Could the British & Irish Lions play a combined Rugby Championship XV this year and who would win
A social media graphic went viral this week online showing a potential clash between the British and Irish Lions and a combined Rugby Championship team.
We thought it would be worthwhile to take a look at both these teams and give our prediction about who we think would win the game.
The British & Lions are currently shrouded under a veil of concern about whether the tour could actually go ahead in the summer.
In South Africa cases are surging and there are real doubts about whether there will be enough stability in the country for the test to go ahead.
A possible alternative to this tour could see a Rugby Championship team take on the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand where there are currently COVID-free.
Here are both our predicted sides for this.
British and Irish Lions team
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje (c)
5. James Ryan
6. CJ Stander
7. Sam Underhill
8. Billy Vunipola
9. Conor Murray
10.Finn Russell
11.Jonny May
12. Owen Farrell
13.Henry Slade
14. Anthony Watson
15. Stuart Hogg
Rugby Championship Combined XV
1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Dane Coles
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Sam Whitelock (c)
6. Pieter Steph du Toit
7. Michael Hooper
8. Ardie Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Handre Pollard
11. Sevu Reece
12.Jack Goodhue
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Cheslin Kolbe
15. Beauden Barrett
Prediction
A Lions teams against a Rugby Championship side really is a tantalising prospect which would truly be a super test.
So our prediction this epic clash between Europe and the Southern Hemisphere for us. We have to say the Southern Hemisphere would utterly dominate. Players such as Eben Etzebeth, Aaron Smith and Michael Hooper all at their disposal. This does not give much chance for the British and Irish Lions despite having a very strong team this cycle.
Prediction: 3-0 Whitewash to Rugby Championship
