If you can't beat 'em.....

There's just no getting over the fact that his name will keep being mentioned © Getty Images

Enlarge

The long weekend prompted the barmy suggestion to predict the Lions starting XV for the third Test in Sydney on July 6.

The Crooked Feed habitually scoffs at endless media pre-selections which are based on form snapshots and often taken far too seriously by self-styled selectors and readers alike.

What follows is not a selection, more a series of guesses as to which players will be a/ not injured, b/ in form and c/ in favour with Gatland in six weeks time. Further, it is the work of a committee of three who acknowledge that committees, in general, don't work.

15 Halfpenny 14 Cuthbert 13 Roberts 12 Twelvetrees 11 North 10 Sexton 9 Youngs 8 Ben Morgan 7 Warburton 6 Croft 5 Parling 4 O'Connell 3 Jones 2 Best 1 Stevens

Rationale - Lydiate will break down so the flankers pick themselves. Heaslip will get injured , Ben Morgan will have played blinders for England on tour and get drafted in and then - on form- selected as No.8 for the Test side by the last game. O'Connell will provide the bulk and Parling will run the line out. With 'old' second rows we'll see Stevens on as the most mobile prop. Jones is a certainty and Best the best hooker. Cole and Tom Youngs on the bench.

Ben Youngs is the best scrum half. Sexton will be a playmaker relying on Halfpenny to kick. Halfpenny will prove size is not everything. Cuthbert, Roberts and North will prove that it is quite handy though. O'Driscoll will be injured, replaced on tour by Twelvetrees who will take Tuilagi's Test spot for the last match.

Injuries will bring Wilkinson on tour. He will be on the subs bench and will come on to win the game.

We'd be interested to see your predictions for the third Test.