club and country and they know what he is all about. He's an unbelievable competitor. The kind of player you want to play with rather than against. Plus, he's a very intelligent player.
Who else? Gats clearly knows all about Alun Wyn — and I'd certainly take him, his experience would be important for off-field standards and attitude, plus he was part of 2009 tour — but I would be tempted to start with James Ryan alongside Itoje. Ryan has become one of Ireland’s leaders in a relatively short space of time. He has a huge engine. Those two could be unbelievable together.
And I’d take Launchbury too. I feel he still has such great potential and again, he’s a leader now. The Wasps captain. His flexibility with a phase-play presence could reap rewards on the South African pitches.
Gavin Mairs
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
An area of real strength for the Lions and just as well, given the quality of the Springboks' second row, and the position from which the captaincy of the Lions will come. The choice of leader appears to be a choice between the tried and trusted totemic leadership of Alun Wyn Jones or the inspirational ebullience of Maro Itoje, and they could find themselves side-by-side in the Test side.
Yet the competition will be fierce. James Ryan, the outstanding Ireland lock, is the coming man and, four years on from almost forcing himself into the third Test starting XV, his national team-mate Iain Henderson is sure to make a compelling case.
Then you have the all-action abrasiveness and versatility of Courtney Lawes and the lineout prowess of George Kruis while the impressive Jonny Gray should flourish at Exeter next season.
The word from across the Irish Sea also suggests there may be another name in the mix this time next year, with great expectation being heaped on the shoulders of Leinster's  20 year-old rookie Ryan Baird, who could be an Ireland starter come the Six Nations.

Henderson already has Lions experience Credit: GETTY
Mick Cleary
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Joe Launchbury, James Ryan
This is an area of strength for the Lions, which is just as well given the resources the ‘Boks can whistle up to serve their own cause. The engine room will underpin so much of what the Lions will hope to achieve around the field, starting, as ever, at the set-piece where they will need to be sharp and productive in all aspects and, with a fair wind, even get in among the opposition at the line-out.
To that end a starting combination of Maro Itoje and James Ryan ticks all the right boxes, the pairing also offering a ferocious as well as clever presence at the breakdown.
The Welsh warrior, Alun Wyn Jones, may be ageing but he shows no signs of wearying in the battle to stay effective and he will be an indispensable back-up force alongside the understated but monumentally effective Joe Launchbury.
Daniel Schofield
My five locks: Jonny Gray, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
Twelve months is a long time in rugby. Fitness and form are hard to maintain, but come what may Alun Wyn Jones is guaranteed to be firing in time for the Lions series. At 35, it may well be his last hurrah, but there is no individual within this party like Jones, who can flick greatness on like a switch.
Even so there’s no guarantee that he will be starting given that Maro Itoje and James Ryan would be many people’s second-row pairing for a World XV never mind a Lions team. Itoje has taken his form from the World Cup and built upon it while Ryan has suffered a slight dip.
In the Lions’ strongest department, Courtney Lawes may well end up at blindside flanker. I also believe that moving to Exeter could elevate Scottish tackling machine Jonny Gray into the picture.
Tom Cary
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones and James Ryan pick themselves. It is just a question of which two start in Joburg. Itoje, one would imagine, is nailed on for one of the starting berths. There are so many choices for the other two locks: Joe Launchbury, Iain Henderson, Grant Gilchrist, George Kruis, Cory Hill, Courtney Lawes….
I would take Lawes for sure, although as a second row or a back row forward is open to debate. I’ll pick him as a lock who covers blindside flanker if required, which may well be how it pans out with Lawes offering extra muscle in the back row and an extra jumper in the lineout.
And with Kruis potentially out of the reckoning having gone off to Japan I'll take Henderson as my final lock although it will clearly come down to form next spring with any of the aforementioned options in with a shout.

Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje could reprise their partnership from the 2017 tour to New Zealand
Ben Coles
My five locks: Jonny Gray, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
Good depth here. All the signs point to Alun Wyn Jones going on his fourth Lions tour and the enforced rest imposed by the coronavirus lockdown on players’ bodies might actually be a benefit at this stage of his career. Is he nailed on as captain? Last year you would have undoubtedly said so, but the level of competition for the two second-row spots is so strong from Maro Itoje and James Ryan that Jones starting might not be as guaranteed as we once thought.
Itoje and Jones have partnered up before, starting the second and third Tests against the All Blacks. However, pairing Itoje and Ryan together for the Lions has been discussed in bars and clubhouses ever since the Irishman burst onto the scene in Ireland’s Grand Slam year.
It's worth adding that other locks are available. Jonny Gray is a tackling guru and having missed out four years ago, deserves to tour. Courtney Lawes brings physicality — needed in South Africa — and versatility given he can cover six.
Had Adam Beard not dropped off the Wales radar under Wayne Pivac, he would have been in the frame. Jake Ball could also make a good tourist. It feels too late for Devin Toner but Iain Henderson and Joe Launchbury can press their claims.
Charlie Morgan
My five locks: Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes, James Ryan
If there is a temptation to go with a tight-five bolter, 20 year-old Ryan Baird is clearly a remarkable athlete – as some spectacular tries have illustrated. Those who have worked with the Leinster youngster at close quarters speak highly of his character as well. His 2020-21 campaign, whenever that begins, will be worth monitoring. Andy Farrell appeared to be on the verge of capping him at the end of the recent Six Nations.
Cory Hill, a member of 2017’s infamous Geography Six, and fellow Welshman Adam Beard are also contenders, as are Ireland’s Iain Henderson and Jonny Gray of Scotland. It is arguable that Joe Launchbury has been unlucky for two tours running. Gray will probably not be racking up huge tackle-counts for Exeter Chiefs and should get his hands on the ball a great deal and improve under Rob Baxter.
Of my quintet, Itoje, Jones, Ryan and Lawes seem close to certainties – even at this early stage. The last of these, Lawes, could spend a significant amount of time at blindside with the Test series in mind. Warren Gatland obviously enjoyed impact as a replacement in New Zealand in 2017.
Kruis, on the way to Japan, is up against it. But that trip – and the short, sharp schedule with Panasonic Wild Knights – can reinvigorate him and allow him to stay fresh as next summer arrives. He is a lineout master and a player who allows others to shine. Kruis will be motivated to make up for 2017, when he was dropped completely after one Test against the All Blacks.

Lawes offers expertise in the lineout and can cover multiple positions Credit: REUTERS
Kate Rowan
My five locks: Iain Henderson, Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones, George Kruis, James Ryan
Four of the five players selected at second row were part of Gatland’s 2017 squad. Considering his class and experience, Ireland and Leinster second row James Ryan is hardly a bolter but he is the new face in my selection
Alun Wyn Jones will be 35 and I don’t see him starting every Test but his experience will be key not just among the leaders in the pack but across the entire squad with this his fourth Lions tour. He is the only survivor from the Lions’ last Tour to South Africa in 2009.
Maro Itoje looks to be the nailed-on Test starter and you could rotate between Jones and Ryan for the second spot. Considering the unique physical punishment caused by the two Tests in Johannesburg at altitude, it is difficult to see Jones starting both of those. But do not write off George Kruis or Iain Henderson who could both easily be Test starters such is the strength in depth at second row.
Who would you pick for the second row? Comment below
Related Topics
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You do enjoy a quote - don't you?

JammyGit

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #11 on: Wednesday 27-May-2020, 14:09* »
Madness to pick AWJ. He's been on the wane for a good while now. Just isn't the same player any more.  Also weird to pick Launchbury who hasn't been at his best for an extended period of time.

All the Telegraph Writers picked Kyle Sinckler and yet our club let him go!!!

I don't think "let" is fair here - Bristol offering huge money had a lot to do with it - and Kyle's been up and down for us.
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dinsdale

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #12 on: Wednesday 27-May-2020, 14:30* »
Madness to pick AWJ. He's been on the wane for a good while now. Just isn't the same player any more.  Also weird to pick Launchbury who hasn't been at his best for an extended period of time.

I don't think "let" is fair here - Bristol offering huge money had a lot to do with it - and Kyle's been up and down for us.

Quite.  being good and being good value are not the same thing.
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T-Bone

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #13 on: Wednesday 27-May-2020, 20:52* »
Quite.  being good and being good value are not the same thing.

I'm still gutted to see Kyle go, but the fact we promptly signed a really decent sounding replacement who'll be with us far more does soften the blow significantly.

Don't think AWJ should go on tour. Spent force

poorfour

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Re: O/T Telegraph Writers Select their Lions Front Row
« Reply #14 on: Thursday 28-May-2020, 09:27* »
It will be interesting to see if not having to return to coaching Wales after the tour affects Gatland’s selection policies. But historically he has been quite prepared to take members of his Welsh squad and give them time to play themselves into contention, even when not fully fit. AWJ wasn’t match-ready in the first test in NZ and it showed - though to be fair he was in far better form by the time of the 3rd test.

 

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