Scott Quinnell’s Lions XV includes four Irish players

His team selection differed slightly from Rory Best's.

Scott Quinnell toured with the British & Irish Lions in 1997 and 2001. He knows what it takes to beat the Springboks on their home patch. The former Wales back-row and former Ireland captain Rory Best have both offered up their Lions Test XV selections to 'The Wrap' ahead of Thursday's squad announcement. Just about everyone who is everyone, including our House of Rugby panel, has had a crack at selecting their starting 15 for the First Test against the world champion Springboks, in July. When you end up looking at all the teams selected, the same names show up, time and again. You'll see Stuart Hogg at fullback and Anthony Watson on the right wing. In midfield, either in the 12 or 13 jersey, you will find Robbie Henshaw. [caption id="attachment_219418" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Robbie Henshaw and Johnny Sexton are both in the mix for Lions squad selection. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)[/caption] In the pack, most would-be selectors are opting for Ken Owens and Tadhg Furlong in the front row. Maro Itoje is making most XVs in the second row, and Tom Curry and Toby Faletau are both being selected by pundits and former players alike. Quinnell's XV makes a slight change, in going with Liam Williams in the 14 jersey and Louis Rees-Zammit on the left wing. Conor Murray and Dan Biggar are his half-backs with his pack the exact same as Sean O'Brien selected, a few weeks back.

SCOTT QUINNELL'S LIONS XV

15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) 14. Liam Williams (Wales) 13. Jonathan Davies (Wales) 12. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) 11. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) 10. Dan Biggar (Wales) 9. Conor Murray (Ireland) 1. Wyn Jones (Wales) 2. Ken Owens (Wales) 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) 4. Maro Itoje (England) 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) 6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) 7. Tom Curry (England) 8. Toby Faletau (Wales)

As for Rory Best, he gave his vote of confidence for Jamie George to start in the No.2 jersey, while he switched Tom Curry to blindside so he could start Justin Tipuric at openside. The beauty of Best XV selections is that they can continue, unabated, even after Warren Gatland names hus touring squad.

---