BACK-ROW:
Blindside-flanker: Tadhg Beirne – One of the players of the Six Nations, he’s a master at turning possession over and a quality lineout forward. South Africa are going to test the Lions at the lineout, so the tourists will need Beirne as an extra option.
Openside-flanker: Tom Curry – Hamish Watson could not have done much more than he did against Sigma Lions. But I still view Curry as a special player, one who could be almost Richie McCaw-esque for England in the years ahead.
Number 8 : Taulupe Faletau – He’s been good for Bath and outstanding for Wales. He’s a Test match animal who knows what it takes at the very top. When push comes to shove in big games, he delivers.