Paul O’Connell and Gordon D’Arcy select Irish players best placed for Lions duty

Expect plenty of debate over the next six months.

Ireland have just completed a memorable November Series, which consisted of wins against world champions, New Zealand and World Cup finalists, Australia. There was more to these wins than just the final scoreline, however. The Irish squad was pushed to its absolute limits in this series. With last-minute call-ups, injuries, knocks, first caps, players pitched in out of position, it all contributed to one overriding message - the Irish players never give up.  https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/802967639727345668 This was evident throughout the series, from withstanding the second half onslaught from the All Blacks in Chicago, to going toe-to-toe with the same team in the Aviva and to remarkably regaining the lead against the Wallabies with a make-shift backline. All these examples displayed courage, grit and a determination to win, something which the touring party will need to have in abundance if they are to create history by beating the All Blacks next summer. In the aftermath of the Ireland's game against Australia at the weekend, Paul O'Connell and Gordon D'Arcy were speaking to Sky Sports and they outlined the Irish players who definitely should be on the plane next June. Paul O'Connell decided on the Irish forwards who should make the trip. He included Jack McGrath, Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien for his nominal squad. O'Connell also praised Furlong for his rousing performances and pointed to the fact that there are not many top-class tight-heads around putting their hands up for selection.

"You look at Tadhg Furlong, I know he’s a bit of a bolter but there aren’t many tight-heads around and I think he has been excellent throughout the November Internationals. "Rory Best has been excellent, Jack McGrath has been really consistent. I think Jamie and Sean O’Brien (should be picked), due to the experience they have from being on Lions tours before and the way the have played (in those Lions tours)."

O'Connell does have concerns over O'Brien's fitness though, with the Carlow-man needing to prove his fitness over the remainder of the season in order to be within a shout.

"I suppose with Sean there is just bit of an issue there with injury and he needs to get a period of rugby playing week-in, week-out, so he can really build that fitness."

O'Connell also name-checks Devin Toner and CJ Stander as possible forwards who could make the trip from an Irish perspective. Gordon D'Arcy had the honour of deciding on the backs. He went with the three bankers of Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw. In relation to Murray, the Wexford-man states that if there was ever doubt around whether he is the best scrum-half in the world before this November series, that argument can now be firmly put to bed.

"Conor Murray, even before the November series was included in the top 3 scrum-halves in the world but now he’s definitely the most influential and best scrum half in the world."

Johnny Sexton, D'Arcy states, is a man you want in a battle against the world's best, and as we recently figured out, the world's most physically imposing side.

"He is somebody that you want on that plane and if you want to have a chance of beating New Zealand in New Zealand you’ve got to have him there."

Finally, in relation to Henshaw, D'Arcy outlines that the 23-year-old is the only inside centre out of the four nations who have firmly established themselves in their respective national sides and that this makes him a guaranteed choice for the tour.

"The No.12 jersey seems to have opened up, England haven’t found a cut and dried No. 12. Jamie Roberts is fighting Scott Williams in the Welsh jersey and I just think with Robbie Henshaw coming back from injury – I’ve been really impressed with how he has played."

During the interview, D'Arcy also mentions that Jared Payne could also be within a good shout of making the tour as he has versatility, something which could push him ahead of others when it comes to selection. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of rugby to be played between now and June. Unfortunately for the players, every game they play between now and then will be scrutinised to the highest level by the ever-watchful Warren Gatland. All Irish players will be looking to put their best foot forward between now and the end of the season, also hoping that they can avoid serious injury. You can see the thoughts of D'Arcy and O'Connell in the video below. https://twitter.com/SkySportsRugby/status/803180498604486664 Who are we to argue with these lads? Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.