British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland faces a difficult decision over who will captain the squad for the tour of New Zealand, with Owen Farrell emerging as a potential gamble. The England vice-captain has impressed during the Six Nations, establishing himself as a talisman for his country, but lacks international captaincy experience.
Sam Warburton remains a strong candidate after a series of outstanding displays for Wales, having previously captained the Lions in 2013. Alun Wyn Jones, who led the Lions to victory in the third Test against Australia in 2013, is also in contention, though competition in the second row is fierce with England's lock quartet and Scotland's Gray brothers vying for places.
Farrell's lack of captaincy experience may count against him, but Martin Johnson was also a rookie skipper when he led the Lions to victory in South Africa in 1997. Farrell's warrior instincts and technical ability make him a certainty to start, either at inside centre or fly-half.
England captain Dylan Hartley has done a remarkable job turning around England's fortunes under Eddie Jones, but Jamie George is considered a more complete hooker. Ireland's Rory Best has slipped down the pecking order after a low-key tournament.
Other selection issues include Wales winger George North's return to form, while Ireland's Keith Earls, Scotland's Tommy Seymour, England's Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly, and Wales' Liam Williams are all contenders for wing spots. At scrum-half, Wales' Rhys Webb has edged ahead of Conor Murray and Ben Youngs.
