3. Simon Zebo (Ireland)
Zebo’s exclusion is no surprise – but that doesn’t mean that the Racing 92 star won’t be annoyed that he hasn’t been considered. Joe Schmidt closed the door on Zebo the moment his move to Paris was announced before the 2017 autumn tests, and although the 29-year-old has produced some great rugby since arriving in the Top 14, Schmidt has shown no sign of calling a halt to Ireland’s unwritten rule around overseas selection.
4. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
He has become a vital plug in the Bath defence, earning plaudits from Welsh coach Shaun Edwards for his rearguard action. However, it wasn’t enough for Roberts who had desperately hoped to be included in this wider party despite being left out of recent squads. Barring injuries to others, the international career of this great Lion appears over.
