O'Driscoll picks his B&I Lions backline
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Ireland and Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll has picked the backline he thinks will have the best shot at toppling the Springboks.
Talking to ruck.co.uk, O’Driscoll’s seem to echo the thoughts of most fans and, thus, there are not really many surprises.
His picks:
- Conor Murray
- Dan Biggar
- Liam Williams
- Owen Farrell
- Robbie Henshaw
- Anthony Watson
- Stuart Hogg
Flyhalf has been one of the most talked-about positions for the Lions, with Biggar, Russell, Farrell all competing for the position. However, O’Driscoll is confident that Biggar is the man for the job:
“Talk about warrior mentality, he finished the game on one leg last week for Northampton.
“He loves it. He is in good form – he doesn’t have to be the star of the show but he brings the best out of those around him. We know how effective he is in the back-field.
“He is probably the form 10 in more recent months. There’s a security with Dan Biggar that he doesn’t have those really loose moments that can be catastrophic.”
In terms of the number 9 jersey, O’Driscoll said Conor Murray: ”There isn’t anyone else putting their hand up. I was surprised at Ali Price getting in, I thought Thomas Williams might get in ahead of him. Townsend has got five of his Scottish backs into the selection – Price was one of those surprises.”
With regard to the midfield partnership, O’Driscoll seemed resolute:
“Right now, if they are playing South Africa next week, it is Farrell and Henshaw for me in the centre,” he said.
