Earlier today we forecasted and ranked the starting Lions backline and now after a good lunchtime feed we are ready to do the same for the pack. Which touring forwards have edged ahead of their counterparts and are getting nearer to a test jersey? (all image credits: Stephen McCarthy, Sportsfile)
Prop
1. Mako Vunipola
Vunipola's presence here is down to Healy's likely absence through injury/suspension and Jenkins late entry into the playing party. But that shouldn't understate the impact Vunipola has had so far. Firstly, he has locked down the scrum. That is the meat and drink for a prop, although given his size Vunipola likely eats and drinks a lot of other stuff too. But his ball carrying has been another facet of his game that has stood out, and is something that the Lions will need in Healy's absence.
The rest
Gethin Jenkins is one of Gatland's pets as well as being a Lions veteran of two tours. He may have had an anonymous season in Toulon but if he shows some form early, Gatty will likely pencil him into the test team. As for Healy's replacement Alex Corbisiero, he will not get near the test side. Think of Healy, only slower and fatter.
3. Adam Jones
A Lions series win is all that is keeping Jones from joining the all time Welsh rugby legends list, and this could be the time for him to do it. He is a ferocious scrummager and is effective in close quarters in the loose. The big worry for Jones is not how he will fare in the heat and humidity but how his hair will cope. The slightest bit of friction at scrumtime could light his hair up in flames. Besides that, he should be ok.
The rest
Dan Cole is very close to displacing Jones but you feel Gatland values Jones' experience over Cole's dynamism. Cole could well be the tighthead on the 2017 tour but this one might be too soon for him given he is only 25. Although yes, he does look more like 35. As for Matt Stevens, he really shouldn't be on this tour. He was a key part of Saracens end of year demise and you would struggle to think of a reason Gatland included him at all. Well maybe for his pie eating prowess? No? Maybe his ability to sing a ditty then?
Hooker
2. Richard Hibbard
Hooker was one of the positions that was really up for grabs before the tour but Hibbard has edged slightly ahead of the competition after the opening games. We know he is dynamic in the loose but his game in the tight has improved significantly and as of now he is the only hooker that is consistently hitting his man at the lineout.
The rest
Tom Youngs and Rory Best are both on similar paths. They are both strong ball carriers but both run into problems at lineout time. Unless they fix that hitch, neither will wear the test jersey.
Second row
4. Richie Gray
He may have had a poor season with Sale but Gray has the skill set to really thrive down under. His array of offloads and running lines are great but he is also very effective in the lineout. By no means a guaranteed starter and could still be challenged by any of his other rivals but Gray has laid down an early marker.
5. Paul O'Connell
One of the few nailed down starters, O'Connell's end of season form looks to have carried over to the tour. Amazing to think that before the Quins game many wouldn't have even had him on the tour. His strength is going head to head with an opponent so he is an ideal candidate to take on the Aussie talisman James Horwill. Hopefully we will see many O'Connell finger in the air celebrations over the course of the tour.
The rest
Ian Evans is this generation's Donnacha O'Callaghan; an unflash player who gets on with his business. Unfortunately while that was enough to get O'Callaghan selected on Lions tours it wasn't enough for a test place and that will likely be the case with Evans. Alun Wyn Jones and Geoff Parling both had good openers but it is Parling who could step up if Gray or O'Connell falter. He is a tough player honed in the Leicester style and has deceptively good skills.
Flankers
6. Tom Croft
Five weeks ago it was just the English media who wanted Croft's inclusion in the team but after his performances in the closing stages of the Aviva and his opening performance against the Force, he is now a legitimate contender for a test berth. His lineout ability is impressive but his pace will make the Lions backrow a very dangerous outfit.
7. Justin Tipuric
Anyone who saw Tipuric against the Barbarians would agree he has a great range of skills but he attained the same level in the 6 Nations decider against England. He will see stiff competition when Warburton comes back and he will likely end up losing out due to Warburton's captaincy role. But another performance like his opening one and the clamour for Tipuric will be hard to ignore.
The rest
The backrow debate is tricky because O'Brien can play all across it and Warburton can play at 6 or 7. Warburton's opening foray into playing action is crucial because if he underperforms it puts Gatland in the awkward position of having to drop his captain. Gatland said he would do that but saying and doing are two completely different things. As for O'Brien he may be the perfect impact sub given the roles he can cover and wouldn't the Aussies dread the prospect of the Carlow Cannonball being sprung from the bench late on.
Number 8
8. Jamie Heaslip
Heaslip is very lucky that his recent opponents (Biarritz, Stade Francais, Western Force) have made him look like Jonah Lomu while Toby Faletau has largely been sat on the sidelines. Now that Heaslip seems to be back at his best you would think his skill set offers the Lions more than Faletau. But Gatland will know that Faletau's late season inaction means that it's important he be judged now. His game against the Reds is big for Faletau as the team is missing a few big names.
