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Lions in waiting

Sky Sports rugby union writer Tony Curtis attempts to second guess Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions squad selection.

The waiting is almost over with Warren Gatland set to unveil his British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia on Tuesday.

Front row

There is a wealth of talent for Gatland to look at up front - but the Six Nations-winning trio of Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard and Gethin Jenkins seem to be favourites to tour. Like Wilkinson and Phillips, I would take Jenkins despite his French commitments. Cian Healy and Dan Cole have earned their places with their form over the past couple of seasons, while Mako Vunipola has played his way into contention, particularly with his ability in the loose. Rory Best will certainly push Hibbard hard for the No 2 jersey, while Tom Youngs has moved ahead of compatriot Dylan Hartley to provide cover. On standby: Ryan Grant and Mike Ross have stated strong cases to travel, while Andrew Sheridan has impressed for Toulon. In the battle for the hooker places Richardt Strauss, Ross Ford and Hartley haven't quite done enough to force their way into the squad but will certainly have been in the mix.

Second rows

Paul O'Connell is back to his best after a long injury absence and should gatecrash the squad. He has the all-round game and is a talismanic figure. Richie Gray and Joe Launchbury have the running games that will suit the conditions Down Under, while Geoff Parling and Alun Wyn Jones add the grunt and knowhow in the setpiece. On standby: It is hard on Donnacha Ryan and Ian Evans, who both performed with aplomb during the RBS Six Nations, however they have the ability to step up if needs be. Nathan Hines and Jim Hamilton could also force their way into the reckoning, too, if injuries bite.

Back rows

The hardest of all the areas of the squad to select - and it is the one area Wales could really dominate. Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Toby Faletau proved their worth during the Six Nations decider against England in Cardiff, while I would also go for Ryan Jones. He provides useful versatility across the back five and his leadership should not be underestimated. The explosive power of Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip earn them their places, while Tom Croft's running game and ability in the lineout earns him the final place. On standby: Chris Robshaw and Kelly Brown just miss out, as do Tom Wood and Peter O'Mahony. Dan Lydiate just hasn't had enough time to prove his fitness but don't be surprised if Steffon Armitage is involved at some point.

Captaincy

Arguably the most crucial of Gatland's decisions. There are a number of candidate who could step into the breach, with Sam Warburton - Gatland's captain during the World Cup and the 2012 Grand Slam-winning campaign - the favourite. However personally I would go for Paul O'Connell. The Ireland and Munster lock leads from the front and has an aura about him when he plays. He has done the job before to great credit and knows what it takes to unify the home unions.

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