Battling the Lions: Lions dream team

Peter Bills, rugby writer with Independent News and Media, picks his best Lions combination from the seven tours of New Zealand since World War II.

* Lions

15 JPR WILLIAMS (Wales - toured in 1971) Tough, reliable, consistently excellent. His tackling was immense but he joined the backline to devastating effect on occasions, especially close to the line. Was a dangerous counter attack runner in broken play.

14 GERALD DAVIES (Wales - 1971) Fast, elusive, a real Will O' The Wisp wing threequarter. Could punish any defence with his jinking and sidestepping. One of the greats of the last half-century.

13 JACK MATTHEWS (Wales - 1950) At a time when New Zealand and South Africa were world leaders and physically immense, Matthews flattened them. He was one of the hardest tacklers ever known, the originator of the phrase "aggressive defence".

12 BLEDDYN WILLIAMS (Wales - 1950) A genius of a player, superb ball handler and runner, his partnership for Cardiff and Wales with Matthews was superb. Williams had pace and power and a creative attacking instinct. They formed a superb combination on the Lions tour.

11 TONY O'REILLY (Ireland - 1959) Still holds the record for most tries scored by a Lion in New Zealand and South Africa. Brilliant, powerful runner on those Lions tours of the 1950s, with a high step and jolting hand off. An exciting runner and a marvellous finisher.

10 BARRY JOHN (Wales - 1971) Had an outstanding tour to New Zealand, masterminding the Lions' victory with his visionary play, attacking genius and superb goal kicking. A clever runner, fine tactician and frequent maker of breaks. His early retirement was a loss to the game.

9 GARETH EDWARDS (Wales - 1971) Among the best halfbacks there has ever been. Powerful runner, strong defender, able to make breaks, kick tactically, grapple for the ball like a loose forward and pass superbly.

8 ALUN PASK (Wales - 1966) A fine ball-handling forward of the 1960s era who hallmarked a style followed later by Mervyn Davies. He was a strong runner from the scrum base and solid defender. His height made him an invaluable source of possession at the tail of the line-out.

7 FERGUS SLATTERY (Ireland - 1971) A fearless, rugged competitor who was first choice as openside flank for his country for an extraordinary 14 seasons. Had a punishing, allembracing tackle, could win the ball on the ground and was a fine support player.

6 PETER DIXON (England - 1971) Came from nowhere to win a place in the 1971 Lions test team, and thoroughly deserved it. Had a brilliant footballing brain which enabled him to read games like a book. Outstanding support player and maker of the hard yards. England never understood his true ability.

5 WILLIE JOHN MCBRIDE (Ireland - 1966, 1971) Another charismatic leader who was at his best on the 1971 and 1974 tours. Never took a backward step, met fire with fire and usually came out on top. His sheer willpower made him a hugely feared and respected opponent.

4 MARTIN JOHNSON (England - 1993) A true leader and one of the most powerful forwards of recent eras. He drove himself and his players to great heights through iron will and determination. Strong, forceful competitor, he ultimately led England to their 2003 World Cup triumph.

3 RAY MCLOUGHLIN (Ireland - 1966, 1971) Few men were better technical scrummagers than Ray McLoughlin. He was tough and uncompromising, a wily performer, and only injury denied him a place in the 1971 Lions winning test team.

2 BRYN MEREDITH (Wales - 1959) A hooker in the old style, he was strong and burly but also lively in the loose. A magnificent performer. Was an integral member of the great 1955 Lions test side in South Africa and was at the heart of Welsh packs for years.

1 SYD MILLAR (Ireland - 1959) Strong, powerful scrummaging prop, another of the excellent forwards produced by Ireland in the 1960s. He could play loose and tight head but better at loose for his overall strength and determination. Very difficult to subdue.