Chris Jones picks his Lions XV for the three summer tour to Australia

 
Chris Jones3 December 2012

The autumn internationals have given Lions head coach Warren Gatland plenty to mull over as he looks towards the 2013 tour Down Under. Standard Sport's Chris Jones picks his XV for the First Test on June 22 in Brisbane.

Full-back

Rob Kearney (Ireland, 3 Lions caps)

A great counter attacker with a big kick to clear the lines, Kearney is also an experienced full-back who has already shone for the Lions, so edges out Leigh Halfpenny.

Right wing

Tommy Bowe (Ireland, 3)

Possesses pace and the ability to pick a great line off the ball carrier. Is very sound under the high ball and is one of those players whose personality is needed in every team.

Outside centre

Manu Tuilagi (England, 0)

The wrecking ball (above) and a force of nature whose performance against New Zealand hinted at just what he could do when put into space or given an angle to run off. Still learning his trade but what a natural powerhouse.

Inside centre

Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland, 6)

Why put the old man here? Well, he is capable of producing world-class performances and his experience would be vital. Giving him Tuilagi to put into space would bring the best out of the 33-year-old Irish star.

Left wing

George North (Wales, 0)

Sometimes you get the right combination of size and speed and North is that man. He is a real threat in attack and is never fazed. Using him on the inside of the No10 from set-pieces will be a great option.

Outside-half

Jonathan Sexton (Ireland, 0)

Is starting to play with the control he brings to European champions Leinster now that he realises Ronan O’Gara is yesterday’s option and he is the genuine No1 Ireland fly-half.

Scrum-half

Ben Youngs (England, 0)

This is not an area of real world-class options but Youngs is the best of a useful bunch and will get better as the season goes along.

Loose-head prop

Andrew Sheridan (England, 2)

Yes, Big Ted is playing in Toulon but, let’s be honest, wouldn’t you love to see him busting another Wallaby tight head?

Hooker

Rory Best (Ireland, 0)

Pips Dylan Hartley because of his work in the tight. You need to balance the piano shifters with the piano players.

Tight-head prop

Adam Jones (Wales, 2)

This guy is pure class and gets in ahead of Dan Cole, who is another first-rate tight head.

Lock

Richie Gray (Scotland, 0)

This lad will cause all kinds of problems in the Lions jersey against the Wallabies. Great ball carrier.

Lock

Geoff Parling (England, 0)

His line-out work against the All Blacks confirmed his arrival as a top-quality ball winner and work around the pitch is getting more impressive.

Blind-side flanker

Dan Lydiate (Wales, 0)

Fantastic work rate and tackles anything that moves. Needs to show his injury has not hampered his pace.

Open-side flanker

Steffon Armitage (England, 0)

He is a unique player, low centre of gravity and arms like a clamp over the ball at the break down. Would cause the Wallabies sleepless nights.

No8

Jamie Heaslip (Ireland, 3)

His experience tips the balance and the pack will need his ball carrying and hard-nosed approach in Oz.

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