How the Lions XV would look with Eddie Jones in charge - Page 4 of 5 - Ruck

How the Lions XV would look with Eddie Jones in charge

HALFBACKS:

Owen Farrell is a certain pick as Jones’ long-trusted England captain. Whether he would feature at centre of fly half is up for debate, but that now leaves the scrum half position.

Ben Youngs has been a long-standing fixture in the number nine shirt under Eddie Jones and would be a strong contender for the real Lions’ scrum half spot.

The likes of Tomos Williams, Ali Price and Conor Murray would be unlikely to trouble Youngs’ grip on the position under Jones and, while we are backing Danny Care for a trip with the Lions this year, Jones’ fractured relationship with the Harlequins legend would likely stand in his way.

  • 10: Owen Farrell
  • 9: Ben Youngs
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CENTRE:

Centre has proven to be a difficult position to nail for Eddie Jones to nail in recent times, with Henry Slade – often criticised for his defensive work – the only regular alongside a fly half / centre figure such as Owen Farrell or George Ford in midfield.

Jones’ long-term loyalty to players is well known, and if he could stick with one pair, we are certain he would. That’s why we’ve gone for the Ireland pair of Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw if we were in his shoes.

Ringrose, probably Ireland’s best attacking talent, is an upgrade on Slade at 13, while Henshaw has shown up well in midfield for Andy Farrell’s side of late. Their pre-existing connection for Ireland make them a good fit under a Jones-led Lions side.

  • 13: Garry Ringrose
  • 12: Robbie Henshaw
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