Stephen Jones backs Ireland star for Lions start despite subpar Six Nations

"He is a Test centre to his bootlaces when running free."

Given his form for Leinster heading into the Six Nations, fans would have expected more from Ireland's Garry Ringrose during the tournament. However, the outside centre will have been disappointed with his performances.

After a first-half red card against Wales cost his side dearly and left him unavailable to face France, he, along with most of Ireland's backline, failed to fire in a narrow win over Italy.

Nonetheless, at his best he a classy midfielder, with defensives prowess, pace, leadership, and test-match quality, and is still likely to tour with the Lions this summer.

While often in the bad books with Ireland fans, controversial pundit Stephen Jones has backed the Leinster man to start for the Lions against Australia.

In a piece for The Times, he wrote: "Garry Ringrose has not been at his best, has been a little distracted, but he is a Test centre to his bootlaces when running free. Sione Tuipulotu was a massive loss for Scotland when he was injured before the Six Nations but a man of his power and intensity is going to upset Australia in midfield."

"Bundee Aki was not an automatic choice for me, but on tour he is likely to find his power and effectiveness. How nice if the quartet throw up an incisive paring for the Tests.