Sir Ian McGeechan selects five unlikely Lions bolters

MCGEECHAN SAID: "At scrum-half, Conor Murray is the clear favourite to be Test starter, but my bolter would be Danny Care. He offers something different from virtually every other No 9 and is in cracking form."

MCGEECHAN SAID: " In the backs, I'd look at Racing 92's Simon Zebo, who plays with a joyous freedom and would make a great tourist."

MCGEECHAN SAID: "Up front I'd coax loosehead Joe Marler into touring. He's been there, done it and is a perfect tourist."

MCGEECHAN SAID: " I worry slightly about Simmonds' size, but if he played alongside a big six like Tadhg Beirne or moved to 6 himself, with his speed he could be a really effective performer on the hard grounds of the high veldt. Ditto Dombrandt, who has amazing mobility and ball-carrying ability for a big man. I would be tempted to take one or the other alongside Taulupe Faletau and CJ Stander."

MCGEECHAN SAID: "Finally, I'd also have a coaching bolter. Paul O'Connell is a former Lions captain who has proved that he can bring an immediate and dramatic improvement to a lineout. His transformation of the Irish forwards was hugely impressive so he'd be one of the first names in my coaching group."