Likely Lions: Flankers

I forgot Stephen Ferris, he is also a strong contender.

Again, an embrassment of riches, as in the second row. I'd swap Jones for Ferris and I could see Tom Wood emerging into the role, though he's not there yet. I can't think of anyone else yet

Thinking wider, and I know DBM has mentioned this, we also need to think of players who a) Will be leaders b) Have experience c) Instill togetherness and d) Understand the Lions ethos - b & d are particularly important given that Gatland doesn't have this.

There will be players like Adam Jones, Paul O'Connell, Brian O'Driscoll who have this, but its important to remember that its not just their individual skills that will produce successes. This will be important if stronger personalities like Dylan Hartley are selected and was the role filled last time by Simon Shaw

Tough indeed.
6 is between Croft, Ferris and Lydiate.
I'd have to go with the beast that is Ferris with Croft as back-up and giving something different.
7 comes down to Warburton and, well, Warburton so, I'll go with Warburton.
Sean O'Brien may be the best bench option given his ability to cover any of the back row slots even if he did look less comfortable at 7.

I think 7 is locked down Warburton because its absolutely essential to have a genuine 7 to counter the abilities of Pocock.
That would leave 6 up for grabs and I personally could not even think of looking beyond Ferris.

DingBatMan -

I rate Ferris very highly but to say you can't look beyond him, what about player of the Six Nations Dan Lydiate, the man who will put his head anywhere and tackle anything!?

Indeed Hook, but a player from the GS winning side was always going to be chosen as player of the Competition. Just as Sean O'Brian is currently the European player of the year Being in the champions team.
But Even when Irelands heads were dropping and humiliated against England, Ferris never waned. He played brilliantly in a team that was suffering. He was our best player in almost every game. Regardless of if we were winning or losing. And that's the hard edge i would want on a lions tour to OZ where you know there is going to be niggles and off the ball stuff.

That said I can't argue with Lydiate should he be chosen. He's very good but in a different way.

Would take Ferris as 5th instead of Jones, Croft and Warburton to start.

Loose forwards are an area of strength for AUS as well.

Anyone remember a player called Pocock? AUS have nothing to fear when it comes to loosies, now props on the other hand.....