With Warren Gatland set to name his Lions squad tomorrow, JOE looks at some player who are hoping, rather than expecting a call from the Kiwi.
By Declan Whooley
Both during the Six Nations and in the aftermath we have selected – after great debate in the office – what we believe to have been the strongest starting teams on form, but what about some players looking to put their hand up at this late stage?
These guys undoubtedly have the ability, but have they done enough to force their way into the squad of an expected 37 names for Australia? We take a look at some of the contenders.
Jonny Wilkinson
Where else could we start but with the English man of the moment. Imperious against Saracens, he bagged their entire 24 point haul with a flawless performance from the boot, including 40ft drop-goal. The fact that it was Owen Farrell with the despairing tackle as the ball sailed over was not lost on any of the onlookers.
Could both men travel to Australia?
There are obvious issues with his availability given the French clubs have previously gone on record to say they won’t release any players for Lions duty if they are still involved with club action, a very likely scenario for Wilkinson and his Toulon colleagues. But if there were a wayaround this, it would be hard to argue against his inclusion.
Tommy Bowe
Like Paul O’Connell, the Ulster winger may have come back from injury in just the nick of time. While he only made a fleeting appearance in the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens, he has made a try-scoring return in the PRO12.
While game time at the top level has been limited in 2013, his starring performances in South Africa last time out may be enough to sway Gatland, though competition will be strong in this position and he may well vie with Simon Zebo for a spot. Tim Visser and Sean Maitland have been suggested as darkhorses, but we expect Ryle Nugent’s favourite player to get the nod.
Joe Launchbury
Both during and after the Six Nations the Wasps lock look nailed on for at least a place on the squad and possibly even a starting Test position. Now things aren’t quite so assured, though not exactly through any fault of his own. The return of Paul O’Connell from injury and Alun Wyn-Jones’ strong finish to the campaign means he will be touch and go considering Ian Evans, Richie Gray and Donncha Ryan are also vying for spots, not to mention his international colleague Geoff Parling.
One person who probably hasn’t been over-joyed by Paul O’Connell’s return to action
John Beattie
The Scottish international was impressive for country and club with Montpellier reaching the last eight before bowing out to Clermont. Toby Faletau and Jamie Heaslip are favourites to takes the number eight slots, but Beattie will still be keeping his phone on in the faint hope of making the trip Down Under.
Jonathan Davies
The Welsh centre was highly fancied prior to the Six Nations campaign to feature in the Lions squad at least, and while Wales had an ultimately successful campaign, it was up-and-down tournament for the 25-year-old.
Could well make the plane, if not the starting Test team
Thoroughly outplayed by Brian O’Driscoll in the opener – no shame there – which was unfortunate considering he was the man tipped to potentially take his jersey in Australia. With BOD, Jamie Roberts and Manu Tuilagi expected to travel, he could well join them owing to a lack of options in the Irish and Scottish midfields.
Peter O’Mahony
The backrower will do well to make what is likely to be the most competitive area of squad selection. A strong season in green, the 23-year-old has been especially prominent in the Heineken Cup with some abrasive performances in the loose, and has been one of the top ball carriers in the competition.
Could bring more balance to the backrow with Warburton and Tipuric already in tow.
Stuart Hogg
The 20-year-old is only made his international debut last year, but it has been a meteoric rise for the Glasgow Warriors number fifteen and really caught the eye in an improving Scottish back division.
Unfortunately for the Scot, Leigh Halfpenny is perhaps the in-form player at the moment and behind him is the 2009 stalwart Rob Kearney.
Will have to displace a big name the squad
Stiff competition by any stretch, but we do expect Gatland to make at least one left of field choice in his squad and considering Halfpenny could play on the wing, Hogg would offer another good attacking platform against the Aussies.
Conor Murray
Mike Phillips looks in pole position to continue in the number nine jersey with Ben Youngs also favoured by many to make the cut as he offers a variation to Phillips’ physical approach. This leaves one more spot up for grabs, with Greig Laidlaw, Danny Care and Conor Murray hoping to get the nod. Lloyd Williams has also been touted as a real darkhorse, but this is most likely due to the fact that Gatland is familiar with the Cardiff Blues man than anything else.
The Munster man has had more Heineken Cup experience than his rivals and would be a like-for-like replacement should the Welshman take a knock. Could well increase the Munster contingent in Oz.
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