Brian O'Driscoll doesn't pick Maro Itoje in his Lions second-row...

Thursday, 21 January 2021 at 17:36

byRugby Rucker

Legendary back-rower Brian O'Driscoll has picked his stunning Lions selection to beat the Springboks later this year.

The Dublin native and loyal Leinster man also won eight caps for the Lions over a career that spanned four tours, scoring a breathtaking try on debut against Australia at Brisbane in 2001.

He captained the side four years later in New Zealand before injury curtailed his involvement.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2001, 2002 and 2009, Brian O'Driscoll was nominated for the IRB World Player of the Year

Check out his full selection by reading on below:

Brian O'Driscoll's Lions XV:

BACK-THREE:

Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Anthony Watson (England)
Jonny May (England);

“I’m going to go with Hogg instead of Liam Williams at full-back, you are not losing a lot either way.” – O’Driscoll said on his call at fullback.

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CENTRES:

Jonathan Davies (Wales)
Manu Tuilagi (England)

“Garry Ringrose is going to need a huge, huge year but the hard ground could suit him, but I think Jonathan Davies is the man in possession. I think that’s working in his favour even though he hasn’t shown any form because he hasn’t played since the World Cup.” – O’Driscoll said.

HALFBACKS

Owen Farrell (England)
Tomos Williams (Wales)

FRONT-ROW

Rory Sutherland (Scotland)
Jamie George (England)
Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Another Englishman features O’Driscoll’s front row with Jamie George joining Rory Sutherland and Tadhg Furlong with Ellis Genge mentioned as a player that ‘will push’ Sutherland for a spot in the side.

SECOND-ROW

James Ryan (Ireland)
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

O’Driscoll picked fell countryman James Ryan to partner Alun Wyn Jones. He went on to say that he did question whether Jones was capable of delivering in South Africa but said “I know the warrior that’s in him, the fitness animal he is, the appetite he has for work so I think he’ll still be able to piece himself together.”

BACK-ROW

Maro Itoje (England)
Sam Underhill (England)
Billy Vunipola (England)

“The back row aside from Billy is very difficult, I’m going to go from a size aspect and it makes another decision easier. I’m going to go with Maro Itoje at six. That size will matter, particularly against South Africa who we have seen decimate teams physically.

“You look at Pieter Steph du Toit playing at six, you have got to match him, Itoje is someone who is capable of doing that.”