Just a year out from the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, the July internationals have helped put some players into the spotlight for a possible call-up.
Lions selection always throws up the odd curve-ball. Be that Sam Simmonds’ selection for the 2021 tour to South Africa despite not playing for England for two years previous, Marcus Smith and Christian Wade being hauled into the squad in 2021 and 2013 respectively after only making their Test debuts that summer, Martin Johnson’s call-up in 1993 or even Jason Robinson’s in 2001.
Andy Farrell’s squad will likely be picked on individual’s form towards the end of next season, but the recent July internationals have certainly allowed some players to put their hands up.
Here is a breakdown of five players we think have rocketed into the British and Irish Lions spotlight.
Dewi Lake
Hooker is certainly a position Lions boss Farrell will have some headaches over, but Wales skipper Dewi Lake has done his chances no harm at all this summer. The Ospreys hooker was one of his nation’s standout performers during the two-Test series, and brought heaps of physicality and determination to the party.
His leadership, albeit in defeat, was also a huge tick in the box for his Lions credentials and he could easily be on the shortlist to lead the tour in 2025.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Just looks born to be a Test player, doesn’t he. Exeter man Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was yet again superb during the summer series, and looked even more dangerous than he did during the Six Nations.
His combination with Henry Slade in defence is pivotal to the success of the new blitz system, but in attack he has earned plenty of change from his work off George Furbank. Feyi-Waboso has genuine raw speed and power too and is the blueprint of the modern winger.
Jamie Osborne
There is no harder way to make your debut than the Springboks away in their World Cup homecoming – whilst also playing out of position -but Leinster’s Jamie Osborne grew into the series well to become one of Ireland’s standout players.
He got off to a somewhat shaky start in the opening exchanges in Test one, but quickly shook it off to grab a nice try. Osborne properly kicked on in Test two as well, getting himself heavily involved in the attack.
A key thing that boosts his chances now is actually that versatility. He has shone for Leinster in midfield this season, and his two performances against South Africa showed he can also slot into 15 when needed too, which just adds another feather to his cap.
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Caelan Doris
He was basically guaranteed to be in Farrell’s squad somewhere, but his monumental efforts against the Boks puts him at the very front of the queue to be named captain.
Caelan Doris led by example during Test two last weekend, and never stopped working for his team. He was involved in the bulk of the carrying work, and again put himself about in defence. It was the epitome of a ‘captain’s performance’ and it’s the sort of thing that you want from a Lions skipper.
In the pressure cooker of a British and Irish Lions series, they need a cool head to lead them into battle, and after this summer Doris should be the man on Farrell’s mind.
Tommy Reffell
Leicester Tigers flanker Tommy Reffell had some lofty expectations heading into this summer after his Six Nations, but he certainly lived up to his own billing. The Welsh number seven ran his blood to water in two barnstorming shifts.
He threw himself into virtually every breakdown looking to jackal the ball or disrupt the speed of play, and also got stuck in with some serious tackles too. Reffell faces some proper competition from the other nations, but his name should be mentioned in the discussions next year.
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