“Right now, he’s got first dibs on one of those wing shirts.”
The tour has just begun and yet there are only three weeks to go to the start of the Test Series against South Africa. There are some changes in the Lions XV pecking order.
Warren Gatland’s side are now two wins from two after adding a 56-14 victory over Sigma Lions to the 28-10 won over Japan, at Murrayfield, before they set off for South Africa.
The Lions are the weakest of the four South African franchises that will be competing in the United Rugby Championship, from next season on. This was a nice loosener for the tourists but they still had to navigate so tricky periods.
Josh Adams [four tries], Finn Russell, Hamish Watson and Chris Harris were the stand-out players while Owen Farrell kicked eight from eight off the tee as Gatland played him at inside centre. The performance of several players have led to four changes in our Lions XV pecking order, looking ahead to that First Test against the Springboks.
Josh Adams was in sensational form for the Lions, at Ellis Park. (Credit: Getty Images)Starting in the backline, Adams has now forced himself into the Test picture. Commentating on Sky Sports, former Lions star Will Greenwood declared Adams is now in prime position to start against the Springboks. With five tries in two games, it is hard to argue right now.
On the other wing, Louis Rees-Zammit bumps out Anthony Watson, who is yet to start. The Bath and England winger will be itching to go against Sharks.
Elsewhere, Jamie George’s 70-minute outing against Sigma Lions has edged him slightly ahead of Ken Owens. The only other forward pack change is Hamish Watson leapfrogging Tom Curry – the only originally selected Lion not to feature in a game yet.
Lions XV pecking order (back-up option in brackets)
15. Liam Williams (Stuart Hogg)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Anthony Watson)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Chris Harris)
12. Bundee Aki (Owen Farrell)
11. Josh Adams (Duhan van der Merwe)
10. Dan Biggar (Finn Russell)
9. Conor Murray (Ali Price)1. Wyn Jones (Mako Vunipola)
2. Jamie George (Ken Owens)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Kyle Sinckler)
4. Maro Itoje (Jonny Hill)
5. Iain Henderson (Adam Beard)
6. Tadhg Beirne (Courtney Lawes)
7. Hamish Watson (Tom Curry)
8. Toby Faletau (Jack Conan)
LISTEN TO HOUSE OF RUGBY’S LIONS SERIES: EPISODE 2
