British and Irish Lions team selection

British and Irish Lions team named for Saturday’s opening Test against Australia.

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Leigh Halfpenny has shown astonishing quality from the goalkicking tee as well as a real eye for the gap with ball in hand as he has continued the form that led to him being named player of the Six Nations. Heading into Saturday's test he has a goalkicking return of 22 from 23, many of them drilled unerringly from the touchline, and has also notched three tries. "He is playing at the top of his game," said coach Warren Gatland. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire.

Eye on the ball: Lions George North tests his eye to ball coordination during a training session at Anglican Church Grammar School, Brisbane. Remarkably, North is still only 21, but with 31 Welsh caps and a confident start to the Lions tour under his belt, he plays like a veteran. Immensely strong but also intuitive, he is one of the tourists' key strike weapons and it was with much relief that his recovery from a hamstring strain was welcomed. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire.

Within minutes of his first appearance against the Barbarians, Phillips brought back memories of his remarkable performances in South Africa four years ago. He thrives on the big stage, rarely taking the wrong option, and loves the physical nature of big tests. Probably the most mobile and dangerous scrumhalf since Springbok World Cup winner Joost van der Westhuizen when the tryline is in sight. Mike Phillips catches the ball during training. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Tom Youngs receives attention during the match between the NSW Waratahs and the British & Irish Lions at Allianz Stadium on June 15th, in Sydney, Australia. Another chapter in the Tom Youngs fairytale as the player struggling as a reserve centre at Leicester four years ago is now recognised as the best hooker in Britain. Solid in the scrum and throwing basics, his mobility probably gave him the edge over Richard Hibbard. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Paul O'Connell has stamped his authority all over the team and desperate for a series win having captained the side that suffered such a cruel defeat in 2009. Looks to have really benefited from missing so much of the season with injury as he has been fresh and full of energy and stamina on tour so far and led by example with his tree-felling tackling and ball carrying. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Tom Croft was another difficult call for the selectors but his prodigious lineout talent and speed around the pitch give the Lions something of an "X-factor" from the pack and took him ahead of tough-tackling Dan Lydiate. Selection caps an amazing year after he returned from a broken neck only in January and Lions fans will be hoping he reproduces his superlative form from the last tour in 2009. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Thu Jun 20 2013 - 09:19

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