5 Players Who Could Play Their Way Into Lions Selection At The Six Nations
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The Six Nations kicks-off this weekend with a lot more than just the tournament itself up for grabs.
The British & Irish players will come head-to-head in a Test environment with a number of Lions spots still up for grabs. Warren Gatland picks his touring side in April, with the Six Nations his final opportunity too see the players at international level.
Gatland has name-dropped a number of players in recent weeks, and realistically has about half of his team already picked, but there are a number of players that are just a good Six Nations away from selection.
Here’s five we reckon can play there way into Lions selection over the next few weeks.
Garry Ringrose
The exciting young centre will get his chance to shine in Jared Payne’s absence. Gatland has already revealed he is keeping close tabs on the Leinster star, with a good Six Nations possibly leading to him grabbing a seat on the plane.
Finn Russell
The Scotland ten has been in fine form at club level but has the likes of Johnny Sexton, George Ford, Dan Biggar and even Owen Farrell to contend with. Gatland only brought two tens in 2013 with Hogg covering the midweek game and realistically could do that again in 2017. If Russell can bring his form into the Six Nations he will leave Gatland with some tough decisions to make.
Tommy Seymour
The Glasgow winger has been in excellent form this season, climbing to the top of the try-scoring charts in the PRO12. The competition in the back three is ridiculous this year, but if he sets the Six Nations alight, he could leave Gatland with no choice but to bring him to New Zealand.
George Ford
The England ten is still on the fringes as far as we’re concerned. Farrell is a better ten but Jones wants to be able to play both. Should Gatland only bring two tens, he’s got to play his way in during this year’s Six Nations.
Jack Nowell
The England winger makes his international return after an injury lay-off. Has been in good form in the Premiership and Europe but is down the pecking order heading into the Six Nations. If he can rediscover his form from England’s Grand Slam year, he’s got a good chance.
