Sir Ian McGeechan was asked on Saturday to name those players he felt had strengthened their Test chances in the game against Japan.
The Lions legend was speaking after the tourists' 28-10 win over Japan at Murrayfield, and it’s hard to disagree too much with his suggestions.
#1. Tadhg Beirne
- Age 29
- Position Lock/Flanker
- Country Ireland
- Caps 23
Biggar was the official man of the match by some distance. Not only did he control play with confidence and skill, he also showcased his bravery, putting in a dozen tackles.
McGeechan said: "He could be very important. I thought he showed very well as the extra lineout man."
DID YOU KNOW? Beirne was released by Leinster after just seven appearances before joining Scarlets
#2. Dan Biggar
- Age 31
- Position Fly-half
- Country Wales
- Caps 92
The Wales fly-half was the official man of the match by some distance. Not only did he control play with confidence and skill, he also showcased his bravery, putting in a dozen tackles. His conversions were also first class.
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
#3. Ken Owens
- Age 34
- Position Hooker
- Country Wales
- Caps 84
Picked his line well to charge over for the Lions' third try and generally looked bright when the team were in attacking positions. He was also the team's top tackler, making 16 with a 100 per cent success rate.
#4. Robbie Henshaw
- Age 28
- Position Centre
- Country Ireland
- Caps 52
Picked his line well to charge over for the Lions' third try and generally looked bright when the team were in attacking positions. He was also the team's top tackler, making 16 with a 100 per cent success rate.
DID YOU KNOW? His musical and sporting versatility have earned him the nickname "One Man Band" and "Old Man Bob Henshaw" amongst his teammates
#5. Iain Henderson
- Age 29
- Position Lock
- Country Ireland
- Caps 63
Only Henshaw made more tackles than the Ulster lock. He seems to be an understated character, but is an articulate and considered talker who exudes calm on the pitch – not that Henderson shirks the tough stuff.
DID YOU KNOW? Henderson replaced Rory Best as Ulster captain ahead of the 2019–20 season
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