These five stars are still in contention to make Warren Gatland's 2021 British & Irish Lions squad to face South Africa.
1. Manu Tuilagi (England)
The England centre is now only six weeks or so out from a return from his long-term Achilles injury. He scored England's try in the memorable 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand and also started in the final. Does he have enough credit in the bank to make the squad? It's certainly possible.
2. Rhys Webb (Wales)
It’s not looking good for Webb, who’s out for the next two months with injury. Gatland rates him and likes his attitude but his injury is untimely.
It’s going to take a leap of faith from Gatland for Webb to make the squad
3. Sam Underhill (England)
The England back-rower pulled out of the Six Nations squad with a hip injury and after being assessed. Despite returning for Bath earlier this month, Underhill didn't feature for Eddie Jones men during the 2021 Six Nations. Described as a 'nail on' Lions starter in the Autumn, he definitely still has. a chance of making the squad.
4. Simon Zebo (Ireland)
He hasn’t been playing international rugby because he’s based in France with Racing 92 and Ireland don’t pick overseas-based players. Zebo has a great on-field relationship with Finn Russell, which would be very exciting to watch.
5. Sam Simmonds (England)
The number 8 might not have been good enough for England since 2018, at least in the eyes of Eddie Jones, but that might not stop him becoming a British and Irish Lion this summer. With Warren Gatland in the stands at The Rec, the 26-year-old number eight inspired an Exeter Chiefs fightback from 13-0 behind that overwhelmed Bath.
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