Leigh Halfpenny lucky to get the nod at Simon Zebo’s expense

The British and Irish Lions squad announcement followed the usual pattern — a majority of predictable selections, a few left field picks, some surprise omissions along with the customary bolter. Warren Gatland was always good for a few of those and in Ross Moriarty, Ben Te’o and Ireland’s Jared Payne, he didn’t disappoint.

By picking 41 players, the second largest ever behind the 44 Clive Woodward set out with to New Zealand 12 years ago (and three more than was anticipated), Gatland has given himself a bit more leeway.

However, having won three of their five games in the Six Nations this season, there will be massive disappointment in Scotland at only having two players included in such a big touring party.