Lions 2017: Left at home XV

Nine players were additions to the 2013 Tour - we pick out a starting XV from the best players who will be eager for the call-up in June.

1. Rob Evans - The Wales loose-head was unlucky to miss out on selection for the tour after a string of consistent performances for Wales in the 6N. Caused problems for Tadhg Furlong against Ireland and offered a gain line presence with his work with ball in hand.

2. Dylan Hartley - The England captain secured back-to-back Six Nations titles for head coach Eddie Jones. He was widely tipped to captain the Lions this summer but was ousted by his England under study Jamie George. He will now lead England on their summer tour to Argentina.

3. W P Nel - The South African born Scotland tight head missed the 6 Nations with a troubling neck injury and would of been a short price to be included in Warren Gatland's squad, if fit.

4. Jonny Gray - The young second-row was one of the stand out performers in the 6 Nations at just 23 years of age. Gray tackled for fun during the tournament and provided Scotland with consistent lineout ball. A future Scotland captain and has the ability to lead a Lions tour in the coming years.

5. Joe Launchbury - The Wasps second row was nominated for 6N player of the tournament after an impressive showing in the opening 4 rounds. His work rate defied belief throughout England's run to a second straight title.

6. James Haskell - Has been back to his best for Wasps & England this season following a lengthy injury lay-off. Probably missed out on his final chance to tour with the Lions but remains a crucial cog in the England defence.

7. Hamish Watson - A standout from the Six Nations this year, his speed around the park and work at the breakdown was enough for Warren Gatland to include him in his selection. Watson must be close to top of the reserves list.

8. Jamie Heaslip - The two-time Lion was a key figure in the previous 2009 & 2013 tours. His experience will be sorely missed in the squad and he is still capable of delivering world class performances in the biggest games. Not a great surprise to see him behind Faletau & Vunipola, but equally a solid replacement.

9. Greig Laidlaw - A viable candidate to lead the midweek side due to his experience and leadership qualities. Provides a solid goalkicking option, faced an uphill battle for selection following an ankle injury. Would be a high quality replacement if any of the nines were to be ruled out.

10. Finn Russell - Russell will feel unlucky to miss out on selection after an impressive year with Glasgow & Scotland. His distribution continues to haunt opposition defences. When measuring up his defensive capabilites against Sexton, Farrell and Biggar, it is easy to see why the talented Scot has been overlooked.

11. Simon Zebo - Was called up the Lions tour four years ago and it would not be a shock to see Zebo line out once again in NZ. Either on the wing or at full back, Zebo shone during Ireland's successful November Series and in the Six Nations with Ireland. 

12. Scott Williams - The big ball carrying centre kept Wales stalwart Jamie Roberts out of the Test side during the Six Nations. Has played very well for Scarlets this year alongside Hadleigh Parkes in midfield. Has an outside chance of a call up if Henshaw or Te'o get injured.

13. Garry Ringrose - Narrowly missed out on selection after a string of top class performances for Leinster & Ireland, outplayed Elliot Daly in the Champions Cup Quarter-Final against Wasps and continues to show his natural ability to break the line with a magical solo effort against Clermont.

14. Keith Earls – Another Irish back that was unlucky to miss out on the 41-man squad. Earls scored in four consecutive games for Ireland this season highlighting his finishing ability. While never shirking from his defensive duties.

15. Mike Brown – Brown has been secure for England throughout their last two Six Nations triumphs. Joey Carbery also deserves an honourable mention for a breakthrough year as a full-back option who can also cover at 10.