Austin Healey and Lawrence Dallaglio want to fill almost a third of the Lions squad with Irish guys.
The former England internationals – who’ve amassed 136 caps for their country between them – have picked a combined squad for Warren Gatland to take to New Zealand with him on the 2017 tour and it’s littered with the Irish.
The talent in the Irish squad is no real secret but it’s not like they’ve been destroying all before them either and the rise of the Scots coupled with England’s dominance has thrown into question some of the names on Joe Schmidt’s squad that might be in contention for a Lions call-up.
On BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight, Dallaglio and Healey went through all the contenders that they reckon should be thought of as part of the conversation. They then narrowed it down to 39 men.
On it, there were 12 Irish names, eight of which you could probably guess:
- Jack McGrath
- Rory Best
- Tadhg Furlong
- Sean O’Brien
- CJ Stander
- Conor Murray
- Johnny Sexton
- Robbie Henshaw
The other four were more surprising but very, very welcoming.
Garry Ringrose
After the Wales defeat during the Six Nations when everyone was spitting feathers, Ronan O’Gara called for calm and praised the impact young Garry Ringrose has had on the Ireland team already.
He spoke of him and Henshaw having a “budding partnership”.
“Fast forward three years time when they’ve got 30 or 40 caps together, then they can play a bit of ball. But right now you’ve got to manage them.”
Right now, Dallaglio and Healey like his “utility” aspects.
Donnacha Ryan
Might not have gotten another contract at Munster but Lawrence Dallaglio fought his case for the tour.
“I think he’s ideal for the type of game that’s played in New Zealand. A real workhorse. He may not make the test side but he’ll certainly push all the way.”
Peter O’Mahony
Dallaglio pushed for the inclusion of the Munster skipper because he reckons Warren Gatland might want to bring an additional back row player against the All Blacks.
Cian Healy
Although he’s an impact player for Ireland now, Dallaglio can see those exact same uses for the Lions come the summer.
Austin Healey cheekily suggested that Healy was being selected because of his name but the former number eight had none of it.
“He’s definitely not being selected because of his name,” Dallaglio said. “He’s being selected because he’s the player who can make the biggest impact off the bench.”
Watch the whole thing below.
Dallaglio and Healey pick their Lions squad! Agree? #RugbyTonight https://t.co/FGmdsNIB1Z
— Rugby Tonight (@RugbyTonight) April 5, 2017
