Centres and Back 3

 In my fifth and final post, I will give my opinion on the centres, wingers, and fullbacks. Per the last posts, I will continue to follow the previous Lions tour format, so I will choose four centres, four wingers, and two fullbacks.

Centres

My starting inside centre and my captain for the whole tour is Sione Tuipulotu. Tuipulotu has been on outstanding form for Scotland, and Glasgow Warriors recently. He provides a hard-running line with great skills when needed to use them. Sione qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother who hails from Greenock.



Partnering Tuipulotu in the centre is Irish outside centre Robbie Henshaw. Henshaw has been a staple in both Ireland and Leinster's recent success. Henshaw has previously been on two Lions tours in 2017 and 2021, making 6 appearances across both tours.



My sub inside centre is Irish powerhouse, Bundee Aki. Aki is known for his try-scoring and playmaking abilities regularly performing for Connacht and Ireland. Aki qualifies to play for Ireland on residency grounds after emigrating from New Zealand. Aki was previously in the squad for the 2021 tour, making one appearance.

My final centre and my sub outside centre is Englishman Ollie Lawrence. Lawrence has been on top form for Bath, having scored 12 tries in 38 appearances since joining. Lawrence has never been on tour with the Lions before so will be hoping to be on the plane.

Wingers

My starting blind-side winger is Scotsman Duhan van der Merwe. Van der Merwe qualifies for Scotland through residency after signing for Edinburgh from the Bulls. Van der Merwe is Scotland’s leading all-time try scorer, having scored 29 tries in 42 appearances. Van de Merwe was called up for the Lions tour in 2021 making 7 appearances and scoring 5 tries.



My starting open-side winger is Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The Englishman has burst onto the scene, regularly scoring for England and Exeter, while also maintaining his medical degree at Exeter University. Feyi-Waboso previously played for Wales at youth level before changing to England to play senior rugby.



My next winger coming on tour is Irishman Mack Hansen. Hansen was born in Australia but qualifies to play for Ireland through his mother. Hansen has made 21 appearances for Ireland scoring 9 tries. Hansen is also well known for his strong personality off the park, regularly entertaining listeners with his interviews.

My final winger who will be making the trip to Australia is Darcy Graham. Graham scores tries for fun when fit, playing for both Edinburgh and Scotland. Graham is the second top all-time try scorer for Scotland trailing van der Merwe by one.

Full-back

My starting fullback is Blair Kinghorn. Kinghorn brings versatility to the park being able to cover at fullback, standoff, and wing. Kinghorn has seen his game reach the next level following his transfer from Edinburgh to Toulouse. Kinghorn is one of Scotland’s key players, bringing a vast skillset to the park.



My sub fullback is Irishman Hugo Keenan. Keenan came through the Irish rugby system playing 7s, before transitioning to playing 15s. Keenan has played 39 times for Ireland's 15s team, scoring 12 tries. Keenan is very strong under the high ball and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive fullbacks in the world. 

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