Five players unlucky to miss out on Gatland's Lions test XV

There’s not much more the Welsh speedster could have done so far to earn a Test selection, scoring eight tries on the tour so far.. Adams has also defensively coped well with his responsibilities. Probably the biggest shock of the lot to see him not included.

The versatile lock/blindside has looked comfortable in a red jersey and has brought a presence at the breakdown that the Lions have missed in matches without him. It's a bold call from Gatland to pick Lawes ahead of the Irish powerhouse. However, he'll make a great impact from the bench.

Consistent in both attack and defence early in the tour, the Scotland centre laid the gauntlet down to Daly and Robbie Henshaw with his performances so far. However, that one moment where he got skinned by Cheslin Kolbe (can happen to anyone) seems to have counted against him.

Any suggestion Watson is too small – which really shouldn’t be taken too seriously if you’ve been watching international for the last two years – has been dismissed and the Lions sorely need his predatory fetching. It was a straight 50/50 decision who would start between him and Tom Curry with Watson set to play a starring role from the bench.

Despite only making one appearance after being called-up, the English youngster made an impactful debut against the Stormers last weekend. The international rookie who made nine tackles and shone with the ball in hand, producing a trademark goose step late on. Seven successful conversions have helped push him into the equation to face South Africa with fitness concerns elsewhere at fly-half.