Dream Lions XV


By Zippy
March 30 2005

It’s the question still on everyones lips, who would make your Lions XV? I take a look at the contenders for every position and then select my dream Lions XV.

Loose Head Prop


Gethin Jenkins – Form prop of the 6N, stood up in the scrum and great around the park.

Duncan Jones – Didn’t play in the 6N, still a class player in the wings.

Tom Smith – Consistent in his play if unspectacular.

Hooker

Steve Thompson – Big ball carrier, question marks over his technical hooking ability.

Shane Byrne – Brilliant in 2004 and on everyone’s sheet, bit quiet this season.

Gordon Bulloch – Lead a poor Scotland side, inspiring at times, lost at others.

Barry Williams – Form hooker in Britain, has not played internationals for years.

Tight Head Prop

Julian White – Great scrumager, not much else.

Phil Vickery – If he can get fit in time he should wear the shirt.

Chris Horsman – Complete unknown quantity at the very top.

Second Row:

Ben Kay – First class against Wales, the type of player the Lions need to step up if selected.

Danny Grewcock – Lacks discipline but adds fire to the pack.

Scott Murray – Top quality line out forward, struggled in the last Lions tour.

Paul O’Connell – Huge player, on my team sheet.

Brent Cockbain – Nuisance, is that enough?

Open Side:

Martyn Williams – Player of the 6N

Colin Charvis – World class ball carrier, huge defence.

Neil Back – Will do the work on the floor.

Blind Side:

Richard Hill – Does the donkey work, great leader by example, will he be fit?

Jason White – You know when he has tackled you, goes quiet during games.

Simon Easterby – Consistent no6 for Ireland and suits any type of game, highly thought of.

Number 8

Michael Owen – Great hands, true link between forwards and backs

Martin Corry – Hard working carrier.

Lawrence Dallaglio – Veteran, saving himself for one last effort.

Anthony Foley – Consisten Irish 8

Scrum Half

Dwayne Peel - Livewire

Gareth Cooper – Pacey alternative to Peel.

Peter Stringer – Great distributuion, done by Peel in 6N

Chris Cusiter – Promise but overshadowed in 6N

Fly Half

Stephen Jones – Some awesome performances for Wales, can really release a backline.

Ronan O’Gara – Can play a controlling kicking game, unspectacular.

Jonny Wilkinson – Will he even be fit?

Inside Centre

Gavin Henson – Has proved he can defend as well as attack, kicks the length of the field.

Gordon D’Arcy – 6N Player of the season 2004, has not been seen since.

Mike Tindall – Crash bang, Zara.

Outside Centre

Brian O’Driscoll – The jersey is his unless injury takes hold.

Tom Shanklin – Strong powerful runner, could go great guns in mid week.

Ollie Smith – One of the form players in the ZP

Wing/ Full Back

Shane Williams – Elusive and scores tries

Jason Robinson – Billy Whizz, struggled in this years 6N but class.

Josh Lewsey – One of few England players to shine in this years 6N, strong and fast.

Chris Paterson – Scotland’s only class outside back, mid week certainty and could step up,

Gareth Thomas – "Alfie", true leader and deserves this chance late in his career.

Geordan Murphy – The George Best of Irish rugby, not strong enough for me.

My Lions XV
  1. Gethin Jenkins
  2. Gordon Bulloch
  3. Phil Vickery
  4. Paul O’Connell
  5. Ben Kay
  6. Martin Corry
  7. Martyn Williams
  8. Michael Owen
  9. Dwayne Peel
  10. Stephen Jones
  11. Shane Williams
  12. Gavin Henson
  13. Brian O’Driscoll
  14. Jason Robinson
  15. Gareth Thomas

8 Welshmen!!!! I’m not biased at all!!!!!!

4 Englishmen

2 Irishmen

& a Scot

My Dirtrackers XV
  1. Duncan Jones
  2. Barry Williams
  3. Julian White
  4. Brent Cockbain
  5. Scott Murray
  6. Jason White
  7. Colin Charvis
  8. Lawrence Dallaglio
  9. Peter Stringer
  10. Ronan O’Gara
  11. Josh Lewsey
  12. Mike Tindall
  13. Tom Shanklin
  14. Geordan Murphy
  15. Chris Paterson

What do you think of my sides? What changes would you make? Have your say on the messageboard.