Brian O’Driscoll selects his Lions back-line to beat the Springboks

O'Driscoll said: "Hopefully he'll get the chance to play in a Lions test match, so hard done by with that facial injury caught from Conor Murray last time.

"He's made for that fast ground and his overall game looks pretty outstanding."

The English winger and full-back makes it into O'Driscoll's side.

O'Driscoll said: "Right now, if they are playing South Africa next week, it is Farrell and Henshaw for me in the centre."

O'Driscoll said: "I think you've got to have a kicking game at 12 or 13 - I think Farrell will play 12.

Williams' versatility between wing and fullback means that he forms part of a three that "picks itself", according to O'Driscoll.

O'Driscoll said: "Talk about warrior mentality, he finished the game on one leg last week for Northampton.

"He loves it. He is in good form - he doesn't have to be the star of the show but he brings the best out of those around him. We know how effective he is in the back-field.

"He is probably the form 10 in more recent months. There's a security with Dan Biggar that he doesn't have those really loose moments that can be catastrophic."

O'Driscoll said: ""There isn't anyone else putting their hand up. I was surprised at Ali Price getting in, I thought Thomas Williams might get in ahead of him. Townsend has got five of his Scottish backs into the selection - Price was one of those surprises."