Look back at many of the Lions Test XV predictions from during this year’s Six Nations and very few of us can boast.
Following the announcement of the Lions squad to take on New Zealand in this weekend’s First Test at Eden Park, a predicted team from England legend Martin Johnson started to do the social media rounds.
Nathan Hughes at No.8. George Ford calling the shots at 10. Rob Kearney fullback…
https://twitter.com/SLI_Global/status/841363338089095169
At least Johnson got Alun Wyn Jones right. But SportsJOE won’t claim to have gotten all of our Lions calls right either – back in December 2016 we listed Devin Toner and Jamie Heaslip as ‘nailed on’ Lions.
Who would called Peter O’Mahony to start blindside and captain?
Who would have guessed Liam ‘Sanjay’ Williams would be named fullback?
Who was bold enough to select Elliot Daly as left winger?
Well, one Irish player did get the Daly call spot on.
Step forward Fionn Carr.
The former Leinster and Connacht winger was on The Hard Yards rugby podcast back on April 13 and he nailed it with Daly.
In with @FionnCarr @KMcLaughlin6 and @andymcgeady recording a @lionsofficial episode of #TheHardYards pic.twitter.com/dLCopeeA6B
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) April 13, 2017
During a back three debate with former Ireland stars Ronan O’Gara and Kevin McLaughlin, Carr made his shout. He proclaimed:
“I went with Elliot Daly on the left wing. He’s an all-rounder and whatever New Zealand throw at him, he can handle.
“He’s fantastic under the high ball and he is so quick. With his form for England and Wasps right now, he has to start, whether that is left or right wing. He’s left-footed so that’s why I’m going left wing.
“He’s a starter for me and he can also cover 13. That’s another reason I’d definitely have on the plane and he’s a starter for me.”
O’Gara claimed the “unproven” Daly would struggle to make the plane but Carr was bang on.
He’ll be gloating next time he is in studio, especially if Daly justifies the big call this weekend.
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