Warren Gatland’s dream Lions XV includes only three England players

The Kiwi, who was an assistant coach when the famous tourists headed to South Africa in 2009, has led the Lions on the subsequent two tours against Wallabies In 2013 and the All Blacks in 2017.

Here’s his Lions dream team of players based on their average ratings from their test appearances across the three tours.

As you’d expect, Wales dominate his XV:

1. Mako Vunipola (England): Emerged as one of the tour’s great off-the-field characters and an important figure after injuries to Healy and Jenkins. Came to the fore once again in 2017. Prop with the skills of a centre. 

2. Jamie George (England): Zero starts for England prior to the tour, George played all three Tests for Lions in 2017. Deserved every ounce of praise that came his way.

3. Adam Jones (Wales): Four years later he saw off the challenge of Dan Cole for the tighthead prop berth with ease and was probably the second name on the Lions Test team-sheet behind Halfpenny. Equalled Willie John McBride’s record of playing in nine consecutive Tests.

4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland): The 2009 Lions captain was one of the tour leaders once again in 2013 with his high work-rate, experience and inspirational presence. Sadly missed on the pitch after fracturing his arm in first Test. Edged Maro Itoje into Warren Gatland’s dream Lions XV.

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales): Became a firm fixture in 2013, and was handed the leadership duties when Sam Warburton was injured. Led by example in Sydney climax and proved himself real captaincy material. Fantastic again four years later.

6. Sean O’Brien (Ireland): Deputised well for crocked skipper Warburton during final Test and showed his versatility during the tour, appearing in all three positions across the back-row.  Intense and physical against the All Blacks, scoring one of the most memorable tries of all-time.

7. Sam Warburton (Wales): In 2013, his marvellous performance in the second Test when he showed his power and ability at the breakdown. But tour was book-ended by injuries and he sat out Third Test decider. Returned to lead the side once against the All Blacks in 2017.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales): Gatland got it wrong when he left the Welsh workhorse out of the opening two Tests in 2013 after shining in franchise games but when he got the call he was immense. Outstanding tour again four years later. Crucial try in Second Test win.

10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland): The only choice to wear the No.10 jersey in 2013, he was key once again in 2017. The only choice for Warren Gatland’s dream Lions XV.

9. Conor Murray (Ireland): Probably the in-form scrum-half all tour in 2013, and was the obvious pick onc again in 2017. First-class, and one of top three players on both tours.

13. Jonathan Davies (Wales): Confessed to feeling like Public Enemy No 1 when selected ahead of Brian O’Driscoll for Test decider. But justified selection and excellent tour summed up by most starts. Was the man of the series against the All Blacks four years later.

12. Jamie Roberts (Wales): The Lions’ best player from the 2009 tour, he charged over for final try to spark wild celebrations in the series decider four years later in Sydney.

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales): The fullback has deservedly picked up the player of the series crown in 2013. Didn’t quite hit the same heights in 2017.

14. George North (Wales): What a tour in 2013! Sensational individual first Test try, a fireman’s lift on Israel Folau in the second while still holding the ball and series-sealing score in finale. He wasn’t so good in New Zealand, but he still does enough to make Gatland’s XV.

11. Anthony Watson (England): The England winger survived a reckless assault from Sonny Bill Williams in the second test against the All Blacks in 2017 to provide powerful attacking running. A fantastic tour for him.