Shane Williams names his three ‘certainties’ for 2021 Lions XV

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Monday, 19 October 2020 at 10:52

bySteven Smith

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Wales and Lions legend Shane Williams has revealed the three players he’d bet on being in the British & Irish Lions XV for their first test against South Africa in 2021.

1. Josh Adams (Wales)

Current age 25
Major teams Cardiff Blues, Scarlets, Wales Under-20s, Worcester Warriors, Wales
Position Fullback, Wing
Caps/Tries/Points 24/14/70
Height 6 ft 0 in
Weight 211 lb

Williams said: "If Warren Gatland had to pick his British & Irish Lions Test team tomorrow then I reckon Josh would be in the starting XV. He is playing with confidence and he is making things happen around him.
The best wings are not just try scorers, but try makers. They do that by coming off their own wing, hunting for mismatches in midfield and creating space for others. That’s what Josh does so well."

DID YOU KNOW? He started every game in the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam campaign and scored tries in three successive games against Italy, England and Scotland.

2. Owen Farrell (England)

Current age 29 years
Major teams British and Irish Lions, England Under-20s, Saracens, England
Position Fly-half
Caps/Tries/Points 87/10/945
Height 5 ft 11 in
Weight 207 lb

Williams said: "South Africa next summer should be Farrell’s third Lions tour and he has already revealed his ice-cool nerve, and red-hot competitive streak on the last two trips to Australia and New Zealand. He could become one of the first Lions in history to play in three successive series and never end up on the losing side."

DID YOU KNOW? In 2005, a 13-year-old Farrell had a trial at Old Trafford, and did enough to convince the club's academy executives that the then goalkeeper deserved an extended spell with the club. Years later, friends hilariously dressed him up as a goalkeeper on his stag do.

3. Jonathan Davies (Wales)

Current age 32
Major teams British and Irish Lions, Clermont Auvergne, Scarlets, Welsh Probables, Wales
Position Centre
Caps/Tries/Points 87/16/80
Height 6 ft 1 in
Weight 222 lb

Williams said: "Jonathan has started all Six Lions Tests on the last two tours. What a statistic that is. It means he is an absolute definite to travel."

DID YOU KNOW? His nickname “Fox” comes from his parents’ pub in Carmarthenshire, the Fox and Hounds.