Warren Gatland: Dream Lions XV from three tours

The Lions take on Australia next, 12 years after Gatland first led the team down under.

Prior to the New Zealander taking charge, they hadn’t won a series since 1997, but that all changed in 2013 as they defeated the Wallabies 2-1.

Four years later, they secured a creditable draw with the All Blacks before narrowly being edged out by South Africa on Saturday.

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales, 2013 & 2017): The fullback has deservedly picked up the player of the series crown in 2013. DIdn't quite hit the same heights in 2017.

14. George North (Wales, 2013 & 2017): What a tour in 2013! Sensational individual first Test try, a fireman’s lift on Israel Folau in the second while still holding the ball and series-sealing score in finale. He wasn't so good in New Zealand, but he still does enough to make Gatland's XV.

11. Anthony Watson (England, 2017 & 2021): The England winger survived a reckless assault from Sonny Bill Williams in the second test against the All Blacks in 2017 to provide powerful attacking running. A fantastic tour for him

13. Jonathan Davies (Wales, 2013 & 2017): Confessed to feeling like Public Enemy No 1 when selected ahead of Brian O’Driscoll for Test decider. But justified selection and excellent tour summed up by most starts. Was the man of the series against the All Blacks four years later.

12. Jamie Roberts (Wales, 2013): The Lions’ best player from the 2009 tour, he charged over for final try to spark wild celebrations in the series decider four years later in Sydney.

10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland, 2013 & 2017): The only choice to wear the No.10 jersey in 2013, he was key once again in 2017. The only choice for Warren Gatland's dream Lions XV.

9. Conor Murray (Ireland, 2013,2017 & 2021): Probably the in-form scrum-half all tour in 2013, and was the obvious pick onc again in 2017. Far less effective in 2021, but did enough on the previous two tours to make this selection.

1. Mako Vunipola (England, 2013,2017 & 2021): Emerged as one of the tour’s great off-the-field characters and an important figure after injuries to Healy and Jenkins. Came to the fore once again in 2017. Prop with the skills of a centre. 

2. Jamie George (England, 2017 & 2021): Zero starts for England prior to the tour, George played all three Tests for Lions in 2017. Deserved every ounce of praise that came his way. Despite not featuring in any of the 2021 tests, nobody has done enough to displace George.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland, 2017 & 2021): After making his name on the 2017 tour, the tighthead continued to look every inch the best front-rower in the world in 2021. He contributed equally in the loose and at the set-piece on his two tours so far.

4. Maro Itoje (England, 2017 & 2021): World-class in 2017. The English lock was in excellent form once again in 2021. He was one of few Lions forwards to consistently succeeded in clearing out and living with the physicality that the South African players brought.

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales, 2013, 2017 & 2021): Became a firm fixture in 2013, and was handed the leadership duties when Sam Warburton was injured. Led by example in Sydney climax and proved himself real captaincy material. Fantastic again four years later before making a inspirational return from injury to start all three tests again in 2021. Warren Gatland must see him as his most trusted lieutenant.

6. Sean O'Brien (Ireland, 2013 & 2017): Deputised well for crocked skipper Warburton during final Test and showed his versatility during the tour, appearing in all three positions across the back-row.  Intense and physical against the All Blacks, scoring one of the most memorable tries of all-time.

7. Sam Warburton (Wales, 2013 & 2017): In 2013, his marvellous performance in the second Test when he showed his power and ability at the breakdown. But tour was book-ended by injuries and he sat out Third Test decider. Returned to lead the side once against the All Blacks in 2017.

8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales, 2013,2017 & 2021): Gatland got it wrong when he left the Welsh workhorse out of the opening two Tests in 2013 after shining in franchise games but when he got the call he was immense. Outstanding tour again four years later. Crucial try in Second Test win.