With six months to go until the start of the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, Jonathan Davies has picked his first Test starting XV.
The recent autumn internationals gave the former Welsh dual code star plenty to consider when selecting his side.
And the HSBC Ambassador has opted for a team containing six Welsh internationals, six Irish, two English and one Scottish – providing all players are fit and in form.
Jonathan Davies’ Lions starting XV to face The Wallabies in 2013:
Backs:
15. Rob Kearney
14. George North
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Brian O’Driscoll
11. Tommy Bowe
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Danny Care
“Leigh Halfpenny is playing very well but for me it will be Rob Kearney at full-back,” said Davies
“On the wings it has to be George North – a tremendous ball carrier, he’s such a big lad and he will have a huge influence on the tour. Then Tommy Bowe. He is a tremendous finisher and while he might not be scoring at the moment he is the complete player.
“I’d go for Jonathan Davies at outside cente. He is a try scorer and on the drift or blitz defence he is key. Then we need footballing ability and a kicking game so Brian O’Driscoll has got to play.
“Jonny Sexton is playing really good rugby for Leinster and playing well for Ireland as well. He’s also a good goal-kicker.
“Danny Care has put his troubles behind him and is playing exceptionally well for club and country.”
Forwards:
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. Rory Best
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Richie Gray
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Jamie Heaslip
“Sheridan’s not playing for England at the moment but must be playing well because he’s keeping Gethin Jenkins out of the Toulon side.
“On form Rory Best has been playing exceptionally well and Adam Jones has been there and done it. He’s vitally important for Wales and will do a good job for the Lions.
“Alun Wyn Jones can do anything and his work-rate is exceptional then bulk again with Richie Gray.
“Dan Lydiate does all the dirty work that no one really sees and is a tremendous tackler.
“At the moment Sam Warburton is my seven and at eight Jamie Heaslip. Heaslip does so much good work, he’s a tremendous athlete and is quick about the park.”
To see a video Jonathan’s starting line-up and the reasons for his selections please click here:
