WARREN GATLAND: The British & Irish Lions boss’s all time XV from the players he’s coached on his three tours in charge.
The Lions take on Australia next, 12 years after Gatland first led the team down under.
Prior to the New Zealander taking charge, they hadn’t won a series since 1997, but that all changed in 2013 as they defeated the Wallabies 2-1.
Four years later, they secured a creditable draw with the All Blacks before narrowly being edged out by South Africa on Saturday.
WARREN GATLAND: Dream Lions XV:
BACK-THREE:
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales, 2013 & 2017): 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, 2013 & 2017): 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, 2017 & 2021): 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
CENTRES:
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales, 2013 & 2017): 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, 2013): 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.