Likely Lions: Second Row

In all honesty, you could field any 2 of those 5 and not have too many worries.

A rather nice embarrasment of riches here! I think the first 3 are undisputed, for the other two as you mentioned Evans, AW Jones, Charteris, Davies, Tom Palmer & Donncha O'Callaghan are all in with a shout

Who then to go with? For me I'd take Alun-Wyn Jones & Tom Palmer, both had limited roles in teh Six Nations, but I think are the best two when fully fit, I'm sorely tempted to go with O'Callaghan as he does seem to an an almost indefinable something, whether as a calming influence or nice to be around guy, so with a younger squad he certainly has a strong shout

So excited by the prospect of Lawes and Grey together. I just think they'll be formidable as a partnership, particularly in the loose.

I'm not a fan of A-WJs so I'd take Palmer or Davies ahead of him. Always liked DoC but just don;t think he's the force he once was, still he would bring experience so no complaints if he went.

Agreed SARS. Got to say that with Lawes not having done a great deal in the past year, his work before should see him through. Tho he probably wont start the main test games. Alot to choose from tho. Jeezzz

On DOC, he is very much ignored by many who don't see his work rate and commitment. But to be fair, while you are saying he brings experience he has never seemed to have used any of it on himself. He stills coughs up a lot of penalties

There might be a Plan B, and that is to field 3 players in the second row and hope no one notices .... not a strong Plan B admittedly, but an option nonetheless

From a Welsh point I would rate the Welsh one in this order.

AWJ
Davies
Chateris
Evans
R Jones

I think Lawes and Grey have to go, O'Connell if fit also. Then a toss up between some other great second rows. I don't think any of the mentioned would be a weak link.

I'd want to start with Grey and O'Connell with Lawes on the bench.
Grey was, for me, the player of the 6Nations and O'Connell, if he's not actually captain, will bring a wealth of leadership to the party. And he's playing great rugby at the moment.

I would go with GRAY (!!!) and Lawes. Two wrecking balls to get in the Aussies faces.

Indeed a potent combination Aristo, but where do we draw the line between potential (Lawes) and form (O'Connell)

Not to mention if u split O'Connell's career in half he still has more experience than both Gray and Lawes put together, and is a natural born leader, and is a world class second row.

For me tho its more about experience and leadership, and from that stand point, i dont mind who plays but i dont think we are likely to see a Gray & Lawes unit starting. Because they are very very green in terms of experience. And Lawes at the moment is way off the pace in terms of form, hes been quite unlucky with injury issues lately

AUS locks while not the best or most exciting are smart, experienced and i'd say underrated. Especially if the field their best two assuming no injuries occur they will do fine. As usual depth is AUS biggest weakness.

They won't dominate the lions but won't be easily dominated themselves. Lions with a slight edge here no matter who they choose.

AUS have an incredibly smart coach and have been masters of illegal scrumming, mauling etc for years to get around lighter / weaker props and locks.