15. Leigh Halfpenny - Wales

Stuart Hogg and Alex Goode have performed admirably over the past two months but Halfpenny's close-to half century of international caps coupled with his long-range kicking ability makes him a shoe-in.

14. Sean Maitland - Scotland

Options aplenty for Warren Gatland there might be, but form and tries were few and far between for wingers in the Six Nations. The New Zealand-born Maitland's use of the ball in defeat to England suggests he's ready.

13. Brian O'Driscoll (c) - Ireland

A fitting final bow without the sentimentality attached. The way he weaved his way through against Wales, who were water-tight at times, displayed his ability to inspire remains. The outstanding candidate to captain the tour.

12. Manu Tuilagi - England

Despite just scoring five tries, England impressed with a high amount of line breaks, largely down to the power of Tuilagi. If O'Driscoll might spark some invention, then Tuilagi will provide the ideal foil and 10 tries in 21 tests suggests he delivers.

11. George North - Wales

With two tries in his last 14 tests, North doesn't breed confidence in terms of his scoring, but his success in beating players in the Six Nations is a sign his form is returning. At just 20 already has over 30 caps to his name.

Warren Gatland
Gatland and his coaching team face a difficult task in picking the Lions XV.

10. Owen Farrell - England

Another young buck, but whose consistency with the boot, before arriving in Cardiff, is of a individual performing far above his years. One of the four nominees for the IRB World Player of the Year award and the exceptional fly half in the northern hemisphere.

9. Mike Phillips - Wales

A position where without the injured Rhys Priestland, viable options and form are few and far between. Ben Youngs has enjoyed success in Australia previously, but Phillips' performance against England should see him get the nod.

1. Gethin Jenkins - Wales

A position cemented by a solid display through the Six Nations, his crowning moment coming as he dominated Dan Cole. Leader of men for Wales on Saturday is liable to be the linchpin of the front row down under.

2. Rory Best - Ireland

A late surge from Richard Hibbard notwithstanding, Best is another whose grip on the hooker position tightened as the Six Nations progressed. Brings pace and the pain of missing out in 2009 as additional inspiration.

3. Adam Jones - Wales

To complete the two props who startedn the second test against South Africa four years ago, Jones brings with him a wall of know-how and stability in the front-row.

Brian O'Driscoll
O'Driscoll's Irish career may be over but he may be handed another opportunity to captain the Lions.

4. Joe Launchbury - England

Arguably one of the fastest improving players available for selection for Gatland. Comfortable to offload in the tackle, a source of consistency at the line out and technically sound also.

5. Alun Wyn Jones - Wales

Played sporadically throughout the tournament, but proved himself central to Wales' new found defensive resilience, as Rob Howley's side didn't concede a try upon his return. Ospreys form crucial to earning a start.

6. Sean O'Brien - Ireland

A farmers boy at heart, but now a devilish aspect of an Irish side which has struggled in 2013. Starred amid a run of one win in the championship, but his mobility sees him ahead of the tackle hungry Tom Wood.

7. Sam Warburton - Wales

His form questioned over the last two months, when it really mattered Warburton overshadowed his opposite number Chris Robshaw in Cardiff to memorable effect. Might not travel as captain, but is a crucial aspect of the Lions' armoury.

8. Jamie Heaslip - Ireland

Perhaps the most competitive position of the XV. Ben Morgan's ball carrying attributes make him a big favourite, but with injury having prevented him from featuring since the opening weekend, Heaslip is the natural replacement, if not superior option.

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