We'll get our fair share of Lions

WITH another Heineken Cup campaign consigned to history for the Irish provinces, the post-mortems have begun in earnest. After Munster's clash in San Sebastian, I met a number of people who had also been at Lansdowne Road.

While there was a recognition that Munster were short of what was required to win the competition, there was a general satisfaction that the players had given it everything. Conversely, there was widespread dissatisfaction with the manner of Leinster's collapse against Leicester.

Watching that game on television in Spain, I was surprised with the level of support for Leinster from the massive Munster following. That said some of the comments on the final whistle were choice. Given Munster's amazing second half comeback in the searing heat, their efforts were widely acknowledged and appreciated.

From a Munster perspective one of the more positive aspects was the performance of some of the young players who lined out for the Development/Academy side against a Basque selection. Given the dearth of young backs to come on the scene over the past few seasons, it was encouraging to note that Garryowen scrum half Gerry Hurley looks an excellent prospect.

With Tomás O'Leary and Frank Murphy also vieing for senior contracts, the future looks bright in that area. Outside him, UCC out half Jeremy Manning and Shannon's Brian Touhy looked capable of making the step up to Celtic League rugby in the immediate future. With Tom Gleeson and Denis Hurley also impressing, the next generation of Munster backs may not be too far away. As always, there are plenty of forwards in waiting.

It has been a frustrating few weeks overall for Irish rugby but there are lessons to be learned. All our representative teams have a good set-piece game.

However, they key is what happens as the phases of play develop. All the French teams are adept at keeping the ball alive in the tackle situation. Under pressure, Irish players opt to go to ground. As a result, opposition at all levels are committing fewer players to the ruck and are stacking their midfield defence. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

With the Lions tour party for New Zealand set to be announced on Monday, the fruits of the Irish players efforts throughout the Six Nations and Heineken Cup campaigns will be revealed. With up to 44 players due for selection, Ireland is sure to have a strong representation. In the amateur days, the Lions squad was confined to 30 players. Given that those tours comprised 18 or more games, the size of the tour parties in the professional era creates greater demands. In 1997 the party increased to 35 players with a further two travelling in 2001.

It was at least two too many and I said so in my post-tour report. With 11 games on this year's tour schedule and seven more players to satisfy, it will be extremely difficult for a number of the players to get any meaningful game time. This sets a challenge for the management team.

The All Blacks present the ultimate challenge for any touring party. Rugby in New Zealand is like gaelic football in Kerry. Every man, woman and child has an opinion and the country is besotted with its national sport. Since they captured the William Webb Ellis trophy in the inaugural world cup in 1987, the All Blacks have been starved of success on the international stage.

Outside of the World Cup, the Lions test series presents the greatest challenge to the New Zealand psyche. Only once have they lost a test series to the Lions, that to Carwyn James magnificent squad in 1971.

With an invasion of up to 15,000 Lions supporters, New Zealand will be a rugby mecca for the months of June and July. The intensity of this tour will create special demands for the players and management. When Clive Woodward finalises his squad selection, he'll know that to succeed, the party must comprise individuals with sufficient mental toughness to survive an intense examination both on and off the field.

Despite the disappointing finish to the Six Nations campaign, Ireland is set to have a very strong representation. Given that Scotland has only four serious contenders, Ireland's representation will enter double figures. The forwards who seem certain to travel include Shane Byrne, Paul O'Connell, Malcolm O'Kelly, Johnny O'Connor and Donncha O'Callaghan.

Behind the scrum Brian O'Driscoll is still favourite to become the first Irish man to captain the Lions since Ciaran Fitzgerald in 1983. He is set to be joined in the backs by Shane Horgan, Geordan Murphy and subject to fitness, Ronan O'Gara. Given the size of the squad, there is sure to be a few surprises, which could be good news for the likes of Trevor Brennan.

Others in contention include Marcus Horan, Anthony Foley, John Hayes and Gordon D'Arcy. Given the lack of players with serious international leadership qualities expect to see former England captains, Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson included.

The success of Wales in the Six Nations Championship has led to a number of fresh candidates pressing their claims. They played an open exciting brand of rugby that was refreshing to watch. Whether the Lions seek to emulate that style remains to be seen. As with any tour of this nature the criteria for success rests with the strength of the front five.

Last season's Tri-Nations series in New Zealand was played in atrocious weather conditions. Therefore, it is imperative that the Lions have the facility to vary the way they operate.

In this respect the selection of the back row and half-backs is key. It will be interesting to see whether Woodward selects Jonny Wilkinson given his horrendous injury woes over the past 18 months. Given his lack of game time and exposure to top class rugby it would be a massive gamble.

Only one thing is certain - after nine months of speculation for a fascinated rugby public, the squad announcement is sure to generate massive debate.