Lion Hunting #1 - The Back Three

As we are entering a long enough break until the next international rugby fest, I have decided that I am going to publish a series of posts naming who I would like to see on the plane to Australia next June. My team is as of post Autumn internationals put it is not purely based on form but just who I would like to see on the plane. We will begin by looking at the back three.

Halfpenny was a shining light in a disapointing Welsh team this Autumn and has been consistently the best running fullback in the British Isles. He just edges out Kearney who is excellent under the high ball and on his day can be a counter-attacking threat but for me Halfpenny edges it. Other noteworthy contenders are Ben Foden, who needs to find some form to be considered, and Alex Goode who had a good Autumn series but still has a lot to prove.

Starting Fullback : Halfpenny
Backup : Kearney

Tommy Bowe is the best finisher in Britain and Ireland. He has pace, power, a good pair of hands and a top rugby brain. He may not be the most exciting winger ont the planet but he is certainly one of the most complete. George North didn't have the best of Autumns but he can cause any defense problems with his size and power. He can change games and this makes his selection a no-brainer for me. The Dutch-Scotsman Tom Visser will need to have an excellent 6 nations to be selected considering his international inexperience but he has all the ability to do that and could well force his way in as a bolter. Chris Ashton is one of the most high profile omissions from my squad. When he wants to Ashton is a superb strike runner but too often these days he drops in and out of games and makes a substantial number of silly errors. We all know what he can do but for me he doesn't do it enough. Alex Cuthbert is another viable candidate.

Starting Wings : Bowe, North
Backup : Cuthbert, Visser

Tighthead