Each week we will be asking rugby journalists as well as Lions legends to review all the action from the leagues and competitions to see which players are putting their names in contention for the Lions Tour of Australia this summer. This week’s Lions Watch is written by Paul Martin.

Following the conclusion of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, it was back to domestic duty for a string of Lions hopefuls over the weekend.

Some were given a break after their international exertions but for those on the field, it was another chance to plant a flag in the mind of Andy Farrell and his coaching team – who will be announced this week – as they continue their deliberations…

Sanderson backs Ford’s chances

The Premiership returned with Derby Weekend: The Rematch, which kicked off on Friday night.

Sale Sharks earned the northern bragging rights with a 39-15 win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park, with George Ford pulling the strings for the visitors at fly-half.

Ford contributed 14 points and two try assists, quick hands helping release Tom O’Flaherty before a brilliant kick was judged perfectly for an onrushing Joe Carpenter to put the icing on the cake.

The 32-year-old’s display built on an impressive cameo for England against Wales and Sale’s director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: "If George plays like that in the next seven games, it would be very hard not to pick him.

"George is like a coach on the field for you. You learn best from your peers and particularly in a Lions squad where you've got to bring people together, George is a brilliant character at doing that.

"He helps me out all the time with that. There are loads of factors that lead into him being a good option for the Lions."

Russell and Underhill inspire Bath victory

Ford was not the only man bidding to sport the Lions’ No.10 jersey who shone in the Premiership over the weekend, with Finn Russell playing a key role in Bath’s win over Gloucester.

Russell scored a try and kicked six conversions as the league leaders ran out 42-26 victors at The Rec to maintain their six-point lead at the summit.

Bath head coach Johann van Graan was left purring and is backing his lynchpin to line up for the Lions this summer.

“He’s one of the best 10s in the world,” he said. “He’ll always be picked in my team.”

The match was also notable for the return of Sam Underhill, who missed the Six Nations through injury but returned with a try to add his name to the glut of back-row options, while prop Will Stuart built on a successful Six Nations with a score of his own.

Glasgow and Munster play out epic

North of the border, meanwhile, Russell’s Scotland teammates came to the fore as Glasgow Warriors beat Munster 28-25 in the latest classic encounter between the sides.

No.8 Matt Fagerson, whose brother Zander toured in 2021, is hoping to keep putting his name in contention and he crashed over from close range to begin the comeback for the hosts, who came from 25-14 down to prevail.

Scotland wing Kyle Steyn, who sat out the Six Nations with injury, also provided a reminder as to his talents with a brilliant first-half try.

Pundits make their selections

Following TNT Sports’ coverage of Bath’s win over Gloucester, Sam Warburton and David Flatman were asked to make their Lions XV selections as things stand.

Former flanker Warburton opted for a back row of Tom Curry, Jac Morgan and Caelan Doris, with George Martin joining Maro Itoje in his all-English second row.

Ex-England prop Flatman plumped for compatriots Ellis Genge and Will Stuart either side of Ireland’s Dan Sheehan in his front row, while also opting for the power of Bundee Aki at inside centre.

See their full selections – along with those of host Craig Doyle – below.