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As a four time British and Irish Lions tourist, Brian O’Driscoll certainly knows a thing or two about what it takes to lead the touring side into battle.

Indeed, O’Driscoll suffered more than just emotional scars the last time the Lions toured New Zealand in 2005. That particular tour will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, not least the spear tackle that ended the involvement of the 133 times capped Irish international.

Nevertheless, as Ireland proved in November, the All Blacks are beatable this time round and the Lions look to be starting from a far better position than they did in 2005.

On that occasion Clive Woodward relied too heavily on the England players who were past their peak, despite winning the World Cup only two years before.

This time out the squad should have a more balanced feel about it. However the issue of the captaincy remains.

Until very recently, Dylan Hartley looked set to lead the Lions after an undefeated 2016 as England captain. However after being sent off for striking Sean O’Brien in the European Rugby Champions Cup, his chances of captaining the touring side were dealt a massive blow.

In his place, Rory Best and Sam Warburton are now considered to be the leading contenders. Brian ODriscoll though disagrees, telling the Irish Independent that the honour should be handed to Alun Wyn Jones.

I think Alun Wyn is in the mix. I know the second row with [George] Kruis and [Maro] Itoje looks great but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Itoje brought as a second row or back row option. Alun Wyn has lots of experience, he captained [the Lions] in the final game in 2013, he’s got a huge engine, I like him as a player and ‘Gats’ knows him. He will be able to communicate well with him having coached him for a number of years.

The Welsh second row would certainly be a popular choice, but would Warren Gatland be tempted to accommodate Jones in the test team by moving Maro Itoje into the back row?

On this week’s edition of the Oval Office Podcast, we speak to Jamie Roberts and look ahead at the festive fixture list.



Alan Drumm, Pundit Arena