The Legends go with it...

30 April 2013 - Just after 11 am BST today I put Sky Sports News on my phone at a volume barely above silent to watch Andy Irvine read out the names of the 37 men entrusted by Warren Gatland and his brains trust to create their own Lions history down under. Moments after the squad had been finalised the rugby community across social media platforms went into a frenzy, everyone desperate to give their opinion on those who had or in most cases hadn't made it. The consensus being that messrs Wilkinson, Robshaw and Best and been particularly unlucky to have not booked themselves

Today's selection was the beautiful crescendo to months of deliberation, debate and discussion that dominated Saturday evening discussions in Rugby Club's throughout the Britain and Ireland. Nobody will argue that Gatland and his colleagues didn't do their research, he and his team have been everywhere over the past season studying potential Lions in their many different habitats. My comments and opinions below are based on watching a fraction of the rugby that Gatland and co. have been privy too but as a fan I couldn't  resist getting involved.

Lions...Lions...Lions

The Backs

Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) - As six nations player of the tournament his inclusion was simple enough for Gatland. He has shown consistency and commitment in a red jersey since being given the 15 jersey for Wales prior to the 2011 world cup. His goal kicking and versatility will enhance his case for test selection. 

Stuart Hogg (Scotland) - An undoubted prospect since his arrival on the test stage in Cardiff in 2012. His deceptive stepping and foot speed could see him flourish on the hard grounds of Australia.  He must shine on any opportunity provided to him as he commences the tour as third choice in my eyes.

Rob Kearney (Ireland) - For me a close second to Jamie Roberts for player of the tour in 09'.  His aerial prowess and siege boot made him a cert for selection. 

Tommy Bowe (Ireland) - His position was only every really in doubt due to a horrific knee injury suffered back in December. Gatland will know that if Bowe can reproduce his early season form then he will have a world class wing three quarter on his hands. Expect plenty of game time. 

Alex Cuthbert (Wales) - Cuthbert has his critics in terms of defensive frailties and game awareness however his raw pace, power and eye for the line evident in the slam decider will have convinced Gatland to stand by his Welsh wing man.  

Sean Maitland (Scotland)- Despite being ever present in the Scotland XV during the 6 nations, Maitland is possibly the closest thing to a bolter in this squad. The cousin of Aussie Quade Cooper has electric pace but many including myself would have preferred  Gatland to have taken a risk on Christian Wade of Wasps. 

George North (Wales) - Will start the tour as a favorite for a test spot but must find top form to shine over an outstanding collective of outside backs. Freakish pace and power will make him a marked man. 

Jonathan Davies (Wales) - Vital cog in the Welsh back line over the past two seasons. Davies is a powerful specimen who will impact in both attack and defence.  

Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) - The man who has experienced the highs and lows of the Lions. Deserves a place on the tour on current form and ability. His tour experience and Mcgeechan like understanding of the Lions ethos will be invaluable.

Dr Jamie Roberts (Wales) - Player of the tour in 2009, Roberts has perhaps failed to reproduce that form since but expect an emotionally charged Roberts to have a real impact again. Huge performance in combat with Tuilagi in March killed any doubts on Roberts' selection. 

Manu Tuilagi (England) - Never going to be left out. Has that X factor and the ability to have a genuine impact on the test series. Must convince Gatland that he is really one for the biggest occasion.  

Owen Farrell (England) - The Iceman? The Wigan lad has undoubted talent and is more often than not deadly with the boot. Performances against NZ and in early six nations game meant he did enough to stave off Daniel Biggar and Jonny Wilkinson who would both of added value if included. 

Jonathan Sexton (Ireland) - Most peoples choice for the 10 shirt has the passing game that could ignite an explosive back line. Not always Mr consistent with the boot on the international stage could benefit from Halfpenny as a kicking option. 

Mike Phillips (Wales) - Criticism around his speed of passing will perhaps never fade, however Phillips' physicality and tenacity are undoubtedly admired by Gatland. 

Conor Murray (Ireland) - Often compared by pundits to Mike Phillips. Murray will see this as an opportunity to prove he is now ready to surpass his celtic rival. Watch out for fireworks on the training ground.

Ben Youngs (England) - Genuine pace and proficiency sniping around the ruck, Young will provide selectors with a different option, traditionally dangerous behind a dominant pack. Danny Care probably just pipped by Youngs. 

Notable absentees not mentioned include Twelvetrees and Hook who would of both hoped that their versatility would have for once counted in their favor. In terms of a bolter I have talked up league converts Kyle Eastmond and Joel Tomkins all season however neither really reached the levels that would of justified leaving out an established name.