In the aftermath of yesterday’s prestigious British & Irish Lions squad announcement for the upcoming tour of Australia, here are four players whose inclusions caught many by surprise.
Mack Hansen (Connacht and Ireland)
Like many of the Ireland internationals selected in the squad, Hansen’s prior experience under national coach Andy Farrell has given him a crucial edge in the competition for spots on the wing. Despite struggling with injury of late in an underwhelming Connacht campaign, the 27-year-old has done enough in Farrell’s eyes to book a ticket back to his country of birth.
Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors and Scotland)
Out of absolutely nowhere, big Scotty Cummings has swooped in to claim a place among Farrell’s second rowers. There’s no denying the URC winner’s quality, but the reality is that his name wasn’t widely touted by pundits heading into Thursday’s announcement. Renowned for his no-nonsense attitude and willingness to get the dirty work done, Cummings will add plenty of value Down Under.
Elliot Daly (Saracens and England)
A two-time Lions tourist with five Test caps to his name, Daly is no stranger to the famous red jersey. However, many believed the 32-year-old to be slightly over the hill at this stage of his career despite having already produced some magical moments for the Lions in the past, most famously sinking a match-defining 55m penalty in the third Test against the world champion All Blacks in 2017. In the end though, Daly’s experience and ability to play in midfield and across the back three was too much for Farrell to ignore.
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks and England)
The general consensus surrounding the picks at hooker was that Dan Sheehan would be joined by two of either Ronan Kelleher, Dewi Lake or Jamie George. Ultimately, Farrell and his coaching staff have opted for the raw mongrel of 2021 Test Lion Cowan-Dickie, another on this list who’s seemingly put his injury issues to bed to earn a second call-up. Although he is arguably still third in the pecking order behind fellow squad members Sheehan and Kelleher, there’s no question the Sale Shark can do the business in the front row.
