Scotland have the most players in the selection.
Only four Ireland players have made Opta Sports’ Lions XV The selection is based on the Opta Index, which rates every player’s performance during the Autumn Nations Series, using key stats.
Scotland make up the bulk of the side with seven players, while Ireland and England have four each. Unsurprisingly, Wales have no representation after a winless November.
However, there are a couple of key caveats. Scotland have had an easier Autumn Nations Series than the other three sides with games against Portugal and Fiji, while Ireland have one more game to play this autumn.
The four Ireland players included are:
Bundee Aki
Such was the class of the Connacht centre’s man-of-the-match performance against Fiji, he made it in over in-form Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu.
Opta said: “At 34, Bundee Aki is still as important as ever in the Irish midfield, proving to be one of their key attacking outlets again this autumn.
“Aki averaged 2.1 line breaks per 80 minutes with only Darcy Graham (fractionally) making more, of players eligible for the Lions.”
Tadhg Beirne
No surprise in the Munster’s captain’s inclusion, given his work rate, all-round game and world-class ability at turning over ball.
Opta said: “Although two of his three appearances came in the back row, Tadhg Beirne slots into our team in the second row where 80% of his Ireland starts have come.
“He has been Ireland’s main line-out target this month, claiming 11 line-outs including one steal, while ranking in the top three Irishmen for tackles (41), turnovers (3) and rucks (60).”
Josh van der Flier
The 2022 World Player of the Year is enjoying a resurgence of form of late. He should have been called up to the Lions tour in 2021 but it looks like he will make his bow next summer.
Opta said: “Van der Flier is one of the hardest-working players in the Ireland team and his stats so far this autumn have epitomised this.
“He has made 27 carries, 45 tackles and hit 101 rucks in his 203 minutes of action, a combined average of 68 carries, tackles and rucks per 80 minutes, the most of any player of any nation to feature for 100 or more minutes.
“He also crashed over the line for tries against the All Blacks and Fiji.”
Caelan Doris
One of the best players in the world at the minute, and is generally in the top two for most of Ireland’s key metrics. Looks a certain test starter against Australis next summer, and is the leading candidate to captain the squad.
Opta said: “World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Caelan Doris will certainly be in the frame for the next Lions tour, although he will face incredibly stiff competition for the number eight jersey.
“Doris has been busy in both attack and defence this autumn, making the most carries of any Ireland player (36) with only team-mate Van der Flier making more tackles than the Ireland skipper’s 43.”
Opta’s Full Lions XV:
15. Tom Jordan (Scotland)
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
10. Marcus Smith (Scotland)
9. Ben Spencer (England)
1. Pierre Shcoeman (Scotland)
2. Jamie George (England)
3. Zander Ferguson (Scotland)
4. Maro Itoje (England)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
6. Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
8. Calean Doris (Ireland)
