"I've gone with 3 second-rows" - Paul O'Connell picks his Lions pack to dominate the Boks

Meanwhile, the Ireland legend has backed Owen Farrell as his 'standout leader' for the tourists this summer.

“I like Owen Farrell. He’s a real standout leader for me,” O’Connell told the PA news agency.

“With matches being played without crowds, you can hear so much of what the players are saying during games. You can hear Owen barking at his own players and encouraging them.

“A lot of it is about getting off the line and the physical side of the game, but a lot of it is also coaching people into position as well.

“He’s pretty experienced, he’s been on two tours already and he has a big leadership role with England. It wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory for him."

“As a team England didn’t play as well as they’d have liked in the Six Nations,” O’Connell said. “Is that a reflection on Owen Farrell? I don’t really think so.

“But it’s probably a bit of a challenge for him now going from the Six Nations to not having a lot of class rugby. England’s form isn’t a good thing, but it gives him perspective on how hard it is to get it right.”

Itoje said: “Furlong is still, for me, the best tighthead in the world.”

Did you know? Furlong also played Gaelic football for Horeswood

O'Connell said: "Itoje is obviously a world-class athlete, he is a phenomenal second-row forward. I like watching him play. I’m surprised he doesn’t give away more penalties than he does but he is always pushing the limits around the ruck, around the offside line. Brilliant at collapsing mauls, brilliant at stopping teams mauling."

Did you know? Having previously represented Wales at under-21 level, he made his test debut for Wales in June 2006 against Argentina

Did you know? Curry played for Crewe & Nantwich in the early stages of his amateur career where he was coached by his father as well as local cult hero Bobby Walsh