British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland says the door is open for any in-form latecomer to make their case for Wales’ 2015 World Cup squad.
Gatland, who led the Lions on their successful 2013 tour to Australia, will name a 45-man squad in June before Wales convene for a warm-up camp and international fixtures against Ireland and Italy.
Yet despite a run of five straight wins, Gatland admits there could be a few surprises when Wales finally get their World Cup campaign underway in September.
"We have a good idea of what our best team is at the moment and we have been really happy with the players," Gatland said.
"But there are always players that time it right and come into consideration at World Cup time, when form becomes an incredibly important factor.
"You only have to look at the likes of Sam Warburton, who was named captain ahead of the 2011 World Cup after Matthew Rees missed out through injury, and the partnership formed with Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau in the back row to see that.
"The door is open for someone to not only play themselves into the squad but even into the starting line-up.”
Be part of the biggest Tour in the world and register your interest in travelling with the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand in 2017
