Here’s Warren Gatland British & Irish 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:
BACK-THREE:
- Fullback: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales): The fullback deservedly picked up the player of the series crown in 2013
- Winger: 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.
- Winger: 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
CENTRES:
- Outside-centre: 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.
- Inside-centre: 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
