Writer Lewis Henderson doesn’t shirk any tough decisions and selects a fascinating Rugby World XV - with just two Lions making the cut.
The Southern Hemisphere dominates the selection with only four players based in Europe making the selection.
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
- 14. Jordan Petaia (Australia)
- 11. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
CENTRES:
- 13. Semi Radradra (Fiji)
- 12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
HALFBACKS:
- 10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
- 9. Antoine Dupont (France)
FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
- 2. Codie Taylor (New Zealand)
- 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (England)
- 5. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
- 7. Michael Hooper (Australia)
- 8. Duane Vermeulen (South Africa)
EDITORS PICKS:
- 6 players who SHOULD have been in the Lions squad
- All 40 Lions players ranked from the worst to best
- 3 best and 3 worst players for the Lions in the third test
- Alun Wyn Jones gives emotional post-match interview
- Martin Johnson names two South Africans in his dream team
- Nigel Owens ranks the three worst coaches to deal with
