OPINION: 5 best players for the British & Irish Lions following the tour of South Africa

The British & Irish lions return home from their test series against world champions South Africa empty handed following a less than entertaining showing from Gatland’s men. However, there were a few members of the travelling team that showed up in a big way.

The Lions will look back and rue missed opportunities, arguably in every test they had more than enough opportunities to put pressure on the Springboks but ultimately failing to do so and allowed the home side to dictate the series and snatch the victory.

In the build-up to the tour, there was great uncertainty surrounding team selection, many arguing Johnny Sexton should have a place in the travelling squad, while others felt it was time to bring in a fresh starting ten, one that would be durable.

And from the get-go there were some questions and raised eyebrows towards the Lions squad selection.

The questions would continue into the first test match as some selections once again were there to be questioned. The omission of Josh Adams from the first game had many perplexed following his highly impressive performances in the warmup games. Conor Murray was also left out after being named the captain following the departure Alun Wyn Jones from the tour due to injury, surrendering his captaincy but also his starting position to Ali Price.

The drama between the captaincy role and starting teams for the test games were enough to unsettle any squad in world rugby, particularly one involving four different nations looking to gel and gain chemistry. The chopping and changing of the squad leader set the tone for what was a dramatic tour, heightened by the war of words between the two sets of coaches and of course the COVID fuelled drama surrounding the two camps.

Rassie Erasmus now infamous hour-long rant summed up the hostile nature of the series and the petulant nature of both sides at times with comments thrown left, right and centre at the match officials and the handling of the test as a whole by World Rugby.

The disorganisation and ill-discipline off the field was out of hand on this drab and lifeless series which is being generous some would say.

The first test provided a physical battle of attrition and heavy concentration as South Africa played their imposing physical style to which was met with a similar game plan by the Lions.

Playing into their hands was ultimately the downfall, slow ball, a kicking game, suited the hosts comfortably, and that’s if there was a game plan. At times it looked as if there truly wasn’t one or that the players couldn’t act upon what Gatland’s message was.

Massive wholesale changes from test to test increased the transparent uncertainty or possible lack of true conviction and belief the New Zealand born manager had in his players. Credit is due to the players and staff for seeing out a whirlwind of challenges throughout the tour and for seeing through the series despite the battle against Covid.

However the same cannot be said for the outings shown and the on field displays from the visitors.

There were few players who stood up for the Lions, we will walk through the five performers that I feel demonstrated what it means to be a British & Irish Lion and the few who applied pressure to the South African side in Cape Town.

Robbie Henshaw:

The Athlone man stood up to be counted in every test as the former Connacht and current Leinster star threw his name amongst the best centres in the world currently.

With fine displays game after game, defensively solid on a consistent basis and battled through a hamstring strain to illustrate his ability and toughness. Without doubt the shining player within the back line.

Having been moved from 12 to 13 for the final test he also showed his ability to adapt and deliver in either position.

Maro Itoje:

Arguably the best player of all on tour. The Englishman showed leadership in his play, discipline beyond his years, and will possibly be the dressing room leader in tours to come.

Went head to head with the brutality of the Springbok opposition forwards and consistently took control at the breakdown. Immense performances in all three tests, his reliability cannot be overstated.

Possible future lions captain.

Alun Wyn Jones:

If you could build a player that represents what being a Lion means, you don’t need to, Alun Wyn jones is already there. The Welshman again showed his ability to lead and captain a side. A Lions hero who will always go down as one of the best in his position.

Having battled back from injury, the dislocated shoulder was a mere bruise in the eyes of the fiery and tough Wales captain. Went from strength to strength with every performance, and even though it’s hard to believe, following this tour his reputation is further enhanced and he grew in stature.

Courtney Lawes:

It may seem as though every player who showed up on tour is a forward, but that’s the way the chips fell, credit where credit is due. Versatility and sheer brute strength illustrated Lawes talents in every test.

His first test performance is nearly enough to award him a spot in the top 5, however the consistent nature he showed in each game has certainly cemented his place for me among the best player of the series.

Finn Russell/ Jack Conan:

Did I say this list would be top 5? Apologies, but this one was tough to call.

On one hand Russell only played one test following injuries and Gatland’s supposed lack of trust in him as a starter, saw Biggar initially start the first test.

However having been taken off due to a knock, the mercurial Scotsman entered the fray and seemed to grow as a player within the game.

Mature and intelligent play aren’t always the words associated with Russell but in the final test of the series and his first he showed his capabilities and management of the game. The fly-half demonstrated his skill and flair which has never been questioned but more so than anything his composure was there for all to see and he put in a highly admirable performance to earn himself a joint spot on the list.

Jack Conan was to many a surprise inclusion but the Leinster no.8 was undoubtedly one of the squads most consistent players. He answered any critics who questioned his place in the team with three test games that demonstrated his power and intelligent nature, a smart player who as with the others on this list has only improved his reputation and can be truly proud of his own performances in the test games.