Jamie Roberts leaves Rees-Zammit out of his Lions backline

Sunday, 16 May 2021 at 09:42

byRugby Rucker

Wales legend Jamie Roberts says there is no room for speedster Louis Rees-Zammit in his Lions backline, opting for a different bolter on the wing.

Roberts’ Lions backline would see Welsh backs Gareth Davies, Liam Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams all miss out on a starting spot.

Check out his full selection below:

HALFBACKS:

9. Conor Murray (Ireland)
10. Dan Biggar (Wales)

Roberts said: "When I think about the Lions backline I think it has to cover all bases. I think it has to have tactical nous, power, pace and footwork.

“I think Conor Murray and Biggar are in pole position (at half-back) with their tactical ability and control of the game so I will go with them."

Did you know? Biggar has his own routine before kicking goals, which fans now call "The Biggarena" after Los Del Rio's 1995 hit, Macarena

CENTRES:

12. Owen Farrell (England)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Roberts said: “I think Robbie Henshaw has to play in the midfield, but I think alongside Owen Farrell. I think Farrell as a second receiver, a second kicker, with Henshaw at 13"

Did you know? Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jackbeing a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BACK-THREE::

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
14. Anthony Watson (England)
15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Roberts said: "“That for me means Duhan van der Merwe comes in on the wing as a ball carrier. I’d love to see him on the wing as a ball carrying option. I have a feeling he is going to light up South Africa.

“Then I’d go Anthony Watson. He’s been on form and he’s fantastic in the air and has footwork and pace. And I would go Stuart Hogg at full-back.”