How the British and Irish Lions XV would look based on statistics

Tuesday, 16 March 2021 at 07:27

byRugby Rucker

Emotions run high when it comes to Lions selection so RUCK has teamed up with the Stats Zone to turn to the numbers and pick a team based on Six Nations performances alone.

BACK-THREE:

15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland), 14. Anthony Watson (England), 11. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)

Two tries and 305 metres ensure the Scotland captains spot at fullback in this Lions XV. Meanwhile, Rees-Zammit and Watson continue to go head-to-head in the battle for top try scorer after both took their tally to four on Saturday. The Wales winger also has two try assists.

CENTRES:

13. George North (Wales), 12, Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

Henshaw has made more carried (57) than any other back while North has adapted well to his new position in the midfield, scoring two tries.

HALFBACKS:

10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

Gibson-Park has been the most influential of all the scrum-half contenders, collecting two try assists and making more successful passes (256) than anybody else.

FRONT-ROW:

1. Wyn Jones (Wales), 2. Ken Owens (Wales) , 3. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Welshman Owens has been the most consistent in the set piece, made more tackles (47) than any other front-rower and has scored two tries. Meanwhile, the numbers suggest Jones and Sickler are the most proficient scrummagers.

SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje (England), 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

Beirne continued his outstanding tournament, which has seen him score two tries, with another two turnovers against Scotland - taking his total to seven. Itoje is the next highest player with four.

BACK-ROW:

6. Josh Navidi (Wales). Justin Tipuric (Wales), 8. CJ Stander (Ireland)

Wales players have dominated the tackles statistics throughout the competition but Tipuric has opened up his lead at the top, taking his total to 74 after making 19 tackles against Italy. Navidi, who ranks second with 60 hits, has also made two try assists and won three turnovers. Meanwhile, with five turnovers and 64 carries for 311 metres made during the Six Nations, despite his retirement plans, Stander edges past Taulupe Faletau to gain selection.