Jonny Wilkinson picks four main contenders for Lions 10 jersey

Thursday, 04 March 2021 at 15:11

byRugby Rucker

Jonny Wilkinson has given his thoughts on who the main contenders will be to start at 10 for the British and Irish Lions in the summer against South Africa.

Speaking to Rugby Pass, WIlkinson talked through the 'embarrassment of riches' on offer to Warren Gatland heading into the potentially four test series against the Springboks.

Here are the four players he talked up the credentials of most during the interview with big Jim Hamilton.

1. Dan Biggar (Wales)

Age: 31
Caps: 90

Wilkinson said: "He's got a real mix of all the other options on the table and brings a bit of everything to the party. He has a really interesting energy about him a well, which I really like."

DID YOU KNOW? In 2015, Biggar won the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year Award

2. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Age: 28
Caps: 51

Wilkinson said: "He's a game winner, and is probably one of the most exciting players not only at fly-half, but in world rugby. He could really ignite a bit of flair in the team and get everyone else playing. He has the it-factor."

DID YOU KNOW? After secondary school, he pursued an apprenticeship for three years as a stonemason

3. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)

Age: 35
Caps: 103

Wilkinson said: "I think younger me would go straight for Johnny Sexton as he's a guy that you know exactly what you're getting in terms of control of the game. He seems to be able to wear the world on his shoulders, which you need on a Lions tour."

DID YOU KNOW? Sexton became the 106th player to captain Ireland when he led the team out at their 2019 Rugby World Cup

4. Owen Farrell (England)

Age: 29
Caps: 95

Wilkinson said: "He was great back in 2017. The Lions team really turned up against the World Cup champions and give as good as they got. He'll be in and around the squad again."

DID YOU KNOW? His father is Andy Farrell, who played both rugby league and rugby union for England and is the current head coach of Ireland