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The Irish contenders for a Lions call

The British and Irish Lions' squad for the 2013 Tour of Australia will be named tomorrow and alth...
Newstalk
Newstalk

20.40 28 Apr 2013


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The Irish contenders for a Lio...

The Irish contenders for a Lions call

Newstalk
Newstalk

20.40 28 Apr 2013


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The British and Irish Lions' squad for the 2013 Tour of Australia will be named tomorrow and although there is much to play for in terms of selection, there are a few clues about the composition of the 37-man squad.

Early indications suggest that Wales' Sam Warburton will be named captain, having impressed head coach Warren Gatland at the tail end of the Six Nations. That would seem to rule out Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll as potential captains, although it is still speculation at this juncture.

Welsh players are set to dominate in terms of numbers with at least of the Six Nations champions expected to travel. 

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But which Irish players are likely to join the pride of Lions for the month-long adventure from June 1st to July 6th?

The Definites

Paul O'Connell's conquest of his injury problems, added to his imperious return to form, means the Munster man can almost certainly skip check-in with his seat on the plane to Australia a near-certainty.

The 2009 captain is expected to be a starter alongside Wales' Alun-Wyn Jones.

Brian O'Driscoll is almost defintely going to be joining his Ireland team-mate Down Under on what could turn out to be a career swansong after a strong Six Nations from a personal standpoint.

Leinster colleague Jonathan Sexton is also set to be one of three No 10s in the 37-man squad with two of Owen Farrell, Jonny Wilkinson and James Hook battling for the other places. Sexton will be vying for a regular place in the starting XV.

Sean O'Brien is a favourite to be a first choice at flanker, while Jamie Heaslip - an outside bet for the captaincy - will be one of the two No 8s.

In the front row Cian Healy and Rory Best are favourites for a call, while Rob Kearney is likely to join Wales counterpart Leigh Halfpenny as one of the full-backs.

The Maybes

Simon Zebo had an exciting Six Nations before he picked up a foot injury against England in the second game, while he was part of the Munster side that battled its way to the Heineken Cup semis.

The winger will have his luggage in hand on the tarmac and should be confident of being handed a boarding pass for the flight to Oz.

But nothing is certain which is a sentiment Tommy Bowe will also share with the Ulster man also in contention after injury ruled him out of the Six Nations. However Bowe star did shine during the 2009 Tour, which even saw him fill in at centre on one occasion.

Other Irish possibilites for the 2013 Tour include Mike Ross (prop), Richardt Strauss (hooker), Donncha Ryan (second row) and Peter O'Mahony (back row), with their chances potentially depending on injuries.

Potential wildcards

Leinster's Ian Madigan has often been presented a possible outside bet for a place on the party after brilliant form for his province in Sexton's absence.

However his chances appear to be slim as he would have to move ahead of two or three of Sexton, Farrell, Hook and Wilkinson for a place, while a full-back slot would appear to be a long shot.

 

Who would make your Lions squad?

 

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan


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