Warren Gatland picks his greatest British & Irish Lions XV, snubs Brian O'Driscoll
11/07/2024 06:21 AM
Warren Gatland has revealed his all-time British and Irish Lions lineup, featuring a host of legends from his tenure across four tours.
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Reflecting on his time from the 2009 South Africa adventure as an assistant coach to head coach stints in 2013, 2017, and 2021, Gatland had a wealth of talent to pick from. But the highlight of his selection? His admiration for two-time Lions captain Sam Warburton, whom he called “probably the best I have worked with.”
The Welsh Connection
Gatland’s time coaching Wales clearly left an impact, with several of his Welsh protégés earning spots in the starting XV. Leigh Halfpenny locks down the fullback position, Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies form a powerhouse midfield, and George North electrifies the wing. Mike Phillips gets the nod at scrum-half, while Adam Jones anchors the scrum. Alun Wyn Jones commands the second row, and Taulupe Faletau fills the No. 8 jersey. On the bench, Gethin Jenkins ensures even more Welsh representation.
The Captain’s Praise
For Gatland, there was no question about his captain. Sam Warburton leads the side, and the former coach couldn't hold back his admiration.
“He is still probably the best I have worked with in terms of ability at the breakdown and over the ball, and you need that with the Lions,” Gatland wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
The southern hemisphere refs’ high praise for Warburton, comparing him to the likes of Richie McCaw, Michael Hooper, and David Pocock, also impressed him. “A selfless and humble player who led by example,” he added.
WARREN GATLAND'S GREATEST LIONS XV
Leigh Halfpenny
The metronomic boot and fearless fullback play put Halfpenny in Gatland’s backline.
Tommy Bowe
The flying Irish wing who lit up tours with his clinical finishing.
Jonathan Davies
A defensive rock and attacking force in the midfield, Davies stood tall in the biggest moments.
Jamie Roberts
Gatland's battering-ram centre, unstoppable on the crash ball.
George North
A try-scoring machine, North combined size and speed to devastating effect.
Johnny Sexton
Gatland's field general at fly-half, Sexton's game management was pivotal.
Mike Phillips
The abrasive scrum-half who relished physical battles and marshalled the forwards expertly.
Mako Vunipola
A dynamic presence in the front row, bringing energy around the park.
Jamie George
Dependable at the lineout and in the loose, George offered everything Gatland needed from his hooker.
Adam Jones
The scrummaging specialist who set the platform for success.
Alun Wyn Jones
The tireless warrior and natural leader in the second row.
Paul O’Connell
An iconic captain and lock, O'Connell brought unmatched experience and steel.
Tom Croft
A lineout master and roaming flanker who could burn defenders with his pace.
Sam Warburton (c)
The ultimate breakdown operator and selfless captain, Warburton epitomized Lions spirit.
Taulupe Faletau
Mr. Consistency at No. 8, Faletau's all-around game shone on every tour.
Replacements
Tom Youngs, Gethin Jenkins, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Jamie Heaslip, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Brian O’Driscoll.
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2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with Duhan van der Merwe and James Lowe bringing powerful running and finishing ability. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while Hugo Keenan and Darcy Graham round out the squad with their solid defensive skills.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
In the centre, Bundee Aki is a strong favorite for his physicality, while Ollie Lawrence has made a name for himself with his impressive form. Sione Tuipulotu and Robbie Henshaw provide additional versatility and experience.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
The fly-half selection highlights Finn Russell's creativity and flair, with Marcus Smith and George Ford both showcasing tactical nous and playmaking ability.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- George Ford (England) – 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
A competitive scrum-half group sees Jamison Gibson-Park favored for his quick service and decision-making, while Alex Mitchell and Ben White are both strong contenders.
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10
PROP (3)
The front row is anchored by stalwarts like Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, while Ellis Genge and Joe Marler add depth and experience.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6
- Joe Marler (England) – 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4
HOOKER (3)
With Dan Sheehan leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play the Lions aim to adopt.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 1/10
- Jamie George (England) – 8/15
- Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5
LOCK (5)
In the locks, Maro Itoje remains a cornerstone, complemented by Tadhg Beirne's athleticism and versatility.
- Maro Itoje (England) – 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11
- George Martin (England) – 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with Josh van der Flier and Courtney Lawes bringing a wealth of international experience and physicality.
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) – 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
- Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15
- Tommy Reffell (Wales) – 4/6
- Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4
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EDITORS PICKS:
- Huge blow for Scotland as Darcy Graham will miss Springboks clash
- RFU issues statements in defence of former boss Eddie Jones after allegations surface
- England team to play Australia: Borthwick names XV early again
- Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll went viral for incident at an airport
- England forward has been handed a big ban following altercation with a fan
Rugby Quiz:
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