Standout Performances in Round 3 of the Six Nations: Who Boosted Their Lions Hopes?
Round 3 of the Six Nations Championship was a thrilling spectacle, filled with standout performances that have significantly influenced the British and Irish Lions selection debate. As the race for a spot on the Lions tour to Australia intensifies, players from across the four nations—England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—have stepped up to make their cases. The Sky Sports Lions Power Rankings, powered by Opta, provide a detailed breakdown of the players who have excelled, with Duhan van der Merwe, Jac Morgan, Jack Conan, Blair Kinghorn, and Blair Murray leading the charge.
Duhan van der Merwe, the Scotland winger, has emerged as one of the most compelling candidates for Lions selection. His explosive performance against England was nothing short of sensational, as he claimed a record seventh Calcutta Cup try and set up Huw Jones for another. Van der Merwe’s ability to break the gain line, offload, and create opportunities for his teammates has been unmatched. His player-of-the-match display against England, despite Scotland’s narrow defeat, has cemented his status as a serious contender for a Test starting spot on the wing.
The Rise of Duhan van der Merwe: A Winger with Unplayable Qualities
Van der Merwe’s contributions in Round 3 were nothing short of remarkable. He topped the charts for offloads, try assists, and line breaks, showcasing his ability to dismantle defenses. His relentless attacking prowess left England struggling to contain him, and his stats—metres carried, gain-line success, and defenders beaten—underline his importance to Scotland’s offense. While James Lowe appears to have one wing spot nailed down for the Lions, the other is very much up for grabs, and Van der Merwe is making a compelling case to lock down that position.
What sets Van der Merwe apart is his ability to perform under pressure. Against England, he haunted Steve Borthwick’s side, delivering a masterclass in physicality and precision. His performance was a bitter pill for Scotland to swallow, given their eventual defeat, but it only strengthened his Lions credentials. As the Lions prepare to face the Wallabies in Brisbane on July 19, Van der Merwe’s explosive attacking threat could prove invaluable.
Jack Conan: Ireland’s Unsung Hero and Test Contender
Jack Conan is another player who has made significant strides in the Lions selection race. Stepping in for the injured Caelan Doris, Ireland’s back-to-back Six Nations champions needed a leader, and Conan delivered. His opening try against Wales set the tone for Ireland’s victory, and his all-around performance—carrying, tackling, and linking play—demonstrated his readiness for the highest level.
Conan’s ability to seamless transition into the starting lineup highlights Ireland’s exceptional squad depth. While Doris, a leading candidate for Lions captaincy, may be hard to displace, Conan’s consistency and impact ensure he remains firmly in contention for a touring spot. His performance against Wales was a testament to his skill and work ethic, and he is now a strong candidate for the Lions’ back row.
Jac Morgan: Leading Wales Through Dark Times with Lions-Quality Performances
While Wales continues to navigate one of the most challenging periods in their rugby history, Jac Morgan has emerged as a beacon of hope. The flanker’s leadership and performances have been a silver lining in an otherwise gloomy landscape. Against Ireland, Morgan led by example, topping key metrics such as ruck hits, carries, and completed tackles. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his all-around skill set, has solidified his case for Lions selection.
Morgan’s statistics from Round 3 are a testament to his work rate and effectiveness. He was the second-highest ball-carrying forward and finished in the top five for completed tackles. His try and line break against Ireland further highlighted his ability to influence the game in both defense and attack. In a Welsh side struggling for consistency, Morgan’s resilience and leadership have been a lifeline, and his performances have kept him firmly in the Lions mix.
Blair Kinghorn and Blair Murray: Full-Back Brilliance and Wing Wizardry
Blair Kinghorn and Blair Murray have also put their hands up for Lions selection with outstanding displays. Kinghorn, Scotland’s full-back, dazzled against England with a performance that combined line-breaking ability, metre-gaining, and playmaking. His stats—most line breaks, carries, and metres gained—underscored his influence on the game. Despite Scotland’s defeat, Kinghorn’s individual brilliance was undeniable, and he remains a strong contender for the Lions’ 15 shirt.
Murray, Wales’ wing, also produced a standout performance, beating the most defenders (11) in Round 3. His contribution to Wales’ attack, including a try assist and multiple line breaks, showcased his attacking flair. Murray’s ability to break defenders and create opportunities has been a rare bright spot for Wales, and his form has given Andy Farrell food for thought as he considers his options for the Lions squad.
The Bigger Picture: Lions Rankings and the Road to Australia
The Sky Sports Lions Power Rankings offer a comprehensive view of the players in contention for the tour of Australia. The rankings are based on 28 different statistics, weighted to reflect the varying demands on forwards and backs. Players are awarded points for tries, try assists, tackles, jackal turnovers, and other key metrics, providing a holistic assessment of their performances.
The XV of the week, based on Round 3 stats, saw Duhan van der Merwe, Blair Kinghorn, and Jack Conan headline the backs and forwards, respectively. The Test XV, meanwhile, reflects the current form and potential combinations for the Lions. With Ireland’s depth, Scotland’s attacking flair, and Wales’ resilience, the competition for places is fierce, but the performances so far have set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable selection process.
As the Lions prepare to take on the Wallabies, the stakes have never been higher. The players who can rise to the occasion, deliver under pressure, and consistently excel will earn their place on the plane to Australia. With Round 3 of the Six Nations producing so many standout performances, the battle for Lions spots is well and truly on.
