British and Irish Lions starting team?
In 2013 the British and Irish Lions travel to Australia for a gruelling tour down-under.
Competition for places will be sky high for the test series as the Lions look to avenge their 2-1 defeat back in 2001.
The last time the Lions won a series was in 1997 against South africa and were unlucky not to have repeated this feat in the last tour.
But with England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland's finest to choose from here is my starting 15 along with subs.
The Team
Prop- Dan Cole - arguably the best scrummager we have to offer. Destroyed the Aussies in the Autumn and making a name for himself on the international scene with a good six nations campaign . (ENG)
Hooker- Dylan Hartley - a tough decision but Hartley is an athletic, quick and aggressive hooker. Very good ball handling skills and carries well. His definitive moment came when he scored England's try vs. New Zealand at Twickenham in the Autumn's and never took a step backwards. (ENG)
Prop- Gethin Jenkins - Was a shining light in the dark tour vs. the All Blacks. His previous experience and his versatility means he should start for the Lions. A great all round player and can drive opponents back in tackles to change momentum. (WAL)
Lock- Courtney Lawes - A young athletic second row, hard hitting and ferocious in attack. If Lawes continues developing over the next two years and manages to stay injury free, the young Northampton lock should be one of the first names of the team sheet. (ENG)
Lock- Tom Palmer - a sensation since his switch to Stade Francais. Palmer had a very good six nations and his work around the park is essential in a tour that will be competitive and fast-paced. Exceptional line-out skills mean he gets a jersey. (ENG)
Back Row- Tom Croft - Previous experience of a lions tour and was England's stand out player along with Simon Shaw. The only man to break up what would be an Irish back row. If Croft stays fit, he will be able to prove he's a world class performer. (ENG)
Back Row - David Wallace - an unsung hero but definitely one of the best back-rows that the Lions have to offer. Works tirelessly around the park, makes lots of tackles and gets his hands on the ball in attack and defence. (IRE)
Number 8 - Jamie Heaslip - Strong, fearless, game-changer- there is no shortage of words to describe the qualities this man brings. A ferocious number eight and a leader on the field. Does for Ireland what Sergio Parrise does for Italy. Possibly should Captain the Lions. (IRE)
Scrum-Half- Ben Youngs - If you watched him against Bath on Sunday, you will know why this man has to be our no.9. Youngs is an electrifying scrum half with the ability to change a game in a flash. His quick thinking and awareness of space give him the nod ahead of Mike Phillips ¦But can Youngs handle the pressure and keep his head during the big games? (ENG)
Fly-Half - James Hook - has the ability to bring creativity and moments of magic to the Lions. The versatile Welshman can take the ball to the line and break tackles and his boot is as reliable as any in the world. Plenty of previous experience. (WAL)
Winger - Chris Ashton - Australia will be ruing the sight of Ashton after Drew Mitchell could only chase the Rugby League convert's shadow at Twickenham. Ashton made his debut against the Aussie's in Australia and scored as well. His pace and reading of the game makes him the only choice for the number 11 shirt. (ENG)
Centre - Jamie Roberts - Had a fantastic Lions tour in 2009, strong at ball carrying, runs good lines and is aggressive in defence. If Roberts can rediscover his devastating form then he must the Lions inside centre. (WAL)
Centre- Brian O'Driscoll - If the legend is still going, then O'Driscoll has to be on the tour. Even if its his swan song, the centre is truly world class and has the ability to match the Australians and beat them. (IRE)
Winger - Tommy Bowe - Bowe is an incredible winger and has to be in the starting 15. A great ball carrier, quick, athletic and good in the air. If Hook can land the ball on a six-pence, Tommy Bowe will cash in ¦ (IRE)
Full-Back- Lee Byrne - other than his phenomenal left foot, the Welsh man reads the game very well and is a great defender. Byrne's decision making is generally very good and the Lions need someone at the back to just control things. (WAL)
So that's my starting XV, here would be my bench.
Mike Phillips, Sam Warburton, Toby Flood, Sean Lamont, Andrew Sheridan and Shane Williams and Ben Foden.
Do you agree with this side? If not, let me know your team.
Picture accredited to the Mirror
