Five Lions to watch

BRIAN O'DRISCOLL
The Irishman is widely regarded as the game's best centre.

Nimble on his feet, a willing defender and armed with a sharp eye for an opening and the speed and ability to make the most of it, he will be an influential figure on the field, as well as off it.

The 26-year-old is in his prime. He played for the Irish age-group national teams before his full test debut against Australia in 1999.

He scored a dazzling try in the Lions' first-test win over Australia two years later, scored a critical one in the defeat of England in this year's Six Nations championship, and is Ireland's highest tryscorer with 26 in 60 matches.

O'Driscoll is not a fist-clenching type of leader, but is popular and will be a key figure in welding a series-winning combination from the bulging tour squad.

His battle with All Black captain Tana Umaga should be a highlight of the series.

SIMON TAYLOR
The Lions have just three Scots in their party and almost certainly only one genuine test contender.

Taylor's role in the 2001 Lions tour of Australia was restricted to one game in Perth before knee ligament damage ended his trip.

In an ordinary Scottish national side, Taylor stands out as a classy allrounder, blessed with all the required attributes for his loose forward role.

He stands 1.94m and weighs about 107kg, is mobile, and an aggressive defender.

Taylor, who has a law degree, made his debut against the United States in 2000, and has now notched 38 caps. He had several years as an age-group inter-national, and was the star performer in the under-21 World Cup in Auckland in 2000.

He missed much of last year with a knee injury, but expect Taylor to play an important role for the test pack.

He was named in the greatest Scottish XV on the union's official website.

GAVIN HENSON
With the hair gel and fake tan and celebrity singer girlfriend, Henson represents the pop star side of modern rugby.

He made his debut against Japan in 2001, and the same year was named IRB young player of the year.

Henson has been an in-and-out selection since then and has yet to reach 20 caps, but this season was a key figure in the Six Nations triumph.

He kicked important goals in the wins over England and Ireland, and is a robust defender.

After flirting with fullback, centre and first five-eighths, he appears to have settled in at No 12.

Henson is not short of confidence and a midfield link-up with O'Driscoll is a distinct possiblity in the opening test.

PAUL O'CONNELL
One of the hard men of the Lions pack, the robust lock was a contender to captain the tourists.

At 25, he is approaching the peak years for a tight forward, having made his debut against Wales in February 2002.

O'Connell plays for Munster and has built a reputation as a tough nut, not afraid to put his feet where he shouldn't.

At 1.95m and 109kg, he should thrive in New Zealand.

O'Connell could emerge as the hub of the Lions pack.

STEVE THOMPSON
Providing he can throw straight, the beefy Englishman will be in the test team.

He was a key figure in their rise, culminating in World Cup glory in Sydney in November 2003.

He made his England debut against Scotland in 2002, and was an integral figure of England's Six Nations triumph in 2003 before they headed Down Under to beat New Zealand and Australia before the World Cup.

The 26-year-old Thompson is a bulky 114kg and 1.8m tall.

Has had throwing problems, but if he can get his radar right, he'll be a huge asset.