It's not looking good for Lions from Wales

ONLY once in the last 100 years have the Lions chosen to play an entire Test series with as few as two Welshmen: Ieuan Evans and Scott Gibbs during the last tour of the amateur era.

- PETER JACKSON

Their selection in New Zealand in 1993 may turn out to be two more than the Lions pick from the current Wales squad when the next series kicks off in Australia at the end of the season. Ironically, the only Welshman likely to make the starting XV is the one they contrived to lose to England – Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

Wales’ long slide from serial Grand Slammers to global chopping blocks leaves Andy Farrell at a disadvantage now that he is free to concentrate on the bigger picture of picking a Lions squad than fretting over the defence of Ireland’s Six Nations title. In too many positions, choices will be narrowed by a stark absence of Welsh challengers.

Were the Lions to be chosen next week, alarmingly few of the squad beaten 12 times in a row would be in serious contention for a tour place, let alone the Test team.

Dewi Lake heads the shortest of short-lists, a natural leader good enough to rearrange the pecking order headed by Dan Sheehan and jump ahead of either Jamie George or Ronan Kelleher.