Sportsmail expert Ben Kay gives his take on how Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions can succeed in the upcoming series.
The former England and Lions player believes Sam Warburton can make the Lions roar and lead them to glory Down Under.
BACK THREE
This is a strong area for the Lions. In Leigh Halfpenny, they have not only a very safe full back in defence but also a very reliable second kicker.
Australia are one of the best kicking sides in the world and they will want to test him, but his positional play is really good and he’s reliable. It looks set to be an all-Welsh trio because in George North and Alex Cuthbert, the Lions have a lethal attacking duo.
Cuthbert’s finishing puts him ahead of Sean Maitland and Tommy Bowe, who is only just back to fitness.
Gunning for glory: Sam Warburton and his Lions squad will hope to take the series Down Under BEN KAY'S TEST TEAM15 Halfpenny, 14 Cuthbert, 13 Tuilagi, 12 O’Driscoll, 11 North, 10 Sexton, 9 B Youngs , 1 Healy, 2 Hibbard, 3 A Jones, 4 Evans, 5 O’Connell, 6 Croft, 8 O’Brien, 7 Warburton
MIDFIELD
A difficult selection area but the best balance may turn out to be the experience of Brian O’Driscoll alongside the exuberance and attacking threat of Manu Tuilagi.
The Wallabies may be forced into double tackling Tuilagi, which could create space for North and Cuthbert to exploit. I’d prefer to start O’Driscoll at inside centre — where his off-loading and lines of running will help Tuilagi.
O’Driscoll’s defence may also help cover for any mistakes the enthusiastic Tuilagi makes. Jamie Roberts offers the Lions another strong option.
Main man: Manu Tuilagi will look to do some damage from midfieldHALF-BACKS
Jonny Sexton is inked in to start at fly-half but who will be his scrum-half? Against South Africa or New Zealand I’d instantly go for the power of Mike Phillips. But against Australia I’d opt for Ben Youngs to bring more variety. He is not flawless but the Wallabies have been cut to bits by him before and they’ll be frightened.
The Wallabies are used to playing against the power of South Africa and New Zealand so the Lions need more than Phillips acting as an extra back-row man.
Sexton is also a fly-half who needs the ball in his hands as quickly as possible. He likes to play ‘give and goes’ and to get his backline moving.
Power: Mike Phillips (above) would partner Ireland's Jonny Sexton (below) wellUP FRONT
The Lions have to make use of their resources. They have good props and will be looking to get the better of the Wallabies. Adam Jones is the No 1 tighthead and at loosehead I would go for the power of Cian Healy ahead of Gethin Jenkins.
Jenkins is used to coming on as a sub, while Healy is more suited to blasting away from the start. Dan Cole will be backing up Jones, but it’s a strong pairing.
The two English hookers may also have to be back-up men because the all-round game of Richard Hibbard makes him the starter at the moment.
Raw power: Cian Healy (right) and Gethin Jenkins (left) LOCKSIt’s the most difficult area because of the uncertainty over the fitness of Paul O’Connell and Richie Gray. O’Connell has only had three games back from injury, but his leadership skills make him the natural leader of the front five.
He epitomises what the Lions stand for. O’Connell could well be joined by Ian Evans, who was the most consistent lock in the Six Nations.
Proud: Richie Gray holds his British and Irish Lions shirt aloft after his selection was confirmedBACK ROW
Before the decision to pick Sam Warburton as captain, the only nailed-on selection in the back row was Tom Croft.
He’s running into good form after overcoming that very serious neck injury. The injury absence has seen him put on a lot of weight and he will be a player the Wallabies fear.
Toby Faletau is favourite to start at No 8 but I’d go for the style of Ireland’s Sean O’Brien. A back row of Croft, Warburton and O’Brien looks to be well balanced. Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip must regain his form if he is to challenge.
Nailed on: Sam Warburton (right) and Tom Croft will be feared by the Wallabies OVERALLThe Lions will have the wisdom of O’Driscoll to power them on. He knows the 2001 tour to Australia was a chance missed and will be determined to end his career with a Lions victory.
Old sage: Brian O'Driscoll will provide much needed experience Down Under
