Three-time Lions tourist Will Greenwood has selected just one England player in a prospective British & Irish Lions starting lineup based on players’ performances in round five of the Six Nations.
The Lions are (for now) scheduled to travel to South Africa for an eight-match tour, including a three-Test series against the Springboks, in July and August this year.
In the aftermath of the thrilling last round of Six Nations fixtures, Greenwood selected a form XV for the Telegraph.
Interestingly, there was only one Englishman (Tom Curry) and one Scot (Stuart Hogg) in his preferred starting lineup.
Wales have the best representation in the team with seven player selections, followed by Ireland with five.
On picking Curry as the sole Englishman, Greenwood wrote: ‘Curry has not taken a step backwards against anyone in this championship. The only Englishman to make my starting XV on the back of what we have seen. Huge defender, ball-carrier and jackaller. I know you will all have your favourites in this showcase position.’
Greenwood also singled out South African-born Irish hooker Rob Herring as someone he’d use an impact player off the bench.
‘Really enjoying watching Rob Herring as player and likely to see at least two Irish leapers in the pack, which always helps.’
Greenwood’s Lions XV – 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 George North, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Iain Henderson, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Wyn Jones.
Subs: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Maro Itoje, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Anthony Watson.
Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
