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Scrum Half: It's no argument that the form scrum half of the Six Nations was Dwayne Peel. However, I still believe that Matt Dawson will be the starting Scrum half in the tests. The England players in this squad have been vastly picked for one reason - experience. Dawson is no exception. The bottom line is that he's been there and done it and is still in great form. He may not quite have the pass that Peel possesses, but he's the man to take on Justin Marshall (should he be picked of course) who is probably the best dummy half in the world right now. Number Eight: Only one man for this job, and it's not the Zurich Player of the Season, Martin Corry. Corry has had a great season, but it's Lawrence Dallaglio for the job. He's in some of the best form of his life, and although not played international rugby this season, big Lol is a natural leader and always performed against the All Blacks. Respected and feared as well as extremely passionate and committed, Dallaglio is chomping at the bit to make up for his disappointment in having to leave the 2001 - I think he will.
This is a very difficult call. Woodward has only really taken two specialist opensides on tour (if you don't include Lewis Moody) who are Martyn Williams and Neil Back. My choice at present goes to Back. Ritchie McCaw is the 7 in the world and we need to keep him as ineffective as possible. He is the king of winning turnovers and slowing down the ball, as is Back. Quick ball is exactly what the Lions don't want the Kiwis to get as they undoubtedly have the most potent back line in world rugby and will use quick ball with an alarming ability. Blindside flanker: This spot will go to the (almost!) ever-present Richard Hill. Having had a season out with a career-threatening injury, Hill, if fit, will be one of the first names on the team sheet. The thing is, no one is every sure of exactly what he does! He just seems to be there, constantly. If it's making tackles, winning ball or on the end of a try scoring pass. He won't miss a hit or back down. The quiet man will once again be the man for the big occasion. Lock: My first choice goes to Paul O'Connell. Another leader on the pitch, O'Connell has been one of the most consistent locks over the last few years. A real powerhouse, O'Connell has a good open play game and is a very powerful man. Truly talented in the line out, O'Connell will just edge his Ireland tam mates of O'Callahan and …… In-expereince and inconsistency respectively being their weak points. Lock: The second place goes to the abrasive Danny Grewcock. Brilliant on the last Lions tour, Grewcock is aggressive and highly motivated. Questions are raised about his discipline, however, his attitude is what makes him so effective. He had a fine game in the line out against Argentina and Ben Kay I believe is lucky to be even on the plane, after a season where I feel he didn't even deserve to be in the England squad, let alone the starting XV! Tight-Head Prop: I don't think there is much doubt about either of the starting props. Tight-Head goes to the world's most formidable scrummager, Julian White. It's up front where the Lions will have to stamp their authority. The tight 5 is an area considered a weakness for the New Zealanders and Woodward will want to exploit this as much as possible. White should be the man to destroy the NZ scrum in what could be 3 very wet tests should the weather be traditional!
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