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The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Music icon uses final lifeline on tough 90s pop question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – but would you have got it?
A MUSIC icon was forced to use his final lifeline on a tough 90s pop question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - but would you have got it? Jeremy Clarkson welcomed Jools Holland to the ITV quiz's famous hotseat. 7 7 Jools was in the hotseat for a special celebrity edition of the show, which also featured, Nina Wadia, and Ugo Monye, all aiming to win money for charity. When it was the piano man's time to face Jeremy, he struggled early on. He used both his "ask the audience" and "phone a friend" lifelines by the time he reached the £1,000 question. Jools then used his "50/50" on a question about Joe Wicks. So when he got to the big £16,000 question, he only had one lifeline left. Which was lucky because he was totally stumped when he was asked a question about the Spice Girls - a band he has a close relationship with. The answers to choose from were: A) Emma B) Geri C) Victoria or D) Melanie C. However the music legend, who appeared in the famous girl group's 1997 film SpiceWorld The Movie - was left scratching his head, and had to use his "ask the host" lifeline. Between him and Jeremy, they managed to answer the question correctly, which was, "C) Victoria." Celeb Millionaire contestant forced to use lifeline on tricky Shakespeare question - but could you get it right- After it was revealed he had got the question right, the pianist pretended to wipe his brow and fall off his chair in exasperation. Jools went onto bow out of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? with £16,000, which he donated to The Prince's Trust and Caring Hands charities. ACTRESS STUMPED In the same episode, fellow contestant, actress Nina Wadia, also found herself stumped - this time over a tricky Shakespeare question. The former EastEnders star has already exhausted three lifelines before facing the big £64,000 question. It posed: "The origin of the modern phrase 'there's a method in my madness' can be traced back to which Shakespeare tragedy?" 7 7 Nina's available options were A) King Lear, B) Macbeth, C) Othello or D) Hamlet. Having been asked by Jeremy, the star admitted she "loves Shakespeare" but was struggling to work out the correct answer. She believed either B) Macbeth or D) Hamlet was right, although wasn't fully certain on either. 7 Nina therefore opted to use her last lifeline - Ask the Audience - to help out. The results showed 43% believed the answer was Macbeth while Hamlet placed second with 32%. Nina selected Macbeth, but the correct answer turned out to be Hamlet. She still walked away with £32,000 for her charity - having set her safety net at that amount - in the episode first aired last year. Who has won the jackpot on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has offered hundreds of hopeful contestants the chance to become millionaires, but there has only been a handful of lucky winners. There have only been five real winners so far on the show as Charles Ingram, who was the third winner of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in 2001, had his claim to the prize thrown out because of cheating allegations. The official winners are... Judith Keppel In 2000, garden designer Judith Keppel made quiz show history as she became the first ever winner of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Judith is also the only woman ever to have won the million-pound prize. David Edwards Former physics teacher David became the second contestant to win the top prize in April 2001. Following his success, Edwards went on to compete in both series of Are You an Egghead? in 2008 and 2009. Robert Brydges Oxford-educated banker Robert became the third Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? champion when he won the quiz show several moths after David in 2001. Robert has stayed out of the limelight since his win. Pat Gibson World champion Irish quiz player Pat won the show in 2004. Amazingly Pat had TWO of his lifelines still available for his final question, something no other winner has managed. Ingram Wilcox Ingram came close to losing on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2006 as he had used all his lifelines up at the £32,000 mark, but in a shocking twist he went on to scoop the jackpot. In the end, the right answer ultimately turned out to be B) Serendipity. Nicholas didn't let much disappointment show, as he optimistically said: "Still get £125,000." Speaking afterwards, Jeremy estimated: "We've just seen a contestant lose what we think is the biggest amount of money in Millionaire history." Who Wants To Be A Millionaire airs on ITV1 and ITVX. 7
The Guardian
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Farrell plays the O2 Arena but Lions squad reveal slips up by charging fans
When the scores are tied, there's 50 seconds left on the clock, and you need someone who's going to step up and take that drop goal, then Andy Farrell was your man. And when the series is all-square with one game left to play, and you need someone to give the big speech that's exactly what everyone needs to hear in the last hours before the match, you won't find many better. He may very well turn out to be exactly who you need to lead a group of 38 best players from across Britain and Ireland through a six-week tour of Australia, too. Whether any of this means Farrell's someone you want to pay to see play the O2 Arena is another matter. But here he was under the bright lights, regardless sandwiched between Usher and Olly Murs in the (un)coveted Wednesday 3pm slot at the Indigo Lounge, front and centre of the British & Irish Lions' first-ever live squad announcement show. 'So what makes the Lions so special, Andy?' asked the presenter, Lee McKenzie. 'Well,' Farrell replied under his breath, 'it's impossible to put into words'. After four years of waiting, the final 30 minutes started to feel painfully long. Rugby isn't very good at razzmatazz. Three months back Formula One made a runaway success of using this same venue for its season launch, but then, with the best will in the world, they were offering the attendees a little more than the chance to listen to Irish scrum coach John Fogarty make small talk with Ugo Monye, or offer a round of applause to Gavin Hastings, who was sitting in a box somewhere up in the gods. At one point McKenzie asked Monye what he remembered about the day he found out he had been selected, back in 2009. 'The hardest thing about it was waiting, so shall we just get on with it?' Monye said, which got a loud round of applause. He always did have a good eye for an opening. Not that it's such a bad idea to turn the British and Irish Lions squad announcement into a live event. The squad selection is, after all, the most distinctive thing about the team, their USP, as the corporate sorts who run the sport say. It's the fact that the Lions had decided they needed to charge people to come along and watch it which felt all wrong. Tickets went on sale for £60, were then reduced to £35, and, in the very end, were being given away for free, first come first serve, and even then there were plenty of empty seats in the room. No one I spoke to who had paid for their place had been offered a refund. Whatever the Lions are supposed to be about, (and there was, as there always is, an awful lot of talk about their values) it isn't money. It surely would have been a better idea to give the tickets to players, coaches, and administrators who volunteer to help run rugby clubs around the four countries, or people who missed out on going to the 2021 tour to South Africa at the last minute because of the travel restrictions during the pandemic, or even to distribute them to the rugby-playing schools in the neighbourhood, instead of using it as an opportunity to gouge an extra few thousand pounds out of the fans. The few hundred who had made their way along looked a little lost inside the shopping mall that surrounds the venue. Most decided, in the tradition of these things, that in doubt the best thing to do was get along to the bar for a couple of jars, and there was a rush on in the All Bar One in the lobby. They were all wearing red Lions jerseys of one vintage or another, and swapping war stories about the tours they'd been on together. People love this team, and, given what they pay to follow them, they deserve better than being charged fifty quid to provide room meat for a live stream of a squad naming. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion They even had a man out in the crowd telling everyone when it was time to clap. When Maro Itoje walked in they didn't need any prompting, but got to their feet and started whooping and hollering. A couple of burly, bald blokes at the back started celebrating like they'd just won the call-up themselves. Because there is, still, a beautiful idea at the heart of all this. The Lions are unlike anything else in all sport, you just wish it wasn't getting harder and harder to find it, buried there somewhere underneath all the nonsense.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Maro Itoje is a shoo-in for captain but other Lions hopefuls are in for an anxious morning... prepare for drama, shocks and raw emotion as squad for Australia tour is unveiled
England captain Maro Itoje 's coronation on Thursday as the Lion king is now regarded as a formality, but there will be drama and tension, shocks and raw emotion when the squad is named in London. Around Britain and Ireland, and far beyond, hopeful players and intrigued supporters will be filled with nervous anticipation as they await confirmation of Andy Farrell's tour party for the mission to Australia, which begins late next month. From 2pm, the announcement will be made live on Sky Sports and via the Lions' own YouTube channel. There will be reports, analysis and reaction on Mail Sport as the event unfolds. Close to 2,000 spectators will be in attendance at the O2 Arena in London, along with around 200 members of accredited media. Preparations were taking place on Wednesday to transform the venue's Indigo room into a 'Lions' Den', with a familiar red colour scheme and a giant, 16ft wide screen as the centre piece of the announcement. Former England and Lions wing Ugo Monye and sports broadcaster Lee McKenzie will host proceedings. As well as being used to reveal the names of the chosen men, the giant screen will show scene-setting footage before the ceremony, then reaction clips and social-media posts. Clubs and players have been encouraged to share images of the scenes as squad news emerges. The captain will be the only player in attendance and, since Ireland skipper Caelan Doris suffered a shattering shoulder injury last Saturday, the tussle for that coveted role appears to have become a one-horse race. Itoje has won widespread acclaim for the way he led England during the Six Nations and last night he was expected to attend a dinner with former Lions captains in London, before being unveiled as the skipper on Thursday. From 2pm, Lions chairman Ieuan Evans will be charged with announcing a squad of between 38 and 40 players for the crusade Down Under, which culminates with three Tests against the resurgent Wallabies. The former Wales captain will — in keeping with tradition — read out the names in alphabetical order; forwards first and then backs. It is impossible to exaggerate the secrecy which surrounds this event. Players other than the captain — and a small contingent of absolute certainties — are genuinely in the dark. Most are reluctant to even discuss the possibility of winning selection, such is the level of superstition. The hopefuls will learn their fate at the same time as the public — a unique scenario. Some players in contention will be with team-mates at their clubs, others will be at home with family and friends. From the Premiership, Saracens and Northampton — who are both expected to have multiple players picked — will watch together at training grounds. Sale are another English club who could be well represented and their squad will follow proceedings while on a coach journey to Leicester, where they face the Tigers on Thursday night. With the captaincy debate all but ended by Doris's plight, the main area of intrigue is the identity of the chosen fly-halves. Will Farrell Snr turn to his son, Owen? Will he reward George Ford's supreme form? Will he ignore doubts from last weekend and pick Leinster's Sam Prendergast? Will he find space for both of England's Smiths — Fin and Marcus? Another fascinating sub-plot involves the new English sensation, Northampton flanker Henry Pollock. Has the rookie done enough to force his way in? Back row is a fiercely contested area but there is still faint hope for Brive's former England captain, Courtney Lawes. He is among those based in France hoping for a shot. Blair Kinghorn is a certainty if fit, but he and Jack Willis are both likely to arrive late if picked, due to Toulouse commitments. For those selected, this will be a cherished honour and a career peak, but also a lucrative tour — worth up to £100,000 each. The Lions will have a meet-up, fit-out and admin day later this month, then a training camp in the Algarve from June 9, before facing Argentina in Dublin on June 20. The following day, they will depart for Australia, where the tour begins in Perth.
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
'I love seeing that' – Ugo Monye adamant 20-year-old deserves British and Irish Lions spot
'I love seeing that' – Ugo Monye adamant 20-year-old deserves British and Irish Lions spot Former British and Irish Lions tourist Ugo Monye has called for 20-year-old prodigy Henry Pollock to travel to Australia this summer despite concerns around his lack of experience Former British and Irish Lions star Ugo Monye is pulling for Henry Pollock to tour Australia this summer (Image:) Anticipation is building ahead of Thursday's British and Irish Lions squad announcement, and there's one name in particular that Ugo Monye is desperate to see included. And he won't be the only one across the British Isles rooting for 20-year-old Henry Pollock to land a spot on the plane to Australia. Fresh from a tide-turning performance against Irish superpower Leinster in the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup, Pollock's stock is higher than ever. It was his run-in to score from the halfway line that helped make the difference in a historic 37-34 win for Northampton, who will return to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2011 as a result. Having only become part of Phil Dowson's first-team set-up this season, the back-rower boasts a remarkable 12 tries from just 24 appearances for club and country this season. And two of those came as a substitute when he made his senior England debut against Wales during the Six Nations. Pollock will hope head coach Andy Farrell bears in mind the words of Manchester United icon Sir Matt Busby when picking his final selection. It was the late manager who famously said "if you're good enough, you're old enough," and Pollock has surely demonstrated that he meets the standard. "He was excited. He was relishing it," Monye told Wales Online while discussing Pollock's latest star turn ahead of Lions announcement week. "His first involvement was to shoulder charge former World Player of the Year Josh van der Flier. It was a daft penalty, but it was a statement. That was the biggest thing. It was like, 'Right, I'm here. I can mix it with the big boys.' "His try is outrageous. His try is absolutely obscene. But the confidence with 45 metres to go. I reckon I could do it with five metres. I love seeing that from wingers, and I don't see it enough, let alone a 20-year-old playing European rugby." Pollock continues to shatter expectations after a Player of the Match-worthy performance in Northampton's iconic win over Leinster (Image:) Ex-Harlequins winger Monye - who finished as the Lions' top try-scorer on their 2009 tour of South Africa - went on to highlight how Pollock is no longer exceeding expectations. However, that's only because the youngster has been so consistent in his work that excellence is what viewers have come to expect. The last 12 months have been a whirlwind for the Banbury-born flanker, who spent a short spell on loan with Bedford last season before Saints truly appreciated the talent they had. And despite only having a single international cap to his name, the former England under-18 captain could feasibly end this summer with more appearances for the Lions than his own country. Yet there are only around 37 places up for grabs, and approximately seven of those will be dedicated to the back row. England alone have a wealth of other candidates in the likes of Tom Willis, Ben Earl and the Curry brother, Ben and Tom. Farrell will be expected to take a hefty contingent from his Ireland squad, with Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan almost shoo-ins. That's without mentioning Wales skipper Jac Morgan, or Scottish options like Rory Darge, Jamie Ritchie and Jack Dempsey, who was born and raised in Sydney. The back-rower scored twice in his senior England debut against Wales, not long after his 20th birthday (Image: Dan Mullan - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images ) The competition is exceedingly high in his position, and yet Pollock still represents something "unique", according to Monye. The Saints star has obliterated every challenge and obstacle put in his path to date, so there's little reason to believe Joe Schmidt's Wallabies would be the one to stop him. Pollock might play with a boyish smile often plastered across his face, but his impact is often of a man far beyond his years. And it's Monye's hope that the one statistic that isn't taken into account when deciding the Lions squad is his age. "I think we've also got to respect that he is still a young man, and there are still parts of his game where he can improve," he added. "But every single 20-year-old playing rugby can get better, and I'm excited to see what the finished version of him looks like. Article continues below "The level he has set, there aren't many that capture your attention [like that]. But Henry Pollock is real, he's here to stay, and it's all underpinned with an unbelievable work rate and competitive edge. He is playing at a level that is completely unignorable right now." Ugo Monye was speaking on behalf of Genting Casino. For a chance to roar the Lions on in Melbourne and Sydney, then head over to Genting Casino LIONS TOUR 18+BeGambleAware
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
You are the head coach: Guardian writers choose their own Lions squads
Ugo Monye Build the team around The majority of my spine players come in the pack. In some areas the leading candidate is a cut above the rest and none more so than Dan Sheehan at hooker. He's nailed on as first choice. I'd put Maro Itoje in that bracket too and, due to lack of alternatives, I would've had Caelan Doris before news of his shoulder injury emerged. Perhaps the most important player is the one back I've selected in this category, however. Jamison Gibson-Park has been so exceptionally consistent and is someone you can look to build around. You build a team around your players of influence and, for me, they are Sheehan, Itoje and Gibson-Park. Advertisement Related: The Breakdown | Andy Farrell faces Owen question as selection debates pile up for Lions squad Definitely maybes Henry Pollock is the obvious candidate. What a 12 months he has had. He won the junior World Cup last summer, has starred in Northampton's European campaign to the extent he's been nominated for player of the year, scored two tries on his England debut and just went toe to toe with the best back-row contingent in the club game. Every challenge he is presented with he is rising to and I'd expect no different on a Lions tour. I'm not sure bolter is the right term, but in terms of someone who has come late to the conversation, I'd also include George Ford. I'd have him on the tour. He is as close to a player-coach as you are likely to see. He's having to come up the rails because he appeared only once in the Six Nations – but what a cameo that was against Wales – and his Premiership form has galvanised Sale. Captain Maro Itoje. He has become a better player since he has taken on the responsibility for club and country. There are so many ways to compliment him but I look to his durability. He has played every minute of every England Six Nations match in the past six years. Tight matches are won and lost in the last 20 minutes and knowing your captain will be there till the end makes such a difference. Starting Test fly-half Finn Russell. He's been there and he'd be the only fly-half in this squad who has been on a Lions tour before. There's a step up from club rugby to European rugby, another to international rugby and another still to the Lions. As a result, experience matters. It helps he has knockout matches and he can sharpen the tools at the sharp end of the season. Advertisement What would keep me awake Injuries to big players between now and the end of the season. It's the harsh reality of the sport. There are some players you just can't afford to lose. I can vividly remember our last training session before we went to South Africa in 2009 and Jerry Flannery dislocated an elbow. It's just so tough. My key strategy to beat Wallabies We're in an era of ball movement that suits a fast-paced game. France have won the Six Nations scoring more tries and points than anyone, while we're seeing it in Super Rugby and domestically, that's the trend. I can talk about the fundamentals, set-piece, defence and so on but the Lions have to be a fearless team that want to move the ball. My Lions 37 Hookers Jamie George Eng, Ronan Kelleher Ire, Dan Sheehan Ire. Props Ellis Genge Eng, Zander Fagerson Sco, Tadhg Furlong Ire, Andrew Porter Ire, Pierre Schoeman Sco, Will Stuart Eng. Second-rows Tadhg Beirne Ire, Ollie Chessum Eng, Maro Itoje Eng, Joe McCarthy Ire. Back-rows Tom Curry Eng, Caelan Doris Ire, Ben Earl Eng, Matt Fagerson Sco, Jac Morgan Wal, Henry Pollock Eng, Josh van der Flier Ire. Scrum-halves Jamison Gibson-Park Ire, Alex Mitchell Eng, Tomos Williams Wal. Fly-halves George Ford Eng, Finn Russell Sco, Fin Smith Eng. Centres Bundee Aki Ire, Huw Jones Sco, Garry Ringrose Ire, Sione Tuipulotu Sco. Back three Elliot Daly Eng, Tommy Freeman Eng, Hugo Keenan Ire, Blair Kinghorn Sco, James Lowe Ire, Marcus Smith Eng, Duhan van der Merwe Sco. Robert Kitson Build the team around The spine of any successful Lions team has to be super strong. And if Dan Sheehan, Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne, Taulupe Faletau, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Blair Kinghorn are all fit and firing, the Test XV will take some subduing. Caelan Doris's probable absence is a blow but Henry Pollock has leapfrogged into contention at the right time. The Lions will need to compete hard at the breakdown, to win turnovers for their talented backs and to stop the Wallabies from gathering momentum. Advertisement Definitely maybes Pollock would have been a bolter last month, but his stunning display against Leinster has retired that definition. Courtney Lawes may seem a retro choice, but the intense tour schedule suits a tough, versatile forward with Lions experience. A long trek around, say, New Zealand might have necessitated a third specialist fly-half but Blair Kinghorn and Tom Jordan can wear 10 if required. The alternative is to pick Owen Farrell and Elliot Daly: if Kinghorn's tour arrival is delayed, there needs to be full-back cover. Captain Maro Itoje. Captaincy seems to enhance his game and Doris's untimely shoulder injury has cruelly derailed the Irishman's bid. Starting Test fly-half Finn Russell. That said, it would be no huge surprise if the steadily improving Fin Smith ends up starting at some stage. What would keep me awake What, apart from the snakes, the spiders and the sharks? Probably the certain knowledge that the ex-Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, now in charge of the Wallabies, will have a wily tactical plan up his sleeve. And the ominous spectre of Australia's new star, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, soaring above every Lion to poach the series' first high ball. Advertisement My key strategy to beat the Wallabies Win the first Test at all costs. Australia are liable to improve as the series progresses. And put some serious pressure on the Wallaby half-backs. Hassle their playmakers and there will be less scope for the aforementioned Suaalii and co to run free and cause potential havoc. My Lions 37 Hookers Jamie George Eng, Luke Cowan-Dickie Eng, Dan Sheehan Ire. Props Zander Fagerson Sco, Tadhg Furlong Ire, Ellis Genge Eng, Andrew Porter Ire, Pierre Schoeman Sco, Nicky Smith Wal, Will Stuart Eng. Second-rows Tadhg Beirne Ire, Ollie Chessum Eng, Maro Itoje Eng, Joe McCarthy Ire, Courtney Lawes Eng. Back-rows Tom Curry Eng, Ben Earl Eng, Taulupe Faletau Wal, Jac Morgan Wal, Henry Pollock Eng, Sam Underhill Eng. Scrum-halves Jamison Gibson-Park Ire, Alex Mitchell Eng, Tomos Williams Wal. Fly-halves Finn Russell Sco, Fin Smith Eng, Tom Jordan Sco. Centres Bundee Aki Ire, Huw Jones Sco, Sione Tuipulotu Sco, Garry Ringrose Ire. Wings Tommy Freeman Eng, Darcy Graham Sco, James Lowe Ire, Duhan van der Merwe Sco. Full-backs Hugo Keenan Ire, Blair Kinghorn Sco. Gerard Meagher Build the team around Before the Six Nations the short answer was Ireland's forward pack and Scotland's back division. England's resurgence as the competition went on ensures they will be well represented, however, and in Maro Itoje and Tom Curry provide two players around whom to build the team. Dan Sheehan at hooker and the scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park are others. Gibson-Park's game management is such a strength that he is arguably the most influential player set to make the trip. For all the back-row options, there is not a great deal of No 8s so Caelan Doris is included if fully fit. It's a big if, though. Advertisement Definitely maybes Henry Pollock has emerged as the most likely bolter in the true sense of the word and deserves a place on the plane. Would Owen Farrell be a bolter given he hasn't played Test rugby since 2023? His pedigree ensures he makes the trip but the difficulty in selecting players based in France means that while he, Blair Kinghorn and David Ribbans are picked, Jack Willis, Kyle Sinckler and Ben White are not. The back row is the hardest area of the field to select but Scotland's Jamie Ritchie deserves a call for his form during the Six Nations. Captain Jamie George. The England hooker is universally popular and though he would not start in the Test team – maybe even not make the bench – he would be an excellent tour captain. Itoje, Doris if fit or Farrell can assume the role on the field but how the captain leads the squad off the field is more important and there is no better candidate than George. Starting Test fly-half Owen Farrell. He is a three-time Lion, finding some form for Racing 92 of late – last weekend notwithstanding – and he commands the respect of his peers. In terms of age-profile, George Ford should be his closest rival but, not for the first time, the Sale Shark misses out. Finn Russell wears No 22, Fin Smith plays in midweek. What would keep me awake Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Any highlights reel of his debut at Twickenham would do the trick. He has the aerial ability, the deft hands and the athleticism to worry any Lions supporter but the temperament too, as shown with how he conducted himself during the autumn. The most troubling thing about him, however, is that he has a coach as canny as Joe Schmidt who will be perfecting his plans as to how best to deploy him. Advertisement My key strategy to beat Wallabies Beat them on the floor and keep their counterattacking opportunities to a minimum. It is why I would copy from Steve Borthwick's playbook and pick three dynamic, all-action back-rowers – Ritchie, Tom Curry and Doris if fit – with Pollock on the bench. A lack of exceptional pace out wide also means the Lions will have to rule the skies. My Lions 37 Hookers Theo Dan Eng, Jamie George Eng, Dan Sheehan Ire. Props Zander Fagerson Sco, Tadhg Furlong Ire, Ellis Genge Eng, Asher Opoku-Fordjour Eng, Andrew Porter Ire, Will Stuart Eng. Second-rows Tadhg Beirne Ire, Scott Cummings Sco, Maro Itoje Eng, Joe McCarthy Ire, David Ribbans Eng. Back-rows Ryan Baird Ire, Jack Conan Ire, Tom Curry Eng, Caelan Doris Ire, Henry Pollock Eng, Jamie Ritchie Sco, Josh van der Flier Ire. Scrum-halves Jamison Gibson-Park Ire, Alex Mitchell Eng, Tomos Williams Wal. Fly-halves Owen Farrell Eng, Finn Russell Sco, Fin Smith Eng. Centres Bundee Aki Ire, Huw Jones Sco, Tom Jordan Sco, Sione Tuipulotu Sco. Back three Elliot Daly Eng, Tommy Freeman Eng, Hugo Keenan Ire, Blair Kinghorn Sco, James Lowe Ire, Duhan van der Merwe Sco. Andy Bull Build the team around An all-action front row of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Will Stuart, who has improved out of sight this season, and the utterly formidable locking combination of Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne. Behind them, Jamison Gibson-Park's smarts at scrum-half, and Finn Russell's finely honed partnership with the electric centre pairing of Sione Tuipoltu and Huw Jones. Truth is, the Lions are a hell of a lot stronger than the Wallabies. If they lose, it will be because they have failed to come together as a unit, which is why I've gone for the three familiar Scots in midfield. Advertisement Definitely maybes Dewi Lake squeezes in even after missing the Six Nations because the Lions is an exercise in team-building and you want to fill the squad with leaders. George Ford goes for similar reasons. If they were definitely fit, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Caelan Doris would make it, but why take the risk? Captain Maro Itoje will be first among equals. You don't lead players as good as these by what you say in the huddle, but by the standards you maintain every day, and Itoje's have been unimpeachable for years. Starting Test fly-half Don't you want to find out just how much fun Finn Russell could have orchestrating all that talent? What would keep me awake Worrying about where Blair Kinghorn fits in. He ought to be nailed on to play at full-back but the delay while he finishes his club season does no one any favours. Otherwise, you'd hope the only thing that would make you lose sleep would be the sound of everyone enjoying themselves. Advertisement My key strategy to beat Wallabies The Lions are in the unique position of having two world-class starting XVs in one squad. Australia just don't have the playing resources to match that strength in depth, so the replacements are going to make the difference. Load the bench with six forwards and set them loose together when there are 25 minutes left to play. My Lions 37 Hookers Dan Sheehan Ire, Jamie George Eng, Dewi Lake Wal. Props Andrew Porter Ire, Tadhg Furlong Ire, Will Stuart Eng, Ellis Genge Eng, Zander Fagerson Sco, Pierre Schoeman Sco. Second-rows Maro Itoje Eng, Tadhg Beirne Ire, Ollie Chessum Eng, Joe McCarthy Ire, George Martin Eng. Back-rows Tom Curry Eng, Jac Morgan Wal, Josh van der Flier Ire, Ben Earl Eng, Taulupe Faletau Wal, Jack Conan Ire. Scrum-halves Jamison Gibson-Park Ire, Tomos Williams Wal, Alex Mitchell Eng. Fly-halves Finn Russell Sco, Fin Smith Eng, George Ford Eng. Centres Sione Tuipulotu Sco, Huw Jones Sco, Bundee Aki Ire, Garry Ringrose Ire. Wings James Lowe Ire, Tommy Freeman Eng, Duhan van der Merwe Sco, Elliot Daly Eng. Full-backs Blair Kinghorn Sco, Hugo Keenan Ire, Marcus Smith Eng. Michael Aylwin Build team around Ugly forwards. And a proper game-manager at 10. Any strike runners beyond that, so much the better. It's a fairly standard formula for any team, but against Australia ugly forwards, in particular, come into their own. The Lions have options at tighthead, but Will Stuart is the pick of the scrummagers. Tadhg Beirne and Caelan Doris (if fit) are spine players, around whom the Lions could throw any number of punchy, ball-carrying forwards. George Ford is the best game-manager and always has been, as well as the best playmaker. But Blair Kinghorn, a fixture at full-back, could relieve him of place-kicking duties. With Bundee Aki and Duhan van der Merwe running riot around them … Definitely maybes The great imponderable is how closely Andy Farrell has been monitoring form in France. There is practically a team's worth of contenders there. All eyes will be on his fly-half picks, but Courtney Lawes has played a full and successful season in Pro D2. If Zander Fagerson is not fit, Kyle Sinckler may yet feature. All of these might be negotiable for early release, but Blair Kinghorn and Jack Willis, at Toulouse, are likely to make the Top 14 final at the end of June. Advertisement Captain Maro Itoje. Doris's form and fitness mean his case has slipped. It has taken a while for Itoje to be anointed as captain anywhere, but he is in form and in the engine room. Starting fly-half George Ford. Forget the Lions coach, if I'd been England coach he would have plenty more than 100 caps by now (it turns out he has 99, but he would have started more of them). Those fizzing passes across the face of defences, the variety of kicking, the eye for a gap. One of the great England fly-halves. What would keep me awake? Lack of ruthlessness. And the fact that it's Australia, who may not be the force they were but can still sting. England's defeat by the Wallabies in the autumn springs to mind, evidence of a ridiculous inability to finish a team off. Ireland's failure at World Cups, too. Leinster's wobbles in Europe … My key strategy to beat Wallabies Recruit Andy Farrell as coach. Maybe get his old mate Shaun Edwards across too. Forget the aura they brandish from their playing careers, these are good men who know how to manage and cajole. The loyalty and affection they inspire in their teams is obvious, and they work hard, as they did in their playing days, to maximise assets and identify weaknesses in the opposition. Just as well one of them is in charge. My Lions 37 Hookers Theo Dan Eng, Jamie George Eng, Dan Sheehan Ire. Props Zander Fagerson Sco, Tadhg Furlong Ire, Ellis Genge Eng, Andrew Porter Ire, Pierre Schoeman Sco, Will Stuart Eng. Second-rows Tadhg Beirne Ire, Maro Itoje Eng, George Martin Eng, Joe McCarthy Ire, Ryan Baird Ire. Back-rows Ben Curry Eng, Tom Curry Eng, Caelan Doris Ire, Ben Earl Eng, Courtney Lawes Eng, Josh van der Flier Ire, Tom Willis Eng. Scrum-halves Jamison Gibson-Park Ire, Alex Mitchell Eng, Tomos Williams Wal. Fly-halves George Ford Eng, Finn Russell Sco, Fin Smith Eng. Centres Bundee Aki Ire, Huw Jones Sco, Garry Ringrose Ire, Sione Tuipulotu Sco. Wings Tommy Freeman Eng, Darcy Graham Sco, James Lowe Ire, Duhan van der Merwe Sco. Full-backs Tom Jordan Sco, Blair Kinghorn Sco.
