Sam Warburton names his SIX 'guaranteed' Lions STARTERS

Thursday, 22 April 2021 at 07:29

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byRugby Rucker

Rugby legend Sam Warburton has been talking about his SIX guaranteed British & Irish Lions starters, including his captain.

England and Saracens forward Maro Itoje has been backed to lead the British and Irish Lions against South Africa this summer by the man who captained the side on the last two tours.

Warburton, who led the Lions to victory in Australia in 2013 and to a drawn series with New Zealand in 2017, says being captain of the party would "just suit" Itoje.

Sam Warburton was speaking as Canterbury launched the British & Irish Lions Test Jersey. Get yours from www.canterbury.com

#1. Maro Itoje (England)

WARBURTON SAID: "I was so impressed with him in 2017, I would follow him into battle. I think Maro is a shoo-in, and I think James Ryan and Alun Wyn will battle it out for the number five shirt.

"I know people will think [Itoje] is under-cooked, and hasn't played much, and gave away a load of penalties [in the Six Nations], but he still had a big influence on those games."

#2. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

#3. Tom Curry (England)

WARBURTON SAID: "Curry has been absolutely magnificent for England in the last two years. Just his ball-carrying, his tackling, he's cleaning out rucks...he can do everything."

england star tom curry was left covered in blood against france 1085210

#4. Anthony Watson (England)

#5. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

WARBURTON SAID: “Stuart is certainly one of the most talented players I have ever played with, for me currently he is right up there with the best attackers in the world,”