Lions Betting: There's a RUNAWAY favourite to wear the number 8 shirt for the Lions

Lions Betting: There’s a RUNAWAY favourite to wear the number 8 shirt for the Lions

There’s a new favourite to wear the number 8 shirt in the first Test for the British & Irish Lions after Billy Vunipola was ruled out of this summer’s tour to New Zealand.

Flanker James Haskell was called up to replace the England back-rower by Warren Gatland, leaving Wales duo Taulupe Faletau and Ross Moriarty to tussle over the jersey.

The poll we’re running, answered by over 600 people so far, is divided with fans struggling to agree on who Gatland should select.



The bookies nevertheless are currently backing Faletau, who played a key role for the Lions in 2013 to win the race for the shirt despite a season of ongoing injuries.

Nevertheless, he’s started to rediscover his best form, scoring a fantastic hat-trick for Bath against Gloucester last month.

CLICK HERE to see full selection odds.


At 6/4, South African-born Stander is a great price, returning £50 from a £20 stake.

You can also get odds on Sean O’Brien to start number 8 at 33/1 if you’re feeling very ambitous.