Battle of the big men: Malcolm O'Kelly v Scott Murray

Strengths: A bright, easy-going, interesting character with inordinate natural talent and stamina. Simply a world-class lineout performer. A big-hearted player who rises to big occasions, and busts a gut around the pitch, making a high tackle count. Athletic and adroit at restarts, and comes up with big plays.

Weaknesses: The flip side of being a big-occasion player means he's not regarded as having Murray's week-in, week-out consistency. Possibly wouldn't hit rucks as low as Murray does.

Insider's view (Eddie O'Sullivan): "I think Malcolm would have been disappointed with his autumn performance against Scott Murray. This weekend will be a chance for Malcolm to put the record straight on that and prove that it's nip and tuck between himself and Scott. When Malcolm is on his game he can do all the things that Scott does as well."

Outsider's view: (Ian McGeechan): "Malcolm's very similar to Scott. He's able to move around and dominate a lineout, and these fellas are key players, because that possession is invaluable. I saw him a lot in the (English) Premiership and he's consistently good at that, and no mean performer around the park."

Strengths: Wonderfully athletic, and, as shown by his days as a schoolboys international basketball player, he's blessed with abundant handling skills. One of the world's best lineout performers, on opposition ball and his own.

Weaknesses: Like O'Kelly, his likeable, laid-back ways probably didn't help his Lions' Test hopes, when beforehand he publicly conceded he was in awe of Danny Grewcock's workrate and standards of professionalism. Concedes a couple of inches to O'Kelly.

Insider's View (Ian McGeechan): "He's just a world-class second-row. He's a very skilful player and a basketball player, so he's got the natural hands and timing.

Any second-row in the world would look at him and say that he's a good player."

Outsider's view (Eddie O'Sullivan): "Murray certainly got back on the horse a lot quicker than Malcolm did after the Lions tour. He's your modern day lineout player, very athletic,

easy to put in the air, good hands under pressure in

the air, and then, on the ground, he can play ball,

he can pass, he can tackle and he can hit rucks, so

he's not just a one-dimensional player."