Wednesday 15 February 2017 13:56, UK
Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the Six Nations matches so far will have given British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland "a good few headaches".
Two thirds of the games so far have been decided by six points or less, with only Italy finding themselves way off the pace.
Jenkins - himself a former Lion - says the fact that places in the Lions squad are up for grabs explains the brutal intensity of the Six Nations so far.
"There are a couple of things - the (bonus) points-scoring system and teams intent on wanting to score tries and maybe play a different brand of rugby, and the biggest one of all is the Lions," he said.
"For these players at the top-end of the game, whether it be in Wales, England, Scotland or Ireland, it is a unique thing to be involved in, the Lions.
"It happens once every four years, so, more often than not, these players empty the tank. The autumn is important - but it's nothing compared to what the Six Nations is.
"There is a trophy at stake, and there is a Lions tour at stake at the end of it, and every single player who is involved in any of these squads will want to give it their best and try to stake a claim for a Lions spot in the summer, and none bigger than a tour of New Zealand."
Fly-half is an area of particular strength, with the likes of Johnny Sexton, George Ford, Owen Farrell, Finn Russell and Dan Biggar among those set to exercise Gatland's thought process.
"Johnny Sexton is not playing at this minute, but he is a world-class 10 who was outstanding with the Lions four years ago," Jenkins added.
"Paddy Jackson has been playing very well; you've got George Ford, Owen Farrell, who is exceptional at 10 or 12; Dan (Biggar) with ourselves; and obviously Finn Russell, who is a very good player as well.
"That's just talking about the 10s, let alone all the other positions. I am sure 'Gats' and the staff will have a good few headaches when the time comes for selection.
"There are a lot of big games to come yet, and it will be quite interesting to see how it unfolds."
Jenkins was hugely impressed with Biggar against England on Saturday, the fly-half playing superbly despite bruised ribs.
"I thought Dan was huge on Saturday (against England). I thought his all-round contribution was massive. He had a big game and certainly put a marker down going forward," said Jenkins.
"There are a lot of good 10s out there, but I am biased, I am Welsh, and I am a massive fan of Dan.
"I think he is an outstanding player, and he would certainly fit into any Lions squad as far as I am concerned."
