Here, legendary coach Sir Clive Woodward runs down his four players to come from nowhere to make the 2021 British & Irish LIons squad to face the Springboks.
#4. Joe Marler (England)
Age: 30
Position: Loosehead-prop
Odds to make the squad: 5/2
Woodward said: "I have been critical of Marler in recent seasons but he is in outstanding form for Quins and could, potentially, do a job for the Lions. He is also a lively character who could add to the dynamic on a testing tour.
DID YOU KNOW? Marler started his career at
Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international
Billy Twelvetrees #3. Cameron Redpath (Scotland)
Age: 21
Position: Centre
Odds to make the squad: N/a
Woodward said: "Of the more traditional bolters — inexperienced players — the fleet-footed Redpath is a strong candidate, although injury struck at a bad time for him in the Six Nations."
DID YOU KNOW? Bryan Redpath's nickname as a player was "Basil"
and whilst at Sale his son was given the nickname "boom boom" as a result due to the association with the children’s television character
Basil Brush #2. Danny Care (England)
Age: 34
Position: Scrum-half
Odds to make the squad: 12/1
Woodward said: "Care certainly wouldn't be out of place in the Lions squad because he is playing really well at the moment."
DID YOU KNOW? At age 11 he was invited to join the Academy at
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club which meant giving up club rugby union for a few years
#1. Sam Simmonds (England)
Age: 26
Position: Number 8
Odds to make the squad: 11/10 Woodward said: "The Lions will need lightning-quick ball and will thrive on turnover possession. He could be devastating in South African conditions."
DID YOU KNOW? Simmonds was born in Torquay, and grew up in
Teignmouth, Devon, where his father and uncle are both in the fishing industry
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