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Miles Harrison's 50 greatest Lions: 20-11

Miles Harrison is picking his 50 greatest Lions in the build-up to the tour to New Zealand
Image: Miles Harrison is picking his 50 greatest Lions in the build-up to the tour to New Zealand

We are in the top 20 for Miles Harrison's 50 greatest British and Irish Lions, based on tours the Sky Sports commentator has followed.

There were some big names in the opening batch of players revealed by Miles, with Neil Jenkins, Mike Teague and Sam Warburton included, while the 40-31 bracket contained the likes of JJ Williams, Dean Richards and Paul Wallace.

The top 30 introduced Paul O'Connell and Gavin Hastings, as well as Scott and Derek Quinnell - but who is in the top 20? Miles continues his countdown to the 2017 tour with a player each day.

11. Keith Wood

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Keith Wood's kick and chase set up Jeremy Guscott's series-winning drop goal in 1997

Miles says: "A talismanic all-action presence who delivered some truly unforgettable displays with total devotion to the cause at the heart of them."

12. Phil Bennett

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Sir Gareth Edwards talks about playing alongside Lions legends Phil Bennett and Barry John

Miles says: "Replaced Barry John and, in 1974, the Lions never missed a beat although, with his famous side-step, his opponents missed their tackles."

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13. Jeremy Guscott

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Jeremy Guscott slotted a drop goal to secure a series victory for the Lions in 1997

Miles says: "The silky runner who dropped a goal to win a series - the thoroughbred with the Midas touch."

14. Mike Gibson

Mike Gibson
Image: Mike Gibson was part of two winning Lions tours in the 70s

Miles says: "A great talent and an immense competitor - the Jackie Kyle or Brian O'Driscoll of his generation."

15. Sir Ian McGeechan

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Relive Ian McGeechan's spine-tingling speech to the players on the 2013 tour of Australia

Miles says: "He certainly played his part on the field but his coaching has made him 'Mr Lions' and nobody embodies the Lions' spirit more."

16. Gordon Brown

Gordon Brown
Image: Gordon Brown embodied the Lions ethos on and off the field

Miles says: "A key player in the Lions' greatest two series, 'Broon from Troon' was as loyal and valuable on the field as he was amusing and affable off it."

17. Scott Gibbs

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Scott Gibbs runs through Springbok hardman Os du Randt in 1997!

Miles says: "'The fastest prop in the world' returned from league with power and professionalism the like of which the Lions had not seen before."

18. Fran Cotton

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Image: Fran Cotton was part of the winning Lions tour of 1974

Miles says: "Famous for the 'mud-shot' in New Zealand in 1977, he was 'no mug' as a star Lion in 1974 and an authoritative, square-jawed manager in 1997."

19. Richard Hill

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Richard Hill - Part of the winning tour of 1997

Miles says: "Look beyond the aberration that was 2005 and, when this man was on the field, the Lions were always winning - understated but he should never be underrated."

20. Fergus Slattery

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Image: Fergus Slattery won two series with the Lions

Miles says: "With unquenchable drive, this force of nature would never give anything up to be a constant thorn in the opposition's side."

Miles' greatest Lions: 30-21

Miles' greatest Lions: 40-31

Miles' greatest Lions: 50-41

The 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from June 3

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