9 Fly Halves Warren Gatland Could Pick For The Lions 2013 Tour To Australia

By Jeff Ball / October 10, 2012

Now Warren Gatland has been named head coach as expected, his undoubtedly will be monitoring all the perspective players who will by vying for a place on the plane to Australia next summer. To help him along, Ball In Touch looks at the main contenders for the number 10 shirt. Let us know who your top three are, either in the comments below or on Twitter @Ballintouch1. Jonny Wilkinson The legend that Aussies of 2003 still have nightmares about, now retired from the international game but still going in the south of France. His form for Toulon has regularly been good and he seems a different player when playing for his club, much more relaxed and free of the weight of expectation that followed him when he pulled on the white of England. The Lions has a history of selecting players no longer or yet to feature for their countries and when it comes to experience of high pressure games and leadership for the younger players, there are few better. Chances of flying: Outside bet for the stand-by list2. Jonathan Sexton The Irishman is a strong contender and an improved Irish season in the Six Nations could push his claims no end. Already well thought of in the UK thanks to the exploits of his club, Leinster, who have dominated the Heineken Cup for many years now, his calm and accuracy with the boot in those tight games certainly shows he has now emerged from the shadow of Ronan O€™Gara and is his own man. With the likes of Tommy Bowe, Brian O€™Driscoll and Rob Kearney all likely to be floating around the starting XV, his understanding of playing with them could be a consideration. Chances of flying: In First Class3. Ronan O€™Gara The old man of Irish rugby will be 36 by the time the Lions land in Australia and though he has made no claims to be retiring yet, it can€™t be far away now. With all sorts of records to his name, he has undoubted class and like Wilkinson would prove invaluable in guiding those who don€™t have a couple of Lions tours under their belts. If he did go he€™d hope for a better reception than his last time in Australia with the Lions, when he was brutally assaulted by Duncan McCrae at the bottom of a ruck. Chances of flying: Watching on TV at home