FRONT-ROW:
Front row
Hooker is one of the positions where the Lions are truly blessed for options. England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie continues to perform to the highest standards, while Wales’ Ken Owens has been one of the form number twos in the world of late.
We think Jones would take both players and it would be a tough call to split the pair for a starting spot, however Cowan-Dickie just gets the nod thanks to his greater try-scoring record and obvious pre-existing working relationship.
At prop, the choices are almost endless, but we think Jones would go with the tried and tested Mako Vunipola – a veteran of two Lions tours and someone who has featured heavily for England in recent years.
Mako would get the nod at loosehead prop, but tighthead is a bit more open, with the likes of Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler fighting for the number three shirt with England, so we’re going for Ireland star Tadhg Furlong.
The 28-year-old is in close to career-best form, and even caught the eye with a remarkable step against Scotland last weekend. While not a ‘big minutes’ prop, his ability to provide more than just a battering ram would appeal to Jones’ style, plus his prior experience in a Lions shirt from 2017 would go in his favour too.
- 1: Mako Vunipola
- 2: Luke Cowan-Dickie
- 3: Tadhg Furlong
