It's the best part of two years until the Lions head to New Zealand to try and defeat the All Blacks. Despite that lengthy timeframe, the aftermath of a World Cup is a decent time to look ahead and see what kind of squad could be brought to face the best team in the world. And given the less than ideal performances from the northern hemisphere sides, it's perhaps even more of a worthwhile exercise.
Sky Sports have asked some of their pundits for their selections for an ideal starting XV in 2017 and there's a few interesting selection from the likes of Shane Horgan and Alan Quinlan.
By far our favourite selection however is Scott Quinnell's assertion that Paul O'Connell will be convinced to keep that motor running for one last crack at the All Blacks.
Earlier this week, O'Connell made it very clear that the Lions in 2017 is not even remotely part of his plans but that doesn't mean we can't all dream of one last hurrah, even if he will be nearly 39 by the time it comes around.
Our pundits pick their @lionsofficial XV to play NZ in 2017. Here's Evans, Horgan, Greenwood & Lawson #WhosYourPick pic.twitter.com/T1kSNqRXjX
— Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) November 4, 2015
And @lionsofficial XV for Barnes, Quinlan & Quinnell. @anthonywatson_ & @AlunWynJones only players to make all 7 XVs pic.twitter.com/3mGflPAaDy — Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) November 4, 2015
