Jamie Roberts picks his British and Irish Lions XV to face the Springboks

March 24, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Wales centre and two-time British and Irish Lions tourist Jamie Roberts has included seven Welshman in his Lions XV to face the Springboks.

In an interview with Sky Sports Rugby Union, Roberts gave his verdict on the centres that have impressed most, the potential Wales contenders and pieced together a XV to tackle the Springboks this summer's Test series.

Roberts picked out Ireland's Robbie Henshaw as the form midfielder from the Six Nations and that if the inside centre's job will be to get over the advantage line 'then Henshaw is your man at 12'.

'Henshaw is the frontrunner in midfield, along with North.' he continued before suggesting that Garry Ringrose will form part of the midfield contingent with Huw Jones a bolter.

Commenting on the flyhalves Roberts said: 'I think they'll pick two 10s, plus Owen Farrell. It wouldn't surprise me if they picked both Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton with Farrell as a 12, which means Finn Russell misses out. Before the Six Nations started, we were waxing lyrical about Russell. It's frightening some of the calibre of players who will miss out on selection, but that's the way it should be.'

Speaking of the Welsh contenders the Dragons centre mentioned the likes of Josh Navidi and Justin Tipuric before saying that 'Alun Wyn Jones is on the plane, it's just a question of the captaincy.'

He also went on to tip Ken Owens as a potential left-field pick to captain the tourist. Finally, he mentioned the likes of Liam Williams, Louis Rees-Zamitt and Wyn Jones before picking his XV also stating that 'Liam Williams and Hogg are in a straight shootout for full-back'

Read the full interview with Sky Sports here.

Jamie Roberts' Lions XV to face South Africa

15. Stuart Hogg - Scotland

14. Anthony Watson - England

13. George North - Wales

12. Robbie Henshaw - Ireland

11. Josh Adams - Wales

10. Dan Biggar - Wales

9. Conor Murray - Ireland

1. Wyn Jones - Wales

2. Ken Owens - Wales

3. Tadhg Furlong - Ireland