Mike Blair

Scotland captain Mike Blair has been added to the Lions squad today to replace the injured Tomas O’Leary. It was an obvious choice really (and one I predicted earlier, ahem ahem), and he will provide excellent competition to Phillips and Ellis for the test number 9 shirt. He is certainly a standout player for Scotland, and I was surprised when he wasn’t included in the original party.

A replacement is also soon to be announced for the injured Tom Shanklin, with Gordon D’Arcy and Mike Tindall among the favorites to be named. As I’ve said before, with Lions squads you always have to think about the teams within a team, and for this reason I would favour Gordon D’Arcy (to partner Brian O’Driscoll).

But, if we assume that Jamie Roberts (who is also awaiting news on an injury) will be the first choice to complement BOD, then we have to consider who will work well with the other centre on tour, Riki Flutey. In that respect, I’d favour Tindall.

It’s certainly a tricky decision, and one I don’t envy. I’ll keep you posted.