Inspired by Ireland’s inclusion of a player who had not played a single provincial game in their match day 22 against South Africa and at the risk of beginning a row about IRB qualification policy (not another 1) I thought I’d have a bash at picking a Lions team who weren’t born in Britain or Ireland. Not that I think all of these will be on the Lions tour come the summer, but it really goes to show how countries can take advantage of the IRB’s various qualification regulations.
15- Nick Abendanon (or Delon Armitage)
14- Tim Visser
13- Manu Tuilagi
12- Brad Barritt
11- Sean Maitland (soon to be Scottish International & star)
10- Ronan O’Gara (the best Outside Half born in San Diego, maybe)
9- Isaac Boss
8- Toby Faletau
7- Steffon Armitage
6- David Denton
5- Ian Evans
4- Mouritz Botha
3- Michael Bent
2- Richardt Strauss
1- Alex Corbisiero (or Mako Vunipola)