If this summer’s Test series have proved anything in terms of story pointers towards the British & Irish Lions trip to New Zealand in 12 months time, it is that the tourists face a daunting task.
The world champion All Blacks are vaguely in the throes of transition, starting out the post-Dan Carter, post-Richie McCaw era. And yet they have still blown away seemingly worthy opposition in their campaign against Wales.
There have been kernels of optimism for Lions fans so far, though, particularly in the form of a number of young players who helped bring about a historic series win for England in Australia.
On the basis of the year so far, here are five players of differing experience who might be able to pull on a Lions jersey for the first time next summer.
Maro Itoje (England)
The great find of England’s annus mirabilis to date is just 21, and six caps in to his Test career, but he seems a shoo-in for a starting birth in New Zealand. He has a point to prove against Australia in Saturday’s third Test, too. Chris Robshaw was named man of the match last time out, and that is an honour that has usually been reserved for Itoje so far this year.
James Haskell (England)
The hyperactive back-rower missed out on the Lions squad for the trip to Australia three years ago. Given he was only a fringe player for England, he never had a realistic shot at it, anyway. Back then he joked that he was going to be the ultimate fanboy, and go around wearing his replica Lions jersey all summer, hoping he might get a call out of pity. His renaissance as Eddie Jones’ first choice No 7 means he may get a proper one this time.
Chris Robshaw (England)
Realistically, nothing will ever erase the bad memories of the World Cup with which Robshaw signed off his tenure as England captain. He could not have done much more since then to prove he will not be dwelling on it. Jones picked him out as one of the stars of England’s Six Nations grand slam, and he was the outstanding figure in the defensive effort as they clinched the series last weekend.
Liam Williams (Wales)
Taking on the world champions on their own turf seems like an impossible task at present, and Wales have been soundly beaten — even if they have managed to get closer to the All Blacks than ever before in an away series. The running guile of Williams has been the most eye-catching feature of the Wales effort. The bow-legged fullback has proved a potent attacking threat in both Tests.
Paddy Jackson (Ireland)
On current form, Owen Farrell is the most likely starter at fly-half for the Lions in New Zealand, even though he has played at centre for England for most of the Australia series, and was behind Jonny Sexton in the pecking order last time around. In Sexton’s absence in South Africa, Jackson has proved an able deputy, most obviously as he orchestrated the 14-man win in the opening match.
