Itoje has the respect to captain my Lions XV

THIS Lions selection is based on players who are in form and have stated their case based on the Six Nations, or those with pedigree coming back from injury, who will cause Australia the greatest problems this summer.

- JEREMY GUSCOTT

It provides a comparison with the 2025 Lions team I picked after Round 1 of the Six Nations, and shows how much can change in seven weeks. The line-up was: Kinghorn; Freeman, H Jones, Lawrence, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park: Porter, Sheehan, Fagerson, Itoje, Beirne, T Curry, Van der Flier, Doris.

I am sticking with Blair Kinghorn at 15 because he’s a very good, big athlete, and it’s so exciting to play alongside a player like that. The Scottish full-back’s hitch-kick burst against the French was brilliant, so let’s have plenty more in a Lions shirt. Hugo Keenan was comfortably ahead 18 months ago, but Kinghorn has stolen the spotlight.

There is a shift of direction on the right wing where I'm going for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, as long as he can get fit in time. Feyi-Waboso is one of those backs who brings a point of difference with remarkable acceleration and footwork, and he’s proved already that he’s a match-winner.

On the left wing it’s still James Lowe. When he first came on the international scene his defence was non-existent, which was surprising for a Kiwi. However, he’s made such a big improvement in that area, and can give you such breathing space with those 50 metre clearances off his left boot, that you can’t ignore him.

Add to that the offloading and breaking tackles in attack, and you have to give Lowe the credit he deserves — although it just takes one bad performance on a Lions tour to spike your chances.

Elliot Daly has forced his way into the reckoning by playing well for England, and has established Lions credentials. He brings experience, as well as a handy left boot, and has value as a utility who can cover wing, full-back, or outside centre. Duhan van der Merwe, who will also be in the running, does not have that versatility.

It’s all change in midfield, with Tommy Freeman and Sione Tuipulotu replacing my round one 12-13 pairing of Ollie Lawrence and Huw Jones.