Starting XV - Have your Say

Between now and June 20th each and every Lion will stake their claim for a place in the test side. Here, we nail our colours to the mast and select our starting line-up to face the Springboks. Agree? Have your say and submit your own selection in the comments area below.

  • Full Back
    Little doubt that Lee Byrne, unless he suffers a serious dip in form, is the clear frontrunner to start against the Springboks. Rob Kearney remains an outside bet but, in all probability, will have to settle for a place on the bench.
  • Wings
    No shortage of options for the Lions management here but, with all due respect to Shane Williams and Luke Fitzgerald, Tommy Bowe and Ugo Monye just shade it for us.
  • Centres
    Given his form this year, Brian O'Driscoll is a certain starter but who will partner him in midfield remains open to question. With Tom Shanklin invalided out of the tour with a dislocated shoulder, we're going for Riki Flutey although the Lions management may yet deploy Luke Fitzgerald as a centre.
  • Half Backs
    Mike Phillips and Stephen Jones top our pecking order but that could all change once the tour gets underway.
  • Props
    Euan Murray is a racing certainty to start at tighthead with Gethin Jenkins and Andrew Sheridan fighting it out over the loosehead berth. We're backing Jenkins to win this battle.
  • Hooker
    Jerry Flannery's injury leaves this position wide open. His replacement, Ross Ford, is similar in style, though one would assume he remains behind Matthew Rees and Lee Mears. The latter to get the nod.
  • Second Row
    With Paul O'Connell already assured of his place in the side, the likes of Nathan Hines, Donncha O'Callaghan and Alun-Wyn Jones are the obvious contenders to start alongside the Lions captain. Jones, for his ability at the lineout, gets our shout.
  • Back Row
    The most competitive area of the squad and bound to give more than a few headaches in selection meetings. Having pored over numerous combinations, we're going for Stephen Ferris (blindside), Martyn Williams (openside) and Jamie Heaslip (number eight).

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