IN 24 HOURS, all will become a little clearer.
Warren Gatland will name his Lions touring party before noon tomorrow and his selections at centre will provide a massive clue to the makeup of his starting XV.
Obviously, all of us on this side of the Irish Sean can see no reason why Brian O’Driscoll shouldn’t be asked to roll the clock back 12 years and put in another star turn in red against the Wallabies.
However, the other three nations might just have a different take on it. Manu Tuilagi looks certain to take a seat on the plane and Gatty favourite Davies will also provide stiff competition for our Brian.
While all three are likely to be selected for their performances at outside centre, they could conceivably play the number 12 role too. The only true specialist for that position is likely to be Jamie Roberts. The good doctor was once again a vital component of Wales’ Grand Slam win and showed his Lions credentials in 2009 – albeit on a losing tour.
The outsiders then – and with the four men above they will be outsiders - for a fresh new crested suit may include Billy Twelvetrees, Gordon D’Arcy, Keith Earls, Ian Madigan or James Hook. The latter would seem a sensible option as cover for a variety of positions including number 10, but he has never found the love of Gatland so may have to watch the games on TV like the rest of us.
For 24 more hours, though, it doesn’t matter what Gatty thinks. Tell us who you would like to see wear 12 and 13 for the British and Irish Lions this summer.
