Warren Gatland's 2022 Lions XV would destroy the Springboks

Friday, 02 September 2022 at 18:59

byRugby Rucker

Warren Gatland has picked his 23-man British & Irish Lions squad in his latest column for The Telegraph.

There is no room for Tom Curry or any Scots in his starting XV while England superstar Maro Itoje has to settle for a place on the bench.

Check out his full selection below:

Or read his full article by clicking here.

WARREN GATLAND: 2023 Lions XV

#BACK-THREE:

15. Freddie Steward (England)
14. Josh Adams (Wales)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)

Gatland wrote: "It was a really tough call to leave out Hugo Keenan and Liam Williams but Freddie is exceptional in the air and I also really like the way he has been developing as a full-back. He offers an attacking threat, and scores tries"

Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

RUCK's back-three: 15. Steward (England), 14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), 11. Duhan van de Merwe (South Africa)

#CENTRES:

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

Gatland wrote: "I feel that Owen has done really well at 12 and gives us that ability to play a 10/12 kicking combination and has loads of Test-match experience."

Owen Farrell (c) of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK

RUCK's centres: 13. Henshaw (Ireland), 12. Farrell (England)

#HALFBACKS:

10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

Gatland wrote: "Quite simply he has earned the right to be there, even at the age of 37. I think Marcus Smith is something special but if I want to win a game next week, Johnny has to start"

RUCK's halfbacks: 10. Sexton (Ireland), 9. Kieran Hardy (Wales)

#FRONT-ROW:

1. Ellis Genge (England)
2. Jamie George (England)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Gatland wrote: "There is nothing between Ellis and Andrew Porter, who was magnificent against the All Blacks and his tries were critical for Ireland. They are the two best looseheads in the world. "

Ellis Genge of England Rugby is tackled by Will Rowlands of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

RUCK's front-row: 1. Genge (England), 2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland), 3. Tadhg furlong (Ireland)

#SECOND-ROW:

4. James Ryan (Ireland)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

Gatland wrote: "I thought James and Tadhg worked incredibly well together as a combination so that is why I have put Maro Itoje on the bench. Ireland were able to put the All Blacks line-out under severe pressure in the final Test. "

Steffan Thomas

@Steffan_Thomas1

·Follow

There’s a strong argument to say Tadhg Beirne is the best forward in world rugby. Phenomenal player.

8:54 AM · Jul 16, 2022

1.3K

Read 45 replies

RUCK's second-row: 4. Maro Itoje (England), 5. Beirne (Ireland)

#BACK-ROW:

6. Courtney Lawes (England)
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)

Gatland wrote: "I have been so impressed with Courtney. Peter O’Mahony had a great tour but Courtney is another who has shown maturity, calmness and leadership, and is an extra line-out option."

Courtney Lawes, Captain of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

RUCK's back-row: 6. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland), 7. van der flier (Ireland), 8. Billy Vunipola (England)