Lions tour: Sam Warburton's not the man for opener

Chris Jones picks his team for the first Lions Test
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Chris Jones10 June 2013

Warren Gatland’s preparations for the first of three Tests with Australia appear more complicated than ever.

Tommy Bowe’s broken hand is the latest injury blow for Gatland, who has already lost props Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins.

The Lions coach also faces a dilemma in the back row. Does he pick Sam Warburton or sacrifice his tour captain to get the best balance in the pack.

Here, Chris Jones picks his team for the first Lions Test on June 22.

Full-back: Leigh Halfpenny

The Wales No15 emphasised what an outstanding kicker he is by landing all 11 attempts in the 69-17 victory against Western Force. Allied to his willingness to get the ball in his hands, his place is nailed on.

Right-wing: Alex Cuthbert

Bowe was the obvious starter in this position but Welshman Cuthbert, whose defence was suspect in the win against Queensland Reds, finds himself the leading candidate.

Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll

The Irish legend has been put under pressure by Jonathan Davies but it looks certain that Gatland will stick with the midfield combination that did so well on the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa before injury forced changes.

Inside-centre: Jamie Roberts

The newly-qualified doctor has really impressed on the Lions tour. Roberts, 26, is hugely physical, able to off-load and enjoys linking up with O’Driscoll.

Left-wing: George North

The Welsh wing has been outstanding during the tour so far and, at 6ft 4in and 17st 2lb, carries an immense physical threat. He is a potential series winning force.

Outside-half: Jonathan Sexton

The Ireland No10 has kept his nose ahead of Owen Farrell in the race for the Test place. Both kick well but it comes down to the link work that will be required and Sexton has the edge, while Farrell can make an impact from the bench.

Scrum-half: Mike Phillips

Back to his aggressive best and will be a constant problem for the Wallaby defence. If they focus on blocking his attacking avenues, it will open up space slightly wider. The Lions are basing a lot of their work around this big man.

Loose-head: Mako Vunipola

The Saracens man gets the vote for now but, with Alex Corbisiero added to the squad, Gatland may soon be able to revert to his original plan to unleash the beast on the opposition in the final 20 minutes.

Hooker: Richard Hibbard

The Welsh hooker has a height advantage over rival Tom Youngs and, in the contest up front, that is a key factor. Hibbard’s line-out work has been good and now he needs to make a real impact with the ball in hand.

Tight-head: Adam Jones

He is the rock on which the scrum is built and the Wallabies will attempt to disrupt and frustrate the hairy one throughout the First Test. However, Jones is likely to be too big to handle.

Lock: Paul O’Connell

His return to fitness was a real bonus for Gatland and he will be expected to captain the team if Warburton is not selected. Good at the line-out and scrum, O’Connell has shown a great work rate in the loose.

Lock: Alun Wyn Jones

The vacancy alongside O’Connell is one that Wyn Jones fills because of his experience. The other locks are putting in good shifts and are pressing for the opportunity to win a Test place.

Flanker: Sean O’Brien

Speedy O’Brien should be moved from open-side to blind-side because the Wallabies are going to play a high-tempo game. Dan Lydiate is still short of his best and while Gatland loves his tackling, I would opt for O’Brien’s mobility.

Flanker: Justin Tipuric

Yes, that means Warburton is not selected but you have to be ruthless and Tipuric is the form open-side and deserves to start in this key role.

No8 : Toby Faletau

He gets in because Gatland wants a ball carrier rather than a broken-field runner. Jamie Heaslip will have a big role to play off the bench when the game gets looser.

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