Will Greenwood names his five ‘certainties’ for 2021 Lions XV

byRugby Rucker

Will Greenwood says he would back Maro Itoje to captain The British & Irish Lions against South Africa, should the series be starting tomorrow.

Here the England legend picks his five certainties for his XV to face South Africa in 2021.

1. Maro Itoje (England)

A key man in England's run to the Rugby World Cup final, Itoje has also been central to Saracens' European Cup and Premiership successes. Developed into a pivotal figure during the 2017 tour in New Zealand too.

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2. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

A tourist twice already, Scotland skipper Hogg is yet to pick up a Test cap for the Lions, having been too young in 2013 and suffered injury in 2017 before the first Test, picking up a freak facial fracture after catching team-mate Conor Murray's elbow on the run.

He would likely have started against the All Blacks in 2017 but for that injury, and since then he's gone from strength-to-strength in terms of his performances, and continues to be one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs around.

3. Jonny May (England)

Never a Lion before, 29-year-old May has been one of the most consistent players in world rugby for some time, and has stood out again in 2020.

In fact, since the 2017 tour to New Zealand, May's game has gone to a different level, and he has managed to maintain that form as well. A magnificent finisher, searingly quick and outstanding in the air these days too.

Jonny May of England

4. Justin Tipuric (Wales)

Behind both Sam Warburton and then Sean O'Brien on the 2013 and 2017 Lions tours, Tipuric will hope 2021 is finally the series he can claim a starting Test spot. A back-row with phenomenal pace and a superb skill-set.

5. Tom Curry (England)

Since making his England debut in June 2017, Curry has become a superb Test-level back-row. Indeed, the Sale Shark was one of the best players at the most recent World Cup and would be a more-than-worthy Lion.