After the final weekend of Six Nations, JOE picks our Lions XV

Ireland’s disappointing season ended in a first ever-defeat in the Six Nations to Italy, and our Lions representation could be slimmer than first thought.

By Declan Whooley

Wales emphatic win over England secured back-to-back titles as once again English Grand Slam hopes were dashed on the final day. Along with an ever-improving Scottish side, the Irish contingent on the plane to Australia looks like being fewer than we had thought at the start of the campaign.

We decided to pick our Lions team based on the Six Nations form. Some calls were very close, others were more straight-forward. While we hope that Jonny Sexton and Paul O’Connell recover from their injuries and challenge for a Test spot, this team is chosen from the star performers of the 2013 campaign.

15 – Leigh Halfpenny

A shoe-in for the full-back jersey barring injury. Calm under the high-ball, imperious from the boot and an ability to bring his backs into play, Rob Kearney and Ally Hogg look like battling for place on the bench.

14 – Alex Cuthbert

The hero of the day in Cardiff bagged two tries to add to his scores against Ireland and Italy. Will be more than a handful for the Aussies.

13 – Brian O’Driscoll

The yellow card against Italy aside, has again been a talisman for Ireland in what has been a difficult season. Could be the dream swansong.

12 – Manu Tuilagi

Based almost as much on potential as performance, the monster centre has perhaps been the best of the bunch. Could be an explosive midfield partnership.

11 – George North

Hard to argue against a Welsh back three. Another Welsh lad who always ate his dinner, could come under pressure from Tim Visser and whatever Irish wings are actually fit.

10 – Dan Biggar

With Jonny Sexton’s injury and Owen Farrell’s quieter end to the season, Biggar has emerged as the stand-out choice. The Ospreys man has stepped up to the plate and without being spectacular has kept the backline

9 – Mike Phillips

A tricky position to choose. Mike Phillips has been consistent this year without hitting the heights of previous campaigns. Conor Murray grew in stature with each game,Greig Laidlaw had his moments for Scotland while Ben Youngs impressed for England before the Cardiff collapse. Phillips by virtue of the Welsh win and previous experience.

1 – Cian Healy