Sir Clive Woodward names his five ‘certainties’ for 2021 Lions XV

Monday, 11 January 2021 at 08:22

byRugby Rucker

Here’s who legendary coach Sir Clive Woodward believes is a certainty for Warren Gatland’s XV to face the Springboks in 2021.

1. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Woodward said: "No more macho talk about defence, physicality, winning the territory battle with box-kicking — let’s talk about skill, pace and excitement. That’s what the Lions must be about. Russell needs to be the main man.

"The Lions must find other innovative ways of winning and they should have a world class back division based on attack not defence and skill not size."

DID YOU KNOW? After secondary school, Russell worked for three years as a stonemason.

2. Maro Itoje (England)

Woodward said: ""Maro was superb in New Zealand, I can still remember the fans singing his name on the last tour. I think he'd do a great job and be a different voice because no-one has heard him before.

"Maro is young and exciting and going to be right there and one of the stars."

DID YOU KNOW? His full name is much more of a mouthful. The lock was born Oghenemaro Miles Itoje in Camden, London on 28 October 1994 to Nigerian parents

3. Tom Curry (England)

"Tom Curry, I think, is very close to being a world XV player; he might be the most important player in the England team, up there with Maro [Itoje]. "

DID YOU KNOW? It is true that they he had a trial at Manchester City, who the he supports, but that was scuppered by Tom scoring an own goal. Probably for the best in the end.

4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Woodward at centre: "Of course there's Alun Wyn Jones and I'm immediately assuming he will be going. He's just a freakish player, he's so good, and he even seems to be getting better the older he gets."

DID YOU KNOW? He was originally a blindside flanker

5. Elliot Daly (England)

Woodward said: "I'm interested in Elliot Daly and I'd love to see him play in the centre. I just think we've got so many top wingers at the moment and I just think of Daly playing at 13. I have always been disappointed because we've never seen him in that position.

"I don't think there too many top centres around when you think of the home nations teams. There are no centres really crying out. There are a lot of inside centres and 10s, but that outside centre is really up for grabs so I'd certainly look at Daly."

DID YOU KNOW? Daly was just the second ever man to play for and against the Lions after facing them for the Barbarians in 2013