Once every four years the very best of the home nations travel to the Southern Hemisphere hoping to usurp the traditional powerhouses of rugby. This year, all eyes will be on Australia, when Andy Farrell's men try to overcome Joe Schmidt's Australia across three summer tests.
In theory, the best of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales should beat an Australian side who are lower than all but Wales in the rankings.
However, the true test of a Lions team's capabilities rarely lies in the ability of individual players or World Rankings, but in how coaches and players who in March are adversaries gel together to be a team in June.
For Ireland and Scotland, underwhelming Six Nations campaigns may have marginally damaged some players' claim to a red jersey, but in England, plenty of players played themselves into contention, with Maro Itoje raising serious questions about the pre-Six Nations belief that Calean Doris was the nailed on Lions captain.
Regardless of Six Nations performances however, Andy Farrell will have to select both a captain and squad who are not only representative of the best of the home nations but who are also willing to fight and play for each other Down Under.
READ ALSO: English Newspaper Snub Several Irish Stars In Six Nations Team Of The Tournament
READ ALSO: Ulster Confirm That John Cooney Is Set To Leave For France This Summer
Eddie Jones thinks two Irish players could 'glue' Lions
Writing in Planet Rugby, Eddie Jones believes Ireland could have two 'glue players' who prove crucial to the good harmony and success of the team in Australia.
The former England and Australia coach named six players in total who he thinks 'will form the glue that binds the Lions together in Australia'.
Among the six, both Ireland scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park and hooker Dan Sheehan were included in the list. Of Gibson-Park, Jones felt his true ability was often overlooked in the face of French maestro Antoine Dupont.
In an era where every halfback is judged against Dupont, I always feel that Jamison doesn’t quite get the plaudits he deserves. He is a world-class nine in his own right and a lot closer to Dupont in his ability than people give him credit for, as we’ve seen in Tests when Ireland play France over the last four or five years.
He’s a real asset to Farrell and, crucially, his presence takes pressure off a 10, as so many of the plays can be off nine rather than 10.
The always-controversial coach also had some glittering praise for Sheehan who he called 'remarkable'.
A remarkable player – almost a centre in a hooker’s body. He is absolutely key to Ireland and, on that measure, extend that to key for the Lions.
Most of all, he score tries, lots of them. World-class and getting better all the time since his injury return.
While the heavily-tipped captain in waiting Caelan Doris wasn't included in Jones's list, in his analysis of Itoje he did claim that Doris was 'likely' to be the captain and that the English captain would be a great support to the 'brilliant Irishman'.
England's Will Stuart and Tom Curry were also included, while Wales captain Jac Morgan was a definite 'glue-player' for Eddie Jones.
SEE ALSO: Rassie Erasmus Recalls Disastrous Family Trip To See Fungie When He Arrived In Ireland
