With Sam Warburton injured, at least one change is needed following the agonising 16-15 defeat to Australia in Melbourne. And a few who started against the Wallabies in Brisbane look like they may be fit again. So:
Stadium Australia, the scene of the Lions decider on Saturday
15. Leigh Halfpenny – point to prove after his last-gasp penalty miss in Melbourne
14. Tommy Bowe – added an aerial threat after replacing Cuthbert in the second test
13. Brian O’Driscoll (c) – not an automatic pick, as I fancy seeing Jonathan Davies and Roberts team up
12. Jamie Roberts (if fit) – Davies has been good, but Roberts could provide crucial power
11. George North – two tests, and he has the most memorable moment from each
10. Jonathan Sexton – generally solid kicking tactically and linking with the backs
9. Mike Phillips (if fit) – Ben Youngs is better at distribution, but looked nervous in the second test
1. Alex Corbisiero (if fit) – the most solid tight-head prop left on tour; Mako Vunipola struggled last time
2. Tom Youngs – feel safer with him throwing into the lineout than with Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones – scrum struggled a but in Melbourne, but you’ve got to have faith with Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones – has barely put a foot wrong on tour
5. Ian Evans – would have more of an impact than Geoff Parling
6. Dan Lydiate – can help protect Mike Phillips and does the unseen work brilliantly
7. Justin Tipuric – has been immense this season, and brings what the Lions need
8. Jamie Heaslip – close between him and Toby Faletau, but the Irishman shades it
So a tally of nine Welshmen, four Irishmen and two Englishmen. And at the risk of reigniting Arseclub tensions, I wonder if any non-Welshman will score a point in a test match for the Lions on this tour?
An Early Bath 
[…] In the centres are Jamie Roberts, who would always be playing once he regained full fitness, and Jonathan Davies, not only one of the players of the tour but also someone who can link effectively w…. […]