Team of the Series

By Scott MacLean

1. Mako Vunipola. Yes he was the ‘other’ villain in the Second Test for his twin assaults on Beauden Barrett but take that aside he was more industrious and dynamic than Joe Moody was, so an easy choice here

2. Codie Taylor. While he isn’t Dane Coles (who is another of the All Blacks ‘what-ifs’) he showed he is at least in the discussion filling in admirably. Lions rake Jamie George had a great tour, but was overshadowed by the Crusader

3. Owen Franks. Nearing 100 Test Caps (and still looking for that first Test try) more than held his own against Vunipola who is one of the worlds more destructive looseheads. Tadhg Furlong was solid, but nothing really special

4. Brodie Retallick. Phenomenal in the First Test and shouldered an enormous amount of the workload in the Second once Kaino was taken off for SBW-related reasons. Only rivalled in the locking stakes by…

5. Maro Itoje. The youngest of the tourists is a player of immense promise and offers a dynamic very different to the likes of Wyn Jones and Lawes. Also mastering the fine art of the niggle too. Only Gatland knows why he didn’t start the First Test

6. Sam Warburton. Rebounded from the ignominy of being the tour captain and not starting the First Test to stand up as leader in the next two. Edges Jerome Kaino through his work at the breakdown and Kaino’s unfortunate early exit in Wellington

7. Sean O’Brien. Lucky to play the Third Test after the Naholo incident and citing, but the Tullow Tank was more consistent and infringed less than Sam Cane did, giving him the nod

8. Kieran Read. The AB’s skipper was a warrior for every minute and as reliable as ever across the park. Taulupe Faletau might have crossed the line in Wellington and been a factor early in every game, but couldn’t match Read’s workrate for a full game

9. Conor Murray. The toughest decision of the lot. Aaron Smith was terrific but just shaded by the outstanding Irishman who was an integral part of the Lions gameplan with his box-kicking and carried it out superbly. Clearly the best two halfbacks in the world

10. Beauden Barrett. Wasn’t at his absolute mercurial best but his average is so high it’s still better than anyone else. Had the ball on a string at times with his tactical kicking, but that chink in his arsenal – goalkicking – reared its head again. Johnny Sexton had his moments but its daylight between the two, and it would have been interesting if Owen Farrell had worn the red #10 jersey every game

11. Elliot Daly. Another tough one. Rieko Ioane was as good in the First Test (with two tries) as he was anonymous in the Second (mentioned once by Nisbo in commentary) and while Julian Savea largely delivered in the Third, that early bombed try haunts. Daly was solid across all three and showed a cannon right leg that could punish indiscretions from 60m

12. Ngani Laumape. What? You were expecting SBW???? Thrust into an unenviable position after the human lightning rods Red Card he delivered in both Wellington and Auckland. A change of game plan put Ben Te’o on the bench in favour of playing Farrell at 12 and while the latter was a nerveless goalkicker and solid defender was somewhat limited on attack

13. Jonathan Davies. As underrated as you’ll find for a world-class player and the Lions best in the drawn decider. He does it all, and did it against a variety of opponents

14. Anthony Watson. Did more with what few opportunities he had than Israel Dagg did. Waisake Naholo was better in the Second Test, but that was the only shot he got

15. Jordie Barrett. Only one game against Liam Williams’ three, but a stratospheric entry to this level – if only Hansen had entrusted him with kicking duties. Williams firstly kept Leigh Halfpenny out of the side and showcased impressive instincts in the First test, lighting the spark on the best try of the Series, but had a shocker in the Third that saw him dip out.

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