Warren Gatland, the former maestro of the British and Irish Lions' tours in 2013, 2017, and 2021, has stirred the pot yet again with his latest selection - a dream team spanning over a decade of Lions rugby. This roster, published in The Telegraph, features a scant six of Andy Farrell's 2025 picks, despite Farrell's recent triumph in Australia.
Gatland's choices reflect a mix of admiration and irony. He's opted for Johnny Sexton as his fly-half, a player he controversially excluded in 2021. Gatland defended his pick, stating,
"Not an easy pick, but Sexton’s performances in 2013 and 2017 secured his place. Despite a slow start in 2017, his competitive edge and game management proved decisive."
His decisions didn't stop there; Ellis Genge, previously overlooked, made the list after impressing Gatland this year:"I haven’t always been Ellis’ biggest fan, but he was outstanding on this tour,"
he admitted.While Farrell leaned towards a more diverse squad for 2025, Gatland's lineup heavily favors the Welsh, featuring seven players including stalwarts like Alun Wyn Jones and Sam Warburton. This selection has sparked conversations, considering only two Welshmen were part of Farrell's touring party this year. Gatland even lauded Taulupe Faletau as "arguably the most naturally gifted footballer across all squads."
The composition starkly contrasts the national diversity of Farrell's recent team, with Gatland's XV fielding seven Welshmen, six Irish, only two English, and not a single Scot. The bench, however, tells a different story, dominated by English talent including Owen Farrell, described by Gatland as a "fierce competitor."
Gatland's retrospective squad raises questions and eyebrows alike, pondering what could have been. Reflecting on the potential influence of the latest series, he speculated, "If the Lions had won the third Test comfortably on Saturday, would more players from this tour have made my squad? Probably."
This blend of hindsight and current form paints a vivid picture of Gatland's vision of Lions rugby over twelve tumultuous years, marked by stirring victories and controversial decisions. As always, his picks are not just a team but a statement, leaving fans and critics alike debating the complexities of legacy and current form.